James McBride

James McBride, a National Book Award-winning author and musician, shares insights from his latest biography on James Brown. He discusses the challenges of capturing accurate details through research while juggling personal commitments as a single father. McBride emphasizes the discipline of rewriting and the need for intrinsic motivation over external validation. The conversation also touches on the impactful role of writers during wartime, reflecting on the deeper fulfillment that comes from a career in both literature and music.

The final episode of Book Exploder is with author James McBride. He was born in New York City and raised in Brooklyn’s Red Hook Houses housing projects until the age of seven. That housing project became the setting for his novel, Deacon King Kong. In 2015, President Obama awarded him with the National Humanities Medal, and in 2021, Deacon King Kong won the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction. Deacon King Kong tells of the upending of a Brooklyn neighborhood, after a young drug dealer is shot in broad daylight by a deacon known to everyone as Sportcoat. In his conversation with Susan, James discusses a passage from the book’s opening, which takes place in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. For more, visit bookexploder.com/episodes/james-mcbride.

In this enlightening conversation, celebrated authors Sue Monk Kidd, James McBride, Kate DiCamillo, and Ann Patchett explore the transformative power of storytelling. Kidd reflects on reclaiming voice amidst societal constraints, while McBride connects music and writing as paths to self-discovery. DiCamillo shares insights on the delicate balance of joy and sorrow in children's literature, and Patchett discusses the fulfillment of storytelling within community engagement. Together, they inspire listeners to embrace authenticity and the empathy woven through their narratives.

James McBride, an acclaimed author known for transformative works like The Color of Water, shares his journey from journalism to fiction. He reflects on how laughter shaped his childhood community and how humor plays a vital role in addressing serious topics. McBride discusses the inspiration behind his latest novel, The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, drawing from personal experiences in working with children with disabilities. He emphasizes the deep connections storytelling fosters and the influence of music on his creative process.

James McBride, bestselling author and National Book Award winner, discusses eschewing literary fame, his friendship with Spike Lee, and his latest novel. They explore the importance of leaving a writer's legacy, the challenges and rewards of being a writer, and the writing process. They also discuss an upcoming book tour and express gratitude and future plans for the Heaven and Earth Grocery Store.