Go Tell It on the Mountain

By James Baldwin,

Book cover of Go Tell It on the Mountain

Book description

'Go back to where you started, or as far back as you can, examine all of it, travel your road again and tell the truth about it. Sing or shout or testify or keep it to yourself: but know whence you came.'

Originally published in 1953, Go Tell it on…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked Go Tell It on the Mountain as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I recommend this book because James Baldwin’s brilliant voice and profound writing explore the intersection of personal truths and deeply held beliefs. Baldwin masterfully captures the youth and naivety of John Grimes as he wrestles with sexuality, faith, and the pervasive racism of his time.

This book brilliantly brings these struggles to life while showcasing Baldwin’s gift for conveying complex emotions and societal pressures with intimacy and precision. 

From S.'s list on exploring crises of faith.

I only recently started to read James Baldwin and am blown away by his intensity and poetic language. In this first novel he describes the world of his childhood in Harlem, NY. It is American identity, history, and passion, it´s a portrait of a young man as well of the wounds of slavery hurting in every individual born into the American system. And it’s a beautiful story.

From Elisabeth's list on memory and oblivion.

Want books like Go Tell It on the Mountain?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Go Tell It on the Mountain.

Browse books like Go Tell It on the Mountain

Book cover of Circe
Book cover of The Handmaid's Tale
Book cover of Life of Pi

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,172

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in African-American men, New York State, and African Americans?

New York State 562 books
African Americans 808 books