Black Klansman

by Ron Stallworth
Black Klansman cover
Good Books rating 4.0
True Crime
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Technical
  • ID: 2399
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2026-02-22
  • ISBN: 9781250299031
  • Publisher: Flatiron Books
  • Published: 2018-06-05
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Black Klansman is the extraordinary true story of Ron Stallworth, the first black detective in the Colorado Springs Police Department, who went undercover to infiltrate the Ku Klux Klan in the 1970s. Posing as a white man, Stallworth responded to a classified ad and was astonished when he was invited to join the Klan. With the help of his partner Chuck, Stallworth conducted a months-long investigation, sabotaging cross burnings, exposing white supremacists in the military, and even befriending David Duke himself./n/nThis gripping account not only reads like a crime thriller but also serves as a searing portrait of a divided America and the extraordinary heroes who dared to fight back against hatred and bigotry. The book is the basis for the Academy Award-winning film BlacKkKlansman, directed by Spike Lee and produced by Jordan Peele.

Reviews
MotherBooker Blog · 2020-07-13
thrilling 4.00

The story is unbelievable and thrilling, offering a unique perspective on racial tensions. The narrative is engaging but could benefit from more introspection.

The reviewer from MotherBooker Blog found the story of Black Klansman to be unbelievable and thrilling, offering a unique perspective on racial tensions in America. They appreciated the engaging narrative and the bravery of Stallworth's actions, noting that the book is a rollercoaster of a crime thriller. However, they felt that the narrative could benefit from more introspection and emotional depth, making it feel more like a thrilling tale than a deeply personal memoir. The reviewer also noted that the book is a searing and timely portrait of a divided America.

Quick quotes

    An unbelievable story that sees a Black police officer become a member of the KKK and have regular contact with the Grand Wizard himself, David Duke.

    Black Klansman is an amazing true story and a rollercoaster of a crime thriller.

    The book is a searing and timely portrait of a divided America.

Culturefly · 2018-09-02
important 3.50

While the writing can be straightforward and lacking in tone, the content is important and attention-grabbing. The story's historical significance overshadows any narrative shortcomings.

The reviewer from Culturefly noted that while the writing in Black Klansman can sometimes be straightforward and lacking in tone, the content is what truly matters. They found the story to be important and attention-grabbing, highlighting the historical significance of Stallworth's undercover operation. The reviewer appreciated the unique perspective and the bravery of Stallworth's actions, noting that the book's content overshadows any narrative shortcomings. They also mentioned that the book is a timely reminder of the ongoing struggle against racial hatred.

Quick quotes

    While Black Klansman could sometimes be a bit too straightforward and lacking in tone, what's more important is its content.

    The book's strength lies in its unique perspective and the bravery of Stallworth's actions.

    Black Klansman is a timely reminder of the ongoing struggle against racial hatred.

The New York Times · The New York Times · 2018-08-31
compelling 4.00

The memoir is a gripping account of an undercover operation that reveals the absurdity and danger of racial hatred. The narrative is compelling but occasionally lacks depth in its emotional exploration.

The reviewer found the memoir to be a gripping and extraordinary account of Ron Stallworth's undercover operation within the Ku Klux Klan. They appreciated the unique perspective and the bravery of Stallworth's actions, noting how the story highlights the absurdity and danger of racial hatred. However, they felt that the narrative sometimes lacks depth in its emotional exploration, making it feel more like a thrilling tale than a deeply personal memoir. The reviewer also noted that the book's content is timely and relevant, especially in today's political climate.

Quick quotes

    The extraordinary true story of an African-American detective who successfully infiltrated the Ku Klux Klan.

    Stallworth's account is a gripping and often darkly humorous tale of his undercover work.

    The book's strength lies in its unique perspective and the bravery of Stallworth's actions.

Door County Pulse · 2018-08-24
serious 4.50

The book is serious and somber, reflecting the gravity of Stallworth's actions and the hate groups he infiltrated. The reviewer appreciates the historical significance of the story.

Door County Pulse emphasizes that 'Black Klansman' is not a comedy but a serious account of Ron Stallworth's daring undercover operation. They highlight the gravity of the subject matter and the historical context, noting that Stallworth's actions were both courageous and significant. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to convey the seriousness of the situation and the impact of hate groups in 1978 Colorado. They find the narrative compelling and the historical insights valuable, making it a important read for understanding this period.

Quick quotes

    This book isn't a comedy. The seriousness of what author Ron Stallworth did becomes apparent as he writes about hate groups in 1978 Colorado.

    Stallworth's actions were both courageous and significant.

    The narrative is compelling and the historical insights valuable.

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