These Heathens

A Novel

De: Mia McKenzie

Narrado por: Bahni Turpin

From the “razor-sharp and outrageously funny” (Taylor Jenkins Reid) mind of Mia McKenzie comes a vibrant novel exploring how one weekend can change your whole life.

Dear Lord, please forgive me for the sins I’ve committed. And for the one I’m still planning to commit tomorrow. Amen.

Where do you get an abortion in 1960 Georgia, especially if your small town’s midwife goes to the same church as your parents? For seventeen-year-old Doris Steele, the answer is Atlanta, where her favorite teacher, Mrs. Lucas, calls upon her brash, wealthy childhood best friend, Sylvia, for help. While waiting to hear from the doctor who has agreed to do the procedure, Doris spends the weekend scandalized by, but drawn to, the people who move in and out of Sylvia’s orbit: celebrities whom Doris has seen in the pages of Jet and Ebony, civil rights leaders such as Coretta Scott King and Diane Nash, women who dance close together, boys who flirt too hard and talk too much, atheists! And even more shocking? Mrs. Lucas seems right at home.

From the guests at a queer kickback to the student activists at a SNCC conference, Doris suddenly finds herself surrounded by so many people who seem to know exactly who or what they want. Doris knows she doesn’t want a baby, but what does she want? Will this trip help her find out?

These Heathens is a funny, poignant story about Black women’s obligations and ambitions, what we owe to ourselves, and the transformative power of leaving your bubble, even for just one chaotic weekend.

©2025 Mia McKenzie (P)2025 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“This touching coming-of-age story tackles themes like identity, growth, and power with razor-sharp wit and humor.”—Harper’s Bazaar

“Deliciously Black and queer . . . You will absolutely want to read this.”—Roxane Gay

“This touching coming-of-age story tackles themes like identity, growth and power with razor-sharp wit and humor.”—Good Housekeeping

This was a vibrant and engaging adventure!

I adore how this story gave a modern connection to a historical timeline. The need to find the permission to be your authentic self with choices is timeless. Hope this becomes a limited tv series!

love this author!

she reminds me so much of J California Cooper! She tells a story with humor and with. She develops her characters in a way that makes you care about them.

Loved It!

The writing, the humor and the narration makes this an excellent listen. I wanted more.

The whole story!!!!

This was an amazing book finished in 1 day! Highly recommend this book! Her story, her trip the whole experience she had was told in such an attention grabbing way.