James by Percival Everett is a masterfully told reimagining of the Huckleberry Finn story from the perspective of a male runaway slave. Through his journey, we see the nuanced ways he has to adapt—speaking and acting differently depending on whether he’s interacting with Black or white people.

Dominic Hoffman’s narration is phenomenal, breathing life into the characters and capturing the emotional depth of the story. While the book highlights the dehumanizing realities of life as a slave before the Civil War, it doesn’t delve into graphic details. That said, it’s a story that requires the right headspace to fully engage with its weighty themes. 

Amazing book!