Them: A Novel facts for kids
First edition
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| Author | Nathan McCall |
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| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Fiction |
| Published | 2007 (Atria) |
| Media type | |
| Pages | 340 |
Them: A Novel is a book written in 2007 by Nathan McCall. It was his very first novel, which is why it's called a "debut" novel. This story is about a man named Barlowe Reed and the big changes happening in his neighborhood.
Contents
What is Them: A Novel About?
Them: A Novel tells the story of Barlowe Reed, an African American man in his forties. He buys a house in a part of Atlanta called the Old Fourth Ward. This neighborhood is starting to change a lot.
Meeting New Neighbors
Barlowe soon finds himself with new white neighbors moving into the area. This brings new experiences and challenges for him. The book explores how he deals with these changes and new people around him.
Understanding Gentrification
A main idea in the book is something called gentrification. This happens when an older, often less wealthy, neighborhood starts to get new, more expensive homes and businesses.
How Neighborhoods Change
When gentrification happens, new people, often with more money, move into an area. This can lead to new shops, restaurants, and services. While some changes can be good, like new parks or cleaner streets, it can also make the area more expensive.
Impact on Long-Time Residents
For people who have lived in the neighborhood for a long time, gentrification can be tough. Rent and property taxes might go up, making it hard for them to afford to stay. They might also feel like their community is changing too much or that they no longer fit in. The book shows Barlowe's feelings about these big changes in his home.
Who is Nathan McCall?
Nathan McCall is an American author and journalist. Before writing novels, he worked as a reporter for newspapers like The Washington Post. His work often explores important social topics and the experiences of African Americans in the United States. Them: A Novel was his first fiction book, and it helped people think about how neighborhoods and communities change.
