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The Fire Next Time cover art

The Fire Next Time

Written by: James Baldwin
Narrated by: Jesse L. Martin
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Publisher's Summary

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 America

What the critics say

"Searing...brilliant...masterful." ( The New York Times)
"One of the few genuinely indispensable American writers." ( Saturday Review
"Anguished...stabbing...a final plea and warning...to end the racial nightmare." ( Newsweek)

What listeners say about The Fire Next Time

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I had to listen to it a few times

You have to listen to it a few times at least because every line is so curated that you miss things if you're not paying attention. Awesome book

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4 people found this helpful

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Empowering and Insightful

James Baldwin is always engaging and knowledgable. This is well worth listening to. I will be going over there a read again. Possibly a third time too. Much to take in; also, his words are as relevant today as they was back in 1963.

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2 people found this helpful

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Brilliant

This is an crucial text to read if you are living in either the USA or Canada. a text by a brilliant man, narrated brilliantly.

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A Must Read

This non fiction by James Baldwin constructs an intimate expose of the severe limitations and political-spiritual choices of Black America in the 1960’s. This prescient document reflects America’s racist underpinnings and sets down what needs to be accepted, addressed and changed in order to avoid complete social collapse.

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Eloquence

Wow. This book was amazing. He has a way of expressing himself and describing things that enables you to visualize and relate. The words were so moving and thought provoking. Many times while listening I said “hmm” when I was jarred to pay stronger attention by an amazing observation. I’m so glad I bought this book. The narrator did a great job,

A lot of his observations still hold true today.
Wow!

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Still relevant in 2022: enlightening and thought full and provoking

Excellent listen!

Although I do not agree with the understanding of the History of Christianity ( it is not a white man religion, but rather another exemple of cultural appropriation for oppression as Christianity is an Eastern religion from the Middle East) agree with most of the arguments of Mr. Baldwin that race is a political construct, that white supremacy is the sign of inferiority complex and a manifestation of self-hate and self ignorance, meaning that in order to live and accept himself, the white supremacist must debase the black person. Truly a sad state and I can only play for self love and acceptance of such individuals, to be set free from such a miserable state of mind. Ultimately we are all God’s children and made in his image. Only by truly embracing that truth shall we live together in love, harmony and acceptance, first of self and then of others.
One can dream! And like Baldwin concludes, black history has shown the impossible to be possible!
Peace 🫶🏾

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Great read

Loved the reality in this book. Great read I encourage every Black person to read.

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a must read

as relevant today as it was 60 years ago. it's beautifully narrated and beautifully written.

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The African American Experience Eloquently

I appreciated the eloquence of Baldwin. His insights, at this point in history, Baldwin's writing makes me realize that the fight for social justice is relevant today as it did then. This is a call for unceasing action; an call for systemic change.

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Black intellectualism

Absolute wonderful book - a short read. Poignant and on point for 2020 - black lives matter.

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