84 pages • 2 hours read
James BaldwinGo Tell It on the Mountain
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1953A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin centers on John Grimes, a teenager in 1930s Harlem, as he navigates familial expectations and personal struggles with religion, sexuality, and racial identity on his 14th birthday. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of John and his family, revealing their complexities and the impact of Gabriel's stern and abusive behavior on each of them. The book involves themes of abuse, infidelity, and systemic racism.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
James Baldwin's Go Tell It on the Mountain is lauded for its evocative prose and profound exploration of race, religion, and identity. Readers highlight its emotional depth and complex characters. However, some critique its non-linear narrative and dense writing style as challenging. Overall, Baldwin's debut novel is celebrated for its literary and cultural significance.
Who Should Read Go Tell It on the Mountain?
A reader who would enjoy Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin is likely drawn to deeply emotional narratives, nuanced explorations of identity, and themes of religion and family dynamics. Fans of Richard Wright's Native Son or Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man will appreciate Baldwin's profound social commentary and expressive prose.
Recommended
Reading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
970LBook Details
Auto/Biographical Fiction
American Literature
Historical Fiction
Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality
Identity: Race
Identity: Sexuality
Love / Sexuality
Religion / Spirituality
Race / Racism