There's been renewed interest in James Baldwin over the past few years, partly because of the film "I Am Not Your Negro" and partly because his essays about race in America are as relevant, if not more, as when they were written. Baldwin was the rare writer who excelled at both fiction ("Go Tell It On the Mountain," "Giovanni's Room") and essays, the most famous of which is "The Fire Next Time." His voice in these essays is sharp, articulate, quietly angry, and uncompromising about the racial tensions he saw in this country. This collection touches on his biography (the title essay), the protest novel, his experiences in France, where he moved, and the film "Carmen Jones." If you haven't read anything by him, now's a great time to start. Introduction by author Edward P. Jones ("The Known World").

Notes of a Native son was a reading assignment for class, it wasn't overly interesting, but definitely not the most boring school-assignment book. We only read the "Note Of A Native Son" essay section. I really liked its clear and inspiring message.

- Mary, age 16

wonderful writing and a sensitive portrayal of feelings of a black american