House of Light — Joyce Carol Thomas

In this joyful, moving novel, Joyce Carol Thomas tells the story of Dr. Abyssinia Jackson, a regal, nurturing woman possessed of remarkable healing powers who sings soul-soothing gospel to help cure her patients. From her office, she tends to the women of Ponca City chanting, "If you can be healed, I will be here morning, noon, and night. A beacon in the healing House of Light." There's Pearline, who is beaten regularly by her husband; Vennie Walker, a "day girl" whose mistreatment by her employer has destroyed her feet and her spirit; and Zenobia, a talented musician who finds love and solace in the arms of a white man.

Filled with memorable characters, peppered with humor, and marked by graceful, lyrical prose, House of Light is a story of a community bound by caring and love, about the pleasures of helping others and ourselves, and about the power to heal that lies deep within us all.