A hometown reckoning becomes a national mirror in Justin Ellis’s “The Cruelty of Nice Folks,” a deeply reported, beautifully written memoir about Minneapolis, race, family, grief, and the hard truths hidden beneath “nice.”
Cool off with a scoop of history, culture, and irresistible flavor in this week’s On The Shelf review. Ice Cream Queen by Lokelani Alabanza blends Black culinary history with joyful recipes and sweet summer inspiration—perfect for readers who love food, heritage, and a little something delicious on the page.
This is not just a story about a famous father—it’s about language, memory, and belonging.
