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creationwing's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
I appreciated the narrator's ability to convey the sardonic humour in Baldwin's voice.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Confinement, Hate crime, Classism, and Racism
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Terminal illness, Emotional abuse, Chronic illness, Death of parent, Mental illness, Slavery, and Grief
Minor: Alcohol, Police brutality, and Alcoholism
racheldelaney's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
NYPL #36
I can't believe that up until this point, I've only read Baldwin's fiction. This was hands down such an important collection of thoughts on a contemporary culture which, to be frank, really hasn't fundamentally changed since the 1984 edition.
It's wild to see the basis of performative activism and "wokeness" in 'Everybody's Protest Novel' and 'Trip to Atlanta', microaggressions and multiculturalism in 'Stranger in the Village', and the need for reflective representation in his piece on Carmen Jones. I think the thing that struck me the most was the ways in which imperialism continues to be woven through the American conscious-perhaps more than it was even 60 years ago when most of these essays were written.
I absolutely will be purchasing my own copy when I have room for bookshelves again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
Moderate: Death of parent, Grief, Police brutality, and Slavery
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