How to Be Black

By: Baratunde Thurston

Narrated by: Baratunde Thurston

Length: 6 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award Nominee, Narration by the Author or Authors, 2013

If you don't buy this book, you're a racist.

Have you ever been called "too Black" or "not Black enough"?

Have you ever befriended or worked with a Black person?

Raised by a pro-Black, Pan-Afrikan single mother during the crack years of 1980s Washington, DC, and educated at Sidwell Friends School and Harvard University, Baratunde Thurston has over 30 years' experience being Black. Now, through stories of his politically inspired Nigerian name, the heroics of his hippie mother, the murder of his drug-abusing father, and other revelatory Black details, he shares with listeners of all colors his wisdom and expertise in how to be Black.

Beyond memoir, this guidebook offers practical advice on everything from "How to Be the Black Friend" to "How to Be the (Next) Black President" to "How to Celebrate Black History Month".

To provide additional perspective, Baratunde assembled an award-winning Black Panel - three Black women; three Black men; and one White man (Christian Lander, author of Stuff White People Like) - and asked them such revealing questions as: "When did you first realize you were Black?" "How Black are you?" "Can you swim?"

The result is a humorous, intelligent, and audacious guide that challenges and satirizes the so-called experts, purists, and racists who purport to speak for all Black people. With honest storytelling and biting wit, Baratunde plots a path not just to blackness, but one open to anyone interested in simply "how to be".

©2012 Baratunde Thurston (P)2012 HarperCollins Publishers

Eye opening book

This was an entertaining and educational read. Baratunde took me on a cultural tour of black America and gave me a better sense of the challenges and joys he experiences. Thank you for being the "black friend"! I hope this book gets the reading and listening it deserves. I would have given the performance five stars except the quality of the guest recordings was low.

Thank you for saying it out loud!

What made the experience of listening to How to Be Black the most enjoyable?

I loved the author's delivery, as well as the use of a panel of different speakers. It kept the 'story' lively.

What was one of the most memorable moments of How to Be Black?

The weaving together of humor and intellect was brilliant. No one can miss the message; yet, it is presented in a manner lighthearted enough to thoroughly enjoy.

What does Baratunde Thurston bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Thurston brings the passion, humor and even the pain of what he actually feels in personal situations as he learns and lives through what it means to be Black.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Although that may have been fun, I needed to meditate on certain portions, so I read it in chunks.

Any additional comments?

So good to know that my interpretation of what it is to be Black counts!

What a wonderful piece of art

You just have to read it. Read it with your kids, your Mom, your Dad, Brother, Sister, Family, and or Friends. I don’t care. JUST READ IT!!!!

(Insert listen if you really need to)

A fresh positive perspective on the old and new

Would you listen to How to Be Black again? Why?

Yes. His point of view is refreshing.

What did you like best about this story?

Baratunde Thurston has empathically unraveled, the Black experience, with a fresh clear-eyed perspective that is sensitive, insightful and compassionate. His robust sense of humor is the perfect catalyst that helps him to explain these complex and sometimes confusing issues about being African-American in America so everyone can appreciate and understand what it means to be Black in America.

Getting to the heart of matters

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes because there is valuable insight to learn from as well as relate to.

What was one of the most memorable moments of How to Be Black?

the interviews with other people to help tell one mans story. It is very uniquely done.

Which scene was your favorite?

I enjoyed much of the humor. When we can laugh at ourselves, we are more likely to make positive efforts to keep moving forward.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I prefer to listen while I work. Six hours of listening would require more physical activity than just sitting, but it can be done.

Any additional comments?

I think the making of this book was a great idea. It gives insight to many aspects of very common human experiences. This book will hold value in the minds of many who read/listen to it.

Baratunde & Friends - great work

“How to be Black” is super relevant today, and truly appreciated the dedication and hard work that Baratunde and his friends build within this book and within their lives between satire and race. The “requirement” for Black people to always wear a suit - even in the shower - was super surreal expectation mentioned in the book, and after watching an interview with David Chapelle on “My Next Guess” with David Letterman (2020) this concept held a full circle moment. Chapelle talks about not being able to perform the first time on Letterman’s show because he wasn’t wearing a suit. Chapelle admits that’s why he wears a suit on during this interview. Overall, 10/10 - would recommend :)

Such a great book!!!!!

Loved this book so much. So funny and so full of truth. A must read.

Funny yet insightful!

Of course the title catches your attention (especially if your black) and the reviews of the book made it a must listen for me. I was listening "A Dance With Dragons" and the mere fact I could take a break from that book to complete this one speaks highly of it!

I love self narrated titles of this particular genre. The author/narrator brings across a light and funny feel for the book even though it does contain some very serious and poignant facts. Satire, irony and general comedic enjoyment is rampant in this title and you will actually find yourself saying your name at the end of the book as the narrator instructed. I particular like the chapter about 'Being the Black Employee" and "How to be an Angry Black Person". He made an EXCELLENT decision in incorporating the likes of Damali Ayo, Christian Lander and Jacquetta Szathmari for added perspective on various topics.

This book is not all about the laughs though, even through the laughs you learn (which is the best way to learn) and gives some semblance of guidance to simply survive in Black America. It is an interesting perspective to view as someone who grows up in a country (Jamaica) where everyone is black... Gives me a bit more insight on how being Black in America is to an extent.

Funny, moreso if you live in DC

Location-wise this takes place in Washington, DC in the neighborhoody part of the city. There are some cultural things you can pick up on even if you live no where near the Beltway, but knowing the area and being around the general time the author grew up here, adds some extra to it. Also it is funny. It will go along as an interesting story and then bam, something is making me laugh. It only rated 3 stars overall because there is a lot of time between laughing. In general it is humorous, but it could be funnier.

Baratunde,Baratunde,Baratunde......You are amazing!

This book was wonderfully done. After listening, I can not imagine getting the same effect by reading it. You address stereotypes that so many others avoid, by making it humorous and enlightening. The experiences that you shared and triumphed over with the help of such an amazing woman....your mother, made me wish I had a mother like her! I can see that these experiences made you who you are today and you were gracious enough to share a portion of your greatness in this great satirical piece!