These Heathens

In Mia McKenzie’s vibrant novel, These Heathens, seventeen-year-old Doris Steele embarks on a pivotal weekend in 1960 Georgia as she seeks an abortion in a town where such options are hard to find. With the help of her wealthy childhood friend, Sylvia, and a supporting cast that includes notable figures and activists, Doris navigates a world filled with laughter, scandal, and profound realizations. As she grapples with her own desires amidst the chaos, this story explores the ambitions and obligations of Black women, highlighting the transformative power of stepping outside one's comfort zone.