Infinite Worlds

Infinite Worlds Book Club explores the contemporary work of marginalized authors of fantasy and sci-fi. Historically underappreciated in the genre, these writers are now doubtlessly some of its greatest leaders.

This month we are reading River Mumma by Zalika Reid-Benta. The Infinite Worlds book club will meet at 5 PM on Monday, February 24th.

Alicia has been out of grad school for months. She has no career prospects and lives with her mom, who won’t stop texting her macabre news stories and reminders to pick up items from the grocery store.

Then, one evening, the Jamaican water deity, River Mumma, appears to Alicia, telling her that she has twenty-four hours to scour the city for her missing comb.

Alicia doesn’t understand why River Mumma would choose her. She can’t remember all the legends her relatives told her, unlike her retail co-worker Heaven, who can reel off Jamaican folklore by heart. She doesn’t know if her childhood visions have returned, or why she feels a strange connection to her other co-worker Mars. But when the trio are chased down by malevolent spirits called duppies, they realize their tenuous bonds to each other may be their only lifelines. With the clock ticking, Alicia’s quest through the city broadens into a journey through time—to find herself and what the river carries.

Energetic and invigorating, River Mumma is a vibrant exploration of diasporic community and ancestral ties, and a homage to Jamaican storytelling by one of the most invigorating voices in today’s literature.

Purchase a copy to read, or grab it from the library, and join us for discussion at Dog-Eared Books at 5 PM, on Monday, February 24th. This book club is free to anyone who wishes to participate, no registration required

Also, for 20 minutes after each club meeting, you will receive 20% off all books and merchandise!

Want to keep the conversation going after club? Join the Infinite Worlds Discord server!

Content Warnings for Women From Other Worlds Book Club 2025
Content Warnings for River Mumma
Content Warnings for In the Watchful City
Content Warnings for To Shape a Dragon’s Breath
Content Warnings for Dead Collections
Content Warnings for The Last Gifts of the Universe