Leaving Cecil Street

“Heartfelt fourth from McKinney-Whetstone, who has a true talent for strong characters, effortlessly natural dialogue, and prose that flows.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Wistful, melodious, contemplative, McKinney-Whetstone’s prose feels inspired by the tenor sax central to this story…McKinney-Whetstone’s fourth novel is remarkable for the rich development of all its characters” — Publishers Weekly

“Leaving Cecil Street pays tribute to the beauty of a community whose strength is proven by the tragedy in its midst…A 1969 Phildelphia summer alive with block parties, front porches and bare feet is Whetstone’s backdrop for the intricately developed characters she weaves into a story of lasting impression.” — Philadelphia Magazine

“McKinney-Whetstone’s portrayal of African American family life is sensitive and compassionate, with characters who love, work, live, and die without veering into soap opera. As in her previous novels (e.g., Tumbling), ordinary people find a strength in themselves and others that enables them to live and love more fully.” — Library Journal

“McKinney-Whetstone’s portrayal of African American family life is sensitive and compassionate, with characters who love, work, live, and die without veering into soap opera.” — Library Journal

“Leaving Cecil Street pays tribute to the beauty of a community whose strength is proven by the tragedy in its midst…. A 1969 Phildelphia summer… is Whetstone’s backdrop for the intricately developed characters she weaves into a story of lasting impression.” — Philadelphia Magazine

“It’s been said that Diane McKinney-Whetstone writes ‘like Toni Morrison.’ That’s not true. McKinney-Whetstone writes like herself. She creates a unique, believable black middle-class world where there are no villains -- just individuals trying their very best to get through life while inflicting minimum pain on each other, or themselves…The thing about these characters is, they show up for life. They don’t leave. These people are flawed, human, engaging in the best sense. Outside of the troubles, it must have been so much fun growing up on Cecil Street.” — Washington Post

“[McKinney-Whetstone] creates a unique, believable black middle-class world where there are no villains—just individuals trying their very best to get through life while inflicting minimum pain on each other, or themselves…. These people are flawed, human, engaging in the best sense.” — Washington Post