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real_life_reading's review against another edition
4.0
Funny, inspiring, brilliant. When I read books like these, it makes me realize how far I have to go to start thinking like an anti-racist in every situation. I promised Baratunde (his name is the most amazing name EVER) on Instagram that I would read this to my sons when they are a little older. Hold me accountable, Community.
dave37's review against another edition
4.0
I've followed Baratunde on Twitter for several years, and was very interested to hear more about his journey. Sure, How to Be Black was funny, though a bit of the humor seemed forced at times, but the meat of the book is the autobiographical parts. In these there is humor, sadness, rage, disappointment and a host of other very real emotions, conveyed in Baratunde's engaging style, but there is also a lot of wisdom. While I expected to learn from reading the book, what I didn't expect were the insights into parenting that I gleaned - Baratunde's mom kicked much ass, and the impact she had on her son's approach to education, people and life in general made a real mark. Well worth reading.
hmholmes19's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.25
txkikind's review against another edition
5.0
I can not begin to tell you how much I loved this book. This book is great for any black person who has been the only black person in a situation - in you school, at your Jon, whatever. It's satire and there were parts where I was laughing out loud because I could relate. But this book isn't just for black people. Anyone can read it and find a way to relate. Plus, the guy who wrote Stuff White People Like is a contributor, so something for everyone!
gemmapz's review against another edition
5.0
Baratunde Thurston would be the first person to tell you that there's no corner on the market on how to be black. He posits the idea throughout that there are many ways to be Black and that each black person is not only not the only representative for their race, but they (mostly) don't want to be. As an oft-guilty self-congratulating white liberal, it was pleasant to be gently, humorously chided about the assumptions I continue to make.
rebeccaasavage's review against another edition
3.0
Wow, reading a book on race written during Obama’s presidency is kinda surreal now.
the_real_mosscap's review against another edition
3.0
Full disclosure: I love Baratunde Thurston so much that I have to tone it down so I don't make my husband feel bad. That being said, I don't think this was the best that Baratunde was capable of (though, fortunately, Baratunde's mediocre is far better than a mere mortal's mediocre). Still, his anecdotes managed to be simultaneously amusing and flat, while the voice switched too often and too quickly from biting sarcasm to insightful commentary. Baratunde is a master of both, but the rapid back-and-forth left this reader wondering whether she correctly interpreted the tone of each section. All in all, Thurston's "voice" comes through loud and clear throughout, and the book is well worth the read. If goodreads would give us the half-star system (FINALLY), this would definitely be a 3.5.
readerxxx's review against another edition
2.0
I started this because I see the author on Twit all the time. It just didnt interest me as a reader. It was tongue in cheek, thinly veiled satire. Just too obvious and dull.
dawnoftheread's review against another edition
4.0
Mr. Thurston is speaking at a conference I'm attending this fall, so I thought I'd go ahead and read his book in advance, and I'm glad I did. Looking forward what he has to say about the youths!