Nigger: An Autobiography by Dick Gregory

Andrew: Wonderful book

United Kingdom on Sep 26, 2023

GOODTHRILLHUNTIN’: Mr.Gregory’s voice still rings loud and unapologetic even years after him not being here. Grabbed this book a while back and got to finally read it and finished it in about three days. There’s no limits to where we can go in life and Dick Gregory is the prime example to show us that. I believe every black man should have this library when on a journey of finding self and purpose it can definitely shine some light.

United States on Sep 24, 2023

Sandi Melia: I loved this biography back in the late 60's & more so day. May Mr. Gregory Rest In Peace. A very important man...

United States on Aug 24, 2023

Lisa: What an amazing story! I truly feel like I have a deeper understanding of how times were back then and what it took to create change. What an American hero!

United Kingdom on Nov 30, 2022

Jannis Sonnenberg: Great way of writing, a stroy of grief, sadness but also inspiring because it is also a story of hope, strength, empathy and overall positive lessons and emotions. I literally read this book in a blink of an eye.

Germany on Apr 09, 2021

Monique M: RIP Dick Gregory.
A very funny and touching look at Gregory's life and the struggle for civil rights.

Canada on Jan 12, 2018

Valerie Osei: A very personal look at Dick Gregory and his life. How he uses comedy to overcome the daily struggle of oppression and prejudice during the civil rights movement. Wonderful piece.

Canada on Jan 07, 2018

T.V. Terry: A very great and insightful read on the younger Richard Claxton Gregory, from his growing up poor and impoverished in St. Louis, to his prowess as a prep track star, his discovering his penchant for comedy, his stint in the U.S. Army, his making a go for it as a comedian, meeting his wife, Lilian, striking it big as a comedian...to finally finding a further calling as an activist during the Civil Rights Movement. Though the book ends as 1963 gives way to 1964, it is easy to see how and why this book is specifically titled as it is. I also not only learned a lot about this great man...but what also motivated and moved him to excel in the manner in which he did his entire life, which ended last month, sadly, at 85. Yet, though this book wants you to read more...fortunately, there is more to come in the subsequent books he did author...up untilwhat would become his final one, which was released a week ago. I have that one on my Kindle app all set and ready to go. And when I get there, I will write of and on that one as well. But, to get an introduction on one of the foremost personalities and sages this world ever produced, this book is a great place to start.

United States on Sep 13, 2017

ritarose: This is one of the best books I've ever read! Everyone should read it. It is thought provoking and it is moving on a spiritual level. It is a fascinating autobiography of a man who gained fame as a comedian but found a greater calling as an activist delivered in a touchingly authentic and unaffected voice. I love the fact that it gives such a human and personal account of living with poverty and rascism. The way he describes his struggles as an individual participating in demonstations against segregation help you appreciate how much personal sacrifice went into the civil rights movement, but that isn't even the best part. When he talks about about seeing the picture on the black church that was bombed and seeing that the blast had taken out the eyes of Christ and wondering what a blinded Christ means you have to wonder what it means too. He says he doesn't know what he has become a part of but he knows it is bigger than he is and he can't stop it. His speech toward the end is also incredibly moving and you know that what he is a part of is bigger than him and even bigger than the monumental things he has experienced, including the civil rights movement. This is a wonderful,...

United States on Jun 19, 2012

Christine Moore: Another great testament of how hard work and determination bring good results. Gregory's story is still inspiring, even after more than 40 years. Prior to reading his book, if I had to use a few words to describe what he was about, I could only think of "the Dick Gregory diet" and ex-comedian. Although I had heard that he was involved in the Civil Rights movement, I didn't realize the extent of his involvement, nor his impact. I have a new level of respect for him. I also noticed that in the latter years-from 1960 to 1964 when the book was written, his activism took center stage and his comedy was barely mentioned.

Many poignant moments are in the book, of course. For instance, during a rally, a white man spat in his face, and due to the non-violent nature of the rally, he simply allowed the spit to drain into his mouth as he responded with sarcastic but peaceful words to the offender. I cannot ever afford to forget what others went through for me to enjoy the advances in equality today.

The style of writing is also effective. It flows smoothly, and I was able to read the book within a three day period. No portion of the book dragged on with unnecessary details, in...

United States on May 02, 2006