Critic’s Choice

Lecture

Critic's Choice The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store

Elaine Newton, Professor Emeritus of Humanities at York University, Toronto

The book to be discussed is
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store
by James McBride

In The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, James McBride weaves a rich, multilayered story set in a small Pennsylvania town, where the discovery of a skeleton leads to a deep exploration of race, love and secrets that bind a community together. As the story unfolds, McBride challenges our understanding of justice and belonging. Join Elaine Newton for an insightful lecture as she unravels the novel’s intricate themes and compelling characters, offering her unique perspective on this masterful work of literature.

This presentation is part of Elaine Newton's Critic’s Choice series.

Please note: The Thursday lecture will be held in Daniels Pavilion. The Saturday lecture will be held in Hayes Hall.

Elaine Newton

Elaine Newton

Elaine Newton is professor emeritus of humanities at York University, Toronto, Canada. She has taught courses in literary theory and methodology, contemporary fiction, psychology and literature and archetypal criticism. Elaine was one of the founders of York University’s advising program and its much-emulated faculty of education. She is a recipient of the province of Ontario’s Teaching Award in recognition of excellence in university teaching and, in 1984, received a citation as Toronto’s Outstanding Professor. In 1996, she was the recipient of the university-wide Teaching Award. She has held appointments as professor of literature at Carlton University, Ottawa; University of Cape Town, South Africa; University of Sydney, Australia, Victoria University and the University of Otago, New Zealand. She has lectured throughout Canada and the U.S., London, Hong Kong, Zurich and Caracas. In 1992, she was a member of the faculty of the University of Pittsburgh’s Semester-at-Sea. Elaine retains an abiding commitment to adult education and the role of the university in the wider community.

For over 40 years, Elaine has planned and conducted adult education courses throughout North America. This is the 35th anniversary season of Critic’s Choice literature series and the 29th year she has presented Four O’clock at the Movies. She also initiated and taught the pioneering Artis—Naples seminar discussion program, the Questors, for 12 years. Elaine has worked as a book critic for Toronto’s The Globe and Mail, been a special consultant to the Ontario Library Association, led movie and theater discussions and served as a consultant to the North York Board of Education. She continues to conduct an annual lecture series at the Toronto Public Library and makes frequent guest appearances on TV and radio. Elaine has an enthusiastic and loyal following each season as she offers insightful commentary about contemporary fiction and motion pictures.