#3230

Mentioned in 13 episodes

Giovanni's Room

Book • 1956

Published in 1956, 'Giovanni's Room' is a groundbreaking novel by James Baldwin that delves into the life of David, a young American expatriate in Paris.

David is caught between his desire for Giovanni, an Italian bartender, and his engagement to Hella, an American woman.

The novel explores themes of love, shame, guilt, and the internal conflicts that arise from societal expectations and personal identity.

As David navigates his relationships and grapples with his sexuality, the story unfolds into a tragic confrontation with the consequences of his choices and the unspoken complexities of the human heart.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 13 episodes

Mentioned by

Anna Corinne

as a book she is currently reading and would put on a favorites list.

46 snips

35. Your Life Is Not An Optimization Problem | Q&A

Recommended by

Alex Hardiman

for its lyrical beauty and exploration of the human soul.

41 snips

An inside look at how the New York Times builds product | Alex Hardiman (CPO at The New York Times)

Mentioned by

Zadie Smith

as an example of a brave book that took risks against the grain of the political moment.

18 snips

Zadie Smith–How to Be Free

Recommended by

Anna Corinne

as a classic novel that confronts shame and the complicated ways that shame can make you hate yourself.

17 snips

42. The BEST books and essays I Read in 2025!

Mentioned by

Annie Hartnett

in reference to the James Baldwin library at McDowell.

15 snips

Writing a Voicey Novel

Mentioned by

Kelsey McKinney

as a beautiful piece of art.

15 snips

Holiday Bonus: Caked Up Spirit of Christmas

Mentioned by Bill Mullen as an extraordinary second novel of James Baldwin about a gay male relationship, set in Paris.

Bill V. Mullen, "James Baldwin: Living in Fire" (Pluto Press, 2019)

Mentioned by Nicholas Boggs, quoting James Baldwin on why he wrote it, saying he wouldn't have been able to write again without it.

A new James Baldwin biography asks how the writer’s lovers might’ve shaped him

Mentioned by

Holly Fry

as one of Baldwin's works

SYMHC Classics: James Baldwin

Mentioned by

Colm Tóibín

as a novel exploring themes of failure to love.

661 James Baldwin (with Colm Tóibín)

Mentioned by

B.A. Parker

as one of the books featured in the NPR series 'Books We've Loved'.

How 'The Joy Luck Club' highlighted the complicated dynamics of immigrant families

Mentioned by

Alexandra Schwartz

as one of the most complex texts on American life in Paris.

Les Américains à Paris

Mentioned by

Jason Blitman

as a short book he read for his friend's book club, which he found to be really special.

What Are You Reading? with Brad Summerville (@bradboughtabook)

Mentioned by

Bill V. Mullen

as Baldwin's second novel he writes while he's in Paris about a gay male relationship.

Bill V. Mullen, "James Baldwin: Living in Fire" (Pluto Press, 2019)

Mentioned by Bill Mullen as Baldwin's second novel set in Paris about a gay male relationship.

Bill V. Mullen, "James Baldwin: Living in Fire" (Pluto Press, 2019)

Mentioned by

Eddie Hood

as a heartbreaking novel exploring themes of identity and self-discovery.

11 Books for a Year of Deep Reading | EP 100

Mentioned as a quintessential James Baldwin book, praised for its literary significance and compelling narrative.

Revisiting ‘Giovanni's Room’

Mentioned by

Nicole Richie

, describing it as a heartbreaking and beautiful story set in France that evokes isolation and love.

Nicole Richie and Cleo Wade: How to Unlock Your Growth, Live Intentionally & Find Your Alignment

Mentioned by

Sienna Greaves

as a novel considered revolutionary for its portrayal of gay love.

The Cultural Frontline: James Baldwin centenary

Genoemd door

Raoul de Jong

als een van zijn favoriete boeken, gelezen tijdens een reis naar Milaan en als bevestiging van zijn toenmalige levensstijl.

1e uur: rare wezens in Middeleeuwen-game; wapenstilstand Israël; James Baldwin in Parijs 19-01-2025

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