Questions About If Beale Street Could Talk (Vintage International)

by James Baldwin

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Answered Questions (11)

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Thinking about adding this book to my TBR stack. My interest is especially peaked because it's now a well received movie. What were your thoughts on the book?

Tweetybird It's worth reading the book, if only to be made aware of how little has changed (in the USA especially) for people of colour. So... very depressing fr…moreIt's worth reading the book, if only to be made aware of how little has changed (in the USA especially) for people of colour. So... very depressing from that perspective. But the tenacity of spirit shown by Fonnie & his father, Tish & her family, and some of the other characters is very inspiring. What I don't understand is why this, and other such novels written by African American authors, isn't required reading in senior year in high schools in [North] America, same as "To Kill A Mockingbird". Just to give the teenagers a taste of real life, before they have to live in it themselves. ~Diana K.(less)

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Kasandra After finding out that Tish was pregnant, her family was very supportive, however, Fonny's family was not so accepting. His mother raged with anger, "…moreAfter finding out that Tish was pregnant, her family was very supportive, however, Fonny's family was not so accepting. His mother raged with anger, "you have a demon in you" (74), saying that she didn't want anything to do with the baby. The only physical fighting that was done was Mr. Hunt hitting Mrs. Hunt for saying all the cruel things about the baby. When leaving Ernestine sarcastically threatened Mrs. Hunt and her daughters, she angrily tells them," if you ever come near this house gain in life, I will kill you" (79) . (less)

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Would this book be appropriate to offer to my diverse middle school students? Would parents be upset if they saw their kid reading it? I read it and think it is very important, but not sure if I should take the liberty to have it on the bookshelf in my classroom (not an assignment, just available as voluntary reading).

Judy Patterson Both the foul language and sex scenes would not be appropiate..

…moreBoth the foul language and sex scenes would not be appropiate..

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Does anyone else think the ending was strange, and felt rushed?

Lmarie P I did. I have only read a few of Baldwin's other books but the ending on this one, seemed to me, to be a departure for him. It made me wonder why - di…moreI did. I have only read a few of Baldwin's other books but the ending on this one, seemed to me, to be a departure for him. It made me wonder why - did he not finish the book or was this the ending he chose? I agree that the outcome was not the point, explaining the cryptic nature of the ending. Still it was so very abrupt. (less)

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Unanswered Questions (2)

Explain the ending, please?

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