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4.34 AVERAGE
4.34 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I’m distracted lately so I didn’t give this the focus that I probably should have, but I still found it moving, and sometimes depressing, but his writing is beautiful. We’ve really got to start treating other people as human beings.
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Because of the colloquial language... it's definitely a hard read if you have a modern soul with modern values. However, with any story you read you have to immerse yourself in the characters. understand them. Sympathize with the narrator. Even if it's so hard especially with this piece.
But you have to.
And for that, it makes all the difference.
But you have to.
And for that, it makes all the difference.
I listened to the audiobook. Baldwin is musical in his writing and the stories moved me. My favorite was the one with the narrator and his brother Sonny, the jazz pianist, trying to fight his addiction through music. I could barely stand the violence in the final story, but I'm glad that it was written.
An incredibly heavy and inspiring piece of literature. This collection showcases Baldwin's humanity, which has been mentioned time and time again by various critics for good reason. These stories are told without pretense or intense romance, and are simply real. Favorite stories included "Previous Condition," "The Rockpile," "Sonny's Blues," "The Outing," (for its incredible portrayal of a gay-leaning relationship directly against the backdrop of devout Christianity) and of course "Going to Meet the Man," which was absolutely harrowing and gut-wrenching to read. Baldwin has painted, what I assume to be, a brilliant picture of Black life and issues in mid-20th Century America that certainly is useful for a new generation. Run to read this book.
One thing I like about Baldwin is how he shares the structure of a world through a story. These read differently but have a commonality in that they explore identify and how it’s affected by the pressures of society, status, relationships, religion and family.
Sonny’s Blues was one of the best stories on dealing with a family member with addiction I’ve read.
The story Going To Meet The Man is exceptional. It’s from the point of view of a white deputy sheriff in the south during the civil rights movement and explores the ignorance, inhumanity, and psychic fatigue of trying to violently suppress the civil rights movement in a small town. It was haunting to read.
Sonny’s Blues was one of the best stories on dealing with a family member with addiction I’ve read.
The story Going To Meet The Man is exceptional. It’s from the point of view of a white deputy sheriff in the south during the civil rights movement and explores the ignorance, inhumanity, and psychic fatigue of trying to violently suppress the civil rights movement in a small town. It was haunting to read.
a book that will change your life. i’m amazed at the talent one has to write something so timeless. the themes in the book are so relevant today that it felt like i was reading the newspaper. i don’t think i’ve ever read something of this caliber and i know that some of these short stories will stick with me for years and years to come.