Kill 'Em and Leave

Searching for James Brown and the American Soul

By: James McBride

Narrated by: Dominic Hoffman

Length: 9 hrs

Publisher's summary

“You won’t leave this hypnotic book without feeling that James Brown is still out there, howling.”—The Boston Globe

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Good Lord Bird, winner of the 2013 National Book Award for Fiction, Deacon King Kong, and Five-Carat Soul, Kill ’Em and Leave is more than a book about James Brown. Brown embodied the contradictions of American life: He was an unsettling symbol of the tensions between North and South, Black and White, rich and poor. After receiving a tip that promises to uncover the man behind the myth, James McBride goes in search of the “real” James Brown.

McBride’s travels take him to forgotten corners of Brown’s never-before-revealed history, illuminating not only our understanding of the immensely troubled, misunderstood, and complicated Godfather of Soul, but the ways in which our cultural heritage has been shaped by Brown’s enduring legacy.

©2015 James McBride (P)2015 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Thoughtful and probing . . . with great warmth, insight and frequent wit.”—The New York Times Book Review

“McBride’s true subject is race and poverty in a country that doesn’t want to hear about it, unless compelled by a voice that demands to be heard.”—New York Magazine

“Masterly . . . powerful . . . McBride provides an invaluable service to the history of R&B.”—Los Angeles Review of Books

Just when you thought you knew James Brown...

What made the experience of listening to Kill 'Em and Leave the most enjoyable?

The narrator caught the tone of the story. I couldn't wait to get back in the car to listen to more.

Who was your favorite character and why?

James Brown, the subject of the book. I learned much more about the man.

What does Dominic Hoffman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His character voicing is incredible.

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

I felt the author educated the reader on African American culture as much as educated us on the Godfather of Soul.

Please Please Please

I FEEL GOOD after listening to this. Amazing story and great narration. Please please PLEASE listen to this and find your soul, America's soul, and James Brown's creation of that soul.

Best biography ...

... I've heard in years, and wonderful narration, too. I felt like I was listening to a symphony.
My new favorite McBride opus!

All around great book.

Weather you are a fan of James Brown or not this is an excellent book. The book is also a great history lesson.

A Must-Listen!

I just finished this book this morning, and I immediately went back to the beginning and started to listen to it again - it's just that good! The narration by Dominic Hoffman is excellent. It was only as I listened to it for a second time that I realized the pure beauty of James McBride's writing; before I was too wrapped in the fascinating details of the story to notice. McBride's research and interviews reveal a fascinating history of James Brown. A disclaimer, I know & admire Brown's music, but was not a huge fan, nor did I know a lot about his life except for what was in main stream news. The story is more than just a simple bio and cannot be told in isolation from popular culture, caste, & racism. The author does a wonderful job of giving recognition to many (unknown) musicians, family, and friends.

A history lesson about the life of the Godfather of Soul

I almost described this as a telling of Mr. Brown as a complicated person but, really, he wasn't. He was a brilliant musician and artist, with a steadfast determination to give us his art on his own terms. And, flawed. We don't want to believe the people whom we admire are flawed because enjoying their work allows us to escape our flawed selves.

Thank you, Mr. McBride, for reminding us why James Brown was the Godfather of Soul.

Great read and history lesson.

I enjoyed the book. it was a great story and education on better understanding the Godfather of soul.

A Captivating Narrative of a Complex Man

First off, I usually do not write reviews but because of McBride's fluid narrative of Mr. James Brown, I was compelled to do so.
I grew up in the 1960s in NY and Mr. Brown's music had my friends jumping to his unabashed funk. He epitomized Blackness in a brash, and proudly unapologetic way.
Years later I would hear the stories of abuse of women, his band members, etc. I would also relocate to South Carolina, which McBride nailed in his descriptions of its resident's attitude and posture on race and status. McBride and the audio narrator do an Excellent job in conveying what possibly made Mr. Brown the complex man he was. From the insightful interviews, history and environment, Mr. Brown's story is one of survival. Right, wrong, and crazy, but non the less on his own terms.

10/10

I love the way in which idioms are applied in this book painting a vivid picture for listeners to imagine. It’s great to hear a different truth to who and what James Brown stood for. As a member of the millennial generation I was fooled into thinking he was a mad man. I was wrong and this book has led me to see the godfather for who and what he really stood for education and empowerment.

A History Lesson

I enjoyed this book! I really appreciate the contrasts given between the popular movie of Mr. Brown’s life with how he really was in the real life situations. McBride does not sugarcoat or defend, but presents information in a palatable form, allowing for sympathy if you’re so inclined, but just as well if you’re not.