(From this Saturday forward, each week I will present a book review or a mini-book review or at least say something about some “book” that I am reading or have read. Here goes:)

Sinclair Lewis’ little post-war fable set in a northern-US, any-small-city, is probably as relevant and timely now as when it was written. As a “text” it should be used in high schools and colleges when studying the history of racism in this country and trying to understand why exactly it is that the idea of a black man in the White House drives some folks crazy. Sure there’s a bit of hagiography when he writes about the very educated, forthright, courageous and dignified Negros encountered by our reluctant hero once he opens his eyes, but then again these were probably exactly the type of people that Lewis knew and on whom he would model his characters. The edition I read was a paperback, used but in mint condition with a deliciously pulpy cover.