Reviews

Black Klansman: A Memoir, by Ron Stallworth

blc80's review

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informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5

mojostdennis's review

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4.0

read harder challenge 2022: read a book whose movie or TV adaptation you’ve seen (but haven’t read the book)
popsugar challenge 2022: read a book about someone leading a double life
fifty two book club 2022: read an audiobook narrated by the author

asiaklg's review

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3.0

I think this memoir was an especially valuable read for me as someone who’s lived in Colorado for most of my life. I learned so much about the history of the KKK in my state and in cities/neighborhoods I’ve lived in and near. The afterword contextualizes many racial and social issues the United States faces today and really adds to the overall value of the book. I was most impressed with the scope of Stallworth’s investigation as he aided in the revelation of klansmen at NORAD, partnered with agencies across the country, and gained intelligence directly from the KKK’s grand wizard David Duke.

Unfortunately, I think Stallworth really would have benefited from partnering with another writer to bring this memoir to life. His language is purposeful and intelligent, but at times repetitive and disorganized. There is absolutely so much value in this memoir, but it’s a shame that the writing is at times distracting.

sdeeim's review against another edition

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funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

3.0

violet97's review

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challenging dark hopeful inspiring medium-paced

5.0

mmullaney91's review against another edition

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dark funny informative tense medium-paced

3.5

maddie_kingston's review against another edition

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adventurous funny informative inspiring tense medium-paced

4.0

justjoshinreads's review against another edition

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3.0

This is a fascinating story — a black detective who infiltrates the KKK in early ’70s Colorado Springs. Honestly that was the biggest draw for me, I grew up in CS and was truly interested in that aspect of the story, as it’s certainly not a story I’ve heard about my home town, nor really expected. The undercover investigation and the dealings with the various KKK members was interesting but I would have liked to have more. It just sort of ended without any resolution, no followup, no afterward about what became of those Klan members or the Organization in Colorado.
Good premise, sort of lacked a culmination I think. 3/5 stars ⭐️

kyleg99's review against another edition

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informative medium-paced

2.0

julieanncordero's review

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5.0

I really enjoyed this book. I found the history fascinating and now I’m interested in seeing the movie.