Rising out of Hatred

The Awakening of a Former White Nationalist

De: Eli Saslow

Narrado por: Scott Brick, Eli Saslow

From a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, the powerful story of how a prominent white supremacist changed his heart and mind

Derek Black grew up at the epicenter of white nationalism. His father founded Stormfront, the largest racist community on the Internet. His godfather, David Duke, was a KKK Grand Wizard. By the time Derek turned 19, he had become an elected politician with his own daily radio show - already regarded as the "the leading light" of the burgeoning white nationalist movement. "We can infiltrate," Derek once told a crowd of white nationalists. "We can take the country back."

Then he went to college. Derek had been homeschooled by his parents, steeped in the culture of white supremacy, and he had rarely encountered diverse perspectives or direct outrage against his beliefs. At New College of Florida, he continued to broadcast his radio show in secret each morning, living a double life until a classmate uncovered his identity and sent an email to the entire school: "Derek Black...white supremacist, radio host...New College student???"

The ensuing uproar overtook one of the most liberal colleges in the country. Some students protested Derek's presence on campus, forcing him to reconcile for the first time with the ugliness his beliefs. Other students found the courage to reach out to him, including an Orthodox Jew who invited Derek to attend weekly Shabbat dinners. It was because of those dinners - and the wide-ranging relationships formed at that table - that Derek started to question the science, history, and prejudices behind his worldview. As white nationalism infiltrated the political mainstream, Derek decided to confront the damage he had done.

Rising out of Hatred tells the story of how white-supremacist ideas migrated from the far-right fringe to the White House through the intensely personal saga of one man who eventually disavowed everything he was taught to believe, at tremendous personal cost. With great empathy and narrative verve, Eli Saslow asks what Derek's story can tell us about America's increasingly divided nature. This is a book to help us understand the American moment and to help us better understand one another.

©2018 Eli Saslow (P)2018 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Rising Out of Hatred is a disturbing look at the spread of that extremism - and how it is planted and cultivated in the fertile soil of American bigotry. And yet, Saslow’s vivid storytelling also conveys that during this period of deepening racial division, there is the possibility of redemption." (Washington Post)

“The story of Derek Black is the human being at his gutsy, self-reflecting, revolutionary best, told by one of America’s best storytellers at his very best. Rising out of Hatred proclaims if the successor to the white nationalist movement can forsake his ideological upbringing, can rebirth himself in antiracism, then we can too no matter the personal cost. This book is an inspiration.” (Ibram X. Kendi, National Book Award-winning author of Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America)

“This is a double portrait: of a worse America, and of a better one. Neither of them has yet come to pass, but each of them might. Thanks to reporting that is both truthful and humane, we see in one young man's decision a guide to the choices that face a generation and a country." (Timothy Snyder, New York Times best-selling author of On Tyranny and The Road to Unfreedom)

Interesting journey

This is a really interesting book. What I like about the story is that Derek Black's evolution was thoughtful and slow, which makes it feel genuine. But, by far, the most remarkable person in this story is Derek's college friend who invited him to Sabbath dinners every week after he found out that he was a white nationalist. His patience and persistence, along with his belief that his friend could change, is truly something to behold. Even when Derek remained a white nationalist for years after he started attending these weekly dinners, his friend never gave up on him. I don't know if I could have been that open and loving.

Good book, bad performance

Great information, but reading is awful. Sounds like some guy trying to act a story that doesn’t need acting. Please just say the words and don’t make them about you.

Amazing story

The power of love and humanity wins over hate. The rise of WN in the GOP is scared... those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

A must read

An incredible story and a grim warning the future of our country. A must read for every one.

Incredible Story. Must read

This is an incredible story that is well told and well read. I could not put it down.

It is an eye opening piece about white nationalism told with power and grace. Knowing a bit about the story from the news does not change my views on the compelling nature of this real life story of a white supremacist.

I think it is a must read in today’s polarized world.

Author is a genius at his craft

The subject of this autobiography has a very important story. Mr Saslow presented it so clearly and compellingly, that I was truly spellbound.

Very interesting!

I loved the story. I thought the narration was a little hokey. I wish he'd just read it straight, instead he made it sound a little conspiratorial.

A MUST READ

This is a VERY important book to read. Excellent and terrifying. I highly recommend it.

Great story!

I’m so glad that one racist was able to open there eyes to see that we as humans are all equal to one another. There is good people and bad people in all colors and races, and religions, sizes, and from all parts of the world. I’m American. Mixed Caucasian and Mexican. I’ve always been proud of who and what I am. I am a good helpful person to everyone. I don’t pass judgment because I don’t want them to judge me. I wish more people would step outside of there comfort and meet new people, you will see that your best friend will most likely end up looking nothing like you. Thank you for this amazing story.

An Amazing Story of Unmatched Accountability.

Simply a phenomenal story about someone who, like me, needed the presence of great people with smart ideals around him to find his way. I wish more people had the courage to break away from the people they love the most - to stand up for what’s right. I couldn’t stop listening. Best book I’ve listened to in a long time.