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Black Like Me | [John Howard Griffin]
Play Black Like Me

Black Like Me

  • UNABRIDGED
  • by John Howard Griffin
  • Narrated by Ray Childs
  • Whispersync for Voice-ready
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  • Regular Price :$13.96
  • Whispersync for Voice

    Listen to Black Like Me, then pick up right where you left off with the Kindle book. Learn more

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  • Average Customer Rating
  • Overall
    (216)
    Performance
    (59)
    Story
    (60)
 
  • LENGTH
    6 hrs and 59 mins
  • RELEASE DATE
    12-24-03
  • AUDIO FORMATS
    About Audio Formats
    2 3 4 Enhanced Audio
 
  • Program Type
    Audiobook
  • PUBLISHER

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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.

©1960, 1961, 1977 John Howard Griffin; renewed 1989 Elizabeth Griffin-Bonazzi, Susan Griffin-Campbell, John H. Griffin, Jr., Gregory P. Griffin, and Amanda Griffin-Sanderson; (P)2004 Audio Bookshelf; Recorded by arrangement with New American Library, a division of Penguin Group (USA), Inc.

What the Critics Say

"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)

What Members Say

Average Customer Rating

4.3 (216 ratings)
5 star
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Overall
4.3 (60 ratings)
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Story
4.3 (59 ratings)
5 star
 (36)
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Performance
  •  
    Carol Groton, CT, USA 11-28-05
    Carol Groton, CT, USA 11-28-05
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    "What a glorious accident to find this book..."

    As a white woman who decided to read and learn more about black history, the finding of this book was purely accidental, but couldn't have been more appropriate. At first I thought I was going to find this tedious, but once I gave in to giving this timeless piece work a fair chance, I was engrossed. I learned much and my perspective was broadened immensely. After further investigation, this book is often used in the academic setting. After experiencing this incredible tale of a timeless social experiment, I feel it should be mandatory reading in the academic setting. Absolutely breathtaking and I have not remorse for experiencing this book. Conversely I have an enormous gratitutde for the opportunity to experience this marvelous piece of literary work.

    14 of 14 people found this review helpful
  •  
    Pamela Baltimore, MD, United States 12-04-10
    Pamela Baltimore, MD, United States 12-04-10
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    "Wonderful!"

    I loved... LOVED... listening to this book. The story is amazingly interesting (especially for social scientists who study race in America). But the reason I took time to write this review is to comment on the narrator's performance. I cannot imagine another person doing a better job. I am now a total fan of Ray Childs; I just wish there were more selections read by him. If you find the description of this book the least bit interesting, you won't regret spending time with it.

    5 of 5 people found this review helpful
  •  
    Karen Rockhampton, Australia 08-19-04
    Karen Rockhampton, Australia 08-19-04 Member Since 2004
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    "Black Like Me"

    Excellect, the best book i have read for years. It shows how far we have come in such a short time but it also shows how much further we have to go.

    The book is a must not only for Americans (I am not American) becuase the world must stop judging and start embracing.

    21 of 24 people found this review helpful
  •  
    Billie Lafayette, CO, United States 04-22-06
    Billie Lafayette, CO, United States 04-22-06
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    "A lesson in humanity and courage"

    A touching, poignant story of one man's incredible courage to move outside the realm of the "known" in order to discover the truths of racism and ignorance ingrained into Southern society. Growing up in Kentucky in the 60's, I witnessed many of the tragic and gut-wrenching scenarios described in his journey. A brilliant social experiment that exposes the lies of what some believe is "equality." A reminder to us all to keep ourselves in check when dealing with people of different races, religions and nationalities different from our own.

    8 of 9 people found this review helpful
  •  
    Tim Fremont, NE, United States 09-07-12
    Tim Fremont, NE, United States 09-07-12 Member Since 2004

    Computer Programmer and Worship Leader. Have enjoyed reading since my mom got me hooked on Nancy Drew and Agatha Christie prior to my teen years. My brother got me hooked on audio books after I started having a longer commute to work. Love a variety of genres.

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    "Absolutely Stunning!"

    What a fantastic book! Had this in my audible library and finally got around to reading it.

    First of all, it was hard to believe that you could physically transform a white man to a black man, but I've seen the before and after pictures online and it was amazing.

    Secondly, the various situations he encountered were almost unbelievable. From a man who picked him up while he was hitchiking, primarily to ask him about his genitalia, to the shoe shine man who didn't realize he was the same guy before and after, the stories in this book are simply astounding!

    Third, it is also curious as to how dangerous an undertaking this actually was. Can't believe he came out physically unscathed, although there are some close calls in the book. (However, after the book was published, he and his family had to flee to Mexico due to death threats).

    Like "Uncle Tom's Cabin", this is a must-read and really points out how it feels to be on the "other side". Highly recommend!!!!

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  •  
    Anja Schmidt Denmark 07-21-12
    Anja Schmidt Denmark 07-21-12 Member Since 2006

    k11923

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    "Very interesting experiment"
    What made the experience of listening to Black Like Me the most enjoyable?

    Meeting all kinds of prejudice.


    What about Ray Childs’s performance did you like?

    Nothing special.


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

    I felt sorry for America. I never understood why this "land of the free" has such a hard time living up to that.


    Any additional comments?

    I found this extremely interesting and I very much enjoyed listening.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  •  
    Margaret Mt Gambier, Australia 02-20-12
    Margaret Mt Gambier, Australia 02-20-12 Member Since 2008
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    "Enlightning"
    Where does Black Like Me rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

    one of my better listens


    Which character – as performed by Ray Childs – was your favorite?

    great narration my favorite character was the shoe shine man .


    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  •  
    Janet Brooklyn, NY, United States 12-11-11
    Janet Brooklyn, NY, United States 12-11-11
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    "Required for History class, but I loved it!"
    Would you consider the audio edition of Black Like Me to be better than the print version?

    Better to those who have no time to read it.


    What was one of the most memorable moments of Black Like Me?

    The start of the story with a poem was very unusual with a lot of feelings from the narrator.


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

    Oh yes, but it is too long.


    Any additional comments?

    Thank you for having it available.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful
  •  
    carol Coquitlam, BC, Canada 10-31-11
    carol Coquitlam, BC, Canada 10-31-11 Member Since 2011
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    "Not my favorite...."

    I looked forward to this historical book. I should have saved my credits, and just read about the book.

    1 of 3 people found this review helpful
  •  
    carrie clearfield, UT, United States 09-03-12
    carrie clearfield, UT, United States 09-03-12 Member Since 2007
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    "not great but interesting"
    Would you try another book from John Howard Griffin and/or Ray Childs?

    yes


    Would you recommend Black Like Me to your friends? Why or why not?

    My Daughter recommended this book to me. I'm not sure I would recommend unless someone was looking for this type book


    0 of 1 people found this review helpful
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