Scan barcode
Reviews
Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Today by Eddie S. Glaude Jr.
thepermageek's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
It was just as good/insightful, if not more so, listening to this audiobook a Second time around
drmuenke's review against another edition
5.0
The big lie of the 2020 election is nothing compared to the BIG LIE we tell ourselves regarding the founding of the United States. How can any nation consider itself a shining city on the hill or a beacon of hope to the world when, from its inception, the United States allowed for the massacre of the native population, the enslavement of people of color, and the denial of rights to women? I believe both Baldwin’s writings and this phenomenal book from Dr. Glaude to be essential reading for all Americans. How will we begin again? Are we ready to become uncomfortable in the reality of our national identity to create something better? I appreciate Baldwin’s willingness to live and share his examined life, and I am deeply thankful to Dr. Glaude for distilling and contextualizing Baldwin’s words.
rocomama's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
staceface's review against another edition
I absolutely love James Baldwin and I’m interested in this period in history, but just couldn’t get through this one. I was bored and found myself never wanting to pick it up. Finally gave up about halfway through.
sandsing7's review against another edition
5.0
A wonderful, heartfelt reflection on Baldwin and the application of his thoughts on our times.
nova24's review against another edition
5.0
This was a powerful book. I enjoyed the way Glaude went back and forth between walking the reader through Baldwin's life during and after the Civil Rights Movement to today. The times are not much different, and I appreciated hearing what Baldwin's critiques were of the time then, and how they would be similar now. I was especially gripped by the telling of Baldwin's life after the deaths of MLK Jr. and Malcolm X. Highly recommend.
shelfiegen's review against another edition
4.0
4.5. This was a really interesting read. It is really good!! But also not at all what I would expect from Dr. Glaude. Hard to explain. I would definitely recommend it to anyone that reads Jimmy and/or studies race in America.
booktalkwithkarla's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.25
This non-fiction work by Eddie S. Claude Jr blends memoir, biography, history, and literary criticism to “bear witness” to America’s racism. Using the work and life of James Baldwin, Glaude Jr invites people to “call forth a new America”. Yes! That is what is needed because how all of us treat other humans with hate, using power, privilege, and systems to dehumanize, is disgusting and sin. The call to love people and begin again rings loudly and I pray we answer.
Glaude Jr is clearly an expert on Baldwin and history and approaches the topic from many angles. He says important truths, hard and painful as they represent human lives suffering. His writing and conclusion are solid and often beautiful.
This is a great book but one I struggled to find my bearings in while I read, due to its chaotic organization. The blend the author sought just isn’t for me. Still, I recommend reading this book for the content and conversations you will have in your community.
“Our stories can make some people the center of the plot and make others latecomers and objects of charity and goodwill or of scorn and derision.” Eddie S Glaude Jr
“The only normalcy that we will settle for is the normalcy that recognizes the dignity and worth of all of God’s children.” Dr Martin Luther King Jr
leoniefnk's review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.25
The middle is a little repetitive and slow, but I am still glad I read it once.