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dlrcope's review against another edition
3.0
This is a fun audiobook, definitely worth listening to. My favorite parts were the ones where the black panel talked about things from their various black perspectives. Many parts were funny, but all parts were enlightening, for a honky anyway (just kidding, for a white person.) There is a long satirical section in the middle that was too long for me, but it gets good again at the end when he goes back to the black panel.
I think it'd be worth buying this book just to hear Baratunde Thurston's life story, which is amazing. He is definitely a writer to watch.
I think it'd be worth buying this book just to hear Baratunde Thurston's life story, which is amazing. He is definitely a writer to watch.
amybbooks's review against another edition
4.0
This book was excellent. I have a hard time rating non-fiction, but there are a few things I'm looking for. I want to enjoy reading the book. I want it to teach me something or impact me in some way. I also try to determine whether the book was written in a way that allowed it to do what it set out to do.
I think this book definitely accomplished the goals of both teaching me something and making me laugh. Baratunde's style is so sarcastic and ironic that I know this book wouldn't be for everyone. I don't think everyone would get it. I think it's also possible that there were things that I didn't fully get as a white person. This book did teach me a lot though. It exposed a lot of assumptions that people make about Black people... about the things that they like, and the ways that they think. I knew that people stereotyped Black people... but it was another thing to see it all laid out on paper. I also thought it was really interesting to hear about the experiences of a Black man that we don't often hear about. Baratunde went to a private school and Harvard, and he's had opportunities that a lot of people haven't. Yet, there are things that he understands that I never will because he is Black and I am white. I loved his style, and I loved listening to his narration in the audiobook. I give this book a 4.5 star rating, and I'm only taking off a bit because it wasn't what I would consider a "page turner". I didn't mind putting it down because I wasn't completely enthralled by it. That being said, this book wasn't really written in a narrative style that would have made it that way, and it was still entertaining.
I think this book definitely accomplished the goals of both teaching me something and making me laugh. Baratunde's style is so sarcastic and ironic that I know this book wouldn't be for everyone. I don't think everyone would get it. I think it's also possible that there were things that I didn't fully get as a white person. This book did teach me a lot though. It exposed a lot of assumptions that people make about Black people... about the things that they like, and the ways that they think. I knew that people stereotyped Black people... but it was another thing to see it all laid out on paper. I also thought it was really interesting to hear about the experiences of a Black man that we don't often hear about. Baratunde went to a private school and Harvard, and he's had opportunities that a lot of people haven't. Yet, there are things that he understands that I never will because he is Black and I am white. I loved his style, and I loved listening to his narration in the audiobook. I give this book a 4.5 star rating, and I'm only taking off a bit because it wasn't what I would consider a "page turner". I didn't mind putting it down because I wasn't completely enthralled by it. That being said, this book wasn't really written in a narrative style that would have made it that way, and it was still entertaining.
matthewwester's review against another edition
4.0
This is a fun book. Its primary goal is to make readers laugh but the author (and the panel of interviewees he occasionally quotes) also delve into their own experiences with race. The result is a book that is enjoyable and thought-provoking, satirical yet inviting.
I listened to the audiobook version which I recommend. The author does a great job delivering his material. Though reading through other reviews of this book, I get a sense it's also fun to read this book in public places because you may get comments from strangers. Anyway, if you're interested in the topic of race than consider checking this one out.
I listened to the audiobook version which I recommend. The author does a great job delivering his material. Though reading through other reviews of this book, I get a sense it's also fun to read this book in public places because you may get comments from strangers. Anyway, if you're interested in the topic of race than consider checking this one out.
chudleycannons's review against another edition
5.0
Super funny and entertaining, but also insightful. Thurston points out that race isn’t something that should be ignored, such as when people say they “don’t see race” or are “colorblind” but instead the differences should be embraced and celebrated.
coryj's review against another edition
2.0
Some good laughs early on, but eventually pretty dull. At times feels like it was slapped together from a bunch of already-written individual parts.
iamdeonna's review against another edition
4.0
Before reading How to Be Black, I hadn't dove into much comedic writing. But after reading this, I understand why people enjoy it. I cackled while reading through the book, both in public and private. I'd recommend this read to my friends, of all races.
meowmediareads's review against another edition
4.0
Given to me as a housewarming gift with a request (demand?) for it to be placed on public display. Great voice. Interesting concepts. Lighter touch on some serious issues made it effective. Maybe in a post-Ferguson America, I am craving a less light touch, but I can't fault the book for that. Really liked the autobiographical narrative. National Airport 4life!