Go Tell It on the Mountain by James Baldwin is thought to be semi-autobiographical, being based on Baldwin's own life. James Baldwin, in case anyone doesn’t know, is a renowned author (and my favorite author) best known for his works, Giovanni's Room and If Beale Street Could Talk. Baldwin often explores the intricacies of race, religion, and sexuality in his novels.
Go Tell It on the Mountain most potently explores the themes of religion especially focusing on the role of Christianity in the history of Black Americans. Go Tell It on The Mountain is even the name of a Christian Gospel song. The novel follows a young boy, John Grimes on his fourteenth birthday, while at worship experiences a revelation. The novel is told through many perspectives with John's mother Elizabeth, stepfather Gabriel, and aunt Florence all getting their own chapters aptly named “prayers.” These perspectives expand the narrative and shape the way religion is portrayed depending on the character. While Gabriel sees religion as his guiding light to success in life, an escape from his previous debauchery, Florence sees the way religion can be manipulated by people in positions of power, including her own brother. All of these flashbacks from different characters combine to the moment when John cries out in his own revelation, coming to his own unique relationship with religion and Christianity. There are many references to the story of the curse of Ham, a story long used to justify slavery.
Additionally, John feels moral guilt because of his sexuality and battles with this concept throughout the novel, but particularly when interacting with Elisha. I would not say that sexuality is a main focus in the book, but it definitely is an important part of John's character. John does his best to please his parents and follow the path they have laid out for him with the Church. Exploring his sexuality is simply not even a consideration for him, because that would be a betrayal of not only his own values but a betrayal to his parents and his entire community as the novel is set in the 1930s.
Go Tell It on the Mountain is an introspective novel, with many layers to delve into an exploration and a peek into James Baldwin's own life. Although I am not sure if this would be my top pick for the first Baldwin novel to read, it definitely would not be a bad start.