A review by samchase112
The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin

challenging dark medium-paced

4.5

If we--and now I mean the relatively conscious whites and the relatively conscious blacks, who must, like lovers, insist on, or create, the consciousness of the others--do not falter in our duty now, we may be able, handful that we are, to end the racial nightmare, and achieve our country, and change the history of the world. If we do not now dare everything, the fulfillment of that prophecy, re-created from the Bible in song by a slave, is upon us: "God gave Noah the rainbow sign, No more water, the fire next time!"

James Baldwin's essay is a masterpiece, and should absolutely be read by every American. The personal, intelligent nature of his prose is incredibly powerful. There is really no describing this book; it must be experienced.
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