LEAVING CECIL STREET by Diane McKinney-Whetstone invokes those things that are most important -- family, friendship, and love.

In one West Philadelphia neighborhood, families come together in celebration of unity and togetherness. Their block parties provide a union that serves as a backdrop for discovering the truth about themselves and the people they think they know.

Best friends Neet and Shay have depended on each other for most of their lives. However, their friendship will be tested when Neet becomes pregnant by one of the corner boys and Shay arranges an abortion that goes terribly wrong. To Shay's horror, Neet is left unable to bear children and embraces her mother's esoteric yet sometimes impractical religious beliefs as punishment for her sins. Meanwhile, Shay is left to struggle with her own growing maturity, the grief of losing a cherished friendship, and the disintegration of her parents' marriage. The two girls eventually choose their own separate paths.

Diane McKinney-Whetstone grew up in Philadelphia. Her work has appeared in Philadelphia Magazine; Essence; the Sunday Philadelphia Inquirer Magazine; and the anthologies Bluelight Corner, and Mending the World. She has received numerous awards, including a citation from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for her portrayal of urban life as presented in Tumbling. She presently teaches fiction writing at her alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband and family.

Back to Book Selections