Summary

In 1975 young Tempestt Saville and her family are chosen by lottery to “move on up” to Lakeland:  one square mile of rich black soil carved out of a Chicago ghetto, cradling sparkling apartment towers and emerald lawns where the elite of black professionals live in privilege, secure behind a 10-foot-tall ivy-covered fence.

But 11-year-old Tempestt is drawn to the world outside the fence, to 35th Street, a place of colorful, often dangerous, characters.  Here the saved and the sinners are both so “done-up” you can’t tell one from the other.  Before a month has passed at Lakeland, Tempestt will witness the death of a friend, cause the arrest of a preacher, and start a chain of events that will send 35th Street up in flames.

Recommended by: Maya Angelou

“Only Twice I’ve Wished for Heaven is about fascinating people during turbulent times.  Dawn Turner Trice has written a complicated story beautifully.”

Author Biography

Dawn Turner Trice is an editor at the Chicago Tribune   and was a participant of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop.  She lives in Moline, Illinois.

Topics to Consider

Discuss the title.  Who, specifically, does the title refer to?  What do the novel’s major characters wish for?  How do their definitions of heaven vary?

Birds and the role of flight serve as reoccurring themes both literally and metaphorically.  Discuss the significance of the birds as they appear throughout the novel and explain the connection between flight and freedom.  How is freedom different for each character?

Life seems to be more truly “lived” ¾ in both a good and bad sense ¾ on 35th Street.  In contrast, people living in the Lakeland community seem to be living in a bubble they are afraid will burst.  Which setting seems more realistic and truthful?  Discuss the differences and similarities that exist between 35th Street and Lakeland.

Thirty-fifth Street has always been a dumping ground for one kind of craziness or another, a place for people who don’t fit in anywhere else.  Why does it appeal to Tempestt?

What is ironic about the Nicholae plan (see p. 303)?

Why does Alfred Mayes confess to killing Valerie?  Explain his role in her death.  Who else could be held responsible for pushing her off the 12th floor?

Dreams repeatedly collide with reality in the course of the novel.  How do the the dreams of Southern blacks collide with the reality of life in the North?  How does the black community ensconced in Lakeland impact the dreams of the black community on 35th Street?  Do dreams and reality ever come together in a positive way?

Talk about the ways in which the depths of misery can lead to startling beauty.  Where do you see evidence of this in the story?

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