Black Friend

Essays

By: Ziwe

Narrated by: Ziwe

Length: 4 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

From the writer crowned one of the smartest, funniest voices in modern America, this hotly anticipated debut collection of essays offers “a precious glimpse into how Ziwe’s uniquely fearless mind functions” (New York Magazine).

Ziwe made a name for herself by asking guests like Alyssa Milano, Fran Lebowitz, and Chet Hanks direct questions. In Black Friend, she turns her incisive perspective on both herself and the culture at large. Throughout the book, Ziwe combines pop-culture commentary and personal stories that grapple with her own (mis)understanding of identity. From a hilarious case of mistaken identity via a jumbotron to a terrifying fight-or-flight encounter in the woods, Ziwe raises difficult questions for comedic relief.

From Black Friend’s introduction:

“Today, I learned that my book is ranked as the #1 new release in ‘Discrimination and Racism’ on Amazon. Wow. This is a huge honor, especially considering my stiff competition in the selfpublished manifestos space. Unfortunately, this victory is bittersweet. I worry that people may get the wrong idea and think that I am pro-racism when in actuality, I am indifferent. Still, I’d love to thank everyone who made this possible. I solemnly swear to write the most discriminatory book in American history. I hope I can make you proud.

“Just kidding...I will not marginalize you...unless that’s your kink. This book of essays offers moments of extreme discomfort (and the subsequent growth) in my life around the role of ‘black friend.’ Black friends come in all shapes and sizes. Yet the archetype is often a two-dimensional character meant to support the non-black protagonists’ more complex humanity. Some black friends exist as the comic relief, like Donkey in any of the Shrek movies. Some are the sassy friend, like Louise from St. Louis in Sex and the City. Still others are the inexplicably sagacious companion, like Morpheus in The Matrix. It’s impossible for these individual portraits to reflect my complicated reality. To start, they are fictional. One of them is a talking ass. I do not exist just to move plot. While I am a supportive friend, I am not a supporting character. I am the protagonist of my perfectly imperfect story.”

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Ziwe Fumudoh (P)2023 Audible, Inc.

Feel so seen

The last notes about your work resonated with me so much as a first Gen student

Everything

Perfect combination of humor, insight, and goo-goo-ga-ga! Touched on a lot of important subjects while relating to them via her own experiences or takes. Ziwe is hysterical and I loved turning to this when everything in the world feels like it’s falling apart— just the right amount of personal that wasn’t too heavy. Also her narration is so soothing and lovely.

Something for everyone

This book has a story for everyone. I was surprised at how much of these stories rang true for me in my own life, but overall the most resounding theme is that we are all sharing in a very messy, but authentically human experience.

Ziwe as always is amazing!

Such a great memoir in essays collection! Funny, heartfelt, insightful! She infuses her writing with her signature wit and style while asking important, larger word questions.

Thoughtful and clever

I love the hilarity interwoven with thought provoking themes and black stories. Ziwe is a treasure.

amazing book and read

I enjoyed the personal essays and connection to global issues that need to be addressed.

A modern pioneer

I listened to Black friend in what felt like 2 hours. It was like listening to the best comedy special I've ever heard. I laughed, plotted to out hexes on those who wronged my girl, took notes, rewinded, cried and cried from laughing. Incredible story telling, jokes, reflection and execution. I feel seen and represented.

STOP BEING POOR!

The best

Hilarious, smart, entertaining, educational…I took this down in one afternoon. I will be telling everyone I know about this book.

Acutely honed, challenging and thought-provoking

I knew nothing about Ziwe until I listened to her book. I’m struck both by her brilliance, and her problematic relationship with the problematic environment of social media. She’s packed a lot into this! I’m tempted to get it on Kindle, so I can examine it more closely, as it proceeds at a fast clip…

Honor to Read/Listen

I was first introduced to Ziwe by my boyfriend. Since then I enjoyed watching her show and her parodies!
Listening to this book, I felt understood by her experiences because I have experienced similar events one way or another as well. I appreciate her even more learning about her and her perspective. I only give her the best wishes to her future endeavors! This is a must read!