The tragedy that occurred on September 11, 2001 will be remembered for generations to come, without a doubt. But how many were aware of a similar tragedy occurring just two months after? An American Airlines flight destined for the Dominican Republic crashed in Queens, NY; killing 260 people (most of them Dominican) and was unfortunately largely overshadowed by 9/11. I lived in New York my whole life and only recently learned of this, and it’s okay to admit that. There’s a silver lining in this, the brilliant Elizabeth Acevedo (modern day queen) is utilizing her newest novel to shed light on that moment in history.
The novel is deeply inspired by the tragedy; Clap When You Land is about two sixteen year old sisters,Yahaira in New York and Camino in the Dominican Republic. Neither know of each other’s existence until their father’s death in the plane crash.
Image via Goodreads
Due to the current pandemic, normal meet & greets aren’t an option; Acevedo tells the New York Times:
“It’s the kind of book that I was looking forward to having conversations about — really being able to see the community that I was writing for in the audience. We know what it meant to hold one another. We know what it means to come from families that have these secrets that we don’t talk about.”
This book a nod to Acevedo’s own culture and roots; a New Yorker with Dominican heritage this novel will speak to people both inside and outside of that community. Grab your copy now!
Featured image via Epic Reads