Going To Meet the Man

Available for the first time on audio, Baldwin's 1965 short story collection is timeless in its treatment of youthful innocence, prejudice, addiction, loneliness, fear, and human suffering. "Rockpile" and "The Outing" will seem familiar to those acquainted with his first novel, Go Tell It on the Mountain; the third story, "Man Child," features a very chilling ending that will catch them off guard. The four subsequent tales—"Previous Condition," "Sonny's Blues," "This Morning, This Evening, So Soon," and "Come Out the Wilderness"—return listeners to a more familiar world with elements of frustration, anger, loneliness, and the desire for love. But the most resonant story by far is the final, titular one, which contains graphic descriptions of a lynching and is a catalyst for strong emotions. Actor/Audie Award winner Dion Graham (see Behind the Mike, LJ 11/1/09) is masterly in his rending of the vast array of characters in these eight disparate tales. Highly recommended for all audiences.—Valerie Piechocki, Prince George's Cty. Memorial Lib., Largo, MD