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A review by dsharpnote
Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own by Eddie S. Glaude Jr.
5.0
If you’ve never read Baldwin before, this will give you a very real emotional connection to him as a historical figure. This is not your typical biography, in fact, this is a pure policial intervention by the author, through the lens of Baldwin. I appreciate the boldness of the author to insert his thoughts at this time and interweave the powerful mind of Baldwin to help humanity through these times.
It’s always valuable to witness the complexity of a human being, to be able to see their strengths and weaknesses, the ups and downs—their humanity; and this piece of work allows for both the author and Baldwin to be vulnerable in order to do that.
I contemplated between 4 or 5 stars, but settled on the 5 because most critics of the book will more than likely penalize the author for his outspoken political leanings, which I understand; but, I appreciate the candidness and public dialogue, even if I don’t agree with everything. This is timely and necessary to resurrect the soul of an intellectual giant like James Baldwin is such trying times.
It’s always valuable to witness the complexity of a human being, to be able to see their strengths and weaknesses, the ups and downs—their humanity; and this piece of work allows for both the author and Baldwin to be vulnerable in order to do that.
I contemplated between 4 or 5 stars, but settled on the 5 because most critics of the book will more than likely penalize the author for his outspoken political leanings, which I understand; but, I appreciate the candidness and public dialogue, even if I don’t agree with everything. This is timely and necessary to resurrect the soul of an intellectual giant like James Baldwin is such trying times.