Going to Meet the Man: Stories

"Going to Meet the Man" is a compelling anthology of eight short stories by renowned author James Baldwin that delves deep into the harrowing effects of racism on both its victims and perpetrators. Published on April 25, 1995, the collection showcases Baldwin's exquisite narrative prowess as he explores the psychological and societal impacts of racial injustice through vivid, emotionally charged storytelling. Each story unveils the desperate measures individuals take to cope with their circumstances, from a jazz pianist using heroin to numb his pain to a father's corrosive piety shaped by his son's illegitimacy, and a deputy's bigotry rooted in traumatic childhood memories. Ideal for high school readers, this anthology not only enriches understanding of America's racial tensions but also encourages deep reflection on personal and collective identities in the face of adversity. Engaging and profound, "Going to Meet the Man" is a critical exploration of the enduring scars left by racism and a testament to Baldwin's legacy as a pivotal voice in the fight for racial justice.