Reviews

Just Above My Head by James Baldwin

chichi27's review against another edition

5.0

When I walked into Half Price, I wasn't even familiar with this title. Now it's one of my favorite books. I love it when that happens. Baldwin is definitely one of my favorite writers. He writes with such warmth and understanding of his characters.

tvaia's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism, Blood, Incest, Pedophilia, Sexual content, Rape, Racism, Racial slurs, Adult/minor relationship, and Grief

super_fan's review against another edition

4.0

Elegantly written and a treat to read. When the book is good it’s great, but when it isn’t it drags. Baldwin’s ability to depict relationships between people is compelling and relatable. There were plenty times in this novel i wanted shorter monologues and felt anxious to get back to character’s conversations. I’m happy i read this novel, but you’re better off reading Baldwin’s novel Another Country.

aidangiordano's review against another edition

5.0

Loveeee

ellieeeeeee's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

so fucking beautifully written my god james baldwin was a master of his craft
such beautiful characters, such meaningful relationships..... im literally mourning the loss of arthur and the loss of finishing this book ugh 

williamsangm's review against another edition

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

this book is a masterpiece. changed my life. 

rjeilani's review

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

leasaurusrex's review against another edition

5.0

C'est la première fois que je lis James Baldwin et : wow. 

Quel auteur incroyable. Un véritable conteur, qui n'hésite pas à faire entendre sa voix à travers son texte, sans jamais surpasser ses personnages. C'est violent, c'est beau, c'est parfois insoutenable, ça demande de prendre son temps. En un sens, ça me rappelle la lecture de Toni Morrison, dans une dimension différente, évidemment, mais on y retrouve le même travail sur le traumatisme générationnel, la même puissance évocatrice, la même intelligence émotionnelle et socio-culturelle. 
Et je trouve ça intéressant de voir que là où Toni Morrison s'occupe des femmes et des mères noires, James Baldwin s'occupe des hommes noirs. J'ai vraiment lu ce roman comme un témoignage d'amour, une volonté de panser les blessures aussi bien que l'esprit. L'auteur ne juge pas, il met en valeur, apporte une autre lumière, se débarrasse du fétichisme, se réapproprie la sensualité. Il parle des peurs, des émotions, des doutes, il nous fait vivre autant de jolies choses que d'épreuves... 

Quel roman puissant. Une vraie claque, qui ne sera certainement pas la dernière. Monsieur Baldwin, je n'en ai pas terminé avec vous.

poachedeggs's review against another edition

4.0

"...when the chips are down, it is better to be furious with someone you love, or be frightened for someone you love, than be put through the merciless horror of being ashamed of someone you love..." (pg 394)

kynmaria's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Huge sa warning