Summary Notes of a Native Son is a collection of ten essays by the legendary writer and critic James Baldwin. Born in poverty in 1924, Baldwin would escape into books and writing. He was raised by a preacher and started writing quite young; his early experiences in church left an indelible mark on his writing style for the rest of his life.
The contents of the essays vary widely. Some are extended thoughts on a book or a movie, while others recount an event experienced personally. They are complex and emotional.
Thoughts
The writing throughout this book is incredible. My enjoyment of the essays varied from essay to essay, but the writing was always impeccable. The titular essay “Notes of a Native Son” was far and away my favorite entry. Clear and moving, Baldwin analyzed his own experience of attending his father’s funeral. Having recently done the same, there were many thoughts and emotions that were instantly relatable. Baldwin refused to become the kind of pastor his dad wanted, but he still ended up becoming a Jeremiah of sorts.