The Big Sea (American Century Series)

Langston Hughes like so many others who define the American Canon of literature greatness is defined as a Negro Writer, labeled because he's black. Because he's black, his death in 1967 Black America was a tremendous loss or so some say today. HE will live forever.It was he along with other writers that help me grow, live and be happy in this American culture, acculturation of culture, murder, barbarianism, racism, disdain for a people she enslaved, beat, raped, incarcerated for wrongs never committed, still harbors a hate-rage relationship with those of us who were sent here by our African connections into the slave trade. We still share the humiliation of being bonded into this horrible state. However, we got through it became great inventors, authors, doctors.Racism instead of helping make America a greater political economy uses divide and conquer to keep people homeless, destitute and mentally, many physically enslaved. But there are those of us who are not enslaved, we're free. I thank Langston Hughes for my freedom. No matter where we are demonized and still mentally raped until this very day.Its not up to us to make anyone's wrongs right. I love Langston Hughes as he details his journey, his specific personal journey in many of his stories created the magic of our existence.He, as does James Baldwin share grounded characteristics in basic content for a black American life in such different ways, it's another essay to describe the author's individual personality and element that makes a black American, especially if a slave descendant, whole.

Loved it. I thought that even if Langston was not totally candid, he was honest enough to let his basic personality shine through. There was so much I didn't know! The Paris years were absolutely fascinating. I love that he stressed his working-class background and downplayed his hobnobbing with the literati. I am not sure it's fair to call him a closeted gay man; he writes nonchalantly of going to brothels. The fact that he was only 5'4" in height explains a lot, though of course he never mentions it. (I thought of him as a "big man" while reading the book... It's funny.) His account of the Harlem Renaissance is masterful, but there's so much more. The struggle for racial respect is relatable and never ends. What really got to me was his hand-to-mouth youth. Don't miss this memoir.

If you don't know much about the life of Langston, then this is a good place to start. Written over 50 years ago, it provides a sanitized glimpse into the life of this iconic American poet. He is skillful not to revealing to many details of his personal life while at the same time giving the reader insight into some key events that helped shape the man we have come to know. Langston was a complicated young man who, from this account, spent a number of years just trying to find himself and his place in society. His writing was more inspired by the down times than by the up times and his adventures both here and abroad far exceeded what I would have expected from a young black many of his day. I would recommend this book for High School reading and discussion, and encourage young adults to give thought and discussion to how Langston was willing to take some calculated chances and explore the world beyond what lay before him.

Langston Hughes was a wonderful poet and story teller so it is not surprising that his autobiography/memoir is a joy to read. He tells the story of his life by giving us delightful episodes that each read like short stories. Each chapter has the structure of a short story with a beginning, a middle, and an end. Along the way, the reader has to be amazed at the texture and breadth of his life adventures. He lives for a short time in Mexico with his father, in several cities with his mother and other relatives, and then his wonderful sea going adventures in Europe, Africa, and also his stay in Paris. The reader also gets a first hand glimpse of what it was like to be "Negro" in America as well as in other places in the world. The writing is bright and energetic and the book is very difficult to put down. I highly recommend it to anyone who might be thinking about writing an autobiography or memoir.

read this over the weekend. very friendly and personal. articulate. felt connected to the brother. not too much has changed on the color lines and white supremacy in states, and applaud other parts of the world for looking at black men as human vs states daily trying to dehumanize them. not all whites are racist, but white supremacy I think is used as a distraction and to intentionally anger us. L Hughes overcame a lot and it was a pleasure to read about his travels and the harlem renaisance. My brother, rest in power.

liked the very good condition of the book and the information contained therein

I love autobiographies and how they can take you into another world. This book did exactly that; it left me with a greater understanding of the times that Langston Hughes lived. He wrote in depth about how he wrote certain poems, what brought them to life in his mind. His writing is colorful and brings vivid imagery to your mind. I was really amazed by all he had done, places he traveled to & work he did. His comparison of the way he was treated as a black man in America, compared to Mexico, Europe, and Africa is eye opening. You really feel like you know Langston Hughes after reading this book.

thanks

I always loved Langston Hughes poems and this book gave me a better understanding of the person himself. A very easy and enjoyable read from one of America's greatest literary icons. Highly recomended not only persons who enjoy african-american literature but to those that appreciate the observations of a true humanitarian person!

Langston Hughes has pulled off the impossible by writing an autobiography that appeals to many.By his own admission, Hughes wanted to avoid the norm of writing about the embittered, violent and cynicalfeelings of black people in troublesome and turbulent times; yet, 'The Big Sea' still packs a punch and keepsthe reader enthralled.His prose throughout the book is endearing. I did not think I would enjoy this book at all, but once I had readabout the trials and tribulations with his father, and his successes through the time of the 'black renaissance',I was completely hooked.Langston Hughes was also a popular poet, he once chimed:I swear to the LordI still can't seeWhy democracy meansEverybody but me.If you want to read about an extraordinary life - though troubled - you can be rest assured, that this book will not disappoint!

ハーレムのシェイクスピアと呼ばれ、二十世紀を代表する詩人/作家の一人であるラングストン・ヒューズ氏の自伝である。　貧困と人種差別にあえぎつつ詩人を目指していたヒューズ青年は、文学への逃避と決別し、本当の世界を見るために、商船の乗務員となって世界を旅する。　まさに青春の書。「ヘミングェイより簡素な文体だ」と称されるだけあってヒューズ氏の文章はとても読みやすい。そしてユーモアもたっぷりで、読んでいて楽しい。続編の"I Wonder As I Wander"もさらに冒険たっぷりで、日本に訪れた時のことも書かれている。　ヒューズ氏は相手がどんな人種であれ温かく受け入れる人だったが、この旅でたくさんのことを学んだのだろう。　この人は素晴らしい人生を送ったのだな。

I feel I know a lot more about Langston and his struggles, influences and his strength and passion after reading this. I only wish he were alive, lol, so I could ask him many more questions about specific areas of his life he discussed. Very enjoyable read.

Ok!