This is my first James Baldwin. I took so long because I was afraid I wouldn't understand his message or the hype around his works made me feel the knowledge he was sharing had to be difficult to grasp. Both of these scenarios are untrue. In 'The Fire Next Time,' James Baldwin briefly discusses a myriad of things from his childhood, his understanding of religion, and his perspective on humanity in the United States. His motif of true freedom sits with me the strongest. I've never considered the freedom of Black Americans to be the salvation of White Americans. I recognize everything on earth work conjointly to maintain balance; homeostasis. However, I never extended that thought to the interpersonal relationship we have with White Americans. Now, I feel less intimidated, so I will be getting into more Baldwin.