Tuesday, January 12, 2021

A James Baldwin Yearning

Last summer I decided to read more books by Black authors. One who I admire (mostly based on a biography, YouTube videos of him, and the 2016 film I Am Not Your Negro) is James Baldwin. But I have never read any of his books. I want to rectify that.

Then earlier this month I saw that poet Michelle R. Smith is leading a year-long class on Baldwin's work for Literary Cleveland. I wanted to sign up. But looking at my calendar I realized I already have commitments on several of the Saturday afternoons when it happens.

However, I still want to participate in my own way. So though I won't be part of the class I did recently procure three volumes of Baldwin's work (pictured) and, beginning today, will be reading along with their schedule. First up: Go Tell It on the Mountain.

3 comments:

  1. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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  2. Maybe you can contact the class instructor and see if they can either record the sessions or discuss the classes you miss?

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    1. Good idea. I would love if they're recorded. One of the sessions is the day my daughter's wedding is scheduled. One is when I'm supposed to be in Connecticut for the National Beat Poetry Festival. (But who knows what the Covid situation will be in the fall and whether of those events will go as planned?) I've already missed the first class, though I'm very glad I read Go Tell It on the Mountain.

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