CDMA
asked:
I own both "Native Son" and his memoir, "Black Boy." Maybe this is a non-sequitur for a question due to the fact that it's all subjective, but I always appreciate an opinion or two. Should I read "Native Son" first, or should I go ahead and start the memoir? What do you guys and gals think?
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Binta Anderson
I'd start with Native Son, as it might give you insight of the author was going through in a fictional setting.
Jeanette
I'm several months late to respond, but I agree with Binta and Joyce. Read Native Son first. Native Son inspired me to read Black Boy, a book I'd otherwise not have picked up. I've selected Native Son for my library's book club August selection.
Joyce
I'd start with Native Son.
Forked Radish
I would read Native Son first. When in doubt, go in the chronological order of publication.
Cathy Sargent
Both books were required reading while attending graduate school: a masters degree in counseling...We were required to compare these books to "Moby Dick" and "The Wizard of Oz": there is no place like home...but that home is often split up like the whale into body parts: body, mind, soul split.. The Whale was broken down into skin for spectacles and lamp shades and oil for lamps...Both Black Boy and Bigger Thomas reflects back a culture that is split up..body/mind/ soul by a materialistic society of the dominant culture..The White American Dream did not include blacks. And a man can starve for meaning more than a piece of bread.
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