The Bean Trees

I liked this book so much I'm giving it 5 stars, but that's not the same as saying it's flawless. I was touched by the characters and events, but at the same time a couple characters we're supposed to like had some dialogue I found racist or ableist. One character was supposed to be a mean old lady, but we find out there is more to her – but she is not a protagonist. The other character was not the main character, but next to it, and meant to be liked. I think some of the tone is based on the original publication date being 1988, and we're moving so fast as a culture that most books more than a handful of years old have moments that are discordant. One of the main theme of the story was about the power of kindness and connection, and a rejection of racism.

Ultimately, I'm very glad I read this book, and reminding myself that if I stopped reading older books that would be my loss, and I can only work to put it all in perspective. Characters can be flawed and still be worth knowing.