The Nickel Boys — by Colson Whitehead (Doubleday) Colson Whitehead’s “The Nickel Boys” is a masterpiece of fiction rooted firmly — and disturbingly — in fact. Inspired by the real life horrors which occurred at a boys’ reformatory in northern Florida well into the 2000’s, Whitehead brings to life the story of Elwood Curtis, a sweet, hardworking boy who, upon being arrested for unknowingly taking a ride in a stolen vehicle, is sent to Nickel Academy. There, Elwood experiences first-hand the segregation, disc … (read more)
