Ernest J. Gaines' A Lesson Before Dying is set in 1940s Louisiana, following a teacher tasked with helping a wrongly convicted young Black man face execution with dignity. Through the relationship between Grant Wiggins and Jefferson, Gaines explores racism, masculinity, and what it means to be human in a system designed to dehumanize. The novel becomes both devastating indictment and affirmation of dignity, proving that some lessons are about living and dying with self-respect and that Gaines is a master of American fiction.

WHY WE PICKED IT: Because Gaines wrote a novel about dignity in the face of injustice that's as relevant now as when it was published. This classic reminds us that the death penalty is about power, that teaching is about more than academics, and that some books should be required reading.

DETAILS: • Author: Ernest J. Gaines • Publisher: Vintage • Format: Paperback • Publication Date: September 28, 1997 • ISBN: 9780375702709 • Ships direct from distributor in 3–7 business days