'Lot' by Bryan Washington is a poignant exploration of family and identity, set against the backdrop of the vibrant and shifting neighborhoods of Houston. The narrative intertwines the lives of a young Black man and his family, grappling with love, loss, and the complexities of their mixed-race existence. As the characters navigate the intricacies of their intertwined lives, readers are invited to reflect on the meanings of home and belonging. Washington's prose is lyrical and evocative, drawing readers into the emotional landscapes of each character. With its rich tapestry of voices and experiences, 'Lot' is a stunning meditation on the ties that bind us and the spaces we inhabit.
By Bryan Washington
Published: 2019
"Love is always an act of courage, a step taken into the uncertain, where we learn that home is not just a place, but the people we choose to share our lives with."
One of Barack Obama’s “Favorite Books of the Year” "Phenomenal" --Justin Torres, author of We the Animals "Brilliant" --Nicole Dennis-Benn, author of Here Comes the Sun “A profound exploration of the true meaning of borders.” —The New York Times Book Review NAMED ONE OF THE 10 BEST BOOKS OF 2019 in the New York Times by Dwight Garner A New York Times Notable Book of 2019 In the city of Houston - a sprawling, diverse microcosm of America - the son of a black mother and a Latino father is coming of age. He's working at his family's restaurant, weathering his brother's blows, resenting his older sister's absence. And discovering he likes boys. Around him, others live and thrive and die in Houston's myriad neighborhoods: a young woman whose affair detonates across an apartment complex, a ragtag baseball team, a group of young hustlers, hurricane survivors, a local drug dealer who takes a Guatemalan teen under his wing, a reluctant chupacabra. Bryan Washington's brilliant, viscerally drawn world vibrates with energy, wit, raw power, and the infinite longing of people searching for home. With soulful insight into what makes a community, a family, and a life, Lot explores trust and love in all its unsparing and unsteady forms.
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“Love is always an act of courage, a step taken into the uncertain, where we learn that home is not just a place, but the people we choose to share our lives with.”
Lot
By Bryan Washington
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Bryan Washington is an acclaimed author and writer known for his poignant storytelling and rich, evocative prose. His notable works include the award-winning short story collection "Lot" and the novel "Memorial," both of which explore themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of personal relationships. Washington's writing often captures the vibrancy of contemporary life, particularly within the contexts of the diverse communities of Houston, Texas, where he resides. His ability to weave together intimate narratives with broader social issues has garnered him critical acclaim and a dedicated readership.
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