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Deacon King Kong
384 pages, 2020
In September 1969, a fumbling, cranky old church deacon known as Sportcoat shuffles into the courtyard of the Cause Houses housing project in south Brooklyn, pulls a .38 from his pocket, and, in front of everybody, shoots the project’s drug dealer at point-blank range.
The reasons for this desperate burst of violence and the consequences that spring from it lie at the heart of Deacon King Kong, James McBride’s funny, moving novel and his first since his National Book Award–winning The Good Lord Bird.
In Deacon King Kong, McBride brings to vivid life the people affected by the shooting: the victim, the African-American and Latinx residents who witnessed it, the white neighbors, the local cops assigned to investigate, the members of the Five Ends Baptist Church where Sportcoat was a deacon, the neighborhood’s Italian mobsters, and Sportcoat himself.
As the story deepens, it becomes clear that the lives of the characters—caught in the tumultuous swirl of 1960s New York—overlap in unexpected ways. When the truth does emerge, McBride shows us that not all secrets are meant to be hidden, that the best way to grow is to face change without fear, and that the seeds of love lie in hope and compassion.
Bringing to these pages both his masterly storytelling skills and his abiding faith in humanity, James McBride has written a novel every bit as involving as The Good Lord Bird and as emotionally honest as The Color of Water. Told with insight and wit, Deacon King Kong demonstrates that love and faith live in all of us.
Deacon King Kong by James McBride explores the strength and resilience of a community. Despite the challenges they face, the characters in the book show us that unity and mutual support can help overcome even the toughest obstacles. It's a great reminder to value and nurture the relationships we have with those around us.
The book shows us that it's never too late to change. The main character, Sportcoat, is a perfect example of this. Despite his struggles with alcoholism, he manages to find redemption and a second chance at life. It's a powerful message that encourages us to never give up on ourselves or others.
McBride's book makes us think about the impact of our choices. Every decision we make, big or small, can have far-reaching consequences. It's a call to be more mindful of our actions and to take responsibility for their outcomes.
Faith plays a significant role in Deacon King Kong. It's not just about religious faith, but also faith in oneself and in others. This book encourages us to have faith in our abilities and to believe in the goodness of people, even when things seem bleak.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this book is its exploration of human nature. Through the characters and their interactions, we get to see the complexities of human emotions and motivations. It's a great book to dig into if you're interested in understanding more about what makes us tick.
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Deacon King Kong by James McBride is a book that I found profoundly moving. It's a story about the power of community and the human spirit.
Barack Obama - 44th U.S. PresidentJames McBride's Deacon King Kong is a masterful piece of storytelling. It's a book that speaks to the heart and soul of humanity.
Oprah Winfrey - Media ExecutiveDeacon King Kong is a brilliant exploration of history and race. James McBride's storytelling is unparalleled.
Ta-Nehisi Coates - Author, JournalistJames McBride's Deacon King Kong is a triumph. It's a book that is both deeply moving and incredibly insightful.
Elizabeth Gilbert - Novelist, BiographerDeacon King Kong is a masterpiece. James McBride's storytelling is a testament to the power of the written word.
Stephen King - Horror Fiction Author