Recommendations from our site
“Go Tell It on the Mountain is Baldwin’s first novel and is, to me, the perfect introduction to his work. The novel takes place primarily on the birthday of its protagonist, fourteen-year-old preacher John Grimes, and is based closely upon Baldwin’s own childhood. Baldwin, in painstaking and exquisite detail, foregrounds John’s experiences within his church, the Temple of the Fire Baptized; his contentious relationship with his family, especially his father; his efforts to reconcile his burgeoning queerness with his religious upbringing, and the fear and shame that emerges as a result.” Read more...
Ahmed Honeini, Literary Scholar
“It takes place in a day and it feels like it takes place over a longer span, because he does these interesting interludes where he goes back in time to talk about his family lineage. It’s a beautifully written book. I think it’s his finest work, even though it’s his first work, and other works are more celebrated. But for me, it’s his best. I love it.” Read more...
Best Books by Black Queer Writers
Robert Jones Jr., Novelist
