46 pages • 1 hour read
John Howard GriffinBlack Like Me
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1961A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Black Like Me, John Howard Griffin, a white man, darkens his skin and lives as a Black man in the deep South in 1959 to document the realities of racial segregation. Griffin faces discrimination, hostility, and the daily struggles Black individuals endure to meet basic needs. He records these experiences to foster understanding and bridge racial gaps, gaining worldwide attention for his pioneering sociological study. The book contains references to racial violence, including lynching.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Black Like Me by John Howard Griffin, a compelling exploration of racial divides, receives praise for its raw and courageous narrative. Critics commend Griffin's immersive journalism and poignant prose. However, some challenge the depth of his perspective and the ethics of his methods. Overall, it remains a thought-provoking and influential work on race.
Who Should Read Black Like Me?
A reader who would enjoy Black Like Me by John Howard Griffin is likely interested in civil rights, social justice, and racial issues. They might also appreciate The Autobiography of Malcolm X and To Kill a Mockingbird, as these books similarly address racism and provide profound social commentary.