
The Fire Next Time
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Narrated by:
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Jesse L. Martin
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By:
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James Baldwin
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • The book that galvanized the nation, gave voice to the emerging civil rights movement in the 1960s—and still lights the way to understanding race in America today. • “The finest essay I’ve ever read.” —Ta-Nehisi Coates
At once a powerful evocation of James Baldwin’s early life in Harlem and a disturbing examination of the consequences of racial injustice, the book is an intensely personal and provocative document from the iconic author of If Beale Street Could Talk and Go Tell It on the Mountain. It consists of two “letters,” written on the occasion of the centennial of the Emancipation Proclamation, that exhort Americans, both black and white, to attack the terrible legacy of racism.
Described by The New York Times Book Review as “sermon, ultimatum, confession, deposition, testament, and chronicle … all presented in searing, brilliant prose,” The Fire Next Time stands as a classic of literature.
©1962 James Baldwin (P)2008 BBC Audiobooks AmericaListeners also enjoyed...




















Critic reviews
"One of the few genuinely indispensable American writers." ( Saturday Review
"Anguished...stabbing...a final plea and warning...to end the racial nightmare." ( Newsweek)
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prophetic
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I'd implore white people to read/listen and take it as a challenge. (In contrast to White people, the former being merely phenotypical description which nonetheless affords privilege, the latter being an overt racial identification, unnecessary for any purpose but to express superiority, and whose adherents need much greater psychic healing). Mr. Baldwin effectively takes to task the fragility of American (read: White) history, in power, sexuality and notions of freedom. But he simultaneously eviscerates the alternative presented by the Nation of Islam, which he essentially dissects and reveals as merely a cynical mirror image of the society at large. A similar surgical critique is needed in white circles. Because, although the author truthfully states, Black people in America know much more about white people than vice versa, neither can give freedom to the other, they must find it for themselves. And here Mr. Baldwin has given a gift to white people, and to White people, if they are willing to listen. A gift of the offer to introspection of your beliefs and what your country believes. I can only hope 60 years on has helped open people's eyes. As Bob Dylan wrote, around the same time as this essay, "How many times can a man turn his head and pretend that he just doesn't see?"
Beautiful and powerful
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You must be ready!
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What did you love best about The Fire Next Time?
Baldwin's accurate description of the US, his vulnerability and understanding of the world. He's able to succinctly and clearly communicate his ideas. Many writers lack this.What was one of the most memorable moments of The Fire Next Time?
Baldwin's analysis of religion. On a grand scale as well as his take on the nexus of Christianity and the African American experience.What about Jesse L. Martin’s performance did you like?
His performance did not get in the way. It may have subtly enhanced the message.What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?
Many people have the intelligence to question things. Few people have the courage to question taboo areas such as religion. Baldwin had both, in a time that was not conducive his positions. To arrive, he underwent a spiritual journey in the truest sense.Classic
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Powerful
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True then, truer now
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brilliant
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Powerful insight!
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Excellent Read
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Incredible writing, all too truthful story
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