Deacon King Kong by James McBride
August/September's Reading Guide and Schedule
Join us for Deacon King Kong by James McBride
Our next book on The Reader and the Writer is the brilliant novel, Deacon King Kong by James McBride.
Shari Dragovich and I are excited to start our next read, and we hope you’ll join us! Our first episode airs on August 26th.
I love the sharp narrator, the vibrant language, and the zingers flying between characters. One moment you’re laughing out loud, the next you’re hit with hard truths, and ultimately, you’re filled with hope as this fictional community comes together.
Buckle up! This month’s read is more than just a who-done-it; it’s a place where ugliness and beauty coexist as this complex, funny, and deeply human story unfolds.
“Sportcoat was a walking genius, a human disaster, a sod, a medical miracle, and the greatest baseball umpire that the Cause Houses had ever seen, in addition to serving as coach and founder of the All-Cause Boys Baseball Team.”
~ Deacon King Kong—page 19
About the Book (Courtesy of Goodreads)
In September 1969, a fumbling, cranky old church deacon known in the neighborhood as Sportcoat shuffles into the courtyard of the Causeway Housing project in south Brooklyn, pulls a .38 from his pocket, and in front of everybody shoots the project's drug dealer at point-blank range.
The reasons for this desperate burst of violence and the consequences that spring from it lie at the heart of Deacon King Kong. In McBride brings to vivid life the people affected by the shooting: the victim, the African-American and Latinx residents who witnessed it, the white neighbors, the local NYPD cops assigned to investigate what happened, the members of the Five Ends Baptist Church where Sportcoat was deacon, the neighborhood's Italian mobsters, and Sportcoat himself.
As the story deepens, it becomes clear that the lives of the characters—caught in the tumultuous swirl of New York in the late 1960s—overlap in unexpected ways. When the truth finally emerges, McBride shows us that not all secrets can be hidden, that the best way to grow is to face change without fear, and that the seeds of love lie in compassion and hope.
Connections to War & Peace & Craft
If you’re also reading War and Peace with us, pay attention to how these two novels quietly speak to one another.
As you read, consider how each author:
uses a large cast of characters to tell a much bigger story
creates social commentary through a riveting narrative
reveals how beauty and ugliness dwell in the same place
uses the setting to explore injustice
creates meaning through vivid imagery and metaphor
Write with Us …or draw
Over the last two months, we’ve invited you to join us through journaling and creative writing—this month, I’m trying something different: drawing!
Let me be clear, I am NOT an artist (stick figures are more my speed), but recently, as I read, images start brewing in my mind and flowing onto the page. I credit McBride’s vivid writing.
If this doesn’t sound like your cup of tea (or bottle of King Kong), no worries! Here are a few prompts to try instead:
Possible prompts this month:
Pick a favorite passage or exchange between characters. How does the language shape your understanding of the scene or its emotional impact?
How does McBride show the coexistence of beauty and ugliness in the community? How does that affect the way you see people in your own community?
Write down your favorite quotes. Explore why they stand out to you.
Let’s Share the Journey!
Shari and I would love to hear your thoughts on Deacon King Kong as we go along. Share your insights, questions, or snippets of writing in the comments or our chat thread—it’s always more fun when we do it together!
~Rhea & Shari
Reading Schedule & Resources
Videos & Websites
“I hear a Song” | James McBride’s students perform
“For the last seven years I’ve run a program that teaches music to children from the Red Hook, Brooklyn housing projects where I was born. We teach piano, bass, and drums in the basement of the small church founded by my parents, New Brown Memorial Baptist, in Red Hook. These kids have talent, dedication and heart. They’re being raised by some of the most extraordinary parents, grandparents, aunts, and cousins one could imagine. Many have been in the program since they were as young as 8 and as teenagers, are now teaching the younger kids. Every year we host a concert at the church. Because of the pandemic we couldn’t do that this year. Instead, we put together this video to celebrate their hard work. These children are a cause for celebration. They are a reason to hope. They are living proof that God exists. They are the last line of reason and discourse in a world gone mad, and this is their song.” -James McBride
James McBride discusses Deacon King Kong | Free Library in Philly
McBride speaks about his book Deacon King Kong and answers questions from the audience.
James McBride | author website
You can find biographical information and interviews with the author.
Need a Copy of Deacon King Kong?
Here are a couple of options:
Audible (this audiobook is delightful)
If you enjoyed Deacon King Kong, check out our episodes on Crossing the Mangrove.
If you enjoy these reading guides or find them helpful, consider donating to the podcast, The Reader and the Writer. And if you love “snail mail,” I’m your girl! Click the link below, and I’ll send you a postcard or bookmark—just let me know which you prefer.
Looking forward to it - my local book club read heaven and earth grocery store and I thoroughly enjoyed the book, the scope, the diverse set of characters and McBride’s amazing writing and book talks. When I saw this on your book stack I was very excited! Thank you!