janelbriana's review against another edition
5.0
Stellar masterpiece. I listened to the audiobook, definitely plan on buying a physical copy so I can annotate.
davidgross13's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
This was the first time I’ve read Baldwin. I was impressed it is a quality work. Incredibly thoughtful, beautiful prose. Both letters were great, and I enjoyed the multitude of themes (e.g., religion, love, race) that he went through. These essays feel relevant still.
One of my, many, favorite quotes:
“And if the word integration means anything, this is what it means: that we, with love, shall force our brothers to see themselves as they are, to cease fleeing from reality and begin to change it. For this is your home, my friend, do not be driven from it; great men have done great things here, and will again, and we can make America what America must become. It will be hard, James, but you come from sturdy, present stock, men who picked cotton and dammed rivers and built railroads, and, in the teeth of the most terrifying odds, achieved an unassailable and monumental dignity. You come from a long line of great poets, some of the greatest poets since Homer. One of them said, The very time I thought I was lost, My Dungeon shook and my chains fell off.” (10).
One of my, many, favorite quotes:
“And if the word integration means anything, this is what it means: that we, with love, shall force our brothers to see themselves as they are, to cease fleeing from reality and begin to change it. For this is your home, my friend, do not be driven from it; great men have done great things here, and will again, and we can make America what America must become. It will be hard, James, but you come from sturdy, present stock, men who picked cotton and dammed rivers and built railroads, and, in the teeth of the most terrifying odds, achieved an unassailable and monumental dignity. You come from a long line of great poets, some of the greatest poets since Homer. One of them said, The very time I thought I was lost, My Dungeon shook and my chains fell off.” (10).
findyourgoldenhour's review against another edition
5.0
I was struck by both the eloquence and pain that shimmers in this book and the sad recognition that this book, written in 1963, could have been written today.
He writes about what it is like to be Black in America. The indignities, the institutional violence, the beauty, all alongside Whites who either actively participate in his subjugation or choose to stay asleep to the injustice. He calls out the hypocrisy of the Christian Church in America, used as an arm of white supremacy to maintain the social order. In spite of everything he sees with such clarity, he sees love as the way forward. It is both a beautiful and devastating read.
He writes about what it is like to be Black in America. The indignities, the institutional violence, the beauty, all alongside Whites who either actively participate in his subjugation or choose to stay asleep to the injustice. He calls out the hypocrisy of the Christian Church in America, used as an arm of white supremacy to maintain the social order. In spite of everything he sees with such clarity, he sees love as the way forward. It is both a beautiful and devastating read.
dotsndloops's review against another edition
5.0
this was so so powerful and such an important read. what an enlightening and thought-provoking discussion of religion, power and systemic racism and from such a nuanced, empathetic and strong perspective. very excited to read more of Baldwin's work.
rick2's review against another edition
5.0
Written in 1963 this book can be read as a condemnation of 2020 America every bit as much now as then.
rltinha's review against another edition
5.0
«The subtle and deadly change of heart that might occur in you would be involved with the realization that a civilization is not destroyed by wicked people; it is not necessary that people be wicked but only that they be spineless.»
hberg95's review against another edition
5.0
I really appreciate the stream of consciousness/narrative type essay Baldwin gives here. It reminds me of James Joyce's Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, as Baldwin discusses religion, politics, and race in concert.
One major takeaway is that racism is a problem rooted in white insecurity.
One major takeaway is that racism is a problem rooted in white insecurity.