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“One of the greatest gifts of the arts is to humanize the other. That is what Kate Towle's beautiful novel Sweet Burden of Crossing does. It takes us "behind the eyes" of two friends of different races in a world that treats them differently. It helps readers imagine a new way of being humans-in-community, not as one versus another, but as "one another," facing injustice together and seeking the common good.
-Brian McLaren, activist and author of Faith After Doubt: Why Your Beliefs Stopped Working and What to Do About It
“The race relations in our country today are more volatile than ever. As a Black man who has experienced the injustice in the criminal system firsthand, the trial scene in this book was especially personal for me. I understood. With the help of people who stand up and share their stories, we have hope of moving forward for a better future.”
-Dorsey Howard, author of One Way, No Left T-urn
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“In a country still separated by the stubborn barrier of race, it is inspiring to read a realistic story about two women who take up the challenge of navigating a friendship across the color line. A brave work that makes the case for racial healing, one friendship at a time.”
--Jonathan Odell, author of Miss Hazel and the Rosa Parks League (Maiden Lane Press) and The Healing (Nan A. Talese, First Edition)
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“Each page of Kate Towle’s story cleverly reveals another reality check on racial trauma and how none of us are immune to the ugly scars inflicted by generations of subtle or overt acts of white supremacy.”
--Rose McGee, author of Story Circle Stories, Kumbayah: A Juneteenth Story and creator of Sweet Potato Comfort Pie®
“Author and Community activist Kate Towle takes us on an inspiring journey across the racial divide and into a world where healing is possible and inclusiveness, harmony and love can take root and flourish. A soulful exploration into the timely question of what continues to separate America into ‘us’ and ‘them.’”
--Mark Ristau, author of the award-winning novel, A Hero Dreams
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“This novel provides important insights into the internal and interpersonal dialogues that many aspiring white allies have with themselves and with others. It will prompt reflection for its readers who are white and of color at a time in our nation’s history when such introspection and dialogue are needed as much as ever in recent decades. Such reflection is crucial to counter persistent systemic racism that manifests itself in both the micro- and macro-aggressions people of color and indigenous people encounter on a daily basis that too many whites exercise our privilege to ignore.”
--Paul Spies, PhD, Professor, School of Urban Education, Metropolitan State University, St. Paul, MN
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“At this time, when our nation and much of the world are struggling with and suffering from fear, tribalism and recurring prejudice, the novel Sweet Burden of Crossing makes these challenges personal and inspires us to believe individuals can address them. Kate Towle weaves reality and fiction into an engaging story of generational friendship, love and suffering, converted into wise living experiences. The story is emotionally engaging and teaches vital lessons we all can learn and apply within our area of influence.”
--Hector E. Garcia, author of “Clash or Complement of Cultures? Peace and Productivity in the New Global Reality” May 2017