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I Take My Coffee Black: Reflections on Tupac, Musical Theater, Faith, and Being Black in America
In this powerful memoir, the creator of the viral videos "Before You Call the Cops" and "Walking While Black", Tyler Merritt, shares his experiences as a Black man in America with truth, humor, and poignancy. Tyler Merritt's video "Before You Call the Cops" has been viewed millions of times. He's appeared on Jimmy Kimmel and Sports Illustrated and has been profiled in the New York Times . The viral video's main point—the more you know someone, the more empathy, understanding, and compassion you have for that person—is the springboard for this book. By sharing his highs and exposing his lows, Tyler welcomes us into his world in order to help bridge the divides that seem to grow wider every day.
In I Take My Coffee Black, Tyler tells hilarious stories from his own life as a black man in America. He talks about growing up in a multi-cultural community and realizing that he wasn't always welcome, how he quit sports for musical theater (that's where the girls were) to how Jesus barged in uninvited and changed his life forever (it all started with a Triple F.A.T. Goose jacket) to how he ended up at a small Bible college in Santa Cruz because he thought they had a great theater program (they didn't). Throughout his stories, he also seamlessly weaves in lessons about privilege, the legacy of lynching and sharecropping and why you don't cross black mamas. He teaches readers about the history of encoded racism that still undergirds our society today.
By turns witty, insightful, touching, and laugh-out-loud funny, I Take My Coffee Black paints a portrait of black manhood in America and enlightens, illuminates, and entertains—ultimately building the kind of empathy that might just be the antidote against the racial injustice in our society.
In I Take My Coffee Black, Tyler tells hilarious stories from his own life as a black man in America. He talks about growing up in a multi-cultural community and realizing that he wasn't always welcome, how he quit sports for musical theater (that's where the girls were) to how Jesus barged in uninvited and changed his life forever (it all started with a Triple F.A.T. Goose jacket) to how he ended up at a small Bible college in Santa Cruz because he thought they had a great theater program (they didn't). Throughout his stories, he also seamlessly weaves in lessons about privilege, the legacy of lynching and sharecropping and why you don't cross black mamas. He teaches readers about the history of encoded racism that still undergirds our society today.
By turns witty, insightful, touching, and laugh-out-loud funny, I Take My Coffee Black paints a portrait of black manhood in America and enlightens, illuminates, and entertains—ultimately building the kind of empathy that might just be the antidote against the racial injustice in our society.
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2021
644 people are currently reading
10884 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,569 reviews
September 27, 2021
If you are going to read this book, then I would Strongly recommend you do this with the Audiobook. Between Tyler’s tone of voice and the little effects contained with in, it was a wonderful book/story to listen too.
I had know idea who Tyler was prior to listening to this book. I have not seen the viral video’s he has made. So his story has hit me with the full impact.
The first chapter had me in tears, tears of sadness, (glad I was not on the train). The thought that a person has to make so much effort walking a street to change their appearance in an attempt to make another person feel better about their environment because of skin colour is heartbreaking.
The remainder of the book is a mixture of happiness and life struggles, and just putting it out there, the ice cream story is not ok, anyone who does that should be totally ashamed of themselves.
I have learnt a lot from this one and I have Tyler to thank for that.
The audiobook ends on a really lovely good feels note. I would highly recommend this.
I had know idea who Tyler was prior to listening to this book. I have not seen the viral video’s he has made. So his story has hit me with the full impact.
The first chapter had me in tears, tears of sadness, (glad I was not on the train). The thought that a person has to make so much effort walking a street to change their appearance in an attempt to make another person feel better about their environment because of skin colour is heartbreaking.
The remainder of the book is a mixture of happiness and life struggles, and just putting it out there, the ice cream story is not ok, anyone who does that should be totally ashamed of themselves.
I have learnt a lot from this one and I have Tyler to thank for that.
The audiobook ends on a really lovely good feels note. I would highly recommend this.
April 27, 2022
I've been reading a lot of books by Black authors over the last few years. The never-ending killings of Black people by cops was wearing me down. I knew if this white woman was feeling it, the Black community was in deep suffering. I had to learn more; how could I help?
Tyler's book is unlike any of the books I've read so far. He shares his personal story with great transparency, and had me laughing and crying throughout. Reading his book feels like you're sitting across from him, having a conversation. But wait...is it a history book? Because I learned some things I wish I didn't have to, but need to, and I am not alone.
Tyler's big on proximity, and he's not wrong. The dictionary defines it as "nearness in space, time, or relationship". Tyler's book shows why it's so important, how it "destroys suspicion and distrust", breeding empathy. He has orchestrated projects that bring unlikely people together, for important, life-changing conversations.
You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll also be encouraged by this book. Tyler has a way of reaching through the pages to impart how special you are (yes, YOU!) I usually have about three books going at one time, and I planned to take my time with I Take My Coffee Black, savoring it in bits and pieces. That didn't happen! Tyler's book is hard to put down. I'll be reading it again. (I hear the audiobook has some treats!)
Tyler's book is unlike any of the books I've read so far. He shares his personal story with great transparency, and had me laughing and crying throughout. Reading his book feels like you're sitting across from him, having a conversation. But wait...is it a history book? Because I learned some things I wish I didn't have to, but need to, and I am not alone.
Tyler's big on proximity, and he's not wrong. The dictionary defines it as "nearness in space, time, or relationship". Tyler's book shows why it's so important, how it "destroys suspicion and distrust", breeding empathy. He has orchestrated projects that bring unlikely people together, for important, life-changing conversations.
You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll also be encouraged by this book. Tyler has a way of reaching through the pages to impart how special you are (yes, YOU!) I usually have about three books going at one time, and I planned to take my time with I Take My Coffee Black, savoring it in bits and pieces. That didn't happen! Tyler's book is hard to put down. I'll be reading it again. (I hear the audiobook has some treats!)
set-aside
August 23, 2021I'll admit I hadn't heard of actor, comedian, and activist Tyler Merritt until I found out about his new memoir, I Take My Coffee Black: Reflections on Tupac, Musical Theater, Faith, and Being Black in America.
I read this part of the book blurb:
"He talks about growing up in a multi-cultural community and realizing that he wasn't always welcome, how he quit sports for musical theater (that's where the girls were) to how Jesus barged in uninvited and changed his life forever (it all started with a Triple F.A.T. Goose jacket) to how he ended up at a small Bible college in Santa Cruz because he thought they had a great theater program (they didn't). Throughout his stories, he also seamlessly weaves in lessons about privilege, the legacy of lynching and sharecropping and why you don't cross black mamas..."
With that, I immediately wanted to read the book. I'm gripped by the occasional memoir, and it isn't often that I come across a Christian one that draws my interest.
As I got into this book, it didn't take me long to see, "Ah, yes. Merritt is a comedian, all right." Plenty of humor in books makes me smile at least, but it doesn't always make me laugh. This author is definitely laugh-out-loud funny.
And it's good that "a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down" (thank you, Mary Poppins), as this author's voice isn't only compelling when it comes to fun and games, so to speak. As he conveys the disappointment, fear, anger, and grief wrapped up in his experiences, his voice comes through just as clearly.
One early part that most resonated with me is where the author reflects on being made in the image of God.
However, a content issue that took me completely off guard is the profanity in the book. I expect to possibly run into some language in secular works, and though I'm never comfortable with it, I can usually keep reading when the language isn't excessive and the book's overall message is important. But profanity just isn't something I want to run into and have to push through when I reach for a book from a Christian publisher. After trying to stick with this one for a while, I decided not to push through any further.
Even though I didn't finish it, I don't think this author's story is any less important. For readers who wouldn't find the language to be an issue, I think this memoir is still worth checking out.
_________
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.
I read this part of the book blurb:
"He talks about growing up in a multi-cultural community and realizing that he wasn't always welcome, how he quit sports for musical theater (that's where the girls were) to how Jesus barged in uninvited and changed his life forever (it all started with a Triple F.A.T. Goose jacket) to how he ended up at a small Bible college in Santa Cruz because he thought they had a great theater program (they didn't). Throughout his stories, he also seamlessly weaves in lessons about privilege, the legacy of lynching and sharecropping and why you don't cross black mamas..."
With that, I immediately wanted to read the book. I'm gripped by the occasional memoir, and it isn't often that I come across a Christian one that draws my interest.
As I got into this book, it didn't take me long to see, "Ah, yes. Merritt is a comedian, all right." Plenty of humor in books makes me smile at least, but it doesn't always make me laugh. This author is definitely laugh-out-loud funny.
And it's good that "a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down" (thank you, Mary Poppins), as this author's voice isn't only compelling when it comes to fun and games, so to speak. As he conveys the disappointment, fear, anger, and grief wrapped up in his experiences, his voice comes through just as clearly.
One early part that most resonated with me is where the author reflects on being made in the image of God.
However, a content issue that took me completely off guard is the profanity in the book. I expect to possibly run into some language in secular works, and though I'm never comfortable with it, I can usually keep reading when the language isn't excessive and the book's overall message is important. But profanity just isn't something I want to run into and have to push through when I reach for a book from a Christian publisher. After trying to stick with this one for a while, I decided not to push through any further.
Even though I didn't finish it, I don't think this author's story is any less important. For readers who wouldn't find the language to be an issue, I think this memoir is still worth checking out.
_________
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.
January 29, 2024
Well, I feel like I truly bonded with a new friend in Tyler Merritt. I HIGHLY recommend that you listen to this amazing audio narrated by the man himself. It’s a mix between “radio show/podcast/npr/a fly on the wall.” This book made me laugh, cry and also infuriated me because it’s very real.
“Distance breeds suspicion. Proximity breeds empathy” —Bryan Loritts
I identified with so much of Tyler’s story. Not the 6’2” 240lb Black man part, but his experiences with church and Religion—spot on! Being from MS to his Eutaw AL, so much hit home. The legalism. The bondage. The “dyed in the wool” racism to quote my husband. This book should be read by EVERYONE, but especially non poc. Tyler paints a vivid picture of what it’s like being a Black man with a heart full of love and understanding. He is very real and raw about his experiences and things he did in his life that he wasn’t proud of concerning the opposite sex..I love the way he would cover deeply emotional parts with humor as a type of defense Mechanism. I see you Tyler and I get you. Laughter makes all bitter things easier to swallow, but I also felt you and understand.
I need all my friends to open their hearts and minds and READ THIS BOOK. I don’t share too much on these topics because I’m mainly a romance reader, but I read other books too. Books that are important and that grow me as a human being. This memoir was brilliant and is definitely in my top reads of 2023! Tyler, thank you for sharing your heart with us unapologetically. You’ve made this Mississippi girl’s day. Mwah!
“Distance breeds suspicion. Proximity breeds empathy” —Bryan Loritts
I identified with so much of Tyler’s story. Not the 6’2” 240lb Black man part, but his experiences with church and Religion—spot on! Being from MS to his Eutaw AL, so much hit home. The legalism. The bondage. The “dyed in the wool” racism to quote my husband. This book should be read by EVERYONE, but especially non poc. Tyler paints a vivid picture of what it’s like being a Black man with a heart full of love and understanding. He is very real and raw about his experiences and things he did in his life that he wasn’t proud of concerning the opposite sex..I love the way he would cover deeply emotional parts with humor as a type of defense Mechanism. I see you Tyler and I get you. Laughter makes all bitter things easier to swallow, but I also felt you and understand.
I need all my friends to open their hearts and minds and READ THIS BOOK. I don’t share too much on these topics because I’m mainly a romance reader, but I read other books too. Books that are important and that grow me as a human being. This memoir was brilliant and is definitely in my top reads of 2023! Tyler, thank you for sharing your heart with us unapologetically. You’ve made this Mississippi girl’s day. Mwah!
April 17, 2022
Yes, yes I did buy this book after finding out that the author is Jen Hatmaker’s new boyfriend. I’m owning it! I really enjoyed it despite it being a gazillion times more Christian focused than what I typically read. I knew that it would be going into it, and read it anyway - just a heads up for any other non-Christian readers. I’ll definitely be looking for more from the author in the future, since I loved his thoughts on living a quality life, activism and acceptance. I also learned a TON about Las Vegas!
April 26, 2022
5 MILLION stars. This book was honest and hard-hitting, and also LOL funny and tender. I’ll be bossy about this one— READ IT ON AUDIO. The audio is like sitting across the table from him (with his black coffee and me with my vanilla latte thank you very much) listening to a life story with all of its ups and downs. This will be a favorite of the year for sure.
September 8, 2021
"Distance breeds suspicion. But proximity breeds empathy."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
At first glance, and I might not seem that compatible. I am a small 30 something white woman whose people come from Utah and a long line of Mormon pioneers. Tyler is a 6ft 2 40-something black man, Christian convert, who's people come from Eutaw, Alabama. We were introduced by our dear mutual friend, Elysha, and bonded over Hamilton and politics.
And that is really the point that Tyler is making in his new book I Take My Coffee Black, in book stores and on Amazon September 14th. On the exterior we may not have much in common with the person next to us, but as we open our hearts and minds we see that we are more alike than different. Tyler is a master of breaking down barriers that separate people, and finding those commonalities that forge Christ-like love and friendship.
In this open and honest memoir, Tyler weaves his personal history into the backdrop of United States history. Facts, coupled with his experience as a black man, a black son. He does this with contemplation and levity. Reading this book you will laugh out loud and feel as if you are having a conversation with a long time friend. But you will also cry with this friend. I had the opportunity to both read this in print and listen on audio. The audiobook is read by Tyler himself, and is a quality experience.Tyler is sincere and earnest, and asserts the belief that you just can't feel animosity towards another human being if you really know them inside and out.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
At first glance, and I might not seem that compatible. I am a small 30 something white woman whose people come from Utah and a long line of Mormon pioneers. Tyler is a 6ft 2 40-something black man, Christian convert, who's people come from Eutaw, Alabama. We were introduced by our dear mutual friend, Elysha, and bonded over Hamilton and politics.
And that is really the point that Tyler is making in his new book I Take My Coffee Black, in book stores and on Amazon September 14th. On the exterior we may not have much in common with the person next to us, but as we open our hearts and minds we see that we are more alike than different. Tyler is a master of breaking down barriers that separate people, and finding those commonalities that forge Christ-like love and friendship.
In this open and honest memoir, Tyler weaves his personal history into the backdrop of United States history. Facts, coupled with his experience as a black man, a black son. He does this with contemplation and levity. Reading this book you will laugh out loud and feel as if you are having a conversation with a long time friend. But you will also cry with this friend. I had the opportunity to both read this in print and listen on audio. The audiobook is read by Tyler himself, and is a quality experience.Tyler is sincere and earnest, and asserts the belief that you just can't feel animosity towards another human being if you really know them inside and out.
March 23, 2022
Okay, I'm going to unload on yall...
the only reason that I read/listened to this book was because he's dating my GURL Jen Hatmaker and I figured I would listen to his memoir and give him a chance.
This book could have been half the length with all the stories. He would get himself all worked up in an aside and being laughing and laughing.....and THEN he would talk to him producer. It was like an 11 hour podcast. I honestly would have preferred an hour long podcast because towards the end where he's just shooting the sh** with his friend James was pretty entertaining. But they way he dramatized his entire life was TOO MUCH. maybe I'll watch his youtube channel or his new gf will interview him on her podcast, but I was happy to finish this one.
the only reason that I read/listened to this book was because he's dating my GURL Jen Hatmaker and I figured I would listen to his memoir and give him a chance.
This book could have been half the length with all the stories. He would get himself all worked up in an aside and being laughing and laughing.....and THEN he would talk to him producer. It was like an 11 hour podcast. I honestly would have preferred an hour long podcast because towards the end where he's just shooting the sh** with his friend James was pretty entertaining. But they way he dramatized his entire life was TOO MUCH. maybe I'll watch his youtube channel or his new gf will interview him on her podcast, but I was happy to finish this one.
December 12, 2022
The book seems good and recommendable to read, but it also has a demonstration of knowledge of historical facts that makes reading each of the texts very attractive.
December 10, 2021
I broke my phone screen and had two hours to kill while it was being repaired, so of course I went to a book seller. I browsed, stood and read the first few pages of this non-fiction memoir (autobiography?), and picked it up to carry along with me while I browsed on. I will pick up and put down dozens of books on any given visit to a book store.
With a cup of London Fog in hand, I sat down, settled in, and decided which of the books I'd start. Two hours later, after getting to know Tyler Merritt, I blinked myself back to reality and headed back to 'real life' connected to a multi-media device that poked, buzzed, and prodded me out of any type of immersion or mindfulness. But Tyler and his story kept calling to me. Tyler is funny. Tyler is interesting, but what really drew me to him and his writing was his spirit. He's a sensitive soul, I'm a sensitive soul. He's all about the arts, I'm all about the arts. He hates bananas . . . Well, we'll have to agree to disagree on this one. The penultimate reason I kept eagerly returning to this story is because his soul shines so brightly, you feel it radiating through the paper and ink. The book nearly glows with it. Joy, concern, and love comprise the engine of his heart.
What Tyler (I get the feeling he would want me to call him Tyler) cares about is teaching people a fundamental lesson that many can't seem to grasp: you can't judge a book by its cover, you have to engage with it, open it up, read and absorb it. Full disclosure, I will buy a book and a bottle of wine if the cover/label appeals to me. Sometimes a book has a message that requires multiple visits and immersions. Tyler wants us to know that each of us are individual, complex, unique entities. We have a network of people and events that have shaped us as we travel through life. We are all human. Yes, we are all flawed and have made mistakes, but that doesn't make us bad.
I'd have coffee with Tyler. For sure. And I'd ask, "—but what about banana bread, Tyler? Surely you can't hate banana bread?"
My one lament about this book: The people who really need to 'meet' Tyler and hear his message probably won't read it.
With a cup of London Fog in hand, I sat down, settled in, and decided which of the books I'd start. Two hours later, after getting to know Tyler Merritt, I blinked myself back to reality and headed back to 'real life' connected to a multi-media device that poked, buzzed, and prodded me out of any type of immersion or mindfulness. But Tyler and his story kept calling to me. Tyler is funny. Tyler is interesting, but what really drew me to him and his writing was his spirit. He's a sensitive soul, I'm a sensitive soul. He's all about the arts, I'm all about the arts. He hates bananas . . . Well, we'll have to agree to disagree on this one. The penultimate reason I kept eagerly returning to this story is because his soul shines so brightly, you feel it radiating through the paper and ink. The book nearly glows with it. Joy, concern, and love comprise the engine of his heart.
What Tyler (I get the feeling he would want me to call him Tyler) cares about is teaching people a fundamental lesson that many can't seem to grasp: you can't judge a book by its cover, you have to engage with it, open it up, read and absorb it. Full disclosure, I will buy a book and a bottle of wine if the cover/label appeals to me. Sometimes a book has a message that requires multiple visits and immersions. Tyler wants us to know that each of us are individual, complex, unique entities. We have a network of people and events that have shaped us as we travel through life. We are all human. Yes, we are all flawed and have made mistakes, but that doesn't make us bad.
I'd have coffee with Tyler. For sure. And I'd ask, "—but what about banana bread, Tyler? Surely you can't hate banana bread?"
My one lament about this book: The people who really need to 'meet' Tyler and hear his message probably won't read it.
March 17, 2022
I came across Tyler Merritt via Jen Hatmaker. I was hoping this book would be along the lines of Emmanuel Acho’s series called “Conversations with a Black Man.” And while the book has some shining moments and strong stories, at times it felt downright voyeuristic. The dirty laundry was hung out to dry and I didn’t want to know the details. I appreciated his voice and his journey, but I don’t feel like I learned or grew from listening.
October 10, 2021
Funny Reflections, Awesome Performance. If you already know Tyler Merritt you are going to love his stories. If you don't know him you are going to hear about a very likable, funny guy that is everyone's good buddy. However, the overall book was too long and at times too repetitive. I needed the funny break and enjoyed the fresh approach to doing an audible book so it's worth a listen.
June 29, 2023
The audio with Tyler narrating is top tier. You can hear the emotion in his voice when he tells his story. He uses his life experiences to thoughtfully reflect on so many things - from the lighthearted experiences of trying to dress “fly” at Bible camp and being a theater kid, to the more serious topics of being Black in America, going to middle school on Donna Street in Vegas - famous for Crip activity, and being pushed out of his youth pastor position unfairly. He discusses living in the South, being a military kid and only child, going to Bible college, being the frontman in a band, and the unhealthy ways he navigated romantic relationships after being hurt. He discusses the moment he really came into the public eye, when his video “Before You Call The Cops” went viral online after the murder of George Floyd, and the importance of knowing and loving people who are different from yourself.
I regretfully had not heard of Tyler until he started dating my girl Jen Hatmaker, and I’m shocked and embarrassed that I never came across his video. I’m so glad I read this book. It’s honest and deep, and also at times hilarious. Tyler’s writing draws you in and then drops hard truths.
I regretfully had not heard of Tyler until he started dating my girl Jen Hatmaker, and I’m shocked and embarrassed that I never came across his video. I’m so glad I read this book. It’s honest and deep, and also at times hilarious. Tyler’s writing draws you in and then drops hard truths.
January 31, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
I started out LOVING this book, giving it so few stars feels insulting. But the book started to drop off towards the middle and onward. I loved the enthusiasm and raw emotion in this audiobook, it felt like Tyler and I were sitting down to chat. But towards the middle it started to become less engaging, a little preachy, and vulnerable in a way that didn’t flow with the rest of the book. I actually started to feel like Tyler overshared a lot of this book in a way that made me feel uncomfortable.
I started out LOVING this book, giving it so few stars feels insulting. But the book started to drop off towards the middle and onward. I loved the enthusiasm and raw emotion in this audiobook, it felt like Tyler and I were sitting down to chat. But towards the middle it started to become less engaging, a little preachy, and vulnerable in a way that didn’t flow with the rest of the book. I actually started to feel like Tyler overshared a lot of this book in a way that made me feel uncomfortable.
Read
March 3, 20232023 reads: 70/350
in this memoir, the author details his experiences as a black man in the u.s. merritt does not hold back, even with aspects of his life he’s ashamed of. the ultimate goal of this book, and the video it grew from, is to build empathy to help fight racism.
i would really recommend the audiobook! it’s narrated by the author which is always nice, but it was especially nice in this case since i could really get a feel for his personality and humor. he seemed to have a lot of fun recording it, too, so if you decide to read this and you’re able, go for that version (:
in this memoir, the author details his experiences as a black man in the u.s. merritt does not hold back, even with aspects of his life he’s ashamed of. the ultimate goal of this book, and the video it grew from, is to build empathy to help fight racism.
i would really recommend the audiobook! it’s narrated by the author which is always nice, but it was especially nice in this case since i could really get a feel for his personality and humor. he seemed to have a lot of fun recording it, too, so if you decide to read this and you’re able, go for that version (:
September 1, 2022
By far, the best audio book I’ve ever listened too!! As much as I’m sure it’d be great on paper; if you can get the audio, you should!! I think I’d like Tyler Merritt to read all my audio books!
This book is a deeply personal story of Tyler Merritt’s life, but filled with education on what it’s like to be black in America. I found it insightful, impactful, emotional and extremely entertaining!!
This book is a deeply personal story of Tyler Merritt’s life, but filled with education on what it’s like to be black in America. I found it insightful, impactful, emotional and extremely entertaining!!
September 23, 2021
Completely biased because I love Tyler. But even if I didn’t, this book does a wonderful job of weaving facts and history into his personal narrative.
The book made me feel all kinds of emotions, from anger to joy. The audiobook is a totally different experience from the book so listen to that too. ❤️
The book made me feel all kinds of emotions, from anger to joy. The audiobook is a totally different experience from the book so listen to that too. ❤️
August 27, 2021
I Take My Coffee Black: Reflections on Tupac, Musical Theater, Faith, and Being Black in America by Tyler Merritt is an important book that I think everyone should read. What does it mean to be a black person in America? I was blessed to know Tyler back in his college years. When I saw that he was writing this book, I knew I wanted to read it because he is one of the most genuinely kind people I have ever met. He's the real deal. To know Tyler is to be fully embraced and accepted as you are. That's how he has always been. Tyler somehow wrapped up his incredible personality and delivered it in the form of a book. Reading this book is like sitting down with him for a life giving, life changing conversation. Come as you are. Listen to his journey. Be willing to challenge your expectations and listen with your heart. You'll never see things the same again. Tyler opens your eyes with his experiences but he has a way of lifting the reader up with his encouragement and honesty. I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages and backgrounds. We need to read it in order to truly understand each other. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.
August 4, 2022
I listened to this autobiography of Tyler Merritt and he's quite the storyteller. The listener gets treated to Tyler's fun personality throughout the audio. He laughs at his own jokes, sings and talks to others who are in the studio with him. It's like being in the room with him and getting to hear all his stories up close and personal.
Before you call the cops on a Black person... is a video Tyler made in 2018 to help bring awareness that just because of his skin color he's a person that likes many of the same things as you do.
If you want to see a short with Tyler - I Take My Coffee #BLACK Episode 2: “I Don’t See Color"
Before you call the cops on a Black person... is a video Tyler made in 2018 to help bring awareness that just because of his skin color he's a person that likes many of the same things as you do.
If you want to see a short with Tyler - I Take My Coffee #BLACK Episode 2: “I Don’t See Color"
Audiobook source: Libby
Narrator: Tyler Merritt
Length: 11H 04M
October 22, 2021
I read this book because I saw it on my parents kitchen counter. My 82 year old white father had checked it out from the library. My father has dementia and I’m sure has never heard of Tupac. I’m so happy he chose this book. He read it and loved it, I read it and loved it, now I’m giving it to my mom and recommending it to my book club. Everyone needs to read this. Tyler Merritt is an author who makes you want to hang out with him. I read that he’s recovering from a cancer scare. I hope he continues to have good health and write more books and change the world.
February 15, 2025
3.5. I had mixed feelings about this book. I felt that the writing style was pretty simplistic/average and the author's constant self deprecating humor seemed almost ingenuine? Like just obvious false modesty. Also, the book felt very preachy even though he states that he's not trying to preach. To be fair, I think it's hard not to come across that way when you have strong religious beliefs. I did like some of his stories, very raw. Overall, it was a compelling memoir. But it seems that it's hard to write memoirs and not come across in a slightly narcissistic light.
April 22, 2022
Literally, there aren’t enough stars for this book. I just finished it and now I need time to digest and fully embrace all of the gifts, challenges and lessons within. Tyler does an outstanding job of bringing readers into proximity and connecting on some extremely hard topics.
This is arguably one of the best non-fiction books I have ever read. I will recommend it to everyone of every age.
Thank you Tyler.
This is arguably one of the best non-fiction books I have ever read. I will recommend it to everyone of every age.
Thank you Tyler.
January 16, 2023
Yet another book I wished I had read before teaching in a high school whose students were primarily people of color. I was so ignorant. Good read filled with humor and authenticity and grace. If you have not watched Tyler's video "Before you call the cops," I urge you to do so.
June 23, 2023
I was hoping for a better narrative of the black experience, but this book was basically the memoir of a black theater Jesus kid I had never heard of.
August 23, 2022
I picked up this book after I noticed a book club friend marked it as “Want to Read.” I didn’t really know what to expect, but was curious. I’d never heard of Tyler Merritt.
I’m a white woman who grew up in a Northeastern city, with nonracist parents, in a (relatively) racially diverse school system. I’ve never experienced poverty or discrimination for my skin color.
As a Christian who loves Jesus, and longs to love God and others in a way that’s more like Jesus, I’ve read a good number of “anti racist” books and memoirs in recent years, to help me better understand the black American experience:
The Warmth of Other Suns. Reading While Black. Invisible Child. Nikki Grimes. Maya Angelou. Kwame Alexander. Natasha Trethewey.
Most of what I’ve read has been very helpful. But somehow, this memoir falls in a different category.
He is so relatable. Clearly, his gift is winsome communication and relational connection.
I was surprised to discover that I never felt accused, attacked, for things I personally haven’t done, by this book. Somehow Merritt communicates, with wit and humble transparency, what his experience is like, in a way that makes the reader want to know him better, instead of creating a defensive distance. I really gained understanding - even of history - by seeing the nation through his experiences and observations for a few days.
If our culture has any hope of reaching across the various current divides, it will be with people like Tyler Merritt, who can communicate and cross barriers without putting people on the defensive.
If you enjoyed this book, you likely will also enjoy a podcast titled “Winsome Conviction” by two professors at Biola University. Their goals and gifts are a lot like Tyler Merritt’s.
I’m a white woman who grew up in a Northeastern city, with nonracist parents, in a (relatively) racially diverse school system. I’ve never experienced poverty or discrimination for my skin color.
As a Christian who loves Jesus, and longs to love God and others in a way that’s more like Jesus, I’ve read a good number of “anti racist” books and memoirs in recent years, to help me better understand the black American experience:
The Warmth of Other Suns. Reading While Black. Invisible Child. Nikki Grimes. Maya Angelou. Kwame Alexander. Natasha Trethewey.
Most of what I’ve read has been very helpful. But somehow, this memoir falls in a different category.
He is so relatable. Clearly, his gift is winsome communication and relational connection.
I was surprised to discover that I never felt accused, attacked, for things I personally haven’t done, by this book. Somehow Merritt communicates, with wit and humble transparency, what his experience is like, in a way that makes the reader want to know him better, instead of creating a defensive distance. I really gained understanding - even of history - by seeing the nation through his experiences and observations for a few days.
If our culture has any hope of reaching across the various current divides, it will be with people like Tyler Merritt, who can communicate and cross barriers without putting people on the defensive.
If you enjoyed this book, you likely will also enjoy a podcast titled “Winsome Conviction” by two professors at Biola University. Their goals and gifts are a lot like Tyler Merritt’s.
July 30, 2022
I picked up this book because so many of the people in my on line reading book group seemed to like it and I am always looking to expand my horizons. Until I read this book I had no idea who Tyler Merritt was, although as I was reading I did go on line to watch a few of his Tyler Merritt Project videos on you tube which I think are very powerful.
He is very honest in this memoir, and several sections caused me to check my own moral judgements from my lily white privledged middle class background. Opening up his life and his heart on the page however does a wonderful job of getting his point across. We are all children of God, we cannot judge one another by our appearances, and we all make mistakes and can work towards redemption. I listened to the audio read by the author which I highly recommend.
He is very honest in this memoir, and several sections caused me to check my own moral judgements from my lily white privledged middle class background. Opening up his life and his heart on the page however does a wonderful job of getting his point across. We are all children of God, we cannot judge one another by our appearances, and we all make mistakes and can work towards redemption. I listened to the audio read by the author which I highly recommend.
December 15, 2022
Read this book white people. And everyone of course but hesitant WP really need it. (Side note - you should also go view the video ‘Before You Call the Cops’). Musical theatre lover , comedian, author, and sometime youth pastor Merritt ‘paints a portrait of black manhood in America’ that is funny and moving and scary and hopeful and frustrating.
Not a spoiler - there is a section listing unarmed black people killed by police since July 2016 to the time of publication. Tyler asks that you don’t skim the list, but as an act of respect, that you actually read their names. I read these out loud remembering some that I had heard about, and sobbed my way through it. Very impactful.
Not a spoiler - there is a section listing unarmed black people killed by police since July 2016 to the time of publication. Tyler asks that you don’t skim the list, but as an act of respect, that you actually read their names. I read these out loud remembering some that I had heard about, and sobbed my way through it. Very impactful.
February 16, 2022
I really enjoyed the book. It was an amazing mixture of enlightenment about growing up black in America, the impact of ‘being seen’ and connection with others. Shame, struggles, sin and the redeeming grace of Jesus make Tyler a man I’d truly embrace having coffee with!
March 3, 2023
Loved this book! The audio was excellent. By the end of this book I felt like I was friends with Merritt and had experienced his joys and heartache. Highly recommend this one!
August 5, 2023
What a powerful and important read! An amazing discussion of race, values, empathy and faith that should be on everyone’s “Want to read” list!
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