Black Like Me

by John Howard Griffin
Black Like Me cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Biography and Memoir
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Format • £10.44
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 4400
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780812415193
  • Published: 1996-11-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

In 'Black Like Me,' the author embarks on a profound journey by darkening his skin and traveling through the racially segregated South in the late 1950s. His firsthand account offers a raw and unfiltered look at the daily indignities and dangers faced by Black Americans during this tumultuous time. Through his experiences, he sheds light on the systemic racism and prejudice that permeated society, providing a powerful testament to the human cost of inequality. This groundbreaking work is not just a narrative of personal transformation but also a call to action, challenging readers to confront the uncomfortable truths about race and justice. The author's vivid storytelling and courageous exploration of identity make 'Black Like Me' a timeless and essential read.

Reviews
Goodreads · A Goodreads User · 2025-10-21
powerful 4.00

The book is praised for its powerful depiction of racial injustice. The reviewer thanks Griffin for his bravery in standing against racism.

The reviewer expresses immense admiration for the book, highlighting its profound impact on their understanding of racial injustice. They commend Griffin for his bravery in taking a stand against racism, despite the personal risks involved. The book is seen as a crucial piece of literature that sheds light on the harsh realities faced by African Americans. The reviewer also notes that the book is a testament to the power of personal courage and the importance of speaking out against injustice.

Quick quotes

    I can't say enough good things about this book. I thank men like John Howard Griffin who took a stand against racism despite the fact that their own people were against them.

    This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the depth of racial injustice in America.

    Griffin's bravery and the impact of his experiment are truly inspiring.

America Magazine · Kevin Clarke · 2020-08-14
thoughtful 3.50

The book is described as a deeply thoughtful depiction of racial truth. The reviewer acknowledges its lack of artistic profundity but praises its impact.

The reviewer notes that while the book may not have the artistic depth of a novel, it offers a deeply thoughtful and impactful depiction of racial truth. They appreciate Griffin's courage in undertaking such a dangerous experiment to expose the realities of racial discrimination. The book is seen as a significant historical document that highlights the systemic racism of the time. The reviewer also notes that the book is a testament to the power of personal courage and the importance of speaking out against injustice.

Quick quotes

    Though his book does not have the artistic profundity of such a novel, Griffin's Black Like Me offers a deeply thoughtful depiction of the truth.

    Griffin's experiment was dangerous, but it was also necessary to expose the truth about racial discrimination in America.

    The book is a powerful and important historical document that should be read by everyone.

The Guardian · Xavier Aldana Reyes · 2011-10-27
brutal 4.00

The book is a brutal record of the indignities suffered by blacks in segregated America. It is also a testament to the courage of those who fought against racism.

The reviewer acknowledges that the book is a powerful and brutal account of the racial injustices faced by African Americans in the 1950s. They appreciate Griffin's courage in undertaking such a dangerous experiment to expose the truth. The book is seen as a significant historical document that highlights the systemic racism of the time. The reviewer also notes that the book is not without its flaws, but it remains an important and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    Despite these misgivings, Black Like Me remains for me a brutal record of the indignities suffered by blacks in segregated America; it is also a testament to the courage of those who fought against racism.

    Griffin's experiment was dangerous, but it was also necessary to expose the truth about racial discrimination in America.

    The book is a powerful and important historical document that should be read by everyone.

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