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Black Like Me

By: John Howard Griffin
Narrated by: Ray Childs
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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.

©1989 Elizabeth Griffin-Bonazzi, Susan Griffin-Campbell, John H. Griffin, Jr., Gregory P. Griffin, and Amanda Griffin-Sanderson; 1960, 1961, 1977 John Howard Griffin (P)2004 Audio Bookshelf

Critic reviews

"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 listeners say about Black Like Me

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Really eye opening

A definite must read for everyone!
and Ray Childs did a wonderful job
10/10 would recommend

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Amazing

I love the book and narration. Gave me a better understanding to what's going on in America right now. It's a shame that after 70 years, we can still feel like second-class citizens.

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Excellent

Excellent and very important read! I highly recommend this book and will hope it becomes a standard read in schools and finds its way to many discussions in book clubs.
Still absolutely shocking and immoral of the realities of how black people were severely horribly mistreated, degraded and stripped of hope. Bless those who stood for change and did not give up. This is a must read!

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Classic

I read this in high school. It had a big affect on me then in 1976. It was nice to listen to it again so that I could understand the racism from the 50s. Some of the things he warned about going extreme the other way seem to be happening now. this book would be for any honest person wanting to see the other side of issues.

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Laughter and Tearful

I was laughing and tearful and sometimes at the same time.
I saw the movie many years ago when I was a kid and it always stuck in my head.
I haven’t read many books and just started with Audible and I saw this book.


A inside look into people that are treated because just because of the way they look.
A must read for anyone especially white people that don’t understand.
After I listen to this book I’m gonna m see the movie again.
Good book. Thank you..

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Yes !

Honestly, As A Black Woman I Can Say I Really Enjoyed This Piece! It's Something To Most Definitely Deserves A Listen !

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Fantastic book

Loved it. It opened my eyes to history and the experiences that people went through.

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An amazing awful journey

This book is a journey of empathy which we all need. Thanks to the brave author!

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Good read

Wow! He was brave to take that on, in Mississippi at that, the 50s

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Shocking

At first I thought this might be some sort of joke, but upon listening further, I was educated and still know there is racism everywhere. Bully for you Mr. Griffin

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