Black Like Me

By: John Howard Griffin

Narrated by: Ray Childs

Length: 7 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

Writer John Howard Griffin (1920-1980) decided to perform an experiment in order to learn from the inside out how one race could withstand the second class citizenship imposed on it by another race. Through medication, he dyed his skin dark and left his family and home in Texas to find out.

The setting is the Deep South in 1959. What began as scientific research ended up changing his life in every way imaginable. When he decided the real story was in his journals, he published them, and the storm that followed is now part of American history.

As performed by Ray Childs, this first-ever recording of Black Like Me will leave each listener deeply affected. John Howard Griffin did the impossible to help bring the full effect of racism to the forefront of America's conscience.

©1989 Elizabeth Griffin-Bonazzi, Susan Griffin-Campbell, John H. Griffin, Jr., Gregory P. Griffin, and Amanda Griffin-Sanderson; 1960, 1961, 1977 John Howard Griffin (P)2004 Audio Bookshelf

Critic reviews

"No one can read it without suffering." (Dallas Morning News)
"Only the coldest of hearts could be unaffected by this story, told with dignity and warmth, conviction and steadfast honesty. Audiobooks like this can help heal wounds and open minds about racism, an issue our nation still struggles with." (AudioFile)

Fascinating story

Shows what the phrase “until you’ve lived in my shoes” really means and the truth it holds. One’s perception can not define another’s experience.

Everyone should read

Would you listen to Black Like Me again? Why?

yes. I plan to listen again later. I enjoyed hearing his insight on societal norms.

What did you like best about this story?

it was honest.

Have you listened to any of Ray Childs’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I loved the contrast in cultures. his observations were accurate from his perspective.

great book

i first heard about this book when Shawn Hunter had that episode “Chick Like Me” on Boy Meets World. Always knew this book, but never read or listened to it. So glad I did. I think no matter where you stand on the political spectrum, you stand to learn something with this book. I really liked it, hope you will, too!

Good reminder

This is obviously a classic real life story during the Civil rights movement and its progress from 1959 - 1977,.
I would highly recommend one of Griffins children, grandchildren or any interested writer. To provide an update of how far we've come in this new Millennium, and what other Improvement are needed. Please let everyone know. And don't forget to record an audio version..

Fascinating account enhanced by epilogue

Don't skip the excellent epilogue which provides a succinct overview of the evolution of the civil rights movement through the 1960s and 70s.

Past and Present

The experiment took place the year before I was born. I first read the book in my 20s and was mildly fascinated. Now 57yrs later, it appears we're right back where we began.

Shocking and eye opening!

I loved this and would recommend it to anyone. I learned a lot and the narrator was very good as well.

second time through

My mom encouraged me to read this book when I was very young, and I didn't comprehend very much of it then. Now I am a mature asexual woman who has lived in the South, working as a mechanic. I have experienced many of the types of behavior that he describes here, and it resonates with me, in all of it's subtle hues. He mentions having been blind at one point in his life, and his writing reminds me of Helen Keller's Autobiography in how he pulls sound and smell as well as sight into the narrative.

Insightful

I enjoyed this book a lot. It gave me a whole new perspective. The narrator does a great job, not too many 'silly voices', but enough to keep it interesting. Would recommend this book to anyone with a brain.

great read....

I loved it.....
goes to show you know history does repeat itself.
Thank you John Griffin