Author Susan Messer Discusses The Detroit Riots Of 1967 And Her Book, 'Grand River and Joy'
Susan Messer's 2009 novel, 'Grand River and Joy,' offers a fascinating glimpse of several northwest Detroit neighborhoods during the long, hot summer of 1967. This fascinating work weaves the stories of a Jewish shoe wholesaler, his family, and the African-American father and son who live above his business at Grand River and Joy. The book has been chosen by the U-M Honors College to be read by its incoming 2010 freshmen over the summer. Join us as Messer, of Oak Park, Ill. discusses the book and the issues it raises - racial strife, white flight, blockbusting and how learning about Detroit's past might help in planning for its future. A booksigning will also occur and books will be for sale at the event.