SKU: 59075056543

What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Blacker: A Memoir in Essays

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What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Blacker: A Memoir in EssaysA Finalist for the NAACP Image Award A Finalist for the Hurston Wright Legacy Award for Nonfiction Longlisted for the PEN Diamonstein Spielvogel Award for the Art of the Essay An NPR Best Book of the Year A Washington Independent Review of Books Favorite of the Year From the cofounder of VerySmartBrothas. com, and one of the most read writers on race and culture at work today, a provocative and humorous memoir in essays that explores the ever shifting

A Finalist for the NAACP Image Award

A Finalist for the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award for Nonfiction

Longlisted for the PEN/Diamonstein-Spielvogel Award for the Art of the Essay

An NPR Best Book of the Year

A Washington Independent Review of Books Favorite of the Year

From the cofounder of VerySmartBrothas.com, and one of the most read writers on race and culture at work today, a provocative and humorous memoir-in-essays that explores the ever-shifting definitions of what it means to be Black (and male) in America

For Damon Young, existing while Black is an extreme sport. The act of possessing black skin while searching for space to breathe in America is enough to induce a ceaseless state of angst where questions such as "How should I react here, as a professional black person?" and "Will this white person's potato salad kill me?" are forever relevant.

What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Blacker chronicles Young's efforts to survive while battling and making sense of the various neuroses his country has given him.

It's a condition that's sometimes stretched to absurd limits, provoking the angst that made him question if he was any good at the "being straight" thing, as if his sexual orientation was something he could practice and get better at, like a crossover dribble move or knitting; creating the farce where, as a teen, he wished for a white person to call him a racial slur just so he could fight him and have a great story about it; and generating the surreality of watching gentrification transform his Pittsburgh neighborhood from predominantly Black to "Portlandia . . . but with Pierogies."

And, at its most devastating, it provides him reason to believe that his mother would be alive today if she were white.

From one of our most respected cultural observers, What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Blacker is a hilarious and honest debut that is both a celebration of the idiosyncrasies and distinctions of Blackness and a critique of white supremacy and how we define masculinity.

--Ibram X. Kendi, National Book Award-winning author Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Ecco Press
Published: 03/26/2019
ISBN: 9780062684301
Pages: 320
Weight: 1.00lbs
Size: 9.20h x 6.30w x 1.20d

Review Citations: Library Journal Prepub Alert 10/01/2018 pg. 42
Publishers Weekly 01/21/2019
Booklist 02/01/2019 pg. 22
Kirkus Reviews 01/01/0001
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SKU: 59075056543

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Jen Lee
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
Dark Romance - Small Town - Suspense - Enemies to Lovers
Format: Kindle
I'm soo glad I read this book. Maddox plays the big tough man with a hard exterior wall. Meanwhile, Evie, who was always stronger than she thought, broke down all his walls. Like true enemies to lovers, Maddox and Evie got under each other's skin to the point they collided and explosions went off...literally. The banter in this book, yeah, chef's kiss. This book has offers a lot. Each character has their own flair to them. Each one showed a level of growth and depth. Sometimes when I read certain books, it feels like I'm just getting the shell of what could have been. Not this one. Tuesday brought the fire. Every human emotion possible I felt while reading this book. I screamed, laughed, cussed, rolled my eyes, and sobbed. Seriously, for all those who love dark romance books with a plot and an excellent characters, this one's for you. Oh - the SPICE be SPICING.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2025
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The.PNW.Dark.Reader
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 4
Cute small town and found family.
Format: Kindle
Evie and Maddox’s story was so sweet. Obviously there were many parts that I wouldn’t call sweet, but overall it was a cute love story. I thought the author did a great job with the Grumpy X Sunshine trope. Cause Maddox is def a big ol grumpy. The found family trope is so strong in this book and I think that might be my fav part! Were there a few parts that Maddox made me realllllll upset? Ohh yes absolutely. In reality tho, that almost made him more believable. In no way am I giving an excuse for how he used her trauma against her. Cause that was absolute trash. But I did enjoy him spending the rest of the book attempting to make up for it. He could’ve groveled more tho lol. I absolutely loved the twins relationship with each character in this book. I think they were so important to the story and added that extra bit. How they protected their mama so fiercely was everything. It felt like some of these scenes were just thrown together. Meaning, some details were just dropped in but no other context with it. Like tidbits of info that didn’t really go with any part. Other scenes were clearly thought out with so much detail. The storyline was really interesting. I enjoyed that the FMC/MMC were able to show their trauma and grow and heal from it. I loved how the author showed the MC’s were able to live outside of their trauma and be who they are, not who the trauma made them. I think this was a very good debut novel depicting just how common the cycle of abuse can be, but even more so how you can break out of it. Not all homes are filled with love and understanding, but Evie was bound and determined to have that in her home.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2025
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Shannon D
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 5
Please do yourself a favor and read it!
Format: Kindle
So I saw this book on Instagram from someone I follow and was immediately intrigued. And let me tell you I am so glad I picked this up. I literally could not put it down and read it in a day. I am absolutely in love with evie and Maddox. I mean seriously Maddox 😭 I love him so much and that poor brute has been through so much but is just the most lovable thing. And Evie ugh that woman has been through it but is so strong. Every side character in this book is just as amazing too. The twins, Vic, Lou, and don't even get me started on the other Wilder boys😍 this book had everything, it's emotional, heartbreaking, thrilling and just an all around amazing love story. This will be a book I definitely re-read and I don't do that often. Also need to buy a physical copy like ASAP. But what I really need is Mercy's story like, yesterday. He is absolutely my favorite side character in this book and I will be so sad if he doesn't get his own story!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2025
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Alisha Cook
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 4
Grumpy Sunshine, Small Town Romance
Format: Kindle
ARC Review 3.75 ⭐️, rounded up to 4 ⭐️’s. I really enjoyed the book and think the author did a good job of drawing her readers into this couple’s world. The characters were complex, but well developed. Even the side characters were amazing. The setting of the story was well thought out and came to life on the pages. There were definitely some plot twists that I didn’t see coming, and some that were anticipated, but with the way they were timed I was still shocked when it happened. And while this wasn’t the spiciest book I’ve ever read, the spice was definitely there. When it hit, it hit hard! Overall, I really enjoyed Evie and Maddox’s story. There were some things that seemed repetitive and that could’ve flowed better for me, and there were errors that a good editor should have caught. I definitely look forward to more books from this author though and am thankful for the opportunity to ARC read this book. This is a book you definitely want to check the trigger warnings before starting. It is packed with trauma and subjects that could be difficult for some readers. Tropes in this book include: Grumpy/Sunshine Small Town Romance Curvy Single Mom FMC Broody Hermit MMC He Falls First Touch Her & ☠️ Previous DV and offscreen SA PTSD rep
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Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2025
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Vikki Lynn
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Unraveling Fate and Fae: A Captivating Journey in "Queen of Roses"
Format: Kindle
"Queen of Roses" by Briar Boleyn is a dark fantasy romance that masterfully combines elements of myth, magic, and romance with a captivating King Arthur retelling infused with a Fae twist. From its intricately woven plot to its compelling characters, this novel delivers an immersive reading experience that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. At its core, "Queen of Roses" is an enchanting tale of forbidden love and destiny, featuring an exceptionally slow-burn romance that ignites with the intensity of an enemies-to-lovers trope. Against a backdrop of magic and mythical creatures, the story unfolds with tension, banter, and forced proximity, drawing readers into a world filled with love, friendships, self-discovery, and betrayal. While the novel excels in world-building, character development, and plot intricacies, some readers may yearn for a bit more fire and spice in certain aspects of the narrative. However, the promise of future developments in the series offers hope for an even more dynamic and engaging story to come. I know I personally cannot wait to get into book 2. With a cliffhanger ending that leaves hearts racing and minds reeling, "Queen of Roses" succeeds in immersing readers from start to finish. Its dark and twisted fantasy elements are expertly balanced with moments of adventure, action, and unexpected twists, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page. As the story delves into complex themes and explores the depths of its characters' struggles and desires, it's important to note that "Queen of Roses" may contain triggering content. Readers are advised to check the trigger warnings before diving into this captivating tale. Overall, "Queen of Roses" is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy romance, offering a mesmerizing journey that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the series. With its lush prose, intricate storytelling, and unforgettable characters, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who venture into its enchanted world. I want to extend a heartfelt shoutout to the author for granting me the opportunity to dive into "Queen of Roses" through NetGalley. It has been an absolute pleasure to explore the captivating world and characters crafted with such skill and imagination. Thank you for entrusting me with this glimpse into your enchanting world.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2024

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