I supposedly read this book in college. I honestly can’t remember a single thing I read in those deranged years. I took a class titled Black Political Thought that was taught by a white man. I’m not implicating that this is an act against God, but I do think I may have learned a little more from someone who was more rooted in the material.
James Baldwin’s writing is beautiful. It is truly a gift to read. His tempo is on point the way that a jazz musician keeps the beat, and can diverge at the same time. The Fire Next Time is a…memoir of sorts? Baldwin is speaking directly to the reader about his experiences growing up in the church, and his encounter with the Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad. I resonate with Baldwin’s experience of becoming involved with the church at a young age. Religion can be such an overwhelming discovery when we are young. God seems to be able to answer all of our unanswered questions and prayers. However, as we grow older, we begin to lose faith and realize the silly traditions and rituals that organized religion entails.
Baldwin is able to mend together his youth in the church, and his experience and conflict with the Nation of Islam. The life that molded him, and the man he has become.He does not hold the same reservations for white individuals that the Nation of Islam does. He brings up important introspection and insight that anybody can learn from. It is universal love and respect that we must learn to acknowledge in one another. It is not dated. He is not convicting anyone. It feels as though he is explaining his experience the way that it has been dealt to him. He blames no one, including himself. He does, however, raise questions that beg the reader to reflect.
The book is never superfluous, although his language is delightfully similar to Fitzgerald. It is quick, but not easy!
90/100
Ben Bonkoske 