Witness by Jamel Brinkley is a poignant collection of stories that unravel within the energetic and complex landscape of contemporary New York City. Brinkley takes us through a series of deeply human moments, exploring the ties that bind families, the struggles of relationships, and the communal dance of life and death. From children trying to grasp the world around them to grandmothers who've witnessed a city's transformation, each character navigates the various facets of witnessing and being witnessed. We encounter an array of emotions and encounters: moments of unexpected kindness from strangers and heartbreaking betrayals by the trusted, fleeting joys, and the enduring quest for connection. Written with sharp insight and a narrative clarity that elevates the ordinary into the extraordinary, Witness stands as a testimony to life's multifaceted truths, illuminating the city's great drama with both tenderness and a keen eye.