NPR's Book of the Day ‘Misbehaving at the Crossroads’ is a lesson in the complexity of reconciliation
Sep 10, 2025
Honoree Fanonne Jeffers, a celebrated poet and novelist, discusses her nonfiction work, "Misbehaving at the Crossroads." She dives into the intersectionality of Black womanhood, blending personal stories with historical insights. Jeffers reveals how writing this book sparked unexpected family reconciliations, shedding light on the complexities of forgiveness and healing. Through memories of her mother's resilience, she explores the evolving caregiver role and the profound joy of reconnecting with her family's legacy.
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Crossroads As Intersectional Metaphor
- Honoree Fanonne Jeffers frames the crossroads as where trouble meets possibility for Black women.
- She calls the crossroads a metaphor for intersectionality and layered identity.
Mother's Extraordinary Life Journey
- Jeffers recounts her mother's rise from an abandoned slave shack to Spelman valedictorian and later a doctorate.
- She paints Dr. Trelly Lee James Jeffers as extraordinary despite tragic early life events.
Father's Contradictory Behavior
- Jeffers describes her father's sudden shifts from kindness to cruelty and violent arguments at home.
- She remembers feeling conflicted sympathy when he would burst into tears after abuse.
