About the Book

For those who want to add a dose of humor as well as autobiography to their class discussions about race in America, The Onion’s Baratunde Thurston shares his 30+ years of expertise in being black with helpful essays such as “How to Be the Black Friend,” and “How to Speak for All Black People.” How to Be Black will connect with black students who might share the same experience of being one of the only black people at work, in a group of friends or in a class—and  it will jumpstart class discussions on the portrayal of minorities in media and the prevalence of discrimination.

Critical Praise

“Part autobiography, part stand-up routine, part contemporary political analysis, and astute all over.... Reading this book made me both laugh and weep with poignant recognition.... A hysterical, irreverent exploration of one of America’s most painful and enduring issues.” — Melissa Harris-Perry

“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)

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Product Details

• ISBN: 9780062003225
• ISBN 10: 0062003224
• Imprint: Harper Paperbacks
• On Sale: 10/30/2012
• Trimsize: 5.310 in (w) x 8.000 in (h) x 0.610 in (d)
• Pages: 272
• List Price: $15.99
• BISAC1 : HUMOR / Topic / Cultural, Ethnic & Regional
• BISAC2 : BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Cultural, Ethnic & Regional / African American & Black
• BISAC3 : HUMOR / Topic / Political