Passing Through May: Identity, Secrets & The Vanishing Half

There’s something fascinating about the lives we inherit, the identities we create, and the secrets we keep to survive… and The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett explores all of it with beauty, emotion, and remarkable depth. Following the lives of twin sisters who choose dramatically different paths after growing up in a small Southern Black community, the novel weaves together themes of family, race, identity, belonging, and the lasting impact of the choices we make.

As their lives diverge over decades, the story asks powerful questions about who we truly are—and what parts of ourselves we hide from the world. Woven throughout the novel is the complex and painful history of “passing” in America—when light-skinned Black individuals lived as white in order to access opportunities, safety, or acceptance in a deeply divided society. Bennett handles this history with nuance and humanity, inviting readers to consider the emotional cost of reinventing oneself and what is sacrificed in the process.

Join us on Thursday, May 28, at 6:30 PM at Westside Grill, where we’ll gather for an evening of thoughtful conversation centered around this book. Together, we’ll unpack this layered and unforgettable novel—exploring everything from identity and perception to motherhood, love, and the complicated ties that pull families together and apart. Come ready to discuss: How much of ourselves is shaped by the world around us? And can we ever fully leave our past behind?

As always, I continue to cover the costs of keeping our Meetup group running and organized. If you’d ever like to chip in toward the platform fees that help keep our book-loving community together, there’s a fundraising link on the event page. Every little bit truly helps, but your presence is what matters most.