Dreamland Burning by Jennifer Latham: A Gripping Tale of Racism and Resilience

The Power of Words: Unearthing the Past to Confront the Present

Set in both present-day Tulsa, Oklahoma, and the racially turbulent 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, "Dreamland Burning" by Jennifer Latham is an impactful novel that delves into the deep-rooted issues of racism and discrimination.

The book follows the parallel stories of two protagonists, 17-year-old Rowan Chase and 17-year-old William Tillman, who are separated by a century but connected through a long-buried skeleton found in Rowan's backyard.

Unraveling a Forgotten History: The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre

The 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre is a dark chapter in American history that has often been overlooked. Latham masterfully brings this forgotten event to light, painting a vivid picture of the horrifying violence and devastation that unfolded during those harrowing days.

Dreamland Burning

by Jennifer Latham(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4524 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	401 pages

FREE

Through meticulous research and stunning storytelling, Latham transports readers to the racially divided and explosive atmosphere of 1921 Tulsa. She fearlessly depicts the tensions, racial inequalities, and deep-seated prejudice that defined the time, making readers confront the uncomfortable truths of our nation's history.

By intertwining the past and the present, Latham highlights the lasting impact of racial violence and discrimination. She skillfully showcases the parallels between the racial tensions in 1921 and the ongoing struggle for racial equality in contemporary society, reminding readers that the echoes of history continue to resonate.

Complex Characters: Voices that Demand to be Heard

Rowan Chase and William Tillman are two compelling protagonists who bring the story to life. Rowan, a biracial teenager, grapples with her racial identity and struggles for acceptance in her predominantly white community. William, a resilient young man navigating the hostile racial climate of 1921 Tulsa, confronts his own demons while fighting for justice.

Latham's characters are multi-dimensional and relatable, allowing readers to empathize with their hopes, dreams, and fears. The author skillfully captures the complexities of their experiences and the emotional impact of their choices.

A Riveting Journey: From the Past to the Present

As Rowan and William's paths intertwine, a gripping and thought-provoking narrative unfolds. Latham seamlessly transitions between the events of the present and the past, building suspense and keeping readers engaged throughout.

The story tackles themes of love, redemption, justice, and the power of the human spirit. "Dreamland Burning" is not just a historical fiction novel, but a profound exploration of identity, resilience, and the enduring fight against systemic racism.

An Author's Call to Action: Taking Responsibility and Making a Difference

Latham's "Dreamland Burning" serves as a call to action, urging readers to confront the uncomfortable truths of their own histories and take responsibility for creating a more inclusive and equal society.

The book encourages readers to educate themselves about the forgotten events in history and to actively challenge the ongoing systemic racism that persists in modern society. Through its powerful storytelling, "Dreamland Burning" reminds us of the importance of empathy, understanding, and unity in the face of adversity.

"Dreamland Burning" by Jennifer Latham is a mesmerizing and thought-provoking novel that explores the dark depths of racism, resilience, and the power of acknowledging and learning from the past.

Latham's expert storytelling, well-crafted characters, and meticulous historical research make this book a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the challenges we face as a society. "Dreamland Burning" challenges us to confront our own biases, advocate for change, and strive for a better future where equality and justice prevail.

Dreamland Burning

by Jennifer Latham(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4524 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	401 pages

FREE

A compelling dual-narrated tale from Jennifer Latham that questions how far we've come with race relations.

Some bodies won't stay buried.

Some stories need to be told.

When seventeen-year-old Rowan Chase finds a skeleton on her family's property, she has no idea that investigating the brutal century-old murder will lead to a summer of painful discoveries about the present and the past.

Nearly one hundred years earlier, a misguided violent encounter propels seventeen-year-old Will Tillman into a racial firestorm. In a country rife with violence against blacks and a hometown segregated by Jim Crow, Will must make hard choices on a painful journey towards self discovery and face his inner demons in order to do what's right the night Tulsa burns.

Through intricately interwoven alternating perspectives, Jennifer Latham's lightning-paced page-turner brings the Tulsa race riot of 1921 to blazing life and raises important questions about the complex state of US race relations--both yesterday and today.