Review: 'The Fire Next Time' by James Baldwin

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

'The Fire Next Time' by James Baldwin, 106 pages - Instagram @c_reads_books

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The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin gives a voice to the civil rights movement as it was emerging in the early 1960s. It consists of two letters written for the centennial of the Emancipation Proclamation. Through the recollection of personal experiences and advice to his nephew, Baldwin calls for Americans, both black and white, to learn from the horrific legacy of racism in hopes of putting an end to its destructive reign in society.

I really loved this short book. Baldwin is extremely eloquent and powerful in his writing and message. His message is sadly as relevant and important to be heard as ever. I say sadly because it is truly devastating that a half a century after having been written, the racism discussed in this book is still not resolved. Something I love about reading is getting the ability to hear different people’s stories and gain a more diverse and holistic perspective on life and the world, which The Fire Next Time definitely contributes to. Overall, I am very glad I read this book, and I recommend it to everyone!