The Vanishing Half: GMA Book Club Pick

One of Barack Obama's favorite books of the year, "The Vanishing Half" by Brit Bennett, has been named a best book of 2020 by The New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR, People, Time Magazine, Vanity Fair, and is a 2021 Women's Prize finalist. Bennett's writing style has been compared to James Baldwin, Jacqueline Woodson, and Toni Morrison's debut novel, "The Bluest Eye."

The novel tells the story of twin sisters, inseparable as children, who choose to live in two very different worlds as adults- one black and one white. Despite their physical similarities, the Vignes sisters' lives diverge in every aspect: their families, communities, and racial identities. One sister lives openly with her black daughter in their small southern town, while the other passes as white, keeping her past a secret from her white husband. Despite their physical and emotional distance, the sisters' destinies remain entwined, especially when their daughters' paths cross.

Spanning multiple generations and locations, from the Deep South to California, from the 1950s to the 1990s, Bennett's novel explores the complexities of family, race, and identity. "The Vanishing Half" delves deep into the American history of passing, examining how the past influences a person's choices, desires, and expectations. Beyond race, the novel also delves into the myriad reasons why individuals may choose to live as something other than their true selves.

Like Bennett's previous bestseller, "The Mothers," "The Vanishing Half" is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of family dynamics and relationships, offering profound insights into compassion, wisdom, and the lasting impact of personal history.

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