This is my all-time favorite book. I return to it again and again and my paperback copy from the 1960s has grown a bit tattered.
Baldwin’s compassion, intelligence, and sheer presence stalk through every word and phrase. This book is a must read for everyone living in the United States, period. It is also an important read for anyone interested in topics of justice, race, sexuality, and passion.
Baldwin is one of the great thinkers of the 20th century. His work stands the test of time, mostly because we have yet to learn the lessons he tried to impart.
This is a lush book about interlocking worlds. It allows the reader to dive into the variegated life of top chef Marcus Samuelsson, experiencing the sights and sounds of Gothenburg, Adis Ababa, and New York City.
It’s an excellent read for creatives. As a writer, I appreciated the descriptions of FOOD, meaning: taste, texture, smell. Also, the sheer focus on the work and joy of CRAFT, shows how all of life’s experiences are necessary to feed our creative pursuits.
A voracious reader since age five, I now read as many different types of books as possible. My return to writing fiction has expanded the breadth of what I read. I now study everything: non-fiction (political theory, philosophy, religion, memoir…), literary fiction, science fiction, fantasy, romance, mystery, and the occasional thriller. Books I Like will be a monthly take on what I’m reading lately, or books that have stayed with me for years. I’ll review two books in a linked genre or theme each month.
Please don’t send books for review. I have plenty on my stack.