Summary

“The Beans and Rice Chronicles of Isaiah Dunn” by Kelly J. Baptist opens on New Year’s Eve, when protagonist and narrator Isaiah is watching television with his Mama, his friend Sneaky, and his younger sister Charlie. It is clear that Mama is an alcoholic based on the number of bottles surrounding her and the fact that she tries to hide her drinking. It is also evident that Isaiah and Charlie’s father is not present in the family.

Several days later, Isaiah wakes up to Charlie asking him to make breakfast. Reluctantly, Isaiah rises and prepares waffles. When he tries to bring a plate to Mama in her room, he finds her sleeping, sullen, and surrounded by bottles. Charlie notices a gold notebook on the floor and grabs it before he leaves. Isaiah notes Mama remains...