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Seriously, you’re probably not reading this gem.
I’m an avid reader. Since I’m also a writer, it’s imperative that I read a lot as well. It was my original goal to read a book every week this year. I won’t quite make that goal, but I’ll be very close to it by the end of the year – almost 40 books. Not too shabby, right?
Out of all of the books I’ve read this year, I can honestly say the book I just finished is the best one – James by Percival Everett. It’s a masterful retelling of the Huckleberry Finn tale but the main character is Slave Jim.
What I love especially about this book is the way Jim code-switches. He speaks like an uneducated slave when he’s around the white folk, but speaks perfect English and clarity when he’s around his family and other slaves. It sheds light on how Black people act even in this day – we speak a certain way around our kinfolk, but be ‘on code’ around the white folks.
I love how this book really just spoke to me in so many ways about the struggles Black Americans have with putting on an act but also staying true to ourselves for our protection. I was a bit more emotional than I thought I would be.
Despite it being over 300 pages, it really is a quick read and you’ll be hooked from the first page. I highly, HIGHLY recommend it!!!
Have you read James? What did you think? Sound off in the comments! 🙂
