Notes of a Native Son

By: James Baldwin

Narrated by: Ron Butler

Length: 5 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

At last, a new audio edition of the book many have called James Baldwin's most influential work!

Written during the 1940s and early 1950s, when Baldwin was only in his 20s, the essays collected in Notes of a Native Son capture a view of Black life and Black thought at the dawn of the civil rights movement and as the movement slowly gained strength through the words of one of the most captivating essayists and foremost intellectuals of that era. Writing as an artist, activist, and social critic, Baldwin probes the complex condition of being Black in America. With a keen eye, he examines everything from the significance of the protest novel to the motives and circumstances of the many Black expatriates of the time, from his home in "The Harlem Ghetto" to a sobering "Journey to Atlanta."

Notes of a Native Son inaugurated Baldwin as one of the leading interpreters of the dramatic social changes erupting in the United States in the 20th century, and many of his observations have proven almost prophetic. His criticism on topics such as the paternalism of White progressives or on his own friend Richard Wright's work is pointed and unabashed. He was also one of the few writing on race at the time who addressed the issue with a powerful mixture of outrage at the gross physical and political violence against Black citizens and measured understanding of their oppressors, which helped awaken a White audience to the injustices under their noses. Naturally, this combination of brazen criticism and unconventional empathy for White readers won Baldwin as much condemnation as praise.

Notesis the book that established Baldwin's voice as a social critic, and it remains one of his most admired works. The essays collected here create a cohesive sketch of Black America and reveal an intimate portrait of Baldwin's own search for identity as an artist, as a Black man, and as an American.

©2012 James Baldwin (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Excellent narrative of African American experience

Most still don't get it today, as a African American, there are times when I hate this American society.

Greatly informative

this book is able to give an accurate account of the African American experience. he was truly one of the best authors of all time.

enlightening

this is one author I would love to have a drink with. open, honest, matter of fact. makes it so much easier to see life through another perspective.

Amazingly insightful!

A very intelligent and articulate writer. A STRONGLY recommended read for all seeking to understand the American phenomenon.

Perspective shifting

Few books books provide perspectives compelling enough or persuasive enough to alter your own. Multiple portions of this book possess such power

Wow

Every person should read this. That this man can recognize the brutality of hate is a gift that we white folk don’t deserve. The goodness of his message doesn’t vindicate white people. It condemns us. Time we showed some love to those who have so long put up with our hate.

Native Son

I liked a lot in the book but the narrator made it hard to listen and retain the information. I really wish it was narrated by someone else

Required Reading

James Baldwin's Native Son should be required reading for all people. Astute observations, eye-opening, food for serious thought that could help Americans become colorblind and live in harmony.

Enlightening and memorable

Quiet enjoyable listening. Educational and enlightening read. would definately reccomend reading and sharing with others

Brilliant essays

James Baldwin's essays are wonderful, and still quite to the point today--the narrator so-so.