Why people recommend it
Deacon King Kong by James McBride is a vibrant novel set in a 1960s Brooklyn housing project, following the colorful fallout after an aging church deacon inexplicably shoots a local drug dealer. The book earned enthusiastic recommendations from readers and hosts alike on The Book Review. Pamela Paul shared a listener email praising the novel as a standout audiobook experience, while Jumana Katib recounted passionately urging her doctor to read the engaging story. Later, Gilbert Cruz and Dave Kim featured the novel prominently during a discussion celebrating the best fiction books of the year, praising its humor, depth, and rich characterizations. Elizabeth Harris also mentioned beginning the novel during a difficult historical period just as pandemic lockdowns began. Critics and podcast guests continually commended McBride for his masterly orchestration of community dynamics, warmth, empathy, and an unforgettable ensemble of neighborhood characters navigating turbulence with resilience and grace.
Who recommended it
- Pamela Paul Recommended
- Gilbert Cruz Discussed
- Elizabeth Harris Discussed
- Jumana Katib Recommended
Pamela Paul — 2 mentions
“he'll join us in the studio to discuss Deacon King Kong and how does Rebecca snet approach writing Memoir”
“my two cents on great audio books are two by James McBride Deacon King Kong and the good Lord bird”
Gilbert Cruz — 1 mention
“third on our list on the fiction inside Deacon King Kong by James McBride and Dave why don't you start off again tell us about that novel”
Elizabeth Harris — 1 mention
“and uh the other thing I I just started Deacon King Kong which came out last year like two weeks before the world shut down”
Jumana Katib — 1 mention
“and I said oh my gosh you've got to read Deacon King Kong by James McBride it's great”
Also mentioned in the same episodes
Other mentions (3: passing, ad reads, own books)
“James McBride's newest book is called Deacon King Kong so here's a request for our listeners”
“and then he was on our 10 best books of 2020 with his book Deacon King Kong”
“his book deakon King Kong was one of the book reviews top 10 book books of 2020 I believe”