Air Between Us by Deborah Johnson
By Michelle McKinney • Jun 30th, 2008 • Category: Book Review •
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Deborah Johnson, also known as Deborah Johns, presents a fascinating tale of two doctors, one black and one white in her novel, The Air Between Us. The town of Revere, Mississippi is home to two well-respected doctors: Dr. Cooper Connelly, a white man from a rags-to-riches family, and Dr. Reese Jackson, a black man who managed to maneuver his way through the racist ways of the south and become a doctor. The two men mirror each other in many ways: beautiful wives, gorgeous homes with all the trimmings and respected careers, yet the racial politics of their southern town in the 1960s causes a great divide that keeps them and their respective neighborhoods worlds apart. When a white man is injured as a result of what appears to be a simple accident, the town soon stirs with questions and accusations that will forever change its residents.
Johnson weaves an intricate story filled with flawed, but likable, characters that struggle with personal demons and the changes brought forth by integration. Although the book gets off to a rather slow start, readers will be compelled to turn each page in order to find out how the doctors and the town manage through these issues. The Air Between Us is a great read for those interested in a story about people who are not wholly good nor evil, but just trying to survive and live the best life they can for themselves and their children.
Reviewed by M. P. McKinney
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Michelle McKinney is an Academic Librarian at the University of Cincinnati, Raymond Walters College Library. Her love of books led her to a career in library and information science. When she is not teaching or providing reference assistance to undergraduate students and faculty, she enjoys scrapbooking, knitting and photography.
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