Go Tell It on the Mountain

Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Addition
Review: I was first turned on to James Baldwin when I read the book "Black Girl In Paris." Afterwards, I began reading other works from Jame Bladwin.
This book was so well written and so realistic in nature. The story line was simple to follow without any dull moments. It's a story of a young man's plight into manhood which made me wish I had read this book when I was a teenager.
This and many of James Baldwin's works are an excellent addition to any literary collection.

Rating:
Summary: A moving account of life in American religion
Review: What a joy it was to have James Baldwin's first novel as my first taste of his literature. I already am looking for "Giovanni's Room". This story provides an in-depth look into the biblical Christianity of African-Americans. African-American Christianity can resonate with what St. Jerome said: "To be ignorant of the Scriptures is to be ignorant of Jesus". But it is also a story of Black history in America. From the dangerous South to the disheartening North, we trace the journey of the Grimes family. Most notable is Baldwin's delineation of conversion: how Gabriel seems to dodge it, and how his stepson, John, wrestles with it. The characters of the story are real! You may know people just like them! Baldwin is keen on the role of one's honesty, and gift of self in the process of coming to Christ. He delineates well the ethos of Black Christianity in this work, which I recommend highly.

Rating:
Summary: Fluff readers beware
Review: If you are a reader of fluff literature only, then GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN will not appeal to you at all. This book marks a journey, and not just a journey for its main character, 14-year-old John Grimes. It is also a journey for the author. Baldwin said before he could write anything else, he had to write GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN. The Odyssey that John Grimes embarks on towards manhood, towards his religious development, and yes, towards his own sexuality, is mirrored very succinctly within the life of Baldwin. Anyone who reads this as purely a religious conversion is missing the point. In my opinion, this novel is less about John's discovery of God, and more about his discovery of himself.

Rating:
Summary: A True Landmark
Review: As an author with my debut novel in its initial release, I hope to one day write a book with the depth of James Baldwin's GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN. We all have dreams, and that dream is one of mine. GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN is a multi-layered novel dealing with the African-American experience during and after the massive migration of African-Americans from the rural south to the urban north. He has fully fleshed-out characters, a sophisticated plot, and a narrative vocie perfectly suited to his subject matter. Seldom has a better book been written. If you haven't read this novel several times, get to work.

Rating:
Summary: Just not my type of thing
Review: I think the book was written well and it's interesting how it skips through time, but the story just isn't good. It's difficult to relate to if you were never oppressed and have little faith. There doesn't seem to be much substance. It's overly psychological with not enough physical events or dialogue. The main problem for me was that I didn't care about the protagonist. The fact that I don't believe in the whole salvation thing made it really difficult for me to enjoy the last segment. After all, it was the climax. I actually liked John more before he was saved. I was able to identify with his angst. It's hard to go by what I say, because I'm a sci-fi fan.

Rating:
Summary: James Baldwin Wins Again
Review: As I have said in previos reviews of James Baldwin's works this yet another masterpiece. All I can say is read all the books written by James Baldwin. You will fall in love with him as I have. Few writers are his equal, and none are his superior.

Rating:
Summary: Two thumbs up?
Review: I find it humorous to read all of these reviews and decided to add my tid bit of info. I find Baldwins work in Go Tell It on the Mountain totally directed toward the Christian. Unless you have a superior understanding of his literature, this book is frankly boring.

Rating:
Summary: not his beat work
Review: i thought this was one of Mr. Baldwin worst works. It was vary hard to read and to follow.

Rating:
Summary: Amazing on every level!
Review: Now this is a book to read! Well written with rich characters with places to go. Compelling, emotional, moving. Baldwin captures a time in a timeless style. A thought-provoking read. This is what a book was meant to be. James Baldwin's best.

Rating:
Summary: An American Classic
Review: I recently had to read this book for my college African-American lit. class. I didn't think at first that I would be able to relate to the work (being a white boy from the rural South), but I found a wonderful truth in this novel. The overall message about religion and hypocricy was universal. Baldwin is a wonderful author and now I can't wait to read some of his other works.