This Week's Reflection

A weekly reflection - my unhurried thoughts on a book, story or theme that stayed with me! What are your thoughts?

Deacon King Kong — A Reflection

I was pleasantly surprised by my first experience reading a novel by James McBride. I enjoyed it so much that it immediately left me eager to explore more of his work.

This book evoked a wide range of emotions — from smiles and laughter to moments of deeper reflection. Even with a large cast of characters, McBride’s storytelling remains clear and engaging, allowing each voice to contribute without overwhelming the narrative. Each life adds its own depth to the whole.

It didn’t take long for me to become emotionally invested in the characters. I found myself empathizing with them, understanding their flaws, and quietly rooting for their success.

Deacon King Kong is undeniably a heavy drinker. Many of us have known someone like him — perhaps an uncle who always seemed drunk. As children, we may have laughed or mimicked them. As teenagers, we may have felt embarrassed or kept our distance. Then, somewhere along the way — after experiencing a few detours, potholes, and hard lessons of our own — understanding begins to replace judgment.

This doesn’t excuse the behavior, but it does soften the way we see it. Everyone handles life differently. “King Kong,” after all, is the name of the drink Deacon loved — and relied on.

As the story unfolds, McBride gently challenges our assumptions about Deacon and his actions. What initially seems irrational or reckless reveals a deeper reasoning beneath the surface, reminding us how easily we misjudge others when we don’t yet know their story.

At its heart, Deacon King Kong brings together a diverse group of individuals within a housing project, where community and self-preservation rise above division. By the end, McBride brings each storyline into quiet alignment, revealing how deeply connected these lives truly are.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from James McBride. If you’re looking for a story that will make you laugh, make you think, keep you guessing, and introduce you to a wonderfully talented author — or perhaps help you rediscover one — this book is for you.

The next time you’re at your local library — or browsing on Audible, Hoopla, Libby, Kindle, Apple Books, Google Play Books, YouTube audiobooks, or even your favorite bookstore — go check it out. I’d love to hear what you think.