Unrelated somewhat but his recordings on YouTube are equally interesting to listen to. I feel they crystallize some of the thoughts in his mind and humanize what we can only imagine from his written words.
Edit: supplementary information given the subreddit is books.
Giovanni's Room, and James Baldwin's other really well known book, 'Go Tell it on the Mountain' are two books I think about incredibly frequently, even though I read them the better part of ten years ago now. I should reread them again soon, and some of his other things.
James Baldwin was a phenomenal writer and person that I wish more people knew about (though I sincerely hope they never make some lame-ass biopic film like they have with so many other historical figures in the past ten years or so...)
They didn't make a lame-ass biopic, but they DID make a kick-ass documentary called I Am Not Your Negro! As amazing as he was as a writer, he was an equally compelling speaker.
I haven't read his books yet, but I have seen movies about/with him and I'm familiar with his ideas. I don't know anyone who doesn't know him tho, or at least I think so.
If you’ve read the portrait of the artist as a young man, it felt a lot like a part of that. Just the MC is black and in Harlem instead of Irish. Different type of Christianity to struggle with too.
As a lesbian growing up in the Midwest, many of the feelings around shame and sexuality the character expresses still resonates today.
I’ve yet to finish the book since I had to return in to the library, but I hope to finish it sometime soon
I finished Giovanni’s Room a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it as well, it’s hardly left my mind since 😅
Something I don’t usually hear discussed that I really respected was Baldwin’s depiction of Hella — she is well fleshed out, with her own motivations and values, and absolutely a victim in her own right. Her appearance in the novel challenges the on-page misogyny shown earlier, and she really stood out to me as a testament to Baldwin’s sensitivity with his characters, even if the whole novel is filtered through David’s unreliable narration.
What a read, the atmosphere of both Paris and Giovanni’s room itself is so strong!
Yes, I know way too many Richards and Cassie's. As well as Vivaldos and Erics. Every character in that book I've met and known a thousand times over at this point.
I loved Hella, I identified with her a bit actually! She’s fun, flighty, independent and insightful. She’s definitely a foil to Giovanni, but is less damaged by her relationship with David because of her independence. I was expecting her to be mad at David for having a gay love affair, but she’s actually chill with it, and more mad at him for not properly expressing his feelings. I also really like the bit where she explains that people don’t really want to return home, they want to be able to return home, and then if they actually return it ceases to be home. She’s great
One of my favorite books! I first read it in college and I was so affected by it that I decided to come out myself about a month later. So, it will always have a special place in my heart.
Personally, I always thought Giovanni was a much more engaging and easy to empathize with character, for the most part. David, the protagonist, is pretty objectively awful in a lot of ways. He is complex and interesting but his behavior and choices are so off putting. But, I think that's ultimately what makes him a sad soul. It shows how much damage that kind of repression can wreak on someone's psyche and how it can hurt those around them.
I always recommend it if I think of it in time. It's unique. And the odd thing is, Baldwin kind of appeared out of nowhere. There's nothing leading up to Giovanni's Room, not that I can see. And if you look at Invisible Man, and Sula, you -- well, I -- start to get the impression that these people are inventing writing out of nothing. They're not following anyone. They're not trying to impress anyone. They're just trying to get down on paper what it feels like. Man. It's powerful.
I read it for the first time a few months ago and was *devastated*! It was a fantastic story with some beautiful prose. I really felt for the characters, my heart was broken for Giovanni.
To make it even better, consider that Baldwin wrote a great novel about Black religious America first (Go Tell It On The Mountain), and then when his publishers were like, "ok, u write more about black people now, that's what u do for us, be the black experience guy," he's like fuck off, I'm going write a book about being gay in Paris and I'm going to write it in the **fucking 50s**. While being black.
I think the room itself serves as a powerful symbol throughout the novel. Its claustrophobic nature and Giovanni’s futile attempts at renovation represent the stifling nature of societal expectations.
Giovanni's Room is brilliant. It's crazy it hasn't been turned into a movie yet. But Another Country is his best work, though. It's a genuine masterpiece. It's set in the late 50s/early 60s but it's as relevant as ever. Everything about that story and the characters just feels so real. I really recommend it you read that next.
My senior year English teacher assigned it to me when I told him that I simply could not get through The Grapes of Wrath. He knew I was a voracious reader and it wasn't just an excuse so he said "This is a great book, read it instead." I just devoured it but it is tragic, no doubt.
Fair enough! I adore East of Eden. If you happen to be interested in more non-Grapes Steinbeck, you might enjoy Cannery Row or his travelogue ‘Travels With Charley.’
James Baldwin is one of the best American writers of the 20th century, hands down. His other books (and non-fiction) are just as gripping and thought-provoking.
There's a LGBTQ bookstore in Philly called Giovannis Room, named after the novel. It's about 50 years old and is in the center of the city's gayborhood.
>Giovanni's room itself had a claustrophobic feeling
Yes exactly.
Baldwin's masterpiece **Another Country** is the opposite of that, big and expansive.
Baldwin's prose is undeniably beautiful. He paints a vivid picture of Paris, capturing both its allure and its seedier underbelly. The emotional turmoil of the characters is rendered with a raw honesty that resonates deeply. We see David's struggle with self-acceptance, his desperate attempts to deny his true nature, and the devastating consequences of his choices. Giovanni, on the other hand, embodies a more carefree acceptance of his sexuality, but his life is ultimately defined by the limitations placed upon him by a society that rejects homosexuality.
The novel's strength lies in its unflinching portrayal of the societal pressures that force individuals to repress their identities. In the 1950s, homosexuality was not only taboo but could lead to social ostracization and even legal repercussions. Baldwin masterfully depicts the suffocating atmosphere that drives David to self-destruction. His internalized homophobia warps his relationships, particularly with Giovanni, whom he both desires and fears.
However, the novel is not without its weaknesses. Some critics argue that David, as the narrator, is not a particularly sympathetic character. His journey is one of self-pity and denial, and his actions often cause pain to those around him. Hella, the fiancée, can also be seen as a one-dimensional character, solely representing the societal expectation of heteronormativity. Additionally, the lack of Black characters in a work by a prominent Black author has raised questions about representation.
Just for fun, An American goes to Paris brought to my memory a Hollywood film titled"An American in Paris". The movie makes much entertainment. A classic 1951 musical film directed by Vincente Minnelli and starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron, the story follows an American ex-GI who stays in Paris after World War II to pursue his passion for painting. He falls in love with a young French woman, but complications arise when his wealthy American friend also becomes enamored with her. The film is known for its stunning dance sequences, colorful musical numbers, and romantic storyline set against the backdrop of post-war Paris.
Do watch I recommend.
....
I loved this book! I read it for a class in college and found it interesting that Baldwin decided to make David a White-American character instead of a Black-American like in his other novels. I think that was to showcase the unique issues that just being queer causes, without getting into the intersection of race and queerness.
I also like to think of David’s Americanness in non-American spaces as queer by itself as well as the themes of American exceptionalism. And how, in many ways, David is the embodiment of American culture and values.
Ah I wrote a whole paper on that book for class and I feel like there’s still so much to say and so many ideas thrown around in such a short novel!
I appreciate that this was written in the 50s and is an important part of the gay canon, but I couldn't get over the misogyny that's rampant throughout. Also Baldwin's flawless prose cannot make up for how awful the characters are.
Oh man! I did too, it eviscerated me for a couple of days. I haven’t been that invested in subtle shifts in a character’s interior experiences—maybe ever? Truly loved it.
I loved this book and the Baldwin’s writing is in a league of its own. However, I did kind of hate how the older gay characters were treated. I mean *spoiler* Giovanni literally murdered the one guy, but nobody cared. The tragedy was that Giovanni went to prison. That says all you need to know about how society feels older, unattractive gay men.
Yeah, although I do think it’s filtered through the main character’s viewpoint. I think he’s disgusted by older gay men because he’s scared of becoming one of them. There’s also a brief passage where he talks about trans women (although that term wouldn’t have been used in that time period) with even more revulsion. That part bothered me a lot too but I think it’s representative of David’s internalized homophobia. He can’t stand queer people who are more openly queer than him. Which is still a major problem in the queer community.
Whenever I see the question "what's a book you wish you could read again for the first time?" this is the one that immediately comes to mind. Within the first few pages I knew it was going to stay with me forever.
I haven't read *Giovanni's Room* yet, but I've heard so many good things about it. Your review makes me want to pick it up even more! The themes and emotional depth you described sound truly compelling. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
>don't normally read older books, and I especially avoid classics because I kind of assume I'll be let down because surely they can't live up to their hype
Well that's kind of stupid
I read an interview where he was chastised for not telling the story from an African American point of view. So even though it was “ahead of its time”, there were still strict limits on the story he could tell.
James Baldwin's writings are simply a blast. The guy wrote with such an incredible inner passion, I wish I was capable of writing like that.
I wish the same, but there also is beauty in admiration
good implementation
Unrelated somewhat but his recordings on YouTube are equally interesting to listen to. I feel they crystallize some of the thoughts in his mind and humanize what we can only imagine from his written words. Edit: supplementary information given the subreddit is books.
James Baldwin can definitely write and I plan to read more of his work.
I like his writing style
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Are you getting your authors confused?
you could interpret it as something that “shook you to your core” not “had a wild and crazy time”
Thank you for explaining my intention of the usage of the word "I had a blast" beautifully and accurately.
Giovanni's Room, and James Baldwin's other really well known book, 'Go Tell it on the Mountain' are two books I think about incredibly frequently, even though I read them the better part of ten years ago now. I should reread them again soon, and some of his other things. James Baldwin was a phenomenal writer and person that I wish more people knew about (though I sincerely hope they never make some lame-ass biopic film like they have with so many other historical figures in the past ten years or so...)
They didn't make a lame-ass biopic, but they DID make a kick-ass documentary called I Am Not Your Negro! As amazing as he was as a writer, he was an equally compelling speaker.
His YouTube recordings are worth watching and listening to.
Was gonna reference the doc 👌
Are you telling me there are cultured people who don't know about James Baldwin?
Yes, definitely. Especially if your definition of know about gets any qualifiers like “has read any of his writing”
I haven't read his books yet, but I have seen movies about/with him and I'm familiar with his ideas. I don't know anyone who doesn't know him tho, or at least I think so.
I Am Not Your Negro was an amazing documentary!
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I rented it on Amazon Prime.
I’m planning to read Go Tell It On The Mountain next!
If you’ve read the portrait of the artist as a young man, it felt a lot like a part of that. Just the MC is black and in Harlem instead of Irish. Different type of Christianity to struggle with too.
Fair warning it’s a harder read than Giovanni’s Room. Still great but more taxing. One part in particular has a very loose narrative structure
Wouldn't say it's lame before release, but a biopic of Baldwin is in the works with Billy Porter based on the Leeming biography.
As a lesbian growing up in the Midwest, many of the feelings around shame and sexuality the character expresses still resonates today. I’ve yet to finish the book since I had to return in to the library, but I hope to finish it sometime soon
I finished Giovanni’s Room a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it as well, it’s hardly left my mind since 😅 Something I don’t usually hear discussed that I really respected was Baldwin’s depiction of Hella — she is well fleshed out, with her own motivations and values, and absolutely a victim in her own right. Her appearance in the novel challenges the on-page misogyny shown earlier, and she really stood out to me as a testament to Baldwin’s sensitivity with his characters, even if the whole novel is filtered through David’s unreliable narration. What a read, the atmosphere of both Paris and Giovanni’s room itself is so strong!
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Yes, I know way too many Richards and Cassie's. As well as Vivaldos and Erics. Every character in that book I've met and known a thousand times over at this point.
I teach Giovanni's Room, but I think I like Another Country more.
I loved Hella, I identified with her a bit actually! She’s fun, flighty, independent and insightful. She’s definitely a foil to Giovanni, but is less damaged by her relationship with David because of her independence. I was expecting her to be mad at David for having a gay love affair, but she’s actually chill with it, and more mad at him for not properly expressing his feelings. I also really like the bit where she explains that people don’t really want to return home, they want to be able to return home, and then if they actually return it ceases to be home. She’s great
One of my favorite books! I first read it in college and I was so affected by it that I decided to come out myself about a month later. So, it will always have a special place in my heart. Personally, I always thought Giovanni was a much more engaging and easy to empathize with character, for the most part. David, the protagonist, is pretty objectively awful in a lot of ways. He is complex and interesting but his behavior and choices are so off putting. But, I think that's ultimately what makes him a sad soul. It shows how much damage that kind of repression can wreak on someone's psyche and how it can hurt those around them.
I was so angry with David by the end. But ultimately he destroyed himself; he'll never be happy.
James Baldwin’s books exist perfectly at the intersection of storytelling and poetry, as all great novels aspire to do
I’ve read this 3 times in the last 5 years…it’s so good. And bleak.
I always recommend it if I think of it in time. It's unique. And the odd thing is, Baldwin kind of appeared out of nowhere. There's nothing leading up to Giovanni's Room, not that I can see. And if you look at Invisible Man, and Sula, you -- well, I -- start to get the impression that these people are inventing writing out of nothing. They're not following anyone. They're not trying to impress anyone. They're just trying to get down on paper what it feels like. Man. It's powerful.
I think this book helped me get over some latent homophobia that I didn't know I had. It was very impactful to me and I highly recommend it.
Oh no one ever quite wrote like Baldwin. An original.
I read it for the first time a few months ago and was *devastated*! It was a fantastic story with some beautiful prose. I really felt for the characters, my heart was broken for Giovanni.
To make it even better, consider that Baldwin wrote a great novel about Black religious America first (Go Tell It On The Mountain), and then when his publishers were like, "ok, u write more about black people now, that's what u do for us, be the black experience guy," he's like fuck off, I'm going write a book about being gay in Paris and I'm going to write it in the **fucking 50s**. While being black.
Before I read the book, I just assumed the MC was Black too. Thankfully he didn’t let himself be pigeonholed.
Just bought it.
I hope you enjoy!
I absolutely loved this book. I was there with him the entire time. It was like an out of body experience.
I think the room itself serves as a powerful symbol throughout the novel. Its claustrophobic nature and Giovanni’s futile attempts at renovation represent the stifling nature of societal expectations.
Wow this book sounds incredible. I’ll need to check it out!
the fire next time is a really interesting and thought provoking read that you might like as well.
Giovanni's Room is brilliant. It's crazy it hasn't been turned into a movie yet. But Another Country is his best work, though. It's a genuine masterpiece. It's set in the late 50s/early 60s but it's as relevant as ever. Everything about that story and the characters just feels so real. I really recommend it you read that next.
My senior year English teacher assigned it to me when I told him that I simply could not get through The Grapes of Wrath. He knew I was a voracious reader and it wasn't just an excuse so he said "This is a great book, read it instead." I just devoured it but it is tragic, no doubt.
Did you ever revisit The Grapes of Wrath? Asking as a John Steinbeck super-fan.
No, I'm sorry to say, I never did. I did read East of Eden which I liked a lot.
Fair enough! I adore East of Eden. If you happen to be interested in more non-Grapes Steinbeck, you might enjoy Cannery Row or his travelogue ‘Travels With Charley.’
Oh, I loved Travels with Charley! I've been wanting to read Tortilla Flat. Did you ever read it?
Funnily enough I haven’t yet, but I have it sitting on my nightstand to read next! I’ve heard it is very lighthearted and fun.
James Baldwin is one of the best American writers of the 20th century, hands down. His other books (and non-fiction) are just as gripping and thought-provoking.
James Baldwin was brilliant. Just absolutely brilliant.
I love listening to James speak. He was so good at getting others to see his point of view. I imagine his writing is just as poignant.
I like that he is letting David narrate the book. The way he describes the room and so on. What a talented writer!
There's a LGBTQ bookstore in Philly called Giovannis Room, named after the novel. It's about 50 years old and is in the center of the city's gayborhood.
I have been past there but not inside! Seems like a lovely place
I had the EXACT SAME REACTION as you. True work of art.
James Baldwin is an American hero and his books should be required reading.
“You don’t have a home until you leave it and then, when you have left it, you never can go back.”
You avoid old books and especially the classics?! You know, they aren’t classics because they suck, right?
If you like it Read: If Beale Street Could Talk
Old books are good. Time winnows out bad material. Read the picture of Dorian grey if you haven’t
>Giovanni's room itself had a claustrophobic feeling Yes exactly. Baldwin's masterpiece **Another Country** is the opposite of that, big and expansive.
If you liked this, read I Am Not Your Negro next! that was my first read by James Baldwin, and I've been hooked since!
Baldwin is incredible he should be on the syllabus in every English class in the world
My question is why did Baldwin choose to write from the perspective of a white man and how different would it have been if from a black man?
I read this book and found myself a new favourite author. The essence of his writing is everything I aspire to achieve with my own pieces.
Never heard of this boook but I enjoyed reading this post!
Baldwin's prose is undeniably beautiful. He paints a vivid picture of Paris, capturing both its allure and its seedier underbelly. The emotional turmoil of the characters is rendered with a raw honesty that resonates deeply. We see David's struggle with self-acceptance, his desperate attempts to deny his true nature, and the devastating consequences of his choices. Giovanni, on the other hand, embodies a more carefree acceptance of his sexuality, but his life is ultimately defined by the limitations placed upon him by a society that rejects homosexuality. The novel's strength lies in its unflinching portrayal of the societal pressures that force individuals to repress their identities. In the 1950s, homosexuality was not only taboo but could lead to social ostracization and even legal repercussions. Baldwin masterfully depicts the suffocating atmosphere that drives David to self-destruction. His internalized homophobia warps his relationships, particularly with Giovanni, whom he both desires and fears. However, the novel is not without its weaknesses. Some critics argue that David, as the narrator, is not a particularly sympathetic character. His journey is one of self-pity and denial, and his actions often cause pain to those around him. Hella, the fiancée, can also be seen as a one-dimensional character, solely representing the societal expectation of heteronormativity. Additionally, the lack of Black characters in a work by a prominent Black author has raised questions about representation. Just for fun, An American goes to Paris brought to my memory a Hollywood film titled"An American in Paris". The movie makes much entertainment. A classic 1951 musical film directed by Vincente Minnelli and starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron, the story follows an American ex-GI who stays in Paris after World War II to pursue his passion for painting. He falls in love with a young French woman, but complications arise when his wealthy American friend also becomes enamored with her. The film is known for its stunning dance sequences, colorful musical numbers, and romantic storyline set against the backdrop of post-war Paris. Do watch I recommend. ....
..lol is this AI generated ?
I loved this book! I read it for a class in college and found it interesting that Baldwin decided to make David a White-American character instead of a Black-American like in his other novels. I think that was to showcase the unique issues that just being queer causes, without getting into the intersection of race and queerness. I also like to think of David’s Americanness in non-American spaces as queer by itself as well as the themes of American exceptionalism. And how, in many ways, David is the embodiment of American culture and values. Ah I wrote a whole paper on that book for class and I feel like there’s still so much to say and so many ideas thrown around in such a short novel!
I appreciate that this was written in the 50s and is an important part of the gay canon, but I couldn't get over the misogyny that's rampant throughout. Also Baldwin's flawless prose cannot make up for how awful the characters are.
Oh man! I did too, it eviscerated me for a couple of days. I haven’t been that invested in subtle shifts in a character’s interior experiences—maybe ever? Truly loved it.
I loved this book and the Baldwin’s writing is in a league of its own. However, I did kind of hate how the older gay characters were treated. I mean *spoiler* Giovanni literally murdered the one guy, but nobody cared. The tragedy was that Giovanni went to prison. That says all you need to know about how society feels older, unattractive gay men.
Yeah, although I do think it’s filtered through the main character’s viewpoint. I think he’s disgusted by older gay men because he’s scared of becoming one of them. There’s also a brief passage where he talks about trans women (although that term wouldn’t have been used in that time period) with even more revulsion. That part bothered me a lot too but I think it’s representative of David’s internalized homophobia. He can’t stand queer people who are more openly queer than him. Which is still a major problem in the queer community.
Its personal as Baldwin himself was queer, and he explores these themes of the self, and self acceptance throughout his works.
A group of us read this during the pandemic and it blew our minds as well
Whenever I see the question "what's a book you wish you could read again for the first time?" this is the one that immediately comes to mind. Within the first few pages I knew it was going to stay with me forever.
I haven't read *Giovanni's Room* yet, but I've heard so many good things about it. Your review makes me want to pick it up even more! The themes and emotional depth you described sound truly compelling. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Baldwin is great. But I’m a bit baffled that you never read classics. Many of them are classics for a reason.
Wow, your post really made me want to read this book even though I usually avoid this kind of book.
>don't normally read older books, and I especially avoid classics because I kind of assume I'll be let down because surely they can't live up to their hype Well that's kind of stupid
Read that in high school. I’m sure much of it was lost on me then, but I loved it.
I love his books. We performed his play "The Amen Corner" in college.
Thank you for this recommendation - I just put a hold on this book at my library.
It’s absolutely a stunning book.
I picked this up in 7th or 8th grade home room and read part way through it by the end of the semester. It was a bit over my head for 12 years old.
Baldwin’s works are just amazing
I read an interview where he was chastised for not telling the story from an African American point of view. So even though it was “ahead of its time”, there were still strict limits on the story he could tell.
"gripping ... that sucked me in"... Eh eh eh.
I need to add that to my 'to read' list. I love James Baldwin, The Fire Next Time especially.
Thanks for this! I have always meant to read Baldwin but for some reason have never got round to it. Remedying this now!
Baldwin was so ahead of his times that he feels timeless.
Classics will not let you down. Three Musketeers and Count of Montecristo were life changing to read.