Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.
James Baldwin was a man beyond his time.
Summary - Begin Again (2020) looks back at the incomparable work of the writer James Baldwin, who spent decades dissecting America’s fundamental racism problem. His ideas may provide insights for us today, so Begin Again seeks to answer the question: What advice would Baldwin have on issues like Trumpism or Black Lives Matter?
The author, Eddie S. Glaude Jr. did an absolutely phenomenal job deconstructing and analyzing Baldwin’s work and wisdom in a way that answers many of today’s questions that are all too similar to the 1960s through Regean’s time in office. The parallels to Trump’s time in office is astounding. After reading a lot of nonfiction books for my # group this one had a different feel, it felt scholarly without being complicated or complex - I highly recommend it! And you do not have to have read all of Baldwin’s work to understand and appreciate this book, I’ve only read one (so far).
I watched a zoom with author Rashid Khalidi this week and he said something that will always stick with me: “The best way to arm yourself, is to inform yourself.” And books like this one do just that.
What was the last nonfiction book that blew you away?
*The pretzel is from Trader Joe’s and it was absolutely delicious - highly recommend.
Find Begin Again at the publisher →
Toni Rocchetti is a copy editor helping authors strengthen their narratives, deepen character arcs, and find the story that is already in the draft. She reads 80+ books a year across literary fiction, memoir, and nonfiction — and writes about what she is learning along the way. Work with Toni →
