46 pages 1 hour read

Colson Whitehead

Sag Harbor

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2009

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Sag Harbor by Colson Whitehead follows the experiences of Benji Cooper, a 15-year-old Black male, during the summer of 1985 as he spends his vacation at Azurest, a historically Black beach resort in Sag Harbor, New York. The novel captures his efforts to reinvent himself, his interactions with friends, grappling with family tensions, and moments of self-discovery. The source material features depictions of racism, sexism, bullying, and vulgar language, as well as parental neglect that includes alcoholism, fat-shaming, and verbal abuse.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Colson Whitehead's Sag Harbor is widely praised for its evocative prose, nostalgic tone, and vivid depiction of a Black teenager's coming-of-age in the 1980s. Critics commend its humor and cultural references but note a slow plot. The deeply personal narrative and richly realized setting are standout elements, though some find the pacing uneven.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Sag Harbor?

A reader who would enjoy Sag Harbor by Colson Whitehead is likely drawn to coming-of-age tales that explore identity and self-discovery. Fans of The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger and The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd will appreciate its nostalgic, introspective narrative and its richly developed characters.

RecommendedReading Age

15-18years

Book Details

Themes

Relationships: Family

Values/Ideas: Music

Genre

Realistic Fiction

Modern Classic Fiction

Historical Fiction