Timestamp: Musings of an Introverted Black Boy

by Marcus Granderson

I’m a twenty-two-year-old Black introvert who overthinks everything, can’t get a date, yet somehow managed to graduate from Harvard.

My story is probably not like yours. I’m a Black boy from the Midwest. I’ve never been kissed. I'm desperately in love with two women: Aretha and Whitney. I struggle with a mild form of social anxiety. I sing to myself almost everywhere I go. I'm an ex-chitlins (with hot sauce and ketchup) lover. I’ve been called an Oreo. I’ve been stopped by the police while walking home. I’m the descendant of slaves, and a Harvard graduate.

Though our stories may not be the same, the universal themes explored in this poignant and personal literary collection—love, identity, hope, social justice, and coming of age—bond us together. Timestamp: Musings of an Introverted Black Boy is many things: It’s one Black boy’s journey through college and into adulthood. It’s a compilation of intimate musings, short and long. It’s an anthology of reflections linked to distinct moments in time. It’s a series of meditations on life, love, and the lack thereof. It’s not simply a “Black” book, or even a “millennial” one. It’s a human book.

I wrote it for everyone—and that includes you.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 17, 2019

About the author

Marcus Granderson is a podcaster, speaker, and writer based in New York City. A 2018 cum laude graduate of Harvard, Marcus crafted his own degree program in Rhetoric and Oratory. He currently works as a speechwriter and hosts a seasonal, short-form podcast series, "Musings of an Introverted Black Boy." He is the author of Timestamp: Musings of an Introverted Black Boy.

Reviews

[Marcus Granderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In many ways, this book defies easy definition. It isn’t exactly a memoir, essay collection, or poem anthology; it lives somewhere in the intersection. And from this chosen place in the in-between, it celebrates without remorse or apology. Of course, it also weeps and mourns and laments—as life, live and in living Black color, necessitates. But, above all, it celebrates:

love, in all its elusive magic
Blackness, in all its messy, complicated glory
coming-of-age-ness, in all its strange beauty

As you read the essays, poems, and short reflections that fill these pages, I hope this celebratory spirit envelopes you. I hope you are able to find good reflections of yourself within its covers. But, more than anything else, I hope this book compels you to hope, if only for a few passing moments. If anything written here inspires you to fight, dream, or love one minute longer than you would have otherwise, this book will have accomplished everything it was destined to do—and then some.

[Hassan Ahmad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had the blessed opportunity to read, digest, and repeatedly re-read Timestamp: Musings of an Introverted Black Boy in advance of its release.

I have never been, nor will I ever be, a black boy. That doesn’t mean I didn’t find myself resonating with the chapters reflecting on identity, love, and these United States. From the whispers of prayer in “Alton & Philando” to the exasperation of “Last Night” to the amused pride of “Pop Off,” the honesty of human experience pours off of each page. Timestamp is human experience. An introverted black boy’s human experience, yes, but also the experience of you and I. For a fleeting moment, I was able to step into the shoes of someone whose life I would never live, and at that moment I scratched the surface of a world I haven’t known. For that, I am extremely thankful.

Timestamp is also just that— a series of remarkable moments in time, suspended within pages forever. Reflections about those select minutes, days, and lives, are narrated with a sense of longing and resilience, with setbacks given the same treatment as victories. The reader gets the good, the bad, and the ugly. Somehow that’s all there is, and that’s all there needs to be.

If I know anything about the author, it’s that these Musings are only the beginning— and a brilliant beginning at that.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Timestamp is a collection of written works by Marcus Granderson, a Harvard Graduate and young black man.   As Marcus states in the introduction, the works are not related in any way.  The works range from essays, poetry, lists, observations as well as speeches.  The themes of the writings give a fresh perspective on what it's like to be coming of age in the world today with a highlight on racial disparity.  I was able to identify with many of the writings about life during and directly after college very well and remember those feeling. However, what I enjoyed reading the most were the pieces that gave insight to the author's experience a a young black person in today's world.  Oreo was a brilliant introduction to the collection and allowed me to get a clear view of his perspective. Some of my other favorite pieces were Hallelujah Anyhow, Last Night, Sunrise and Hair Like Mine.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 

[Steve Keene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timestamp: Musings of an Introverted Black Boy is a brilliant narrative that still resonates with me two weeks after the finishing the novel.

My life is very much apart from Granderson’s. I did not graduate from an Ivy League institution, I am not black, and I do not live in New York City.

However, these differences evaporate just after starting Timestamp. Granderson skillfully navigates most Americans’ shared feelings in the confusing Trump era and provides relatable sentiment for anyone undergoing a major transition; whether to do with postgraduate life, religion, or moving to a big city.

After starting Timestamp, I couldn’t put it down. And neither will you.

[Laurence Pevsner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of "Timestamp: Musings of an Introverted Black Boy" and I'm so glad I did. It's a book made for anyone—and I recommend it to everyone.

Timestamp defies easy summary—while there is certainly a collective whole that's greater than the sum of its parts, Timestamp really is a collection of brilliant, pithy musings. Part of what makes it so enjoyable and well-considered is the way you follow the narrator's thought process. Each section is different: some are light and fun and simple, others deep and moving, others tragic, others euphoric. And some sections are all of those mixed into one. The book mimics the way people really think. And it takes you on a realistic rollercoaster ride of emotions.

Of course, Timestamp also serves as a deep meditation on race, and what it means to be a black person in America. It provides both insight and inspiration on this front, but also real honesty, the kind that is too often hard to come by.

If you're anything like me, you'll sit and read Timestamp in one sitting, enjoying the vantage point of a smart and wandering mind, gulping down their lessons, and peering out into the world from a unique perspective and time.

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

disclaimer: I am proud to know the author, but this had no influence on my review of the book

REVIEW
It has taken a few days to process, but the main reaction I have after reading this book is:

This book is less of a "traditional" book with a plot and climax, but more so a collection of writings, reflections, musings, anecdotes that are organized chronologically or "time-stamped" (heh). While I am usually not a fan of anthologies in general, this book was an absolute joy to read.

In fact, joy is the best way to describe what infuses the entire book. Even among the more somber pieces, there is joy and a sense of hope imbued in each piece. The book is packed to the brim with insight and a perspective wise beyond his years. After each piece, I kept finding myself either smiling or in deep thought/reflection about my own experiences and memories.

The cherry on top is that the author is a hell of a good writer. His voice is earnest, authentic, honest. The author invites the reader to stand in the sun with him - to stand in our truths unapologetically, to fight righteous fights - and we have no choice but to join him.


Yes, yes we do.

I, for one, cannot wait to see what this author has in store for us. Because if anything is clear, he is just getting started.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is something very cool about reading a voice from where you grew up. Not that he talks much about his hometown; most of this takes place while at Harvard. But most of it could also take place anywhere.

These short essays (musings is an exceptionally accurate word) cover topics like relationships, racial tension, growth and change, belonging, and community and grace. Nothing wildly earthshattering, but some lovely thoughts and timely reminders put together in a very eloquent and digestible way that gets your brain turning over.

If you’re tempted to grab Oh, The Places You’ll Go for a graduate in your life, I would instead suggest this.

[Vinca LaFleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of the author's podcast, I was excited to read his first collection. His voice comes through on the page the same way it does on the air--honest, introspective, questioning, hopeful, and always encouraging to others. The essays are short, but the author's lyrical phrasings stay with the reader. To note just one: a passage in the essay "Caught Up," which beautifully captures the season of life between "young" and "adult," and the challenge of "trying to hold the spontaneity" of the former and "the predictability" of the latter "together in one hand."

[Kelly Wellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

NOTE: I received an advanced copy of the book

Timestamp’s power stems from its uniquely personal nature. It captures the transition into adulthood while freely exploring the humanity of a Black man and the society which tries to box him in.

Marcus Granderson speaks from a place of human imperfection. This book is not about finding the “right” way to view the world; it is about individual growth. This book captures how race, faith, art and politics come together to shape a young man’s conception of himself. Whether or not you immediately identify with the author’s experience, you will find reflections of yourself hiding in these pages as he tackles fundamental human experiences. Read it to connect. Read it to understand. Read it to grow. Everyone will be touched by the artistry that weaves these musings together.

[Matt Pairitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Note: I received an advanced copy of the book.

Timestamps is a personal look into the formative years of Marcus Granderson- as a Black, Christian, male going to Harvard, as a participant in love, and as a thoughtful young man just to name a few.

Through it all and over time, we are blessed with journal entries cataloguing his thoughts on what makes life important for ourselves and those around us.

Marcus wrings wisdom from the most contentious and mundane of activities and does it in a way that goes beyond race, religion or age. I admire his voice as an author and look forward to this and all future works.

[Amanda]

I want to thank the publisher for sending me a physical ARC for this book and giving me the chance to review it. I think that the main thing that caught my attention was the word ‘introverted’ in the title. I, too, am an introvert and that is likely to be that way for all of my life. I’m totally okay with that now. It’s nice to have a name for it and that it’s not just me being considered ‘anti-social’ or ‘rude’.

When it comes to nonfiction or memoir type books – it’s difficult to call this a review, because how can you give a full opinion on some else’s thoughts or someone else’s story? I’m sure you could if you didn’t agree with what they said, but how can you do that with their own story? I agree this isn’t necessarily a memoir per-say. The book does give some aspects of his life, but it is more musings and things you learn as you grow into this strange, crazy, world.

"At some point we have to love ourselves enough to let go. We have to walk away. Yes, it will be painful. Yes, our hearts may break. But once that's all over - once we've cried our last tear, had that last last bad day, stitched the last wound in our heart - we'll be better, wiser, and more resilient." Marcus Granderson 'Addictive Love'

I wanted to add the whole thing, but it seemed unfair to do so. I wrote the important part of that chapter. It talks about how we can find ourselves with people that are just not good for us, but we stick around and think it’ll get better. That hit me kind of hard. There are some people that are easier to let go than others. There is that one person who just had such a hold on you that you have the hardest time releasing yourself from that grasp. You can’t explain why they had that affect on you, but you can’t seem to let go of it either. I’ve been in that position and it took me a long time to let go – yes, I was hurt and broken about it, but it was something I had to do for myself.

There is a point in our lives where we do have to let go. It’s difficult to do, but in the end, your peace of mind will thank you for it. It’ll be just a memory. Marcus hit home for me in that short chapter.

I’m not a religious person. I’m not an atheist either. I’m more spiritual than anything. I try to practice Laws of Attraction and still be at peace with myself emotionally. I liked how Marcus focused some chapters on various things that pertained to not only during his life, but also the time other things were happening – such as police brutality, or an ambush where a number of officers were killed.

"To those of you who are happy with what happened on election night, all I ask you to do is take a moment and step into someone else's shoes." - Marcus Granderson 'Please, wear the shoes'.

My reaction to Trump becoming president was neutral. I do not like that man, but it has nothing to do with him being president. I didn’t have such a breakdown like most people have, but reading this part of the chapter kind of reminded me of the reasons I don’t like the man. I’m sure that there are some things he did right, and that’s fine, but that doesn’t make him a good person. He’s still the sexist, asshole, who is arrogant and should never use Twitter again.

If you can’t see the reasoning behind why a lot of people didn’t want this man as president – then think about what you learned in History class, or what you see in some of the older movies. While, to me, we’ve come a long way, we still have a longer way to go. The way he ended that chapter was perfect.

"I don’t hate you for supporting Trump. I have no desire to defriend you. I just desperately want you to step into someone’s shoes – my shoes – and walk around in them for a moment. That’s all I want."

That’s all anybody wants. You can’t make these rash judgments without knowing the person. You don’t know what that person goes through, or is going through. If there was such a thing where you could walk into someone’s shoes for a brief moment, I think people would have a hell of a lot more empathy than they do now.

Now I’m mostly babbling, but that’s what this book does for me. That’s a good thing.

Marcus really wrote this for everybody. I think the title fits the book because it is his musings as a black boy who is also introverted. The musings I mentioned may not hit close to home to you, but on some level, it peaked something in you. It doesn’t have to be about the election, or someone in your life that is mentally draining you, it could very well be that something else entirely…there’s something in it for everybody.

Including me and you.

Thank you, Marcus.

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know of Marcus. I don't believe we ever met, but we travelled in similar circles in high school and he graduated only a year behind me.

This book is a bunch of very short (think 1-3 pages short) stories, musings and poems.

I've read a lot of memoirs and some of them feature insane stories that one can't believe would ever happen. Here I found none of the stories are extraordinary; nothing extremely insane happens to Marcus. Now perhaps his life is more unique than he lets on because the stories are so short there isn't enough time to go into detail. But as written this book is mostly tales of a very ordinary human existence. And that is perfectly ok.

He uses labels like black, introverted, Havard student a lot. However, even if you don't identify as any of those things I'm guessing nearly every person can find at least something they relate to from this book.

For example, me as a white, female, and extrovert could easily to relate his musings related to being a college student (which is a good portion of the book). This is because I was a college student as well, even though it wasn't Havard. He really focused in on the feeling of being a college student that I think many students could relate to.

I also have never been in a relationship or never been kissed. So that is relatable as well. And being basically the same age and life stage as Marcus also found it relatable as well.

While much of the book felt relatable, many stories were not relatable at all. The story of about being interrogated by the police because he fit the description of a criminal was completely unrelatable to me. Yet while parts of the story were unrelatable they gave me insight on whats like to live in someone else's shoes.

But overall, the fact that someone who in many ways is the opposite of Marcus (white, female, extrovert) could find so much common ground is a good thing.

This relatablness in no way takes of away from his identity as a Black Havard Graduate (along with all of his other identities); but makes the experience so much more human. This book is not meant to be read only by Black people or only by Harvard students. This book is for anyone who is human.

[Kimberlee (reading.wanderwoman) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You? Black? There's no way. I'm blacker than you and I'm white." "After so Many years of hearing comments in this vein, you actually start to buy it, or at least I did. I genuinely thought I had to choose between being Black and showing signs of intelligence. So, I let blackness go -- until I no longer could. Trayvon Martin. Michael Brown. Tamir Rice. Eric Garner. Black death has a funny way of making you remember things. No matter how smart or "articulate" you may be, it will always let you know that race is king in this country. sooner or later, your life is going to be reduced to its lowest common racial denominator, and there's absolutely nothing you can do about it. this country wasn't going to let me forget who I was for long. It forced me to remember. And now that it has, I can't believe I actually let myself forget in the first place. I never had to concede anything. I'm not a contradiction. Oreos are cookies -- not Black people. I can be Black and use Ebonics, take calculus, watch The parkers, and listen to "Fireflies" by Owl City. Blackness has no box. It's free, and I own it. No one can ever take it away. It's mine."

If you have not had the opportunity to read Marcus's book, you should. There is so much to love with each of his musings. A combination of memoir, poems, mini essays and different thoughts. I'll never be black or a boy, but there is so much to relate and connect with and so much to reflect upon and learn. I promise it's one you'll love.

[Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a copy for review in exchange for my honest review and opinions*

This book features exactly what is described in the summary. Timestamp is a book that is funny and relatable despite the fact that many who read it won’t relate to many details of the author’s life. Not everyone is black, from the Midwest, a graduate of Harvard, and a published author. I am not most of those things, and yet I was able to relate to most of the topics Granderson wrote about. Here’s my break down of Timestamp.

Writing: Overall, I loved the layout and the style of this book. Each chapter was short and sweet, and I flew through it because each chapter left me wanting to read more and learn about Granderson’s life. He included some poems which I loved, and I thought his writing was superb. His voice is clear and comes off the page and his writing is elegant.

Relatability: Like the blurb states, there is something for everyone to relate to here. To sum up my thoughts, when he talked about his own life experiences about being black and his religious background, I couldn;’t specifically relate to those exact details, but I was able to take away greater themes and inspiration to live my life to the fullest and trust that things will work out in the end. I related to his wanting to find love and accepting that it’s okay to be single. To be completely honest, I am a Harvard student, and in my short time there I can attest to much of what he says about the school and what life is like attending such a school. “Self-editing” in hopes of making yourself comer off the best is real, and something I’ve done my entire life, but my time at school has taught me to let go of this thought process, much like how Granderson describes.

Specifics: I really related to “Amazing Grace” (page 77-79), the passage about romance on page 95, “Greener Grass?” (page 107-108), and his writings on “selected-muteness” (page 173). These specific parts of Timestamp really resonated with me, and they are good examples of how such a book is very relatable to anyone who reads it (though in this case specifically me).

Overall, I highly suggest you check out this book! It is very relatable (did I mention that?) and a quick and easy read––inspiring and uplifting. Not to mention, he’s a Harvard grad, and I’m a bit biased towards that particular fact.

Rating: 4 stars

[Ryn Baginski · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I agreed with a lot of what this book says, there was just no personal narrative voice at all. Almost every short essay sounded generic and rarely included concrete details. When details were included, they were about something other than the author or point being made, or they were part of a metaphor that was randomly slapped in there without further exploration. A few chapters were really beautiful, but it was such a small portion. I wish I could have gotten to know the author better as he tells parts of his story, but the writings are disjointed, vague, and tediously repetitive (in terms of themes and phrasing). I was also put off a little bit by the use of "we" and "our." Sometimes, it made perfect sense, but other times it just felt like a lazy way to try to relate to the reader.

That being said, I did enjoy all of the fanboy moments Granderson included about the Obamas. Because, like, same. Oh, boy, do I miss them... I also liked when he brought in music to help tell the story or make the point. If the entire book did something like that, it would've been much more interesting to read.

The most compelling chapters for me were "Black Girl Magic," "Pop Off" (an Obama fanboy moment), "Please Be Advised," and "Boy Gear."

[Ariel Hess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: This review is solely my opinion. I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. The comments in this review do not reflect the views of the author or the publisher. The copy used in this review is a finished copy.

This book is unapologetically written about Marcus Granperson. It is a pure expression of his thoughts and wonderfully written. He dives into issues that many people of color face but don’t have a platform to discuss it on. This book is written in a diary-style format with dates and titles. The author allows the reader to be involved fully in his thought process, his challenges, and the identities people have placed on him. I related a lot to his testimony and I enjoyed the religious aspect of the novel. This book hit all of my high points for a memoir-style novel. It discussed social injustice, colorism in the black community, racism, and religion. I enjoyed the fact that the author was completely honest with the reader, exposing the challenges he faced and the ways he overcame them.

[Lindor Joelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Mr. Granderson: THANK YOU!!!

I was randomly wandering through the aisles of Barnes & Noble and stumbled across this book last year. As a mother of an introverted, black, male teenager the title alone resonated with me. My son picked the book up randomly one day and read the entire thing in 1 week without me having to force him (huge feat!). We even had a few discussions about some of the "musings" and how they related to situations that he has faced.

Ironically much of the advice mimics the advice that I'd given to my son, but he related to it more via the book probably because it came from another young, black male. Very timely and I'm going to be sure that my son checks out the podcast as well. I'm going to recommend this book to all mocha moms of sons. The advice may be universal, but coming from someone who looks like them and has been in their shoes matters.

Again, THANKS!!

[G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing more and nothing less than the title promises. Granderson's voice is earnest but remote. He is an incredibly engaging narrator, however, unlike most authors who read their own work. It's clear from the emotion and passion in his voice that there is something in him that could impact if he could make his prose more immediate and less removed. The whole thing has the feeling of a valedictorian speech - a feeling I had even before I got to the section where he actually includes an actual valedictorian speech he gave. The work groans under the weight of a succession of generic, impersonal "you" and "we" on topics that are, obviously, personal for Granderson and for a lot of us. His reflections feel more engaging when he anchors them in actual concrete events that happened to him, as when a stranger helps him pick up his dropped cards, when he's stopped by the cops for walking while black, or what he felt like the day after DJT was elected and on Obama's last day in office.

[Scott Milam · Rating 5 out of 5]

At times Marcus reminds me of Ibram Kendi in how they write about the world. I don't believe he has read Kendi's books yet so I found it interesting that the title includes the word stamp in it.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal. I finished the book in 2 hours - I couldn't put it down!

[Michelle Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed these different essays, poems, and notes. I could relate to many thoughts and feelings that Marcus wrote about. A good read, all around.

[Christina Farr-Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing book! Read it in one sitting!! Amazing!

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hesitant to find little in common with the novel, I left feeling a sense of community and understanding.

The larger themes - those of love, self growth, resilience - those are ones we can all relate to. Any gender, any skin color, any walk of life.

Beautifully written and wonderfully told, a book for all of us to take in.