Encounters with James Baldwin: Celebrating 100 years

by Lindsay Barrett, Paterson Joseph, Tade Thompson

Genres: Queer, Essays

224 pages, Paperback

Published August 3, 2024

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a joy this book is, a fabulous collection of poems, interviews, think pieces and cultural commentary, all marking and celebrating the life and work of James Baldwin. One to dip in and out of, rather than read all the way through, you need time to fully absorb what each writer has to say and process the new perspectives on Baldwin. Wonderful.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting hearing different people's views on Baldwin. At times you think it will be dated, by the 'current events' mentioned however as Baldwin said 'History is not our past it is our present'.

[Tessa1316 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this.

This is a book that I might never had heard of nor picked up if it wasn’t for the exposure from NetGalley. And it would have been such a shame if I had missed this book. Having only read one book so far (Giovanni’s Room) and only having known bits and pieces of Baldwin’s life this was such a treasure trove of information.
Maybe, if you are already very familiar with Baldwin, this won’t be as eye-opening as it was for me.
That doesn’t mean, however, that this book isn’t worth a read.

So many different people in this book comment on Baldwin and what he meant and still means to them. Both in a context of the past and the present. What most of the stories have in common is that Baldwin (either in person or through his works) found them at a younger age; at a library, café or through someone they care about and has never left them.

James Arthur Baldwin (or King James as he was referred to in one of the stories) has left a huge legacy behind for many more generations to be inspired by and this collection proves it.

[Frances Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

As other reviewers have said, this is a book to dip in and out of rather than read in one go, and for me personally, it was also one of those books where you need to pause after each text to just absorb it or maybe let it absorb you. It's a really clever idea for a book - gathering work, accounts, essays, quotes from others about one person - that I'm surprised it hasn't been done more often. It felt like reading a biography at times, flicking through a photo album too, and like discussing an old friend at others. All in all, it is essential reading for those who care about Black lives, futures and freedoms.Needless to say, the book is packed full of memorable quotes and I'm tempted to get a paperback copy and give one of my highlighters the workout of its life. If you have ever felt remotely moved by James Baldwin and his work, I highly, highly recommend this collection. Also, everyone should have a copy of the photo of Baldwin and Nina Simone saved somewhere so they can open it regularly and feel the Black joy radiating from their smiles and souls.

[Amanda Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book did what I hoped it would: it gave me a strong introduction to James Baldwin through the eyes of several artists who have been impacted by Baldwin and his works, directly or indirectly, and now I want to read everything James Baldwin has ever written.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous collection of essays, memoirs, poems, and photographs from a variety of artists on their memories or impressions of James Baldwin. This is a can't miss book. I feel much smarter from reading it. #EncounterswithJamesBaldwin #NetGalley

[Jenny Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and deep...looking at the legacy and relevance of the incredible James Baldwin.

[Farah Mendlesohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely collection of mostly British tributes.

[gaverne Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baldwin makes me proud. This book only deepened the pride.