Did he ever top Mountain? No, but one titanic novel is enough. Did his work falter once he dedicated himself to being a civil rights activist? Somewhat, but only in comparison to the standards he set for himself in his early work. But in 2004, where a fragmented America is distancing itself from its common culture and therefore its soul, we need to hear James Baldwin's voice. In troubled times like these, Americans need to fall back on the voices that have, throughout history, emboldened its democratic ideals. James Baldwin is one of those voices, and once again I urge you to read his body of work. Go Tell It On The Mountain is the best place to start
"A sinister cabal of superior writers."
Article comments
1 - annabelle
well so far that i have read this book, it is very confusing but then i realized the passion in it!thnk you
2 - Oliver Nyambi
Sometimes I find it very difficult to say Baldwin wrote fiction because that "fiction" in more ways than one reflected the reality of being black in America. Take John Grimes in Go tell it on the Mountan for instance and see how close he is to James the cousin recepient of Baldwin's letter in The Fire Next Time.
3 - cblagg
this book was so gaaaaaayyyy
4 - john locke
I haven't read the book yet, but as i can see it will be an adventure just from the review on the book.
5 - susana
This book is so amazed that it enhences a very hot theme
6 - NickWms
This book was confusing at first but the deeper i read and the more I enjoyed and understood it. This was a very good read.
7 - trevor
its an ok book but the style of writing and prayer of the saints really is confusing me
8 - Mark
Baldwin is an American Treasure. I'm shocked by some the "reviews" listed here.
Boring? Give me a break .. people that find things boring must be boring themselves. This is a wonderful piece of literature. So many of the reviews say that the book is confusing. I find it extremely straight forward, don't try to dissect it, just believe the words as they glide by. If you take the time with something like this it will give you back more than you could imagine. You'll have it as a part of you for the rest of your life. And last, but not least you'll be able to contribute so much more to your world by digesting and thinking about what you've absorbed. It's well worth anyones time.
9 - Moreno
one of the greatest book I've every read, granted i'm only 17.
10 - Moreno
p.s. i agree with mark completely.
11 - Ndumiso Mnkandla
Oliver, you are just at your best man.Your academic exploits,intellectual capacity and innate talents undoubtedly points to the rise of another era of writing and readership.The book review is perfect and deserve an award.Keep up the good works as you inspire those who follow your writings.You are a star.