“So, to go along with my early, ‘Wow!,’ of approval, let me add this: If you are part of the Caribbean diaspora you should read this book. If you are part of the Trinidad and Tobago diaspora you have to read this book. Everyone else is invited.”

— Jeff Hercules, Big Drum Nation

East of Flatbush, North of Love: An Ethnography of Home is an ethnographic memoir that examines life growing up in the West Indian enclave of East Flatbush, Brooklyn. Much of the book centers around music, and it pays homage to a borough that is quickly changing under the specter of gentrification. Author and former Syracuse University professor Danielle Brown uses music to teach the reader about life in this immigrant community, as well as in her parents' native Trinidad. Recalling the songs of her youth, especially the ones that her mother would sing to her, Brown employs music—from calypso to hip hop—as an educational tool to teach history and to illuminate how the legacy of colonialism and imperialism continues to impact people of color today. 

East of Flatbush, North of Love: Teacher Guidebook advises novice and experienced teachers on how to incorporate the book into their classes. The guidebook contains six chapters, which correspond with the six chapters of East of Flatbush. In each chapter, the author provides: a list of key terms; guided reading/summary questions; sample exercises and assignments; “hot topics” (to generate critical thinking on controversial and complex topics); and additional resources (i.e. books, films, etc.). In addition, two sample lesson plans are provided, one geared towards middle and high school students, the other designed for students in college.