Plot Summary

The Autobiography of a Brown Buffalo

Oscar Zeta Acosta
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The Autobiography of a Brown Buffalo

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1972

Book Brief

Oscar Zeta Acosta

The Autobiography of a Brown Buffalo

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1972
Book Details
Pages

208

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Genre
Education

American Literature

Biography
Setting

California • 1960s

Topic
Education

World History
Publication Year

1972

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Set in Oakland, California, Mexican-American author Oscar Zeta Acosta’s fictionalized autobiography, The Autobiography of a Brown Buffalo (1972), explores the existential journey of an unnamed lawyer disillusioned with America while working for a poverty alleviation agency. Through flashbacks, the narrative examines his relationships and inner turmoil, leading to a quest for identity and political activism. The story contains references to substance use and sexual encounters.

Gritty

Mysterious

Contemplative

Unnerving

Reviews & Readership

4.3

1,595 ratings

72%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Oscar Zeta Acosta’s The Autobiography of a Brown Buffalo captivates readers with its raw, unflinching narrative and unique voice, blending existential musings and social commentary. Critics praise its bold portrayal of Chicano identity and personal struggles, though some find its chaotic structure challenging. Acosta's prose remains impactful and thought-provoking.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Autobiography of a Brown Buffalo?

Fans of gritty, self-reflective narratives will enjoy The Autobiography of a Brown Buffalo by Oscar Zeta Acosta. Ideal for readers who appreciate Hunter S. Thompson’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas or Jack Kerouac’s On the Road, this memoir resonates with those interested in identity exploration, counterculture, and Chicano experiences.

4.3

1,595 ratings

72%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

208

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Genre
Education

American Literature

Biography
Setting

California • 1960s

Topic
Education

World History
Publication Year

1972

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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