Nigger: An Autobiography by Dick Gregory

Dick Gregory's landmark 1964 autobiography chronicles his journey from poverty in St. Louis to becoming a groundbreaking comedian and civil rights activist. The book, co-authored with Robert Lipsyte, has sold over one million copies and has remained continuously in print since its publication. The narrative follows Gregory's early life, his struggles with racism and poverty, his development as an athlete, and his eventual rise in the comedy world. His experiences during the Civil Rights Movement form a central part of the story, including his involvement in protests and voter registration drives. Gregory's choice of the provocative title was deliberate and addressed directly to his late mother in the book's dedication. The work includes photographs documenting key moments in Gregory's life, from his college athletic career to his performances and civil rights activism. The autobiography stands as a significant document of both personal transformation and social change in mid-20th century America. Through Gregory's perspective as both entertainer and activist, the book examines the intersection of racism, poverty, and social justice in American society.

Readers value Gregory's raw honesty and humor in discussing racism, poverty, and civil rights activism during the 1960s. Many note the book's relevance to current social issues. What readers liked: - Conversational, straightforward writing style - Balance of serious topics with humorous moments - Personal insights into the civil rights movement - Detailed accounts of Gregory's evolution from comedian to activist What readers disliked: - Abrupt ending - Some dated references require historical context - A few readers found the narrative structure loose and meandering Ratings: Goodreads: 4.27/5 (2,300+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (400+ ratings) Representative review: "Gregory's voice comes through crystal clear - you feel like you're sitting with him as he tells his story. The humor makes the harsh realities easier to process without diminishing their impact." - Goodreads reviewer Several readers mentioned assigning this book in college courses and finding it sparked meaningful discussions about race relations.

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🎭 Dick Gregory became the first Black comedian to perform regularly in major white nightclubs, breaking significant racial barriers in the entertainment industry in 1961. 📚 The controversial title of the book was specifically chosen by Gregory to rob the racial slur of its power - he famously quipped that whenever anyone used the word, they were advertising his book. ✊ Gregory used his comedy earnings to support the Civil Rights Movement, spending an estimated $1 million (equivalent to over $8 million today) on the cause between 1963 and 1968. 🎤 Before his comedy career, Gregory was a track star at Southern Illinois University, setting school records in the half-mile and mile races in the 1950s. 📋 The book's co-author, Robert Lipsyte, was a prominent New York Times sports journalist who went on to write numerous award-winning young adult novels and memoirs.