Rating: 
Summary: Baldwin is beautiful!
Review: There isn't enough that I can say about "If Beale Street Could Talk." It was one of the most captivating, loving, and pure novels ever written. I was moved by the love of Tish and Fonny, how their love grew naturally from childhood and blossomed into adulthood. That love transcends the prison which Fonny can't escape; that same love will set him free. I also appreciated the strong bond of Tish's family and Fonny's father, who work tirelessly to help this young man out of prison. It's refreshing to see a Black family come together in a dire time of need. This was a excellent novel for all Black readers and especially for all others who want to understand the Black experience.
Rating:
Summary: A Powerful Combination of Strength and Love
Review: When Michael Ondaatje spoke of author James Baldwin, he responded, "If Van-Gogh was our 19th-cetury artist saint, James Baldwin is our 20th century one". This statement is clearly evident in Baldwin's novel If Beale Street Could Talk, a masterpiece that will move readers in more ways than one. In the story, we are introduced to Fonny & Tish. They are a young couple, in love and looking toward marriage and building a life together; Tish is also expecting their first child. When Fonny is arrested and jailed for a serious crime, instead of waiting Tish fights for Fonny's release. She is also determined to deliver the child that is a symbol of their love and from beginning to end; we see the power of love and the realities of life that even today is an absolute truth. With many twists and turns, If Beale Could Talk is an emotionally charged masterpiece with honest themes and characters that are relatable. James Baldwin is truly an author who has made a mark and this is one literary work that is truly recommended---for all the literary world. Reviewed by Kanika (Nika) Wade
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
Rating: 
Summary: I liked it-- but I'm hoping this isn't Baldwin's best novel.
Review: You know, I'll just say it up front: I expected better. I was set up. Having previously read Baldwin's short story, "Sonny's Blues", I thought that I would find more of those deeply moving characteristics in Baldwin's novel, "If Beale Street Could Talk". But it didn't pan out that way. See for yourself! Give yourself an hour to soak up the richness of "Sonny's Blues"-- the deeply convincing character of Sonny, his life & passion for jazz music-- and compare that with Fonny and his hobby wood & stone carving. The latter character portrayal is much less convincing, as so I felt about the book as a whole. It felt too... forced. Maybe the relative youth of Fonny & Tish was the source of shallowness I experienced while reading Beale Street, but in any case I didn't find myself gripped & moved by the story-- like I did while reading "Sonny's Blues".
Enough with the critical comparisons; I still felt the theme of racial injustice, and the desperate efforts of the two families against near-impossible odds within the then-existing legal system. I did find myself hoping with the families as the conclusion neared. I give the book three stars-- perhaps closer to a three & a half star vote.
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