Rating: 
Summary: Where There's Smoke There's Sure To Be Fire!
Review: Perhaps the most significant indictment on racism in America written in the twentieth century, The Fire Next time ignites the mind and soul, causing the reader, whether black or white to reexamine the state of human relations in this country. With the intensity of a million flames and the insight of a prophet, Baldwin details the struggles faced by African Americans (American Negroes then) in a culture that has brutalized, vilified, and rendered us powerless. His insight into the white psyche and its dehumanizing effect on African Americans is frightening and yet as real today as it was in 1962 when this essay was published. How unnerving it was to read this book in 1999 and be faced with the realization that some 37 years later we as a nation are no closer to bridging the racial divide in this country. I particularly applaud Baldwin for his eloquent discussion of what must be done, by both black and white America to release this country from the shackles that prevent us truly becoming the greatest nation on earth (in deed, not just rhetoric). I highly recommend this book as a must read for the country. In 1962, Baldwin's level of candor may have been somewhat off-putting to white America (the government considered him a Communist), for the truth can be an awfully bitter pill to swallow. Still, it's my hope that at that some point, white America will reckon with their own physiological, spiritual and political ills. Until then, African Americans must continue to hold a mirror before the face of injustice of this nation, while struggling to claim a place in a country that seems dead set on keeping us a drift.
Rating: 
Summary: Scorching!
Review: This book is powerful and unsettling at the same time. But that's a good thing, that's just what America needs, a sharp wake up call to the realities and horrors of racism. James Baldwin's commentary on race relations in America rings truer now than when first published. What he says may sound militant, but his words of wisdom coupled with his observations speak volumes. He doesn't just voice his ideas and then leave the reader hanging, no, he offers suggestions about problems that have to be resolved and realities that need to be faced before this country can move forward as a truly United States of America. James Baldwin stands out not only as a superb writer but also as a contemporary philosopher. I would recommend this book along with Mr. Baldwin's fictional masterpieces, "Giovanni's Room" and "Another Country" as a means of discovering this mans exceptional talent.
Rating:
Summary: This Book Will Open Your Eyes
Review: This book was written during the civil rights movement and dealt with the issue of race in America. Through Baldwin's efforts, I feel that the black community made tremendous strides in seeing who they really were. Blacks during this time were taught to be ashamed of who they were but Baldwin taught them to embrace the heritage and to love being black. Along with other civil rights leaders Baldwin preached the belief to love your enemy. Baldwin left behind a blueprint for future generations of what can happen if one race ignores another race's needs and the chaos that can emerge from the ignorance.
Rating:
Summary: Baldwin-deep thinker
Review: This book would be an excellent choice for required reading for High School juniors and seniors. It deals with the real issue of race in a responsible, intelligent manner, in a way that is easily understood, yet not simplistic. We get enough cut-and-dried morality thrown at us, as well as much pathetically vague garbage about "tolerance", but not many people in primary public education deal with the main issues straight on. Baldwin views things in terms of the long-haul, but warns that things cannot remain as they are without serious repercussions. In a time when black youths have less and less to look to in the mainstream, I think it would be a great move to get this book put into the public High School curricula.
Rating:
Summary: A Roadmap of Sorts!
Review: This is a fine essay. Within the comprehension of a clever reader, the content can be an informative guide to warn one of previous and current obstacles which may prove daunting. One may have to go a considerable distance on his path to really relate to the essay, whereas a certain understanding may be easily found. Personally, I find the book fascinating on its own account without any social implications whatever. Certainly, similar social issues prevail in almost every culture so the book should not specifically regard only the culture from which it comes, but many more indeed. It is not angry or critical, but objective and resourceful. Whereas it may not take a great scholar to understand the pages, it takes a certain understanding of the world to relate to them. It takes humanity! I recommend it highly!
Rating:
Summary: A Roadmap of Sorts!
Review: This is a fine essay. Within the comprehension of a clever reader, the content can be an informative guide to warn one of previous and current obstacles which may prove daunting. One may have to go a considerable distance on his path to really relate to the essay, whereas a certain understanding may be easily found. Personally, I find the book fascinating on its own account without any social implications whatever. Certainly, similar social issues prevail in almost every culture so the book should not specifically regard only the culture from which it comes, but many more indeed. It is not angry or critical, but objective and resourceful. Whereas it may not take a great scholar to understand the pages, it takes a certain understanding of the world to relate to them. It takes humanity! I recommend it highly!
Rating:
Summary: The Color Barrier Bible
Review: This is the best book I have read concerning the color barrier. If you have not read this piece literature then you are missing out. Baldwin outlined his experiences, and unfortunately, in my read, gave a pessimistic viewpoint of society. After reading "The Fire Next Time" one can only agree with him. I also enjoyed "Nobody Knows My Name"
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