Super Short Summary

The White Boy Shuffle by Paul Beatty is a satirical coming-of-age novel that follows the life of Gunnar Kaufman, a poet, basketball star, and self-described “Negro Demagogue.” The story details Gunnar’s journey from a largely white neighborhood in Santa Monica to a predominantly black area in West Los Angeles, his rise in popularity due to his talent in basketball and poetry, his experiences with activism, and his grappling with his cultural identity. The book addresses complex race relations and controversial topics such as racial identity, police violence, and suicide.