The last several posts have been all non-fiction books about politics or current events. It’s what I lean toward so it makes sense. That being said, it’s worth noting that fiction can be extremely political. Hell, in 2025 – reading anything is political.
So let’s talk fiction. Enter James, by Percival Everett.
Every once in a while, I’ll see a book recommended everywhere. All the socials? Check. Bookish friends? Check. Every time I go into a bookstore? Check.
James is one of those books. The universe has been telling me for a hot minute to read this book. And I totally understand why. Also, thanks universe!
I went into James not knowing what it was about, surprisingly enough. Which I also kind of loved that for me.
James is a re-imagining of Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, but told from the perspective of the enslaved Jim. The characters we already know – well for those of us who read the book in schools – this is true. Many of Mark Twain’s book are on the banned list; so I’m sure it’s not being read in schools anymore.
One of the first things you’ll notice is the code-switching. Code switching is common practice among most people. For example, when you use formal language in business or speaking to elderly family member versus the casual language you use when getting beers with your friends. Most of the time, when people are discussing code switching, it’s usually in reference to how black people talk within their communities versus when they speak around white people.
James is educated. He can read and write; two things he must keep hidden for his safety. Early in the book, you meet his family as he teaches the enslaved children how to code switch. He gives them scenarios involving white people and asks them how they would respond. In these moments, here and throughout the book, you get a sense of the reality of how language was a cloak for the enslaved. He teaches them that the act of making white people comfortable might protect them, though it likely would not.
“The children said together, “And the better they feel, the safer we are.”
“February, translate that.”
“Da mo’ betta dey feels, da mo’ safer we be.”
“Nice.”
Jim’s adventures are heartbreaking and scary and clever. I love that he rejects god – at least the white god that his oppressors force onto him. He doesn’t want to go anywhere near a heaven that they might be heading to – something I certainly relate to myself.
I love that despite the evil he experiences and witnesses, he doesn’t lose his humanity. He is eager to find his freedom and tell his story. The power of storytelling is an incredible message here. To tell the truth when those in power seek to silence it. Man, shit don’t change.
Since finishing the book, I have thought a lot about Jim’s ability to read. The power it gave him, which is an odd thing to say about a character who only knew enslavement his entire life. But there is power in our ability to educate ourselves. And as we learn in James, there is nothing that the white man is more afraid of then an educated black man.
It remains true, doesn’t it? As we watch this current administration rip apart institutions, achievements, art etc etc of non-white Americans. They are deeply afraid and it shows. We cannot look away.
I’ve been working on my own journey to being anti-racist. Unlearning the racist ideologies I was raised with and taught at home and at church. I’m not sure if that work will ever truly be done, but I’m okay with that. Even as I write this, I have a fear of getting it wrong. Saying the wrong thing. But I’m going to keep saying it and sharing my learning and unlearning. James is a part of that journey for me and I cannot recommend it enough.
I also found in my reading someone recommending My Jim, by Nancy Rawles, which I have added to my list. My Jim is also a re-imagining of Mark Twain’s characters, but from the perspective of Jim’s wife, Sadie.
RAD Rating:
Let me know if you have read James or My Jim, would love to hear your thoughts!
Til next time, stay RAD and read something new!
Byeeee!
Real RAD Reads 
Leave a comment