Colson Whitehead: Sag Harbor

In this deeply affectionate and fiercely funny coming-of-age novel, Colson Whitehead -- using the perpetual mortification of teenage existence and the desperate quest for reinvention -- beautifully explores racial and class identity, illustrating the complex rhythms of the adult world.

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[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.

[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.

[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. :-(

[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.

[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?

[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

[uptown1317]

@Holdenshore youre totally wrong

[uptown1317]

better watch your mouth boy