Monthly Book Pick: An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

“...like eating a butterscotch still sealed in the wrapper” (80)

An American Marriage is the story of Roy and Celestial; a young, black, and recently married couple living in Atlanta. They are living the life they always wanted, Roy as a young executive, and Celestial as a budding artist. But after one fateful night, Roy is wrongfully convicted of sexual assault and sentenced to twelve years in jail, destroying their young marriage of a year-and-a-half before it can even get off the ground. As Roy’s incarceration drags on, Celestial leans on her childhood friend Dre and uncovers feelings she didn’t know she had. Consequently, she must make difficult decisions about what’s fair not only to Roy, but also herself.

Touching on the systemic racism omnipresent within our country, this book is not an easy read but a necessary one. Jones’ ability to weave a current and beautifully descriptive book demands the reader’s attention and empathy as she raises the question of what happens when both parties are right.