From the Bookshelf of DMPL Book Chat…

A Little Devil in America: Notes in Praise of Black Performance

Hanif Abdurraqib

Start date: May 19, 2022

Finish date: June 9, 2022

Why we're reading this: A Little Devil in America is Reading on the Margins Book Discussion's June selection! This book club will…more
[close] A Little Devil in America is Reading on the Margins Book Discussion's June selection! This book club will be held in person at Franklin Avenue Library on Thursday, 6/9 at 6:30 PM. Visit our website or call 515-283-4152 for more details, including current COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions.

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What Members Thought

Feb 21, 2022 Andy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: recommendations, non-fiction

Go into this collection of excellent and impassioned essays knowing one thing: you’re going to leave with a list of performers and performances – some well-known and others less so – that demand attention.

With “Devil,” Hanif Abdurraqib seamlessly weaves personal anecdotes with historical fact and cultural observation. It’s something that many nonfiction writers and essayists try to do, but I’ve yet to come across a writer that does it as brilliantly as Abdurraqib.

In a single essay, I could be ...more

3 likes · Like · see review

Apr 04, 2021 Christine Comito rated it really liked it

I very much enjoy Hanif Abdurraqib's lyrical and thoughtful writing ...more

1 like · Like · see review

May 01, 2021 James rated it it was ok

Shelves: midwest, memoir, essays, black, us-history, eighties

I really like Abdurraqib as a personality and as a guide. His "listen, brother" direct address didn't bother me much. I just didn't find much new here. I know about Soul Train and Sun Ra and Dave Chappelle and Josephine Baker. I'd actually have liked hearing more about Columbus. I'm a midwesterner, though. ...more

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Jan 08, 2022 Elizabeth rated it it was amazing

Shelves: nonfiction, library, essays, 2022, thestacksbookclub

First book finished in 2022 and it was incredible. The author has a fascinating way of weaving together history and culture, and.then tying both into his own personal life. Nearly every essay found me researching online to find a performance, or a picture, or more information about a topic. The writing was strong and poetic and tender and alive. An absolutely fantastic read.

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