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The Word: Black Writers Talk About the Transformative Power of Reading and Writing
Critically acclaimed Black writers reveal how books have shaped their personal lives—in often unexpected ways.
In these thirteen strikingly candid interviews, bestselling authors, winners of the Pulitzer Prize, and writers picked by Oprah’s Book Club discuss how the acts of reading and writing have deeply affected their lives by expanding the conceptual borders of their communities and broadening their sense of self.
Edwidge Danticat movingly recounts the first time she encountered a Black character in a book and how this changed her worldview forever; Edward P. Jones speaks openly about being raised by an illiterate mother; J. California Cooper discusses the spiritual sources of her literary inspiration; Nathan McCall explains how reading saved his life while in prison; Pearl Cleage muses eloquently about how other people’s stories help one make one’s own way in the world; and world-renowned historian John Hope Franklin—in one of the last interviews he gave before his death—touchingly recalls his childhood in the segregated South and how reading opened his mind to life’s greater possibilities.
The stories that emerge from these in-depth interviews not only provide an important record of the creative life of leading Black writers but also explore the vast cultural and spiritual benefits of reading and writing, and they support the growing initiative to encourage people to read as both a passion and a pastime.
In these thirteen strikingly candid interviews, bestselling authors, winners of the Pulitzer Prize, and writers picked by Oprah’s Book Club discuss how the acts of reading and writing have deeply affected their lives by expanding the conceptual borders of their communities and broadening their sense of self.
Edwidge Danticat movingly recounts the first time she encountered a Black character in a book and how this changed her worldview forever; Edward P. Jones speaks openly about being raised by an illiterate mother; J. California Cooper discusses the spiritual sources of her literary inspiration; Nathan McCall explains how reading saved his life while in prison; Pearl Cleage muses eloquently about how other people’s stories help one make one’s own way in the world; and world-renowned historian John Hope Franklin—in one of the last interviews he gave before his death—touchingly recalls his childhood in the segregated South and how reading opened his mind to life’s greater possibilities.
The stories that emerge from these in-depth interviews not only provide an important record of the creative life of leading Black writers but also explore the vast cultural and spiritual benefits of reading and writing, and they support the growing initiative to encourage people to read as both a passion and a pastime.
228 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
9 people are currently reading
453 people want to read
About the author
Marita Golden
30 books159 followersMarita Golden (born April 28, 1950) is an award-winning novelist, nonfiction writer, distinguished teacher of writing and co-founder of the Hurston/Wright Foundation, a national organization that serves as a resource center for African-American writers.
(from Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 29, 2013
“The symbiotic relationship between reading and writing is a cornerstone of our individual intellectual journeys and our educational system. We write as an act of self-expression. We read because language renders unto us the vitality of real and imagined experience.” - Marita Golden
An excellent book, a collection of 13 (14 if you count the editor’s) interviews of prolific black (African-American, African and Caribbean) writers, men and women whose writing covers a wide range (poetry, fiction, non-fiction, plays). I had only heard of six of the writers (and have read only Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Mat Johnson and Edwidge Danticat) but every single interview in this book inspired me and got me thinking about what roles reading and writing play in my life and can play in my life in the future. Additionally, due to the favourite books of the writers included at the end of each chapter, I now have more books to add to my to-read list.
The questions asked by Golden, the editor, to the writers were very thoughtful and lead to quite instructive information. An important theme in this collection was representation. I think it may be hard for people who have never had to search for their likeness in literature to understand, but for all the black writers featured in this book, finding someone like them represented in a book was a turning point in their lives. I remember the first time I encountered a black character, one who was well-developed and wasn’t just there as a token, was when I was around 9 years old and encountered an African boy called Akimbo in one of Alexander McCall-Smith’s children books. Seeing myself, or at least someone similar to me, represented in literature was honestly an event.
This book definitely inspired to continue with my writing endeavours. It’s sometimes hard to know whether it’s worth it but I think reading this book convinced me that it was, even if it’s just for the following reason :
“A writer can kind of be an inward-looking psychiatrist, almost, trying to go back, trying to assess the damage, trying to look for the light at the end of the tunnel.“- Wil Haygood
An excellent book, a collection of 13 (14 if you count the editor’s) interviews of prolific black (African-American, African and Caribbean) writers, men and women whose writing covers a wide range (poetry, fiction, non-fiction, plays). I had only heard of six of the writers (and have read only Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Mat Johnson and Edwidge Danticat) but every single interview in this book inspired me and got me thinking about what roles reading and writing play in my life and can play in my life in the future. Additionally, due to the favourite books of the writers included at the end of each chapter, I now have more books to add to my to-read list.
The questions asked by Golden, the editor, to the writers were very thoughtful and lead to quite instructive information. An important theme in this collection was representation. I think it may be hard for people who have never had to search for their likeness in literature to understand, but for all the black writers featured in this book, finding someone like them represented in a book was a turning point in their lives. I remember the first time I encountered a black character, one who was well-developed and wasn’t just there as a token, was when I was around 9 years old and encountered an African boy called Akimbo in one of Alexander McCall-Smith’s children books. Seeing myself, or at least someone similar to me, represented in literature was honestly an event.
This book definitely inspired to continue with my writing endeavours. It’s sometimes hard to know whether it’s worth it but I think reading this book convinced me that it was, even if it’s just for the following reason :
“A writer can kind of be an inward-looking psychiatrist, almost, trying to go back, trying to assess the damage, trying to look for the light at the end of the tunnel.“- Wil Haygood
December 8, 2019
This is an excellent book to get insight on what writing means to some fantastic black authors. Very inspiring! It's nice to see what books these authors recommend. So happy I picked this one up!
November 22, 2020
This book came out in 2011, but I just discovered it. Hallelujah!
Book lover, esteemed author and editor of several books, educator, and co-founder of the [Zora Neale Hurston]Hurston/[Richard] Wright Foundation---Marita Golden is the interviewer and editor of this collection of 13 writers from the African diaspora talking about how reading and writing have impacted their lives. (In the introduction Marita Golden writes about her own background as a reader and writer, and shares her list of influential books, so you’re actually getting 14 perspectives---not just 13). Most of the writers are African American, some of mixed heritage, one is Nigerian, and another, Haitian. Some are historians and journalists, while others have written plays, fiction, memoir, and poetry. I love the diversity represented, here. I wasn’t familiar with four of the writers, so I look forward to reading their work in the future.
Each writer’s section opens with their photograph and closes with a list of their book recommendations---and their lists are as diverse as they are! (However, Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon was recommended by three different writers; Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishmentand Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart are mentioned by two). I was very moved and inspired by this book.
Before [the late] Don Cornelius brought "Soul Train" to the masses, many of us in the black community had never seen the most of our favorite singers and musical groups on television because “mainstream” programs weren’t hip to them or they weren’t invited for other reasons....This book fills a similar void, in that, while many of these writers have published extensively, they haven’t often been included in anthologies of writer conversations/interviews.
Similarly, I was reminded that it wasn’t that long ago people could complete K-12, earn a college degree, and be considered “educated” without having ever read anything by or about non-white people!
Book lover, esteemed author and editor of several books, educator, and co-founder of the [Zora Neale Hurston]Hurston/[Richard] Wright Foundation---Marita Golden is the interviewer and editor of this collection of 13 writers from the African diaspora talking about how reading and writing have impacted their lives. (In the introduction Marita Golden writes about her own background as a reader and writer, and shares her list of influential books, so you’re actually getting 14 perspectives---not just 13). Most of the writers are African American, some of mixed heritage, one is Nigerian, and another, Haitian. Some are historians and journalists, while others have written plays, fiction, memoir, and poetry. I love the diversity represented, here. I wasn’t familiar with four of the writers, so I look forward to reading their work in the future.
Each writer’s section opens with their photograph and closes with a list of their book recommendations---and their lists are as diverse as they are! (However, Toni Morrison’s Song of Solomon was recommended by three different writers; Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishmentand Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart are mentioned by two). I was very moved and inspired by this book.
Before [the late] Don Cornelius brought "Soul Train" to the masses, many of us in the black community had never seen the most of our favorite singers and musical groups on television because “mainstream” programs weren’t hip to them or they weren’t invited for other reasons....This book fills a similar void, in that, while many of these writers have published extensively, they haven’t often been included in anthologies of writer conversations/interviews.
Similarly, I was reminded that it wasn’t that long ago people could complete K-12, earn a college degree, and be considered “educated” without having ever read anything by or about non-white people!
February 27, 2013
A great book for readers and writers alike. If you want to be inspired to write, listen to some of these great writers. And if you want to be inspired to read, hear what these authors say about the power of reading. I thank Ms. Golden for crafting such a book. To hear such writers talk about the transformative power of reading, and the inspirations they received from the printed word is refreshing. Im sure as you read through the interviews some of the responses will mirror the average readers beliefs in terms of what reading can do for a life. For book lovers I'm sure you will be inspired. Great book to give to those who need stirring concerning books and reading.
"Under slavery it was illegal to teach Blacks how to read, and whites considered literate Blacks subversive and dangerous."
"....just as their ancestors died for the right to vote, they sometimes died for the right to read."
"A library is a constellation of possibilities."
Those are quotes from the introduction and give you a window into Marita's aim for this book.
"Under slavery it was illegal to teach Blacks how to read, and whites considered literate Blacks subversive and dangerous."
"....just as their ancestors died for the right to vote, they sometimes died for the right to read."
"A library is a constellation of possibilities."
Those are quotes from the introduction and give you a window into Marita's aim for this book.
April 6, 2019
Absolutely one of the best inspirational books about writers that I've read. My TBR list grew by about 15 books while reading this. Reading and writing have always been the biggest part of my life so to read that it was the biggest part of these writers' lives made me feel like I found my tribe. I read this book in one sitting, alone in my bed, but I didn't feel alone at all. It's like I was at a writer's conference sitting in on an informal panel discussion talking about this writing life.
Amazing read. I know I'll be reading this one over and over again. Whether or not you read or write, you want to read this book.
Amazing read. I know I'll be reading this one over and over again. Whether or not you read or write, you want to read this book.
January 29, 2014
The interview format in this book made it a pleasure to read. The dominating thought while reading this book was 'If it makes you happy, do it.' I have been extremely critical of myself. Over-analyzing is a repeated barrier in taking a hold of life. Instead of enjoying these journeys, I've always questioned myself 'Why do I love to read so much?' and 'Why should a begin writing?' Golden's interviewees have implied that these activities can expand the human soul and enhance all that you're doing. That should be reason enough!
July 19, 2011
This is a great read with some of my favorite writers and journalists, including Edward P. Jones and Wil Haygood. It's great to hear them talk about the importance of reading and writing, either in tandem or just for the sake of loving the written word. My favorite thing about picking this up was that I stumbled across it at the library, and almost all of the writers mention their love for libraries, which they talk about as sacred spaces. The chapters end with great book recommendations, too.
May 30, 2021
Summary: Interviews with notable Black writers about formative influences on their reading and writing, significant books and their particular writing callings.
This is a wonderful gateway book into the world of Black authors. Marita Golden engages in interviews with some of the foremost black authors filled with discussion of books that influenced their lives and of the books they have written. Each interview concludes with the interviewed author’s recommended books.
As if this were not enough, this is a work on reading and writing and the integral relation between the two. In many cases, parents were a significant influence in fostering a love of reading through reading aloud, through having books in the home and encouraging regular trips to the library. Columbus native Wil Haygood said, “I read my way into opportunity. The more I read, the more I realized the world was big and I could find a place in it.”
That was not always the case. Nathan McCall did not read until he went to prison and discovered Richard Wright on the prison book cart. He said:
“I had never been pulled into a book like that before. It just made me cry. I remember I finished it at about three o’clock in the morning and I was just weeping. After I read [Native Son] it was like, damn, I didn’t know somebody had written something like this” (p. 114).
He went on to read Malcolm X, Eldridge Cleaver, and George Jackson among others and started thinking about his own life and began writing down his thoughts in a notebook, the beginning of his life as a writer.
In the case of Edwidge Danticat, it was reading Ludwig Bemelmans Madeline that opened her eyes to the possibility of telling stories by writing them down. For Chimamanda N. Adichie, it was the experience of reading Chinua Achebe that opened her mind to the possibility of being a Nigerian writer. In fact, for so many, it was the model of another Black writer, of many Black writers that gave them the courage to write as well as expanding their cultural literacy and vision of the world.
For some, a book set them directly on their own writing career as was the case with David Levering Lewis, who has written Pulitzer Prize winning works on W. E. B. DuBois. Reading The Souls of Black Folk was transformative for him. J. California Cooper, the playwright, spoke of how Isaac Bashevis Singer taught him how to “take life and make it a great story.” We also learn about the journeys of these writers in becoming writers and some of their process, such as young Wil Haygood working for a pittance at the Columbus Call and Post and discovering how much he loved journalistic writing.
What all seem to agree upon is the importance of reading and books to enriching one’s writing life and that the two are inextricably bound together. This leads to a discussion in the book about the purported decline in reading, which Golden asks about in her interviews. While some decry this, some question whether younger readers are reading in different ways or simply have yet to find the books that answer to them. Nikki Giovanni presents the counterfactual that kids wanted to read the Harry Potter books (and at one point her own) so badly that they stole them if they couldn’t afford to buy them.
Book lovers love talking about or even overhearing conversations about books and how writers come to write the books we love. Reading this book is to overhear thirteen rich conversations that speak of the transformative power of both reading and writing. I will conclude by leaving you with this gem from Edwidge Danticat:
“Reading is important–although we can so easily go into platitudes here–because it expands your mind, your life. It extends your world. It’s traveling without a passport. I feel like there are people in my life I will never know as well as the people in the books that I’ve read. I believe that it’s the duty of every truly free citizen to read, especially to read beyond your borders, to read and read extensively. Writing is our footmark in the world. We’re still looking at cave writings of centuries ago and are asking, what are they saying? It’s one of the most important gifts we leave the world” (p. 72)
This is a wonderful gateway book into the world of Black authors. Marita Golden engages in interviews with some of the foremost black authors filled with discussion of books that influenced their lives and of the books they have written. Each interview concludes with the interviewed author’s recommended books.
As if this were not enough, this is a work on reading and writing and the integral relation between the two. In many cases, parents were a significant influence in fostering a love of reading through reading aloud, through having books in the home and encouraging regular trips to the library. Columbus native Wil Haygood said, “I read my way into opportunity. The more I read, the more I realized the world was big and I could find a place in it.”
That was not always the case. Nathan McCall did not read until he went to prison and discovered Richard Wright on the prison book cart. He said:
“I had never been pulled into a book like that before. It just made me cry. I remember I finished it at about three o’clock in the morning and I was just weeping. After I read [Native Son] it was like, damn, I didn’t know somebody had written something like this” (p. 114).
He went on to read Malcolm X, Eldridge Cleaver, and George Jackson among others and started thinking about his own life and began writing down his thoughts in a notebook, the beginning of his life as a writer.
In the case of Edwidge Danticat, it was reading Ludwig Bemelmans Madeline that opened her eyes to the possibility of telling stories by writing them down. For Chimamanda N. Adichie, it was the experience of reading Chinua Achebe that opened her mind to the possibility of being a Nigerian writer. In fact, for so many, it was the model of another Black writer, of many Black writers that gave them the courage to write as well as expanding their cultural literacy and vision of the world.
For some, a book set them directly on their own writing career as was the case with David Levering Lewis, who has written Pulitzer Prize winning works on W. E. B. DuBois. Reading The Souls of Black Folk was transformative for him. J. California Cooper, the playwright, spoke of how Isaac Bashevis Singer taught him how to “take life and make it a great story.” We also learn about the journeys of these writers in becoming writers and some of their process, such as young Wil Haygood working for a pittance at the Columbus Call and Post and discovering how much he loved journalistic writing.
What all seem to agree upon is the importance of reading and books to enriching one’s writing life and that the two are inextricably bound together. This leads to a discussion in the book about the purported decline in reading, which Golden asks about in her interviews. While some decry this, some question whether younger readers are reading in different ways or simply have yet to find the books that answer to them. Nikki Giovanni presents the counterfactual that kids wanted to read the Harry Potter books (and at one point her own) so badly that they stole them if they couldn’t afford to buy them.
Book lovers love talking about or even overhearing conversations about books and how writers come to write the books we love. Reading this book is to overhear thirteen rich conversations that speak of the transformative power of both reading and writing. I will conclude by leaving you with this gem from Edwidge Danticat:
“Reading is important–although we can so easily go into platitudes here–because it expands your mind, your life. It extends your world. It’s traveling without a passport. I feel like there are people in my life I will never know as well as the people in the books that I’ve read. I believe that it’s the duty of every truly free citizen to read, especially to read beyond your borders, to read and read extensively. Writing is our footmark in the world. We’re still looking at cave writings of centuries ago and are asking, what are they saying? It’s one of the most important gifts we leave the world” (p. 72)
June 10, 2018
The reading life is a purposeful journey. I just finished The Word, Black Writers Talk About the Transformative Power of Reading and Writing by Marita Golden. The book comprises three parts: Reading Beyond Borders, Reading for the Mind and Reading for the Soul.
Many good quotes fill this book! Some thoughts I highlighted addressed the intellectual challenge —a meaningful reading experience requires reflection and deep thought. Others spoke of empowerment. Reading helps people find where they belong in a big world, develop empathy, and enter places outside themselves.
I enjoyed the diverse voices in these selections. More than one writer noted that despite our differences, taking pleasure in reading unites people in ways that build peace and understanding. Challenging yourself to read as widely as these writers did, mostly from a young age, can lead to constructive conversations and productive lives. An inspirational, satisfying read.
Many good quotes fill this book! Some thoughts I highlighted addressed the intellectual challenge —a meaningful reading experience requires reflection and deep thought. Others spoke of empowerment. Reading helps people find where they belong in a big world, develop empathy, and enter places outside themselves.
I enjoyed the diverse voices in these selections. More than one writer noted that despite our differences, taking pleasure in reading unites people in ways that build peace and understanding. Challenging yourself to read as widely as these writers did, mostly from a young age, can lead to constructive conversations and productive lives. An inspirational, satisfying read.
July 3, 2021
I'll have to buy this book. This proves a book that requires frequent reference. No one pulled short. Every interview delivered pleasure and yet I wanted more. I felt a fervent connection to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. It relieved me when she told of her parents' easy acceptance of her choice to pursue writing. I'll have to read Purple Hibiscus, that novel intrigues me. I adore how Pearl Cleage disclosed that "there is always a love story (85)" in her books. We need black people in love with each other.
This book needs to circulate more.
This book needs to circulate more.
January 9, 2012
I could not stop reading this book. The power of the written word, as discussed by some of the leading Black fiction and non-fiction writers, including Nikki Giovanni and the late John Hope Franklin. I felt like it was my story being told-their love of books, libraries, the written word, the drive and *need* to read. It was refreshing. I am definitely passing this book along-it needs to be widely read.
September 5, 2015
The Word is an excellent book that provides valuable information from the persepctives of various Black writers about the significance of reading and writing; and how writers help teach and shape world history and culture. It's inspirtational as much as it is informative and as someone that has finally decided to pursue my gift of writing professionally, I am encouraged. Writers and bookworms every where will find enjoyment in reading this book.
January 14, 2011
I loved the title because it attests to a recent transformation I experienced through reading and writing. Once I got a copy of the book I was completely in love. The interviews give access to some of my favorite writers and sometimes I felt like I was sitting there with them. I loved the Q&A format for its quickness and convenience.
June 16, 2011
Excellent collection of contemporary writers who share insights into their writing life. Quite a few of them came to love reading (and writing)not as children, but a bit later. A variety of backgrounds--some came from homes with books and stimulation--and others found it outside of the home. Golden usually holds interviews either in their homes or nearby and each one is a gem.
November 13, 2013
Truly inspirational! A wealth of knowledge and a list of books to add to my readings.
July 21, 2015
Words are there to remind us
It is inspiring to better understand the hold that reading has on many accomplished writers--writers who see the world through a lens similar to mine.
It is inspiring to better understand the hold that reading has on many accomplished writers--writers who see the world through a lens similar to mine.
October 21, 2015
Interesting interviews and great reading suggestions. My "To be read" list has definitely grown :)
January 3, 2020
In The Word, Marita Golden has managed to capture the essence and spirit of reading and writing from the voice of several literary giants. This is a book you want to have and hold. As a writer and voracious reader I didn’t want the journey this book gave me to end.
Some of my favorite interviews were from Nathan McCall, J. California Cooper, Nikki Giovanni, Edwidge Danticat and Mat Johnson.
Every part of me loved every fiber of this book.
Is is a ode to the black reader and a gem for the black writer.
Some of my favorite interviews were from Nathan McCall, J. California Cooper, Nikki Giovanni, Edwidge Danticat and Mat Johnson.
Every part of me loved every fiber of this book.
Is is a ode to the black reader and a gem for the black writer.
July 10, 2024
Although, this was published in 2011, I wasn’t even word this book until very recently. Marita Holden interview thirteen black authors and poets.
They don’t only discuss their own books but how and why reading and writing had had such a profound affect on them. The interviews become stories of the authors person and creative life. It defines how profound the world of literature can be and encourages us to both write and to read
They don’t only discuss their own books but how and why reading and writing had had such a profound affect on them. The interviews become stories of the authors person and creative life. It defines how profound the world of literature can be and encourages us to both write and to read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2020
Prepare to increase your future reading list while reading this book. Each writer gives their unique experience writing and their influences. After each interview, the writer provides book recommendations.
February 7, 2020
I may purchase a copy of THE WORD for future reference. I particularly like the short list of books to read that each author provides. If you're looking for an introduction to the works of contemporary black writers (up to 2011), this volume is a great place to begin.
Want to read
December 10, 2019Sooooo Id really like this book for Xmas.
March 4, 2020
This book was such an education. I lost count of how many times I stopped to write something down or research an author and/or book I hadn't heard of before. So glad I read this book.
April 9, 2024
Necessary!!!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews