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

Good Message but not necessarily reflective

I liked the book but I didn’t think the perspectives were reflective of what most African Americans have or will experience.
It was funny but at times a bit elitist and bougie! Overall, it was cool.

a white middle class blue collar review

super good, I'm a white middle aged union electrician part of a hard working, earned every last penny I've ever had culture and feeling like cannon fodder for both sides in this new era of black life's matter but the only context is a very liberal media it's been very hard not being angry for plenty of reasons so thanks to my mom who knows me well told me to read, because that's what are family does and I am. thank you, I think the fleeting feeling that I'm getting is calmness, that we really might be brothers after all. once I started I couldn't put it down, thank you for a friendly take.

The most hilarious book I've ever read

His style is so smooth and SO HILARIOUS!! I could quote him forever! Love it! His story is definitely one that needs to be heard.

Entertaining

I was interested in what the advice would be from this brilliant younger generation brother would be. He has had the educational privilege afforded to very few in this society that he has certainly deserved, due to his mother's struggle to make this happen for her children. I found the entire book interesting and his reading of it even more engaging, Baratunde is also a stand-up comic. My favorite part of the book was his reading a brilliant essay he wrote when he was in his adolescence. I felt myself wishing though out the remainder of the book he would get back in touch with that Baratunde or at least have more this aspect of his personality more integrated in his present life. He had a good panel but I wish it were more diverse in age and Black experience.

A Black Comedy For Colours

Baratunde has produced a work that not only captivates the reader with humour but also with his experiences and those of his friends and colleagues. "How to Be Black" is truly an informative and enjoyable book.

Terrific life story!

If you could sum up How to Be Black in three words, what would they be?

awesome reflection smart

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mom- she invested in her son.

Which scene was your favorite?

camping!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

This tale will change your thinking.

Any additional comments?

Loved the book!

Excellent performance by the author

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

Wanna know How To Be Black? Listen to Baratunde Thurston's hilarious book! I read a publisher's review copy and it's a laugh out loud riot. Baratunde briefs you on the ins and outs of growing up black in the same white, East Coast elite school that Obama's kids attend and offers tips on how to be a friend of the black community. This book turns racism upside down, backwards, slant ways and every other way. I enjoyed the review copy so much, I just had to support the author by purchasing the audio version. Besides, Baratunde is a smart and eloquent speaker and the audiobook format is a no-brainer for consuming this memoir.

If you haven't had the privilege of knowing and following the hyper-connected Baratunde on Twitter as I have since the early days, fret not. It's not too late to get to know him and come to appreciate his quick wit and astute observations of technology, culture, and blackness. Baratunde's position as director of digital at The Onion lends comedic credence to this fantastic book that helps white Americans get in touch with all things black, just in time for Black History Month.

NB: If you're white, it won't turn you black. If you're black, it might help you to understand the dynamic with non-blacks.

What did you like best about this story?

The guidebook style format intermingled with anecdotes of the author's life gives a sneak peek into his life and the

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

N/A

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

If you don't watch this film, your're a racist.

How to Be Free

Just as there is no one way to describe blackness, there is not one way to describe this book. I laughed, I learned, I saw myself, I saw others, I was horrified and I was inspired. The closest one word description I can come up with is liberating. I highly recommend the audio version. Baratunde's command of pace, and his spot-on comedic timing allow him to delivery serious messages along with side splitting laughs.

I am now black!!!

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

I love it when the author can read his or her own work. Baratunde does a great job of both reading his work as well as present a very volatile subject in a way that even an old white guy like me is both educated without being offended and entertained while gaining a deeper appreciation for the topic.

Much more than a funny title

As a white Canadian, I didn't really think I would learn how to be black in America! I downloaded this book primarily for a laugh or two, but ended up learning and thinking about my own perceptions of what it's like to be black in America. The content is entertaining and thought provoking and Baratunde's audio performance is fabulous.