Melting the Blues

Set in Arkansas in 1957  the complexities of identity yearnings for love and acceptance and racial tension are all unmasked in the riveting literary dramaMelting the Blues by debut author Tracy Chiles McGhee. Augustus Lee Rivers a farmer and bluesman has two obsessions:  his relationship with the Duncan family and his desire to leave small town Chinaberry to become a musician in Chicago. When his plans are prevented by a devastating betrayal Augustus is driven into the belly of the blues where he must reckon with his past if he is to move forward. This intriguing multi-layered historical tale beckons readers down a red dirt country road to bear witness to an unforgettable time place and people.“Melting the Blues” is a remarkable novel that is simultaneously haunting and hilarious; serious andsexy; mysterious and quite amusing to read. To write a definitive novel about freedom—internal and external—now and avoid staid notions of race and identity is a feat. But this is what Tracy has done. She has masterfully woven an original story full of drama and magnificent characters that will stay with you long after the turning of the last page.Kwame Alexander Author & Newbery Medal Recipient