The Devil Finds Work: An Essay (Vintage International)

One of the best books I have ever read. Buy the hardcover though

James Baldwin is a profound and formidable writer; creative artist, advocate, activist, and prophet. Anything he writes is compelling and creates a cathartic moment which inspires his readers. "The Devil finds Work" is fresh and engaging. Please read the words of Baldwin.

One of the preeminent writers of the Harlem Renaissance and Black literature in general, this was my first foray into James Baldwin territory. Occasionally, people laud over certain people because they produce a lot as opposed to producing productive work. Now I understand Mr. Baldwin's acclaim and celebration. He is a genius! And I truly enjoyed how he intertwines anecdotes from his personal life into breaking down the impact of media images on our consciousness. His work was so poignant in my life that it prompted me to name my media analysis blog after this books namesake. Mr. Baldwin has earned rightful earned his reputation as one of the greatest writers of his time and beyond.

An interesting and insightful view of racism in older movies . FYI--Historical commentary as opposed to contemporary film criticism.

This is, once again with Baldwin, an eye-opening, thought stimulating, emotion-driving book. What more can one say in the face of such eloquence and deep insight? He writes our collective pain and folly better than anyone. What a missed opportunity for the US not to have followed his lead decades ago.

Excellent deep analysis of what persons who are not in the majority of Americans, gleans from Hollywood movies. His analysis of Hollywood films, indicates the hidden intent of those films. For persons of color, those films are toxic to their self-esteem. A book that every American could deepen their understanding of how and for whom, the American culture favors and positions for success.

This is a short read, but keep in mind it is a critical essay on certain classic movies. Baldwin gives a non bias sharp approach to each and every venue. It is a masterpiece and should be read as such.

This is bright light, beaming into some of the most hidden places in America and American history with supreme personal honesty and recall. For anyone who takes film seriously as a - potentially - civilizing medium, this book is incandescent.

I'm halfway through this and savouring it, like rich chocolate. I love what James Baldwin says, and how he says it - even when he upsets me with a brutal truth. My first Baldwin book was "The Fire Next Time" - so he sets a pretty high bar for his writing. This is a series of essays about 'modern' cinema, the portrayal of black characters and how the subtext reflects the state of things in American race relations since slavery - but think "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner", "In The Heat of The Night", etc. moving, enlightening, and maddening in places. Highly recommended

Profound