Colson Whitehead: Sag Harbor

[ThomasPinching]

2:03 don't patronize me with your celtic slang colson whitehead

[mpritchie]

Your Video is a lot of fun -- almost as much fun as your book. I was in my mid-30s by the time this novel takes place, but I can still relate every step of the way. Your parents could be my parents and Sag Harbor could be Jean Shephard's Cedar Lake in his stories. "Sag Harbor" is a timeless tale of growing up, trying to fit in, and dealing with family. I don't think race has much to do with the story--I'm white & my dad sounds just like yours. I'm eager to read your other books!

[BunnyMan456]

"Prozac and an X-Box." Well I have read your book, Colson Whitehead, and I could say the exact same thing about Benji. I can also assure you that you're not a better writer than J.D. Salinger. The story of "Catcher in the Rye" is what is going to happen to Benji when he goes to New York City so your autobiographical self could've done well to read Catcher.

[mmfmmf332]

Thank you for the video. I've always wanted to learn more about the black community in places like Sag Harbor, Hamptons, Martha's Vineyard, etc. I live in Atlanta and I can't say there are places like that down in the south. :-(

[theyarebirds]

perhaps someone here can hip me to other black writers similar to colson whitehead? I like zz packer, percevail everret, ishmael reed, paul beatty, victor lavelle already.. who else is similar to them?

[elainembenes123]

@theyarebirds I know he's listed Jean Toomer as an influence, but I'm not sure if their writing styles are similar. You can also try Clarence Major, novelist Charles Wright, and Mat Johnson.

[zarkbot88]

I'm pretty much on the same boat as Whitehead in that I'm not really a fan of characters like Holden Caufield and the like. I'm a wee bit of an outcast in college but it's always something of a chore to watch TV shows centered around characters who are on the same boat as me ("My So Called Life", "Freaks and Geeks", etc.) as most of them come across as too whiny and disillusioned for my taste.

[uptown1317]

the author of this video needs to remove these negative comments

[NoslemProductions]

he should be an actor

[bellabeadstudio]

Response to Holdenshore, "...he knows none of the stories of the real locals"

Then please write one. And make sure you include some of my family members, Sal Lattanzio and the Early's of Rum Hill.

[pooperdump]

alot of people don't know about the black community in sag harbor cause it only exists in the fucking summer fag

[uptown1317]

better watch your mouth boy

[KellanWrites]

I seriously have no idea what it is that makes people think a book must have a "plot" (or as these folks define it, an exciting, probably treacherous arc) to be readable. Captain Sloppy, what is it about your day-to-day life that keeps you from killing yourself, if you think there's got to be some great plot to it all? Are you a secret agent? Some sort of pimp, or adventurer of some sort? I highly doubt it, if you've got time to muse over the YouTubes.

[happilymarriedwe]

Stole this idea from another wirter!!!

FAKE!!!

[IsisTree]

He's a genius writer. Read his books!

[alawha16]

I agree with Captainsloppy.....Catcher in the Rye would be a "much better book if Holden had an Xbox"??? WTF

[Captainsloppy]

"Lots of tedium." and "nothing much going on." Thanks, Colson. I'll take this one off my must-read list.

[LIfisherman1]

holy S@#T look its the windmill this brings back so many memories

[Everywhere2]

Oh, yes. Made me think of Richard Rogers and "The Windmill Movie" made after his death from his lifelong attempts to document his mismatch and, nonetheless, his self-identification with a privileged life on Long Island.

[PumpkinDy]

His laugh is adorable..lol

[Azurest]

My father was coming out to Sag Harbor during the 20's. He retired and moved the family out year round. I went to Pierson 72 - 76. Could not wait for memorial day. Lived on Meredith Ave. His experience is different from mine but it is based in his reality. Great book and thanks for reminding about the Whalerburger. Worked their during the summer

[OriginalGranger]

Pierson OWNS

[dblock94533]

I went to pierson high for 4 years 1969 to 1972. The video sure brings back memories. I kept the sound down so no comment on that.

Used to hang out at the paradise restaurant until a Whalerburger was built. That became THE burger place after basketball games. Some of the best years of my life were spent there.

[BenW121688]

dude, do you post the same comment on every video about sag harbor?

[Holdenshore]

This guy is so full of shit...I was born and raised in Sag Harbor...he knows none of the stories of the real locals.

[MadScout]

It's his EXPERIENCE, you piece of shit.

[uptown1317]

@Holdenshore youre totally wrong

[desktop10170]

Wow, a book about "crappy 80's culture" with nothing much going on. Gonna run down to the book store and get me a copy of that, riveting!

[wuzzerwhallen0]

Yes, because shlocky thrillers and crusty autobiographies are the True Path!

[sutton66]

"black ppl not welcome in bridgehampton?"

100% true, White people did not always have that deep love for Black people like today. LOL!! Especially in the 1920s / 1930s..

[americangirlabroad]

black ppl not welcome in bridgehampton? WHAT!?!?! Are you sure you ever spent time in the hamptons....?

And why on Earth would you ever describe your book by saying "nothing really happens". Why would anyone want to read a book where nothing happens? It doesn't have to be action packed but God don't say something like that when you're trying to get ppl interested in it. Yikes.

[getoveritandfast]

I think he's talking about the fact that upper-middle class black folk were not welcome to build summer homes in Bridgehampton or East or Southampton for that matter. That's why they settled in Sag Harbor. He's not referring to the poor and working class blacks that have always lived in Bridgehampton (until recently picking potatoes on the old potato farms.

[Videoboy45]

She speaks the truth!

[bklnchica]

I found his self-deprecating style appealing, and thought it much in line with the integrity present in his writing. I was glad to see someone finding a way to be honest and self-promoting at the same time: he's not in advertising, he's not an actor. He's a writer. I wouldn't trust him if he could get up and say the things advertising execs and actors say when they're pitching something.

[ArtGeek81]

I don't care for Holden Caulfield either!