Them

I read through all the reviews here, and agree with many minor flaws that are pointed out. However, my five stars are based on the fact that I was hugely entertained and couldn't put the thing down. One aspect of the book I didn't note in any of the above reviews is the subtle humor. Although the subject matter is serious, and serious events occur, I thought there was a undertone of humor throughout. Not slapstick, but a droll, Mark-Twain-ish sort of humor. Check out the scene where the white yuppies gather for potluck to comfort each other after Sean/Sandy are subjected to a violent incident; they drink a bit too much and form a conga line to Diana Ross music while kicking their legs in the air ("Sandy couldn't be sure, but it appeared her husband Sean kicked higher than the others").

"Them" is a novel about gentrification, providing perspectives that most people are rarely aware of. It addresses the complexities of gentrification and how profoundly neighborhoods are transformed as a result of it. Sadly, it seems that those originally in the neighborhood being gentrified lose out, while the newcomers are clueless about the effect they are having, even when they sincerely want to understand. I highly recommend this book for everyone, whether or not they're interested in this issue. It is well-written and has potential to lead to a better understanding of cultural differences within our society.

I just finished reading Nathan McCall's THEM. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. Most of you know the gist of the story -- a black neighborhood being bought up by non-black people. The story of gentrification and how neighborhoods become trendy is reason enough to read and discuss this book. But what really makes this subject come to life in THEM are the characters. Nathan has created a rich canvas of real people who look, talk, feel like people we know. I loved the subtle and obvious ways the characters dealt with their encounters with differences, new people, and changes in the neighborhood. As well, the character names were authentic -- he got me at Zelda, a very well-known black woman's name from the old school. Overall, I felt like I was reading about people I knew... or at least could relate to. THEM is perfect for any book club or class looking to discuss contemporary race, class, and gender issues in big city America.

Nathan McCall's novel, Them, depicts the gentrification of Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward neighborhood. Barlowe Reed, a single, middle-aged loner, and his nephew Tyrone, have been residents of the Old Fourth Ward for several years. Barlowe is wary of Caesar in all forms: government, bureaucracy, law enforcement, even flags. His feelings of distrust are deepened with the influx of new, white residents into their neighborhood which is rich with the history of the Civil Rights Movement and the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The racial tension in the neighborhood escalates, pitting black residents against white residents. One white couple, Sean and Sandy Gilmore, buy the house right next door to Barlowe. Sandy and Barlowe hesitantly begin chatting over the backyard fence attempting to find understanding and common ground amidst the growing confusion and resentment building in the neighborhood. McCall pulls no punches in Them as he excavates the multiple layers of struggle, history, pride, and hope that the neighborhood holds for its' residents. Them poses many questions about the gentrification process, yet offers little in the way of concrete answers. McCall's use of dialect, well-developed characters and detailed setting encourages readers to become invested in the residents of the Old Fourth Ward. Them is an excellent choice for individuals looking for a thought-provoking read and a great catalyst for book club discussions. Reviewed by M. P. McKinney APOOO BookClub

Barlowe Reed has been a long time resident of Atlanta's historic Old Fourth Ward. At the age of 40, Barlowe decides that he needs to make things more permanent in his life by trying to buy the home that he and his 20-year-old nephew are renting. But Barlowe soon finds out that it won't be that easy. The Old Fourth Ward is being hit with something that the neighborhood thought that it could escape: gentrification. Soon, black homeowners are being replaced with white ones and changes are happening fast. The long-time black residents suddenly feel angered and threatened by the influx of white residents. Battle lines are drawn creating very intense situations. When Sean and Sandy Gilmore, a young white couple, moves in next door, Barlowe has to face the conflict head on. Sandy tries to find out more about the neighborhood by having reluctant conversations with Barlowe over the backyard fence. Sandy is hopeful about the new neighborhood; but after a series of events, her husband Sean is now having second thoughts. Them is an awe-inspiring debut novel by Nathan McCall. McCall masterfully told a story that will resonate with people from all walks of life. This story not only deals with gentrification but also how race relations can shape and change a community. McCall's expertly developed multi-dimensional characters is what really makes this novel soar. You get inside the minds of not only Barlowe but of Sandy and Sean Gilmore as well. Readers will also see how some key events transform the attitudes of the residents of the Old Fourth Ward. Them is an entertaining and insightful read that will definitely foster some enlightening book club discussions. Nathan McCall has seamlessly made the transition from a revered non-fiction author to an excellent fiction novelist. Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban Reviews