John Howard Griffin and Robert (AFT) Bonazzi - Black Like Me

Pros: account of daily life as a black man in the south, highlights differences between locations
Cons: dispassionate, fails to provide motivation or reaction, Griffin doesn't stay black throughout his entire trip

I'm no stranger to prejudice. I've lived in a place where I was singled out, ostracized for no other reason than my religion, something that I was born with. I've been spat at, refused admittance into people's homes, kicked out of or not allowed entry...

Pros: Author is sincere, and gives a glimpse of black like in the 1950's
Cons: His religious bias got in the way a little bit.

I read this in Multiculturalism class last fall. It is the true story of a white reporter, John How ...

Pros: Searing look at the everyday indignities southern blacks faced in the late 1950's.
Cons: Rather one-sided

Pros: very unique premise; presents important social questions
Cons: not able to get to the deepest parts of the social questions he examines

In Black Like Me, John Griffin relates the story of an amazing journey. A white man seeking to understand the experiences of black Americans at mid-century, Griffin pursued a series of doctors until he found one willing to treat him. Along with...

Pros: Well written, touching, insightful
Cons: None

I'm not sure how or why I got my hands on this book. I was going through an interesting time in my life of which I won't go into the details here. Let's just leave it at the fact that this book inspired a change for the better in me.

This...

Pros: Brought to light the level of hatred at the time
Cons: The author doesn't actually know what it is like to be a black person

It was hard for me to believe this book was written less than forty years ago because the time of extreme racial hatred and segregation seems so long ago. When this book was written it was perfectly normal to refuse service and plain manners to someone...

Pros: Reveals that both races need to understand racism exists in their own society.
Cons: Not Enough People Read It.

This book is not for White or Black. bigots as
it could open their eyes to the fact that bigotry
is not exclusive to one race or the other.

John Griffin dons the skin of a Black man and
journeys through the streets of the...

Pros: insightful, original
Cons: none, read it

This book is fantastic and I would recommend that any white person or non-Black in America who wants to
begin to understand what racism feels like should read this book. In fact, I think it needs to be required
reading before...

Pros: excellently written, easy to read
Cons: disturbing material

As I was not alive when this book was written, I had no idea of how America was really like at this time in history. This book gave me a much better understanding of how it really was like to be black in the 1950's. It was scary in some parts how strong...

Pros: A wonderful and accurate book
Cons: Mature subject matter best for HS and older

When I was in 7th grade I was homeschooled and my mom made me read this book and I have to say that it is one of the best things that she has ever done. This has helped me to analyze the differences of how people are treated when it comes to race...

Pros: Well written book which helps reader try to relate in some way to black experiences
Cons: Not many. Author tended to ramble on at the end of the book.

I read this book when I was in high school 28 years ago. It is one I've never forgotten. I think it's as great a portrayal of the racial experience any white person could ever hope to understand. I think he touches upon the thoughts and feelings of the black community enough to give great insight into the plight they faced. I would recommend this book to any high school level student who is studying Civil Rights as one of many avenues to insights during that period of history.