Black Boy Smile

A Memoir in Moments

By: D. Watkins

Narrated by: D. Watkins

Length: 5 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

A New York Times bestselling and award-winning author presents a complex story about his coming-of-age journey as a Black boy, from the societal roots of trauma to finding joy.

"If I had two wishes, it would be that D. Watkins spend an entire book writing through the terrifying wonder of Black boyness in America, and for every human to read and share this book. I am shaken. Black Boy Smile changed my relationship to writing and me."―Kiese Laymon, author of Heavy and winner of the Andrew Carnegie Medal

At nine years old, D. Watkins has three concerns in life: picking his dad’s Lotto numbers, keeping his Nikes free of creases, and being a man. Directly in his periphery is east Baltimore, a poverty-stricken city battling the height of the crack epidemic just hours from the nation’s capital. Watkins, like many boys around him, is thrust out of childhood and into a world where manhood means surviving by slinging crack on street corners and finding oneself on the right side of pistols. For 30 years, Watkins is forced to safeguard every moment of joy he experiences or risk losing himself entirely. Now, for the first time, Watkins harnesses these moments to tell the story of how he matured into the D. Watkins we know today—beloved author, college professor, editor-at-large of Salon.com, and devoted husband and father.

Black Boy Smile lays bare Watkins’ relationship with his father and his brotherhood with the boys around him. He shares candid recollections of early assaults on his body and mind and reveals how he coped using stoic silence disguised as manhood. His harrowing pursuit of redemption, written in his signature street style, pinpoints how generational hardship, left raw and unnurtured, breeds toxic masculinity. Watkins discovers a love for books, is admitted to two graduate programs, meets with his future wife, an attorney—and finds true freedom in fatherhood.

Equally moving and liberating, Black Boy Smile is D. Watkins’ love letter to Black boys in concrete cities, a daring testimony that brings to life the contradictions, fears, and hopes of boys hurdling headfirst into adulthood. Black Boy Smile is a story proving that when we acknowledge the fallacies of our past, we can uncover the path toward self-discovery. Black Boy Smile is the story of a Black boy who healed.

©2022 D. Watkins (P)2022 Legacy Lit

Critic reviews

"A startling and moving celebration of a brutal life transformed by language and love."—Kirkus Books, Starred Review

“A smile isn't a thing that appears on the face in a flash. It's more of a gradual lift that starts from an unseen place. What Watkins does here is courageously chronicle that lift. This is, no doubt, an origin story for the ages.”—Jason Reynolds, New York Times bestselling author and National Book Award finalist

“Black Boy Smile is another important look at growing up. Watkins has shown what courage means despite fear. This is a book all young men should read.”—Nikki Giovanni, American poet and NAACP Image Award winner

Inspirational is an understatement

Wow. I’m pretty emotional, crying easily. But I can’t recall ever crying while listening to a book! As I type, I’ve just finished listening and I am truly moved. I downloaded this book Monday after seeing D. Watkins on a TV interview. 2 days, done.

I was inspired to read it because I have a few people in my life that are about to spread their wings, and I want them to embrace it all, say yes (to most things), and smile. In fact, I’ve been saying that for a long time. I wanted to preview the book so that I could talk about it with them. I did not anticipate how it would make me feel.

Part of me struggles with a savior complex, so I don’t want to push, but this is a message that young men need to hear. My hope is that offering this book will be enough to open the door to reading and learning about life, as reading captured the attention and imagination of Mr. Watkins. This story can put someone on a path to a wonderful life.

I want to see Kharan and Cross! I need a face to put with the story! Lol

I loved every minute and listened straight through. D’s ability to articulate the life cycle of an east side Baltimorean is amazing as it is accurate. As a woman who grew up on the west side, I can totally identify with the childhood fear associated with ending up on the other side, knowing no one and needing to be seen as tough, fearless and ready for action should any chick start to feel froggy. I read an article about D last week and randomly met him yesterday, so I had to give this a read. I’m grateful to know the dope game doesn’t claim all the lives of those who play it. I cried listening to him speak about his wife and daughter, how beautiful they are, how love conquered his ice cold heart. This story gave me hope that our inner city youth are not permanently lost to the streets… love can still conquer all. Thanks D!

talented writer

I loved it..I could relate to every thing he said..I believed him..he explained alot of things I always wondered about..

You’ll be wishing he has more than 4 books out

This book seems so personal and is so insightful. It teaches you so much, I just want to say I appreciate it a lot. Thank you D. Watkins

Becoming

Becoming a man, becoming a success, becoming a contributor, becoming a husband, and becoming, perhaps most importantly, a Dad, is not easy for anyone. Black Boy Smile reveals that it certainly was not easy for author D. Watkins. His story vividly jumps from these pages.

In his struggle and success, I’m reminded of my own journey. I started out in the $9 Uber away neighborhood. Though that ride transported to a vastly different experience, many of the lessons that the author had to learn, I had to learn and I am still learning.

Awesome

I didn’t know what to expect listening to this book. It felt like a conversation with a friend! I cried, laughed, but most importantly felt inspired!!!!