Summary

In the introduction, "Thinking with Jimmy," the author describes his visit to Heidelberg, Germany. He discusses the isolation of "being in a place where you do not know the language" (xiii). He likens his experience in Germany to James Baldwin's life abroad.

Needing a physical removal from America to conceptualize his project, the author began writing Begin Again overseas. He visited Baldwin's former home in Saint Paul de Vence. Because the house was being dismantled, he could not enter the premises. Just seeing the house made him think of his own country, and the faith he had lost "in the place you call home" (xvii).

The author then describes the primary interests of Begin Again. His initial fear of Baldwin's work evolved during his graduate program. The more he read Baldwin, the more he learned from his work and life. Begin Again...