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James: A Novel
Percival Everett
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NAMED A MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK OF THE YEAR BY TIME, NPR, THE SEATTLE TIMES, ELLE, THE ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, AND OPRAH DAILY.
A brilliant, action-packed reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, both harrowing and ferociously funny, told from the enslaved Jim's point of view • From the “literary icon” (Oprah Daily) and Pulitzer Prize Finalist whose novel Erasure is the basis for Cord Jefferson’s critically acclaimed film American Fiction.
"If you liked Demon Copperhead, by Barbara Kingsolver, read James, by Percival Everett" —The Washington Post.
When the enslaved Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans, separated from his wife and daughter forever, he decides to hide on nearby Jackson Island until he can formulate a plan.
Meanwhile, Huck Finn has faked his own death to escape his violent father, recently returned to town. As all readers of American literature know, thus begins the dangerous and transcendent journey by raft down the Mississippi River toward the elusive and too-often-unreliable promise of the Free States and beyond.
While many narrative set pieces of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn remain in place (floods and storms, stumbling across both unexpected death and unexpected treasure in the myriad stopping points along the river’s banks, encountering the scam artists posing as the Duke and Dauphin…), Jim’s agency, intelligence and compassion are shown in a radically new light.
Brimming with the electrifying humor and lacerating observations that have made Everett a “literary icon” (Oprah Daily), and one of the most decorated writers of our lifetime, James is destined to be a major publishing event and a cornerstone of twenty-first century American literature.
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Posts about this title from Boundless Press
Boundless Press\ \ Jananie\ \ • Jun 19 2025
mid year book freakout tag 2025 | ranting about sunrise on the reaping | best & worst books so far
i love this tag so much! enjoy!
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Boundless Press\ \ Jananie\ \ • Apr 7 2025
the 13 books i read in march | monthly reading wrapup + reading stats
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Posts about this book from across Bindery
The Alchemist Society\ \ Shay\ \ • Oct 2 2025
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\ \ September was a long month for me, but, I read/listened to more books than I thought!\ \ Here are the five books I read, what I rated them, and some thought's (which I usually input to Fable right after finishing them). I try to be as spoiler free, though there may be allusions to some plot points, for those that have read the book, or prior books (in some instances).\ \ Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil- 4.5 ⭐\ \ By V.E Schwab\ \ This book brings to life the feeling of feminine rage and pain and love and happiness, all in one. All three women (vampires?) in the book are very different from each other and yet all three have things I admire, dislike, and more, about each. Schwab always does an incredible job setting up the stories she writers, and finished with an incredible finale. The feeling of this book reminds me of Addie, but the pacing is faster. There are more things occurring, and the faster pace really had me pulled in much quicker. Big fan of the feelings felt along this read. I love the various settings, especially Boston. I also love the jaunt through time, from the perspectives of our vampiresses. The ending was not at all what I was expecting and I loved it.\ \ The Last Graduate- 4.25 ⭐\ \ By Naomi Novik\ \ I can’t even begin to explain how fun this book is. Granted, it is also a dark book. Kids are dying left and right in a "eat or be eaten" world. Literally, book two ups the stakes in heart wrenching and exciting way. These kids are always looking out for themselves in order to survive. They kind of have to. The journey of getting a bunch of scared, powerful, witch/wizard kids to work together in a world where they only know to look out for themselves.. I could literally see it (the school, the kids, the training, everything) in my minds eye. I love the dynamics with El and Orion. This is a fun and exciting young crush/romance. Novak writes the feelings of being a teenager really well. I can’t say I didn’t see the ending coming. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The build up was intense and it was a solid pay-off.\ \ The Golden Enclaves- 4.5 ⭐\ \ By Naomi Novik\ \ The final installation of the trilogy had me choking up and crying by the end of the book. I genuinely didn’t not know whether this book would have a happy or sad ending (I'm not telling you either, unless you really want to know, in which case, message me). Naomi captures what it feels like to have friends and community so well. Young love, found and made family, classism, power and using it for good... Ughhh I enjoyed this series so much. The ending was really well done and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the friendships that really are the star of the series. I really would love to see an adaptation someday.\ \ James- 5 ⭐\ \ By Percival Everett\ \ An incredibly moving and powerful book. I would say this is all the more moving because of the connection so many of us have to the story of Huckleberry Finn, having read it multiple times growing up. Everett uses that history and connection to really make the reader feel the horror of the things that happen to James and his various companions. This should be required reading, alongside and right after The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, in every school in America. The visceral (though not overly graphic) horrors are upsetting and nausea inducing. I\ \ It’s an incredible book. It makes you think, re-examine, think some more, feel deeply, and come away feeling angry, appalled, and upset. The story telling is masterful, truly allowing you to feel what James feels, and see things through his eyes and perspective. I can not recommend enough,\ \ The Cat Who Saved Books- 3.75 ⭐\ \ By Sosuke Natsukawa\ \ A charming cozy little fantasy book about a boy, a girl, and a talking cat who go on four "trials" in order to save books. Each trial/journey acts as a parable for readers. I enjoyed them and the way they served as commentary on different observations made by the author.\ \\\______________________________________________________________________________\ \ Well that's my September wrap-up. Currently working on a long form video on one of my favorite topics. I've discussed in the past but, I think its time for a re-do.\ \ Join for free or login](https://the-alchemist-society.binderybooks.com/item/M7g2GYrX7na4ZdpFLGBt/)
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Meara Is Reading\ \ Meara\ \ • Sep 25 2025
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[Hi Bindery world! \ \ I'm so excited to (finally) be joining you — it's been a long-time dream that I would get the invite to join the community. I feel like a real book influencer now! \ \ (I jest, I'm so thankful for the many opportunities this community has given me.)\ \ If you like fairy tales, witches, dystopians, and are constantly chasing the high of reading in 2012, I think we'll have a great time together.\ \ Right now I'm reading perhaps too many books at once...\ \
- A romance book that I can't promote yet 🤫\ \
- Blood on Her Tongue (not what I expected but I think I'm enjoying it? Could actually DNF without being upset, though)\ \
- The Supernatural Society (I love a middle grade novel!)\ \
- One Day, for a book club\ \
- & James, to prepare for the Chicago Public Library Foundation's annual gala\ \ \ If you've read any of these, tell me what you thought! \ \ TTYL!\ \ Meara](https://mearaisreading.binderybooks.com/item/DrgW22RaPChPL2K4Olqe/)
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Written Reveries\ \ Krystal\ \ • Aug 29 2025
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\ \ Hi everyone,\ \ It's been a while since I mentioned what I've been reading and August has been one hell of a reading month. I'm currently in the middle of a few books; When the Tides Held the Moon by Venessa Vida Kelley, which is our bookclub pick for this month. THIS IS SO GOOD. I've been taking my time reading it over the last week or so because I don't want it to end. This takes place in the early 1900s in NYC and is The Greatest Showman meets The Shape of Water. \ \ \ \ I'm also reading a an advanced reading copy of The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow that comes out later this year. Last year she came out with a short story called The Six Deaths of the Saints and it was so good I read it TWICE IN ONE WEEK. The Everlasting is a novel inspired by that story and it is giving me the same energy that had me obsessed. \ \ \ \ During a trip to NYC, I stopped in The Strand Bookstore and finally got my hands on The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. (my local bookstores need to do a better job of diversifying their shelves but thats a post for another day) I really appreciated this one! While some things seemed a bit predictable the overall story and writing was great and I'm looking forward to catching up on her backlist and what she's got in store for us next.\ \ \ \ This month I also reread The Will of the Many by James Islington to prepare for The Strength of the Few. I started TSOTF shortly after and could not put it down, I can't wait until November so we can properly chat about it but it was absolutely insane. Look out for my spoiler free thoughts coming soon.\ \ \ \ And I've also been in my romance bag that last month or so. I caught up on all of Emily Henry's books and started by Ali Hazelwood journey and they both had me squealing and kicking my feet, their books are so fun. I was super surprised by the depth in Henry's books as well, and am looking forward to exploring more of Hazelwood's.\ \ \ \ \ \ But I think the standout book for me this month has to be James by Percival Everett, I finished this book in ONE SITTING and understand why he deserved the National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize. This Hucklberry Finn retelling is STELLAR and flips Twain's tale on its head to provide a raw depiction of what slaves like James had to endure, and what they held back. I read it in tandem with audio and it really brought the story to life, highly recommend. \ \ \ \ I'm hoping to finish a few more books in this last week of the month, and I'll be sure to keep you all posted. Look out for updates on the September bookclub pick in the discord, and an article about Fall Releases written by me coming next month in Readin' Magazine.](https://writtenreveries.binderybooks.com/item/3OaBgE956dZvAn6xF3uY/)
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Boundless Press\ \ Jananie\ \ • Jun 19 2025
i love this tag so much! enjoy!
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Boundless Press\ \ Jananie\ \ • Apr 7 2025
the 13 books i read in march | monthly reading wrapup + reading stats
🎀 My Etsy Shop 🎀 https://thisstoryaintover.etsy.com
My Everand Affiliate link: https://everand.pxf.io/6yAjxG
🔗 ALL MY LINKS: https://linktr.ee/jananie 📚 Boundless Press & DUST SETTLES NORTH: https://linktr.ee/boundlesspress
💌 business/sponsorship inquiries: tamara@smallscreenmarketing.com 💌 anything else: thisstoryaintover@gmail.com
faqs 📇 how do you pronounce your name? JEN-nuh-nee (like a knee!)
sub count: 📊 103,180
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Bookish AfroLatina's Library\ \ Gabby\ \ • Mar 14 2025
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February Mini Book Reviews: Part 2
February Mini Book Reviews: Part 2 This batch of mini reviews are all connected to secrets that each main character has had to keep for their own protection and/or survival:
James by Percival Everett This novel is so damn good! I’ve never actually read the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, so I went into this book blind, but I still found it captivating. Jim’s code-switching, planning, dream conversations, & drive are perfect for combatting the frequent depersonalization of enslaved folks. The pacing was steady & the ending was cathartic for me. I don’t know what else to say w/out giving spoilers!!!
The Broposal by Sonora Reyes This book tore me apart & then put me back together again. I love this author’s writing & knew this would be a good book but I was a bit apprehensive to read it. Han & Kenny’s friendship is so pure & I loved their flirtatious scenes together. As heartbreaking as some of the story was, I am so happy w/ how it ended. Reyes covers some incredibly heavy topics with care. The characters felt real to me. Heads up, this story contains a few explicit scenes, so don’t be surprised when they sneak up! Please read this book y’all.
The Color of a Lie by Kim Johnson The Color of a Lie is a fantastic book for putting readers into the shoes of Black folks in the Civil Rights era. A lot of folks don’t realize that northern cities were also violent towards Black folks & how that played into the creation of the suburbs of America. I love the way the author included details like the instructional video in Levittown, students reading 1984, & connected the story to historical events. Calvin’s struggle w/passing for white hit close to home for me because my great-grandfather had to pass in order to get work in Philly. I don’t think people realize how painful that experience is & that it left folks with consistent anxiety. I recommend this book to anyone from the age of 12 (10/11 if your child has good comprehension & seems to be emotionally mature enough to handle it) & up.If you want to learn more about racial passing and depictions of it in media, check out my content & research here: https://www.bookishafrolatina.com/passing
[ID: in comments] #BookReviews
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Bookish AfroLatina's Library\ \ Gabby\ \ • Mar 7 2025
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Bookish AfroLatina's February Reading Wrap-Up
It's time for my February Reading Wrap-Up!
As I explained in my January Reading Wrap-Up, I'm going to be sharing book reviews in individual or group posts throughout the month so they each get the spotlight they deserve.
I read 9 books in February, which was surprising to me because I was going through A LOT (and still am, tbh). I read all of these as audiobooks but ended up going back & forth between the audio & print editions for a couple of them.
Here is what I read:
🎭 Bemused by Farrah Rochon ✊🏾 Freedom is a Constant Struggle by Angela Y. Davis 🏃🏿 James by Percival Everett 💍 The Broposal by Sonora Reyes 🌄 The Color of a Lie by Kim Johnson ✍🏾 The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest 👠 The Partner Plot by Kristina Forest 🎤 The Love Lyric by Kristina Forest 🌌 The Scourge Between the Stars by Ness Brown
As always, please read the content warnings for each of these books on Storygraph!!
What did you read in February?
#Reading #NewBooks #BlackBooks #BlackHistoryMonth #LatinxBooks #QueerBooks #Fantasy #Nonfiction #HistoricalFiction #Romance #SciFi
[ID: Glowing, bright pink TEXT - BOOKISH AFROLATINA’S FEBRUARY WRAP-UP. Two rows of books sit in the middle; five books are in the top row and four books are in the second row. Below the books, dark blue text over a white banner reads: REMINDER: PLEASE READ THE CONTENT WARNINGS FOR EACH BOOK ON STORYGRAPH! In the background, there are colorful bookshelves that are blurred and tinted pink.]
9 books
JemilaBeReadin\ \ JemilaBeReadin\ \ • Feb 20 2025
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a great reading month and a not so great one
You can find trigger/content warnings here: \* Storygraph \* https://booktriggerwarnings.com/index.php?title=Welcome
PETITIONS & FUNDRAISERS: \* Support Palestine: https://linktr.ee/resourcesforpalestine \* Operation Olive Branch: https://www.instagram.com/operationolivebranch/?hl=en \* Black Lives Matter: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/ \* Around the World: https://the2020world.carrd.co/ \* Help the Quileute Tribe Move to High Ground: https://mthg.org/ \* Tigray Crisis: https://linktr.ee/Tigraycrisis
FIND ME ELSEWHERE: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jemilabereadin/ 🤳🏾 TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/TTPdMBQSbg/ 🐥 Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/jemilando 📚 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/4150099-jemila 📧 Email: jemilabereadin@gmail.com
OUTRO: \* Outro Music by Sejji Bonz https://bit.ly/3oG668L \* Outro Template by Sukhasha Dhar https://bit.ly/3nEQHED
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JemilaBeReadin\ \ JemilaBeReadin\ \ • Feb 20 2025
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You can find trigger/content warnings here: \* Storygraph \* https://booktriggerwarnings.com/index.php?title=Welcome
OUTRO: \* Outro Music by Sejji Bonz https://bit.ly/3oG668L \* Outro Template by Sukhasha Dhar https://bit.ly/3nEQHED
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Mood Reads\ \ Hannah\ \ • Feb 12 2025
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January (and then some): A Moodreads Newsletter
A monthly(ish) newsletter.
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The Inky Phoenix\ \ Kathryn Budig\ \ • Feb 3 2025
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with our amazing Inky Phoenix authors!
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Mood Reads\ \ Hannah\ \ • Jan 16 2025
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Everything I've been reading, watching, and listening to so far!
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Mareas\ \ Marines\ \ • Jan 1 2025
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tidings 002: happy new year, reading manifestations, and a big year for Mareas
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The Inky Phoenix\ \ Kathryn Budig\ \ • Dec 31 2024
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Here’s a look back at our Inky Phoenix 2024 highlights!
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The Inky Phoenix\ \ Kathryn Budig\ \ • Nov 5 2024
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For the love of books …
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The Inky Phoenix\ \ Kathryn Budig\ \ • Jul 14 2024
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But make it Inky Phoenix style. 😎
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The Inky Phoenix\ \ Kathryn Budig\ \ • Jul 12 2024
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\ \ Upgrade for $5 or login](https://inkyphoenix.binderybooks.com/item/FAgqcLHITlIrOYc41hbE/)
JAMES Inky Phoenix Conversation
For those of you who missed our book club conversation about Percival Everett's JAMES. This was a fantastic chat!
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The Inky Phoenix\ \ Kathryn Budig\ \ • Jul 6 2024
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\ \ Upgrade for $5 or login](https://inkyphoenix.binderybooks.com/item/E1BJUUfhUR8oJr3anS7D/)
JAMES Inky Phoenix Zoom Discussion
Join us July 11th at 7pm ET!
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The Inky Phoenix\ \ Kathryn Budig\ \ • Jun 27 2024
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Hungry for more Percival Everett?
Here are a few to fuel your obsession:
ERASURE (which inspired the film American Fiction) Dr. No I Am Not Sidney Poitier The Trees
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The Inky Phoenix\ \ Kathryn Budig\ \ • Jun 4 2024
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JAMES by Percival Everett!
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The Inky Phoenix\ \ Kathryn Budig\ \ • May 17 2024
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Help me pick our June Inky Phoenix book!
We’ll be voting in our Inky Phoenix Discord, so if you don’t have Discord:
A. Download the app or add to your desktop B. Click the invite link in our bio C. Go to General > General Chat and cast your vote D. If you’re new, introduce yourself in our Welcome channel!
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The Inky Phoenix\ \ Kathryn Budig\ \ • Apr 3 2024
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Check out this stack. 😎
🥀THE LAST TALE OF THE FLOWER BRIDE 👒JAMES 🦊THE FOX WIFE ☕️A TEMPEST OF TEA
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The Inky Phoenix\ \ Kathryn Budig\ \ • Mar 22 2024
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Ragnar loves a book haul!
🦊THE FOX WIFE by @yangszechoo 🌲JAMES by Percival Everett ❤️ALL ABOUT LOVE by bell hooks 🐱WHITE CAT, BLACK DOG by Kelly Link
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