Alcuni dei miei migliori amici sono bianchi

by Ndumiso Ngcobo, Daniele Petruccioli (Editor)

Tutto quello che avete sempre pensato ma non sapevate come dire in modo ironico e convincente dei rapporti tra neri e bianchi. Ndumiso Ngcobo, ignorando anche solo della parvenza del politicamente corretto, ci dice come stanno le cose. Fra township scalmanate, inquietanti quartieri residenziali e ancor più inquietanti sale d’aspetto e corridoi di multinazionali, Ngcobo varca le frontiere razziali senza vergogna e passa al microscopio lo strano miscuglio di popoli e culture che i sudafricani chiamano casa.

Genres: Nonfiction, South Africa, Humor, Africa, Book Club

208 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 2007

Reviews

[Simphiwe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has to be the most consistent book, I've read thus far. Every chapter was impeccable and accurate. It forces us laugh at ourselves and learn from the reflections that Ndumiso Ngcobo provides flawlessly.

I was actually in a taxi when I read the part about a taxi driver who got beat at a traffic light, I was in tears in the front seat when the driver asked me what I was laughing at. I couldn't not read it to him eventually I found myself reading the book out loud to the entire taxi and everybody related to the concepts and stories in the book.

Ndumiso Ngcobo is a genius,a prolific writer and superb analyst.

[Sir. Coelho Kgaladi · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best funniest and most relating book in history. Ndumiso really knows how to both insult and still tell the African truth deeper than you think.

[Phumlani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the epitome of tongue in cheek. Ndumiso is fearless, tackles what you would normlly shelf as mundane issues in a way that makes you sit up and pay attention the way you would a matter of national importance. I love this book, my only advice to nyone that hasnt read it is, dont read it in public when youre alone,it will have you laughing out aloud like a raving lunatic,take this from a man who knows.

[Rob Price · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not very familiar with written comedy and probably struggled to pick up all of the jokes as a result. Usually, I probably rely on delivery of the punchline from live comedians. I really enjoyed this though and would like to read more from this genre and from Ndumiso Ngcobo. Ndumiso has a real skill for writing. He deals with numerous South African issues and uses comedy to get lift the lid on more difficult topics. It was great to learn a little about certain South African cultures that I'm not intimately familiar with. And also good to laugh about the cultures that I am a part of. At times it was a little difficult to know when Ngcobo was joking and when he was being serious. I guess this is the constant position of a comedian - walking the line between jokes and reality in order to make people slightly uncomfortable, which both induces humour and makes us think. I'm looking forward to reading his second book "Is it because I'm black."

[Franko · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I didn't expect much from this book-sale find, I saw it through. Chuckled a few times at what ended up being more mild than I expected, and exactly as dated. Always nice to step into the eyes of someone from a culture you know almost nothing about, but didn't take much of anything away from this one.

[Carmelita Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this lighthearted piece of writing. Well written with humour and brutal honesty which was very relatable. Thoroughly enjoyable and made for a quick read as it was a pleasure to finish each chapter and find out what next was on the cards.

[Rendani MmeaOrinaria Netshifhefhe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book, I got it a long time ago as Christmas present and you will laugh your laugh out. I wish to meet the Author one day.

[Imogen · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a book about systemic issues and injustice this had a fair amount of homophobic comments lol - a really interesting analysis of racialised identity politics in South Africa nonetheless

[Mitchell Groves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and insightful book

[Nels van Ravenhorst · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely wasn’t bad just really very crude but maybe im just a prude (I’m not it just wasn’t for me)

[Renate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ngcobo was stuck in a job, which he didn't consider a "real job":- he managed people with real jobs and reported on what they did (ha! there he had my attention!). What he really wanted to do was: "... to sit in a room and have people ask me my opinion on anything and everything.". This book was the result of that ambition.

The original title for this book was meant to be Just Talking Shit to the Animals. A title I would have considered to be more accurate. But then, it probably would not have caught my eye as this one did.

I suspect that you have to be South African, or at least to have lived in South Africa, to appreciate this book. (For starters, the book is peppered with South African slang.) But if you are, there is plenty to make you giggle and cringe and squirm. Beware though, if you prefer your writing to be “politically correct” and are uncomfortable with racial stereotypes, this book is not for you.

Some of the topics covered are:
- Nostalgia for the township but you wouldn't want to move back there.
- What it is really like to drive in one of those kamikaze minicab taxis.
- Comparison between black designer clad free loaders and penny pinching whites.
- An original proposal to deal with petty crime.
- Craziness in corporate life.
- Zulus and violence.
- Black women.
- The Indian community.
- Democracy.
- Affirmative action.

I am giving 3 stars because not all the essays are equally good. But as whole still a book I would recommend (to South Africans).

[Diane Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book from South Africa. It takes a comedic and sometimes serious look at live in South Africa. It is like reading a stand-up comedy. I really enjoyed the first three quarters of the book, the other quarter not so much - perhaps because the first part of the book was so good. The author takes a stab at Zulu culture, black women, whites in South Africa, democracy and the habits of the taxi. I laughed so much my stomach hurt!
I was irritated by this current trend of very young South Africans using the word "nigger" - I didnt expect it from this author. I rate it 4 stars, if it were not for this irritation it would have got a firm 4.5 stars from me

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is best understood by those familiar with South Africa, but its message is universal. It is hilarious and clever and amusing. It answers all of those perky little questions about race and friendships and the world and yet it is a light read. It is as applicable to the U.S. as it is to South Africa, I think and to many other countries as well. Either way, it is a fantastic read. You leave this book a better person than when you began it.

[Clive Walker]

Fantastic - Ndumiso Ngcobo is the real deal! Whatever the real deal is, he is it! Snapshots of life in South Africa written by a Black man in articulate, elegant, insightful prose that will have you laughing out loud. I never suspected I'd get such comical insights into something as mundane as a taxi ride. Really, truly, this is a book you won't stop quoting to your friends, foes and hapless strangers. Buy it, don't buy it ... it's no dahl off my breyani larney!

[Zookey . · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book absolutely hilarious and tongue and cheek. Ndumiso tackles the things us South African black's would never dare tackle, yet he does so in such a way that we are able to laugh at ourselves and accept ourselves: nuances and all. Ndumiso himself is just af funny in person. I now enjoy reading his Sunday Times articles.

[Diane V-R · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't think many sacred cows were left untouched in this book! It was great being able to laugh at this very talented South African writer's observations of our society.

Overall a casual, exceptionally funny and irreverent read. I will be tracking down Mr. Ngcobo's follow-up book...

[Minette Visser · Rating 2 out of 5]

I probably wouldn't have read it if it weren't for book club, and I think it would read better in smaller chunks i.e. one essay at a time with another book in between. I found the writing style to become a bit much towards the end.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An irreverent and funny read. The tone started irritating me towards the end - when does something cross the line from politically incorrect to racist/sexist? As the book wore on it seemed to be moving across that line.

[TheAuntie · Rating 4 out of 5]

pap et circenses

gustosissimo, divertente e decisamente non limitato limitato alla sola razza di bingo bonghi, anzi adattabile interamente e perfettametne anche a quella dei bingo bianghi!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jeq7zX...

[Siki Dlanga · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant, HILARIOUS!!!!!!!!!!every South African MUST read.

[Sediqa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick and easy read. You might get just a little annoyed near the end though.

[Taina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny!
A must read for anyone living in South Africa. Some of the chapters seem a little contrived, but hey, at least everyone is being equally made fun of.

[Brigid Primrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the funniest books I have read in a long time.

[Leonor · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the funniest books I have read in a long time. I loved the sarcastic tongue in cheek humour. Sadly it lost momentum towards the end .

[Nicky Ramarumo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very funny.

[Charlayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

So hilarious! Touching and insightful, yet crude.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hysterical! It's the South African version of "Stuff White People Like"

[Xai-lee Pitso · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliantly executed and incredibily humorous. It's a killer!

[Lonwabo]

hilarious. cover to cover sarcasm.

[Celia]

Funny read