Plot Summary

How to Be Black

Baratunde Thurston
Guide cover placeholder

How to Be Black

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2012

Book Brief

Baratunde Thurston

How to Be Black

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2012
Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

2010s

Publication Year

2012

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

How to Be Black by Baratunde Thurston is a memoir that combines humor and sharp insight to explore what it means to be black in America, challenging stereotypes and media portrayals. Thurston shares his personal experiences, including his father's death and his Harvard education, to highlight the complexity and diversity of black identity, and he offers practical advice for fostering interracial relations and self-empowerment. The book includes sensitive topics such as the impact of racism and historical suffering of African Americans.

Humorous

Informative

Contemplative

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.2

9,957 ratings

73%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

How to Be Black by Baratunde Thurston is a witty and insightful memoir blending humor with poignant commentary on race and identity. Reviewers praise its clever satire and thought-provoking narrative. Some readers feel the humor occasionally undercuts deeper messages. Overall, it is lauded for its engaging, relatable voice and candid exploration of Black experiences in America.

Who should read this

Who Should Read How to Be Black?

A reader who enjoys How to Be Black by Baratunde Thurston likely appreciates witty, satirical, and insightful commentary on race, identity, and culture. If you liked Born a Crime by Trevor Noah or Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, you will find Thurston's humor and perspective equally compelling and thought-provoking.

4.2

9,957 ratings

73%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

2010s

Publication Year

2012

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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