Debra Timothy

Baldwin is one of the greatest authors of all time. I started reading him when I was still a child in Guyana and was mesmerized by his style. As a teenager, after coming to the U.S., I read Sonny's Blues but could not quite get the message, I was not ready. I read it again just last year and this book is filled with every emotion and every nuance of emotion that any person, especially a black or person of color can imagine. I was assaulted by moments fear, washed with waves of wonder, and finally gripped by intense sadness and awakened by understanding. I came to know the plight of every young black and gifted man or woman in these United States of America and my heart broke for us. I love you James Baldwin! I loved you as a child and I love you today.