James (pulitzer prize for fiction 2025) Paperback – October 7, 2024

An absolute pleasure. Hard to put down. Heart warming and beautifully written. I won't forget this wonderful story and the special bond between Jim and Huck.

We read this for our church book study and found so much to talk about that we discussed it for 3 weeks! There is so much in this book - the historical setting and connection to Twain's "Huck Finn" make it an enjoyable read. The events in the book, especially in the second half, make it a challenging read - not because of the literacy level, but because of the subject matter. I read through tears more often than expected, and my heart ached at Katie's story. This book gave us so much to talk about, not just in the story itself, but in how it relates to current events and today's society. We spent so much time discussing code-switching in the first session, that we had no choice but to plan another discussion. That one became mostly about identity and perception, and the third session was to hit all the other topics (as much as we could in 2 hours anyway). It was interesting that Jim is really anti-religion, but his views and experiences prompted our church ladies to have an engaging conversation about our own religious views and the history of the Black church, particularly in regards to the history of our own church denomination (like many, they were unaware of this history prior to this study - assumed our denomination had always been white and diversity is relatively new). For readers of a sensitive nature, there is some violence and disturbing content, but it is authentic to the time period in which this novel is set. We can't truly become better people until we face the awful things in our past and learn from it, move on from it and do better.

Percival Everett's James follows Jim, who, along with Huck Finn, embarks on a journey down the Mississippi River. Jim is fleeing slavery, while Huck is escaping his abusive father while remaining loyal to his friend.The narrative powerfully conveys the dehumanizing reality of slavery: the constant threat of being bought and sold, the relentless pursuit, the denial of identity and rights, arbitrary violence, sexual assault, and the forced separation of families. The book poignantly illustrates the racism of the south that stripped enslaved individuals of their humanity.Spoiler alert but not shared: A surprising plot twist added an unexpected layer to the story and the author’s message.While well-written and a relatively quick read, some sections, particularly the extended chase sequences, felt somewhat slow and simplistic.I will be more intrigued by Everett’s potential sequel to James. If written, it will be fascinating to learn what becomes of Jim and his family during the Civil War and then Reconstruction. How does this educated former slave rebuild his life after escaping the South's oppressive system? Now free, what social barriers, prejudices, and hardships do he and his family encounter as they strive for a better future for themselves and their descendants? This is an underrepresented narrative in much of today’s writing on this subject, and I believe Everett could tell it compellingly.This is the second book I've read by Percival Everett. His novel Erasure was a five-star masterpiece. James, while different, was surprising to me based on my experience with Erasure but James was certainly thought-provoking."You can see by my review, I was captured by Jim, the main character. What is to become of this man and his family?

An interesting and exciting book! An interesting twist to an age old story, great character development and setting. Definitely worth reading.

It's difficult to put into words the best aspects of this book. I don't typically read fiction and I only barely remember The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. But this was an interesting and creative reimagining of the story. And in some ways the mask that the author reveals provides too much clarity for a society that mostly doesn't realize such masks are even needed. The code switching is maybe more clever than creative, but enjoyable to read just the same. Mostly, I'd say I'm grateful this book exists and it is most definitely worth reading.

It had me at the first chapter, a must read. Well written, entertaining while still thought provoking.

I finished the novel "James" yesterday. It is a powerful story about the horrors of American slavery AND the importance of family. Instead of "Jim" in "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" or "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn", two novels that I hated, "James" tells his own story. There is a wonderful twist on language and vernacular. The novel contains numerous tragic moments and incidents. I never knew where the story was going or the way it would it. Yes, I laughed. Yes, I was shocked and surprised. I recommend this book highly.

I had intended to read James over the next week, just in time for my book club meeting, but I could not put it down, reading it in one day. This novel has so many layers, I will probably read it again. The evolution of Jim into James is unavoidable as each step of courage leads to the next. Fascinating to see the world from his point of view. Compelling characters, unpredictable plot twists, and readable slave lingo. Highly recommended reading.