📖 Overview
Damon Young is an American author, cultural critic, and philosopher known for his essays and books exploring race, culture, and contemporary life. His 2019 memoir "What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Blacker: A Memoir in Essays" received widespread acclaim and won the Barnes & Noble Discover Award.
Young gained prominence as the co-founder of VerySmartBrothas.com, a blog-turned-digital magazine that became one of the most popular Black-focused digital platforms before being acquired by Univision and The Root. His writing regularly appears in major publications including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and GQ.
As a cultural critic and speaker, Young focuses on themes of racism, masculinity, and American culture through both personal narrative and social commentary. His work often combines philosophical inquiry with accessible storytelling, drawing from his academic background in philosophy and his experiences as a Black man in America.
His contributions to contemporary discourse have earned him recognition as a member of The Root 100, an annual list of influential African Americans. Young continues to write and speak extensively while serving as a columnist for The Cut and maintaining an active presence in cultural discussions.
👀 Reviews
Readers connect with Young's blend of humor and sharp social commentary, particularly in "What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Blacker." Many reviews highlight his ability to tackle serious topics while maintaining levity.
Liked:
- Raw honesty about personal experiences
- Balance of intellectual depth with accessible writing
- Humor that serves the deeper message
- Clear voice that feels like a conversation
Disliked:
- Some readers found certain essays meandering
- A few noted repetitive themes across chapters
- Occasional shifts in tone felt jarring to some
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.2/5 (5,000+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.6/5 (1,000+ reviews)
Reader quote: "Young manages to be both hilarious and heartbreaking while examining what it means to be Black in America" - Goodreads reviewer
Notable: Most critical reviews still acknowledge Young's writing talent, with disagreements centered on essay structure rather than content or perspective.
📚 Books by Damon Young
What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Blacker: A Memoir in Essays (2019)
A collection of personal essays exploring the author's experiences as a Black man in America, addressing topics from childhood through adulthood including relationships, sports, and systemic racism.
The Art of Reading (2016) An examination of different approaches to reading, exploring how various methods of engaging with texts can affect understanding and enjoyment.
The Lost Art of Reading: Why Books Matter in a Distracted Time (2010) An analysis of how digital technology and modern distractions have impacted reading habits and literary culture.
Ecstatic Nation: How Reading Makes Us Feel (2015) An exploration of the emotional and psychological effects that reading literature has on individuals and communities.
How to Think About Exercise (2014) A philosophical examination of physical activity and its relationship to mental well-being, drawing from both ancient and modern perspectives.
The Art of Reading (2016) An examination of different approaches to reading, exploring how various methods of engaging with texts can affect understanding and enjoyment.
The Lost Art of Reading: Why Books Matter in a Distracted Time (2010) An analysis of how digital technology and modern distractions have impacted reading habits and literary culture.
Ecstatic Nation: How Reading Makes Us Feel (2015) An exploration of the emotional and psychological effects that reading literature has on individuals and communities.
How to Think About Exercise (2014) A philosophical examination of physical activity and its relationship to mental well-being, drawing from both ancient and modern perspectives.
👥 Similar authors
Ta-Nehisi Coates writes personal essays and cultural commentary that examine race, identity, and power structures in America. His memoir "Between the World and Me" uses a letter format to his son, similar to Young's direct and contemplative writing style.
Kiese Laymon explores themes of race, family, and personal identity through memoir and essays that center on his experiences in the American South. His work "Heavy" deals with similar themes of body image and masculinity that appear in Young's writing.
Roxane Gay combines cultural criticism with personal narrative, addressing issues of race, gender, and politics. Her essay collections examine contemporary social issues while maintaining a connection to lived experience.
Michael Eric Dyson analyzes race relations and Black culture through a combination of scholarly work and personal reflection. His writing style bridges academic analysis with accessible cultural commentary.
Ibram X. Kendi focuses on anti-racism and examines how racist ideas and policies have shaped American society. His work combines historical research with contemporary analysis in a way that engages with current social discourse.
Kiese Laymon explores themes of race, family, and personal identity through memoir and essays that center on his experiences in the American South. His work "Heavy" deals with similar themes of body image and masculinity that appear in Young's writing.
Roxane Gay combines cultural criticism with personal narrative, addressing issues of race, gender, and politics. Her essay collections examine contemporary social issues while maintaining a connection to lived experience.
Michael Eric Dyson analyzes race relations and Black culture through a combination of scholarly work and personal reflection. His writing style bridges academic analysis with accessible cultural commentary.
Ibram X. Kendi focuses on anti-racism and examines how racist ideas and policies have shaped American society. His work combines historical research with contemporary analysis in a way that engages with current social discourse.