When Miss Cozy discovers the dilemma, she further complicates the situation by announcing that the book is not for sale. However, if they agree to come to the bookstore for the next few days, she will read the story to them. The story explores the issue of slavery through human stories and reflections, as well as ways in which the African American community of our time needs to reclaim its mission, vision, and aim. Although each of the characters is led to this place for very different reasons, each carries a common passion. The passion they share is to become a vehicle for change in their culture and in their generations, but none can complete the quest without the piece of the story that the other brings.
Black folks see reincarnation as a way of working out the unfulfilled longings of their ancestors.
The journey of these three main characters will only be possible when they learn to listen to the voice of God that speaks to them through one another, from the voices of the past, and from the voice within.