How to Be Black

When did you first realize you were black? How black are you? Can you swim? This guide challenges and satirizes the so-called experts, purists, and racists who purport to speak for all black people.

Reviews

"A hilarious blend of razor-sharp satire and memoir...Using his own story and humor, Thurston demonstrates that the best way to 'be' anything is to simply be yourself." -- Publishers Weekly "Terrific...How to Be Black is an assault on nostalgia--a satirical, biographic attack on the idea that 'blackness' or any label should be derived from historical description." -- Fast Company Struggling to figure out how to be black in the 21st century? Baratunde Thurston has the perfect guide for you...Fans of Stuff White People Like, This Week in Blackness and other blogs that take satirical shots at racial stereotypes are sure to love How to Be Black. -- The Root "A hilarious look at the complexities of contemporary racial politics and personal identity." -- Booklist "One of the smartest and funniest books I've ever read." -- Christian Lander (via Twitter)