{BWF and Steeplechase] If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin 5 stars

[Sue]

Amazing and stark look at life for a black family in 1970s New York.

Tish and Fonny have know each other all their lives. They are now young adults about to get married and start a life together. Fonny is arrested for a crime he didn't commit, and both families set out to clear his name.

Very well written but also heartbreaking.

BWF for "I" - Sassy Sisterhood
Steeplechase for "race"

[Robin P]

I had never read Baldwin until about a year ago, I picked up Giovanni's Room. It's also sad but so beautifully written and so ahead of its time. After that I read several of his shorter books but haven't gotten to this one yet. There was a movie or TV version a few years ago which got great reviews.

[Sue]

This was my first Baldwin book, and I'm definitely adding more to my TBR.

Someone here on PBT mentioned in a review that James McBride's writing is very similar to Baldwin's. I've really enjoyed McBride's books, and I think it's a good comparison.

[Hannah]

I've not read many by Baldwin, but I really liked this book, and I would also recommend The Fire Next Time.

[NancyJ]

I think this might be his most romantic book. I liked it too.

I read it the same year I read An American Marriage, which I also liked.