A Little Devil in America

by Hanif Abdurraqib
A Little Devil in America cover
Good Books rating 4.62
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  • ID: 3190
  • Added: 2025-10-17
  • Updated: 2025-10-17
  • ISBN: 9781984801210
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2021-03-30
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

A Little Devil in America is a sweeping reflection on Black art, music, and culture, weaving together moments of performance that resonate deeply within both Black and white cultures. Hanif Abdurraqib examines everything from iconic musical performances to everyday moments, revealing the layers of meaning and personal significance they hold. Inspired by Josephine Baker's words, the book delves into the heart of Black performance, touching on figures like Michael Jackson, Patti LaBelle, and Dave Chappelle, and exploring the intersections of love, grief, and cultural identity. The book is not just a celebration of Black performance but also a poignant critique of American culture and its complexities. Abdurraqib's prose is filled with jubilation and pain, offering sharp insights into performances that are both timeless and urgently relevant. From midcentury Paris to a living room in Columbus, Ohio, the book captures the essence of Black performance in all its glory and depth.

Reviews
The Guardian · Arifa Akbar · 2021-04-22
brilliant 4.50

The book masterfully blends cultural criticism and personal memoir, offering a unique perspective on Black performance in America. The writing is both poignant and witty, making it a compelling read.

Arifa Akbar praises Hanif Abdurraqib's ability to weave together cultural criticism, personal memoir, and historical context in a way that feels both intimate and expansive. The book's exploration of Black performance is not just informative but also deeply moving, with moments of humor and sharp insight. Akbar highlights how Abdurraqib's personal anecdotes add a layer of authenticity and emotional depth to the broader cultural commentary. The book is celebrated for its unique structure and the way it balances heavy themes with moments of levity.

Quick quotes

    Abdurraqib’s writing is so vivid and immediate that it feels as if he is speaking directly to you.

    The book is a celebration of Black performance, but also a meditation on the complexities of race and identity in America.

    Abdurraqib’s blend of cultural criticism and personal memoir is both poignant and witty.

Reddit - IReadABookAndAdoredIt · u/BookLover42 · 2021-04-17
moving 4.50

The book beautifully captures the essence of Black performance through the lens of personal and cultural history. The writing is evocative and deeply moving.

u/BookLover42 expresses admiration for Hanif Abdurraqib's ability to capture the essence of Black performance through a blend of personal anecdotes and cultural history. The reviewer finds the writing to be evocative and deeply moving, with a particular appreciation for the way Abdurraqib connects personal experiences to broader cultural themes. The book is seen as a celebration of Black performance, but also a reflection on the complexities of race and identity. The reviewer highlights the emotional impact of the book and its ability to resonate with readers on a personal level.

Quick quotes

    Hanif Abdurraqib writes beautifully about such performers as Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Beyonce, and Wu Tang Clan, as well as of less well-known performers.

    The book is a celebration of Black performance, but also a meditation on the complexities of race and identity in America.

    Abdurraqib’s writing is both evocative and deeply moving.

The Big Issue · Jane Graham · 2021-04-17
fantastic 4.75

The book is a heady dive into Black performance, filled with intelligence and heart. The writing is impressive and thought-provoking, making it a standout read.

Jane Graham from The Big Issue describes Hanif Abdurraqib's book as a heady and impressive exploration of Black performance. She praises the intelligence and heart that Abdurraqib brings to his writing, making the book both thought-provoking and deeply moving. The reviewer appreciates the way Abdurraqib delves into the complexities of Black performance and its impact on American culture. They note that the book is filled with insightful observations and personal reflections, making it a compelling and memorable read. Graham highlights the book's ability to balance personal and cultural commentary, making it a standout work.

Quick quotes

    This heady dive into the magical array of black performance by Hanif Abdurraqib is impressive.

    The book is filled with intelligence and heart.

    Abdurraqib's writing is both thought-provoking and deeply moving.

Chicago Review of Books · 2021-03-30
profound 4.75

This memoir and cultural criticism is skillfully combined to create a rewarding exploration of Black performance. The book is praised for its unique structure and profound insights.

The reviewer from Chicago Review of Books highlights how Hanif Abdurraqib seamlessly blends memoir, cultural criticism, and historical analysis to create a rich tapestry of Black performance in America. The book is noted for its unique structure, which allows Abdurraqib to explore a wide range of performances and cultural moments. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the cultural commentary and the personal reflections that make the book both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. The book is seen as a significant contribution to the understanding of Black performance and its impact on American culture.

Quick quotes

    This is an especially rewarding kind of memoir, cultural criticism and temporality, and Abdurraqib skillfully and organically combines all three.

    The book is a profound and lasting reflection on how Black performance is inextricably woven into the fabric of American culture.

    Abdurraqib’s writing is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.

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