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lylesgirl2020 's review for:
These Heathens
by Mia McKenzie
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Huge gratitude to NetGalley and Random House for the advanced copy. I’m so thankful I got the chance to read this early—because it’s not just a novel, it’s a necessary conversation, a quiet revolution, and a beautiful coming-of-age all rolled into one. Coming June 17th, 2025.
Set against the backdrop of 1960s Georgia, we meet Doris Steele—a 17-year-old Black girl growing up in a deeply religious, working-class community. When she finds herself pregnant and certain she’s not ready to raise a child, she turns to the only adult she feels safe confiding in: her teacher, Mrs. Lucas. With limited choices in her small town, Doris asks for help, and Mrs. Lucas agrees to take her to Atlanta for an abortion. What begins as a quiet weekend away unfolds into a life-altering experience.
Over the course of just a few days, Doris steps into a world she never imagined existed. She’s exposed to privilege, to queerness, to radical ideas, to people living boldly in their truths—and to the energy of the Civil Rights Movement as it pulses through the city. For a girl taught to stay small and obedient, it’s the first time she begins to truly question what she wants, what she believes, and what kind of life she might actually build for herself.
Mia McKenzie’s writing is electric. From the first few lines, I felt like I was right there beside Doris. Her voice is sharp, smart, funny, and honest—filled with just enough attitude to make you love her instantly. Every person Doris meets feels vivid and real, each encounter gently peeling back another layer of her world. While the themes explored—racism, bodily autonomy, sexuality, faith, and more—are weighty, they’re handled with thoughtfulness and compassion. Nothing felt heavy-handed or overwhelming—just honest and deeply human.
The story moves with purpose but never rushes. Watching Doris grow, question, and shift felt so natural—it didn’t feel like reading a book, it felt like witnessing someone find their voice. And honestly? I think this might be added to my favorite reads 2025 list. Given everything happening in today’s political and cultural climate, this book feels both deeply personal and incredibly relevant.
This was my first time reading Mia McKenzie’s work—and only my second historical fiction of 2025—but it left an undeniable mark on me. Bold, moving, and deeply human, this is a story I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
Set against the backdrop of 1960s Georgia, we meet Doris Steele—a 17-year-old Black girl growing up in a deeply religious, working-class community. When she finds herself pregnant and certain she’s not ready to raise a child, she turns to the only adult she feels safe confiding in: her teacher, Mrs. Lucas. With limited choices in her small town, Doris asks for help, and Mrs. Lucas agrees to take her to Atlanta for an abortion. What begins as a quiet weekend away unfolds into a life-altering experience.
Over the course of just a few days, Doris steps into a world she never imagined existed. She’s exposed to privilege, to queerness, to radical ideas, to people living boldly in their truths—and to the energy of the Civil Rights Movement as it pulses through the city. For a girl taught to stay small and obedient, it’s the first time she begins to truly question what she wants, what she believes, and what kind of life she might actually build for herself.
Mia McKenzie’s writing is electric. From the first few lines, I felt like I was right there beside Doris. Her voice is sharp, smart, funny, and honest—filled with just enough attitude to make you love her instantly. Every person Doris meets feels vivid and real, each encounter gently peeling back another layer of her world. While the themes explored—racism, bodily autonomy, sexuality, faith, and more—are weighty, they’re handled with thoughtfulness and compassion. Nothing felt heavy-handed or overwhelming—just honest and deeply human.
The story moves with purpose but never rushes. Watching Doris grow, question, and shift felt so natural—it didn’t feel like reading a book, it felt like witnessing someone find their voice. And honestly? I think this might be added to my favorite reads 2025 list. Given everything happening in today’s political and cultural climate, this book feels both deeply personal and incredibly relevant.
This was my first time reading Mia McKenzie’s work—and only my second historical fiction of 2025—but it left an undeniable mark on me. Bold, moving, and deeply human, this is a story I’ll be thinking about for a long time.