Take My Hand

By: Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Narrated by: Lauren J. Daggett

Winner of the 2023 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work - Fiction

“Deeply empathetic yet unflinching in its gaze…an unforgettable exploration of responsibility and redemption.”—Celeste Ng

Inspired by true events that rocked the nation, a searing and compassionate new novel about a Black nurse in post-segregation Alabama who blows the whistle on a terrible injustice done to her patients, from the New York Times bestselling author of Wench

Montgomery, Alabama, 1973. Fresh out of nursing school, Civil Townsend intends to make a difference, especially in her African American community. At the Montgomery Family Planning Clinic, she hopes to help women shape their destinies, to make their own choices for their lives and bodies.

But when her first week on the job takes her along a dusty country road to a worn-down one-room cabin, Civil is shocked to learn that her new patients, Erica and India, are children—just eleven and thirteen years old. Neither of the Williams sisters has even kissed a boy, but they are poor and Black, and for those handling the family’s welfare benefits, that’s reason enough to have the girls on birth control. As Civil grapples with her role, she takes India, Erica, and their family into her heart. Until one day she arrives at their door to learn the unthinkable has happened, and nothing will ever be the same for any of them.

Decades later, with her daughter grown and a long career in her wake, Dr. Civil Townsend is ready to retire, to find her peace, and to leave the past behind. But there are people and stories that refuse to be forgotten. That must not be forgotten.

Because history repeats what we don’t remember.

Inspired by true events and brimming with hope, Take My Hand is a stirring exploration of accountability and redemption.

“Highlights the horrific discrepancies in our healthcare system and illustrates their heartbreaking consequences.”—Essence

©2022 Dolen Perkins-Valdez (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

NAMED A MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK OF 2022 BY Newsweek ∙ San Francisco Chronicle ∙ Essence ∙ Yahoo! News ∙ The Nerd Daily ∙ Daily Mail ∙ Electric Literature ∙ BookBub ∙ Ms. Magazine ∙ BuzzFeed ∙ Parade ∙ Oprah Daily ∙ NBC News ∙ and more!

“It’s a haunting tale of how the actions of government agencies aren’t innocent of racism, injustice, or abuse, emotional and physical, of Black people in America. Valdez offers beautifully written prose, gripping dialogue, and unforgettable characters. Take My Hand is another remarkable must-read by Dolen Perkins-Valdez – it and deserves every accolade it’s getting."—NPR

"Perhaps the most notable of this book's gifts are its deft packaging of history and its quiet nod—in the juxtaposition of timelines—to the reproductive oppression haunting Black women to this day. Like the most effective education, though, it feels that the information is streaming through the heart, awakening it and inspiring it to action."—San Francisco Chronicle

“A jewel of a book…Perkins-Valdez’s grasp of large historical themes is matched by her attention to her characters’ lives, their existence so meticulously rendered that you can smell the fetid air of the Williams’s country hovel and the scent of the girls freshly bathed and slathered with cocoa butter....Take My Hand reminds us that truly extraordinary fiction is rarely written merely to entertain...Perkins-Valdez has done a fine job of building a structure and scaffolding that will not only endure but also bear the weight of future writers yearning to bring the past to readers afresh.”—Washington Post

Excellent Historical Fiction

The immoral and shameful overreach of the U.S. government on the reproductive rights of mostly black and poor women and young girls through forced sterilization is the central focus of this novel told in dual time lines ,1973 and 2016. While these events are mainly told through the experiences of two young black girls aged 11 and 14 and the nurse who tries to save them, there were many other women in the country subjected to these immoral practices at that time. Even in more recent years, “reproductive injustice”took place in California prisons between 2006 and 2010.

This is not just a story that enlightened me, stunned me, educated me, but one that moved me, bringing me to tears thinking about these young girls and women. Taking real events as the inspiration and giving a portrait of the time and place and the emotional and psychological impact on people’s lives is for me a hallmark of good historical fiction. The author in her note indicates what of this novel is based on real events and real people and that made it all the more meaningful. Sad and scary and infuriating how relevant this overreach is even today.

awesome

a must read. the characters are all of us at some points in our lives.

Awesome

I was very hesitant before and after purchasing the book because of the fiction fillers. I tell you, when I began to read, as I engaged, I was drawn to each and every word. It was like I was there experiencing every moment. I am so glad I purchased this book. It is phenomenal!

So hard to comprehend

The story is heartfelt, well written and the narrative is on point. such a good book. you will not be disappointed.

Emotionally Captivating

So glad that this was the title I chose as my first time listening to a book. I so enjoyed the story that I finished it in about 12 hours.

I was moved to tears by the sadness in the truth of the story. I was left wondering if things will ever really change and, if so, what will be the true source of that change. I was also moved by the idea of what some give up to not only protect the people they love but the greater good humanity.

A beautifully well-written tale of family, love, and trust amidst such an ugly ongoing narrative that continues to exist in this country.

Best story teller!

Absolutely love the narrator, she did an amazing job telling this story!! Job well done!!

A painful look at America's shameful behaviors

This book is well written and well read . I strongly recommend it. I have recommended it to others who have likewise shared my experience!

Bravo to the Arthur

Enlightening! I had no clue. Sad to say the least. Searching for more reads.

Eye opener!

Take My Hand is on time. The author draws you in as you see how Civil Townsend unpacks her story. I urge everyone to read this riveting book! This book is much needed during this time of unrest. Great job!

Wonderful story rooted in history

Beautiful work of fiction based on a terrible true story. I had goosebumps from the first chapter until the last.