46 pages • 1 hour read
Sag Harbor
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Book Brief
352
Novel • Fiction
Sag Harbor, New York • 1980s
2009
YA
15-18 years
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.
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Humorous
Reviews & Readership
11,796 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
11,796 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Reggie
Reggie
Benji's younger brother by 10 months, often treated as part of a unit with Benji, but begins to drift as they form separate identities during the summer of 1985.
The Father
The Father
A successful podiatrist shaped by a challenging upbringing, who struggles to reconcile his past with his current status and employs a harsh method to prepare his sons for the world.
The Mother
The Mother
A successful lawyer with deep family ties to the Azurest community, who finds temporary happiness in Sag Harbor summers but retreats into the home where she faces her husband's verbal abuse.
Elena
Elena
Benji's college-aged sister, who has distanced herself from the family turmoil and encourages Benji to find his own path beyond their tumultuous household.
352
Novel • Fiction
Sag Harbor, New York • 1980s
2009
YA
15-18 years
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