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The World Record Book of Racist Stories
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Humor (2023)A new, humorous collection of intergenerational anecdotes about everyday racism, from New York Times bestselling authors Amber Ruffin and her sister Lacey Lamar. The Ruffin family, like many others, shares a common racism persists. Amber, known for her comedic takes on news and experiences, joins Lacey to share more outrageous stories, this time from their entire family. From parents to nieces, these tales span generations, genders, and appearances, offering shock and laughter in equal measure. This book validates personal experiences, reveals hidden truths, and helps everyone find humor in racism's absurdity, making it a must-read.
5 pages, Unknown Binding
First published November 22, 2022
About the author
Amber Ruffin
2 books362 followersAmber Ruffin is an American comedian, writer, and television show host. When Ruffin was hired to write for Late Night with Seth Myers, she was the first black woman hired to write for a late-night talk show in the United States.
In January 2020, Ruffin developed her own late-night talk show for the NBC streaming site, Peacock. The show was nominated for a Writer's Guild award for best comedy/sketch show writing in 2021.
In January 2020, Ruffin developed her own late-night talk show for the NBC streaming site, Peacock. The show was nominated for a Writer's Guild award for best comedy/sketch show writing in 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 860 reviews
July 27, 2022
As soon as this book showed up on Edelweiss, I had to grab it. As shocking as Lacey Lamar and Amber Ruffin's racist stories are, most of them are also hilarious. Ruffin is a well-known comedian, and her sister Lacey is just as funny. You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey is required reading in my book--and this one includes more stories from Amber and Lacey's friends and family. Their parents, growing up in a different generation, share even more jaw-dropping (at least for us white people) experiences. Speaking of us white people, we need these books more for the reality check than the humor--but the humor is an added bonus as these women are kind enough to share their lived experiences with us.
March 4, 2025
A must-read and a must-reread. It was funny. It was sad. It was all too true. I've experienced some similar macro/micro aggressions, physical aggressions, police aggressions, racism, and xenophobia. So I have a little bit of a way to empathize. I recognize my experiences are not the same. They are a paler version of what Black people in the US have had to endure and suffer for generations. I'm not invalidating my experiences, but I have to acknowledge, as much as I hate to do so, that there is a race hierarchy in the US, and by virtue of the family I was born into, I am inherently higher up on that hierarchy. So no matter how egregious some of my experiences may be, I recognize what my Black and Indigenous kin have gone through and go through every day will never be something I can fully understand. The best I can do is to tap into my own experiences and my own humanity to express and add my outrage to theirs, to stand up for them, to stand with them, and to work together toward a less racist future.
I say all this to ask everyone else to do the same, and to get to a point where they can also see their understanding of racism in perspective to the historical and systemic racism built into the identity of this country. Reading this book and other books on racism, slavery, genocide, and antiracism, activism, and organized resistance/protest can help us all be better friends, family, antiracists, and human beings. What makes this book different is that it's funny, it's real, and it has some great pictures throughout, especially of super cute kids. Sometimes, we have to laugh because crying hurts too much. And there are also some OMG moments where I had to pick my mouth up off the floor.
Definitely a must-reread many times over.
I say all this to ask everyone else to do the same, and to get to a point where they can also see their understanding of racism in perspective to the historical and systemic racism built into the identity of this country. Reading this book and other books on racism, slavery, genocide, and antiracism, activism, and organized resistance/protest can help us all be better friends, family, antiracists, and human beings. What makes this book different is that it's funny, it's real, and it has some great pictures throughout, especially of super cute kids. Sometimes, we have to laugh because crying hurts too much. And there are also some OMG moments where I had to pick my mouth up off the floor.
Definitely a must-reread many times over.
February 13, 2023
At just a little over 200 pages with conversational delivery style and vignettes that are generally only a page or two, The World Record Book of Racist Stories is one I flew right through in no time at all. If you were worried this follow up to You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey couldn’t match the original, rest assured it most certainly does. I mean, America is nothing if not a land of plenty when it comes to tales of bigotry!
Following the footsteps of its predecessor, this time the entire Ruffin family contributes their most racist stories – not just Lacey. And just like its predecessor every entry is cringe at best and horrifying at worst. I read this rather than listened to it simply for the fact that I’m still eleven millionth in line for the audio, but if you are an enjoyer of the audiobook that is the way to go. Amber is literally a comedian, after all, so the comedic timing is *chef’s kiss* . . . .
. . . every time Mom would come to JCPenney in this cape, they’d follow her. She’d buy whatever merchandise she came to buy and walk out to the van and every time, there was a guy watching her who had followed her out to the parking lot waiting to see if she took out anything from her shirt. I asked her if she ever took out two middle fingers and showed him those. I got in trouble.
At the end of the book Lacey and Amber say . . .
If you’ve made it to this point you have now been bestowed with the power to pass out your very own Racist Awards. So put on your evening dress or top hat and make your voice heard!
So here we go with some moments in history I’ve witnessed from my bajillion years in the workplace:
1. Eleventy thousand times a black person was “complimented” for “being so articulate” – and mind you they are all attorneys so double WTF at that comment;
2. Eleventy thousand and two times someone had to answer questions about their hair;
3. Eleventy thousand and three emails about diversity when one Black person and one gay person are gainfully employed at this bigass company;
4. When they tried to diversify and hire a Hawaiian attorney (whose name was not difficult to pronounce/was spelled pretty much 100% phonetically but will not be printed here because she didn’t sign up to be a part of my mess) and old white man #412 said “what’s her name? Tsunami?” And then called her Tsunami at least a dozen times;
5. When the 800 year old attorney wanted to take a new associate to his old man club because “it would be impressive that he was friends with a colored person.” OMG to infinity and also, you ain’t friends m-effer – he and everyone else in the office is forced to be nice to you;
6. When the company did a celebrity look-alike PowerPoint during Staff Appreciation and as soon as a black employee’s face popped on screen you were hoping it wasn’t going to be G.D. Hattie McDaniel like in this book. The comparison was to Regina King, which would be a compliment for sure . . . until you realized they really meant Regina Hall. I guess all Reginas look alike??? Zoinks;
7. When the clerks (who are supposed to take overflow work and learn how to climb the corporate ladder) got recruited to scrub office furniture that had just came out of storage – mad props to the Black clerk being brave enough to stand up for herself and say NO MA’AM to that noise which was 100% not her job;
8. When two women attending a diversity seminar were set up as an excellent example for lesbian representation . . . and then they had to explain they were sisters not a married couple and they were in the meeting because of their Mexican heritage;
9. Hearing someone say “you know who you remind me of? R KELLY!” ‘Nuff said.
Every Star.
Following the footsteps of its predecessor, this time the entire Ruffin family contributes their most racist stories – not just Lacey. And just like its predecessor every entry is cringe at best and horrifying at worst. I read this rather than listened to it simply for the fact that I’m still eleven millionth in line for the audio, but if you are an enjoyer of the audiobook that is the way to go. Amber is literally a comedian, after all, so the comedic timing is *chef’s kiss* . . . .
. . . every time Mom would come to JCPenney in this cape, they’d follow her. She’d buy whatever merchandise she came to buy and walk out to the van and every time, there was a guy watching her who had followed her out to the parking lot waiting to see if she took out anything from her shirt. I asked her if she ever took out two middle fingers and showed him those. I got in trouble.
At the end of the book Lacey and Amber say . . .
If you’ve made it to this point you have now been bestowed with the power to pass out your very own Racist Awards. So put on your evening dress or top hat and make your voice heard!
So here we go with some moments in history I’ve witnessed from my bajillion years in the workplace:
1. Eleventy thousand times a black person was “complimented” for “being so articulate” – and mind you they are all attorneys so double WTF at that comment;
2. Eleventy thousand and two times someone had to answer questions about their hair;
3. Eleventy thousand and three emails about diversity when one Black person and one gay person are gainfully employed at this bigass company;
4. When they tried to diversify and hire a Hawaiian attorney (whose name was not difficult to pronounce/was spelled pretty much 100% phonetically but will not be printed here because she didn’t sign up to be a part of my mess) and old white man #412 said “what’s her name? Tsunami?” And then called her Tsunami at least a dozen times;
5. When the 800 year old attorney wanted to take a new associate to his old man club because “it would be impressive that he was friends with a colored person.” OMG to infinity and also, you ain’t friends m-effer – he and everyone else in the office is forced to be nice to you;
6. When the company did a celebrity look-alike PowerPoint during Staff Appreciation and as soon as a black employee’s face popped on screen you were hoping it wasn’t going to be G.D. Hattie McDaniel like in this book. The comparison was to Regina King, which would be a compliment for sure . . . until you realized they really meant Regina Hall. I guess all Reginas look alike??? Zoinks;
7. When the clerks (who are supposed to take overflow work and learn how to climb the corporate ladder) got recruited to scrub office furniture that had just came out of storage – mad props to the Black clerk being brave enough to stand up for herself and say NO MA’AM to that noise which was 100% not her job;
8. When two women attending a diversity seminar were set up as an excellent example for lesbian representation . . . and then they had to explain they were sisters not a married couple and they were in the meeting because of their Mexican heritage;
9. Hearing someone say “you know who you remind me of? R KELLY!” ‘Nuff said.
Every Star.
May 31, 2023
Hilarious (the storytelling) and yet awful (the racism) at the same time. I really enjoyed Amber and Lacey's first book, You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories about Racism, and this was a solid sequel. The banter between the two sisters really makes the book shine.
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January 22, 2023
It's weird to say this about a book about racist stories, but it was an utter delight.
Listen to the audiobook. Trust me. TRUST ME. Do it.
Amber Ruffin is the most delightful human being on the planet (and she knows it) and her sister Lacey is just as hilarious.
Anywho, the stories in here both highlight the hate, anger, indifference and casual ignorance of white supremacy and racism in America (and other parts of the world, but the US is the focus), along with the mental gymnastics Black Americans must do to stay sane in a world built to crush them.
But, because it's Amber Ruffin, the most brutal punch-lines are told with her trademark ain't I a stinker smile, and...dammit she is just the most amazing person on the planet.
Seriously though, listen to the audiobook. There's a little Legally Blonde shoutout at the end.
Listen to the audiobook. Trust me. TRUST ME. Do it.
Amber Ruffin is the most delightful human being on the planet (and she knows it) and her sister Lacey is just as hilarious.
Anywho, the stories in here both highlight the hate, anger, indifference and casual ignorance of white supremacy and racism in America (and other parts of the world, but the US is the focus), along with the mental gymnastics Black Americans must do to stay sane in a world built to crush them.
But, because it's Amber Ruffin, the most brutal punch-lines are told with her trademark ain't I a stinker smile, and...dammit she is just the most amazing person on the planet.
Seriously though, listen to the audiobook. There's a little Legally Blonde shoutout at the end.
December 13, 2022
This follow-up to You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories about Racism overflows with more crappy white people dropping microaggressions and blatant racism by the ton.
It's simultaneously funny and horrifying, especially since I moved last year to Omaha, the city where most of the stories occur, and I've lived in Iowa and Wisconsin where some of the other stories are set. And, yeah, I can find all the stories all too easy to believe based on my time in all those areas.
My only reservation about the book is that, like the first, it is a really random string of anecdotes. The sisters make fine hosts, escorting the reader through the stories, but the scattershot nature affected my focus at times.
The baby step takeaway: OMG, fellow white folks, stop touching Black people's hair already! I grew up in the Midwest, and I know "keep your hands to yourself" was covered in kindergarten and revisited all the way through high school.
It's simultaneously funny and horrifying, especially since I moved last year to Omaha, the city where most of the stories occur, and I've lived in Iowa and Wisconsin where some of the other stories are set. And, yeah, I can find all the stories all too easy to believe based on my time in all those areas.
My only reservation about the book is that, like the first, it is a really random string of anecdotes. The sisters make fine hosts, escorting the reader through the stories, but the scattershot nature affected my focus at times.
The baby step takeaway: OMG, fellow white folks, stop touching Black people's hair already! I grew up in the Midwest, and I know "keep your hands to yourself" was covered in kindergarten and revisited all the way through high school.
August 17, 2023
I picked this up on a whim via the library "Audiobooks Available Now" selection. I was in the mood for something quick and funny, maybe a bit lighter than my usual fare of "Socially Sad Nonfiction", or more recently, "Socially Sad Sci-Fi". And... it was? I mean, topic notwithstanding, this is INTENDED to be a humorous book, a lighter way for people to gain a bit of understanding regarding the unrelenting racist shit that non-white people are forced to deal with on a day to day basis. A collection of anecdotes that white people can read or listen to and think "That's kinda funny, but dang, for real? It's like that? ALL THE TIME? I should do better."
And yes, you should. We all should.
This book is not intended to teach anyone anything about how to actually BE better (except for the ever-necessary DON'T TOUCH BLACK PEOPLE'S HAIR 101 course), or how to be more aware of our own biases or racist kneejerk tendencies or shitty stereotypes etc, so we can practice not letting them out at unsuspecting (but nonetheless wary) people just minding their business.
But I struggled with it. Kind of a lot, which was really surprising to me. I didn't actually expect anything super deep or analytical, and it's pretty clear from the outset what this would be. But I just couldn't really connect with this.
Maybe it was the delivery. I borrowed the audiobook, which is dually read by Amber Ruffin and her older sister Lacey Lamar, and I kind of would have expected a more conversational, maybe even podcasty reading. But the word that comes to mind when I think about what it was actually like for me is "manic".
For context, I usually listen to audiobooks around 1.7x speed. (It used to be 2x, but I think the scale changed at some point.) For me, this is a normal conversational talking speed that I might use with friends who know me. Maybe a little bit fast, but not chipmunk on speed fast. But THIS audiobook felt like Walter White had left his stash out for the chipmunks and they went to town. It felt SO FAST!
So I slowed it down to 1.25x, which took it to the point where I'm usually comfortable... but even then I had trouble following it because the DELIVERY of the lines/text was just... hard to follow for me. It felt like trying to follow the conversations happening in a room full of 12 year olds at a sleepover who are hopped up on Dr. Pepper and pizza. There wasn't enough delineation between Amber and Lacey, who are sisters, and to make things even more confusing, they'd tell each others' stories sometimes, their own at other times, completely other people's stories at still other times (but still read them in first person - "I got pulled over for doing 90 mph in a 45 zone" etc)... There was a lot of banter and giggling and stuff, and it was so hard for me to track what was going on.
Eventually I just stopped trying. These stories are pretty universal anyway (unfortunately), and it didn't really feel CRITICAL to know whether it was Lacey's story or Amber's. Or a different family member's. Or someone else's. Things went a little smoother after that, but I did end up borrowing the ebook from the library as well, because the audiobook borrow didn't come with the much-referenced PDF accompanying document. I want to see funny pictures and cute nieces and nephews if they are offered, dang it!
So, a couple notes on the ebook as well. The method of differentiating between Lacey and Amber in the TEXT is using different fonts. I guess I can sort of understand this because I know how abysmally annoying it is to have to intro every line of a banter-heavy dialogue (which this book most definitely is) with the speaker.
But there are also 3rd-font notes and asides, not tied to either of them... In the audio, obviously, one of them would read it, but there's not really any differentiation of these "narrative voiced" sections from their own voices. (This feels super confusing to explain.) Basically, my issue here is that depending on how you consume this book, you get a VASTLY different experience of it, and I feel like the audio actually suffers from the authors reading it.
I also really didn't like the over the top "announcer voice" that the category for the racist record about to be relayed (aka section or chapter heading) was read in. It got very old, very fast.
I didn't actually dislike this book as much as I feel like this review makes it seem like I did. I think had some different choices been made about how to deliver the content via the different mediums, it would have been more enjoyable for me. I like Amber Ruffin, and enjoy her commentary and perspective on her show, and so I was expecting to like this a lot more than I did.
For the record, I have not read the first book - it wasn't available, but this one was. I probably will still read that one one day, but I won't do the audio most likely.
Anyway, if you are in the mood for a collection of humorous (even in a SERIOUSLY??! kind of way) anecdotes about racism, this should work for you. But I would recommend reading it with your eyeballs. :)
And yes, you should. We all should.
This book is not intended to teach anyone anything about how to actually BE better (except for the ever-necessary DON'T TOUCH BLACK PEOPLE'S HAIR 101 course), or how to be more aware of our own biases or racist kneejerk tendencies or shitty stereotypes etc, so we can practice not letting them out at unsuspecting (but nonetheless wary) people just minding their business.
But I struggled with it. Kind of a lot, which was really surprising to me. I didn't actually expect anything super deep or analytical, and it's pretty clear from the outset what this would be. But I just couldn't really connect with this.
Maybe it was the delivery. I borrowed the audiobook, which is dually read by Amber Ruffin and her older sister Lacey Lamar, and I kind of would have expected a more conversational, maybe even podcasty reading. But the word that comes to mind when I think about what it was actually like for me is "manic".
For context, I usually listen to audiobooks around 1.7x speed. (It used to be 2x, but I think the scale changed at some point.) For me, this is a normal conversational talking speed that I might use with friends who know me. Maybe a little bit fast, but not chipmunk on speed fast. But THIS audiobook felt like Walter White had left his stash out for the chipmunks and they went to town. It felt SO FAST!
So I slowed it down to 1.25x, which took it to the point where I'm usually comfortable... but even then I had trouble following it because the DELIVERY of the lines/text was just... hard to follow for me. It felt like trying to follow the conversations happening in a room full of 12 year olds at a sleepover who are hopped up on Dr. Pepper and pizza. There wasn't enough delineation between Amber and Lacey, who are sisters, and to make things even more confusing, they'd tell each others' stories sometimes, their own at other times, completely other people's stories at still other times (but still read them in first person - "I got pulled over for doing 90 mph in a 45 zone" etc)... There was a lot of banter and giggling and stuff, and it was so hard for me to track what was going on.
Eventually I just stopped trying. These stories are pretty universal anyway (unfortunately), and it didn't really feel CRITICAL to know whether it was Lacey's story or Amber's. Or a different family member's. Or someone else's. Things went a little smoother after that, but I did end up borrowing the ebook from the library as well, because the audiobook borrow didn't come with the much-referenced PDF accompanying document. I want to see funny pictures and cute nieces and nephews if they are offered, dang it!
So, a couple notes on the ebook as well. The method of differentiating between Lacey and Amber in the TEXT is using different fonts. I guess I can sort of understand this because I know how abysmally annoying it is to have to intro every line of a banter-heavy dialogue (which this book most definitely is) with the speaker.
But there are also 3rd-font notes and asides, not tied to either of them... In the audio, obviously, one of them would read it, but there's not really any differentiation of these "narrative voiced" sections from their own voices. (This feels super confusing to explain.) Basically, my issue here is that depending on how you consume this book, you get a VASTLY different experience of it, and I feel like the audio actually suffers from the authors reading it.
I also really didn't like the over the top "announcer voice" that the category for the racist record about to be relayed (aka section or chapter heading) was read in. It got very old, very fast.
I didn't actually dislike this book as much as I feel like this review makes it seem like I did. I think had some different choices been made about how to deliver the content via the different mediums, it would have been more enjoyable for me. I like Amber Ruffin, and enjoy her commentary and perspective on her show, and so I was expecting to like this a lot more than I did.
For the record, I have not read the first book - it wasn't available, but this one was. I probably will still read that one one day, but I won't do the audio most likely.
Anyway, if you are in the mood for a collection of humorous (even in a SERIOUSLY??! kind of way) anecdotes about racism, this should work for you. But I would recommend reading it with your eyeballs. :)
March 25, 2022
Before reading: I am so excited for this!!!!!!!! Which seems wrong somehow... but these two are hilarious!
After reading: I read this book in one night. It is as funny as I was hoping, and brutal to read at times. Which is good, because that comes from the honesty at the heart of this book.
I’m going to try to get my hands on an audiobook version soon, because I loved the first one on audio and this one had way more songs. I’m thinking of listening to the first one again to laugh/get angry again.
After reading: I read this book in one night. It is as funny as I was hoping, and brutal to read at times. Which is good, because that comes from the honesty at the heart of this book.
I’m going to try to get my hands on an audiobook version soon, because I loved the first one on audio and this one had way more songs. I’m thinking of listening to the first one again to laugh/get angry again.
March 4, 2023
Do yourself a favor and listen to the audiobook version! Total bonus to hear the banter between sisters Amber and Lacey while sharing their second book of personal stories. I loved their first book and I love this second book just as much!
October 31, 2025
I didn’t think I could laugh so hard listening to so many awful stories, but here’s your proof!
The second book of the Lamar/Ruffin duo tells the tale of modern racism in a creative and riotously funny way. They assign awards to every story they encountered! That’s really just an intro into the theme of what’s going to happen, but think of it this way: it’s a snarkily positive spin on someone being dreadful. Worst (blank) ever!
And those intros made me think, “No, there’s no way this is gonna happen.” And then it does! “Oh, please don’t touch her hair,” and then they do! Ugh. But the ladies’ views, the funny phrases they use to describe things…oh, too much!
How about this: Best Use of “Just Kidding”! They’d tell a story, get angry, and say something like, “And then I burned down the building. Just kidding!”
The combo of unbelievable racism and over the top (but completely justified) reactions made me choke. It’s all real-life, “show, don’t tell,” and very down-to-earth. Which, again, makes the stories that much more incredible. This (stuff) really happened!
Best of all, I listened to this entirely on audiobook. These two are amazing performers. Makes sense that they have chemistry, but that’s a family reunion I want to attend. Fun, friendly, and loving. Would love to meet Dad sometime.
This was on my queue for a long time, just after a rec from the New York Times Book Review. Looks like it was nominated for some awards, like Goodreads Choice. Makes sense to me. And I hate to think that they have enough material for another book…but with the state of the world, this one’s just the beginning. *sigh* Anyway, I’m looking forward to the next!
The second book of the Lamar/Ruffin duo tells the tale of modern racism in a creative and riotously funny way. They assign awards to every story they encountered! That’s really just an intro into the theme of what’s going to happen, but think of it this way: it’s a snarkily positive spin on someone being dreadful. Worst (blank) ever!
And those intros made me think, “No, there’s no way this is gonna happen.” And then it does! “Oh, please don’t touch her hair,” and then they do! Ugh. But the ladies’ views, the funny phrases they use to describe things…oh, too much!
How about this: Best Use of “Just Kidding”! They’d tell a story, get angry, and say something like, “And then I burned down the building. Just kidding!”
The combo of unbelievable racism and over the top (but completely justified) reactions made me choke. It’s all real-life, “show, don’t tell,” and very down-to-earth. Which, again, makes the stories that much more incredible. This (stuff) really happened!
Best of all, I listened to this entirely on audiobook. These two are amazing performers. Makes sense that they have chemistry, but that’s a family reunion I want to attend. Fun, friendly, and loving. Would love to meet Dad sometime.
This was on my queue for a long time, just after a rec from the New York Times Book Review. Looks like it was nominated for some awards, like Goodreads Choice. Makes sense to me. And I hate to think that they have enough material for another book…but with the state of the world, this one’s just the beginning. *sigh* Anyway, I’m looking forward to the next!
August 12, 2023
As someone else pointed out in their review: it's weird to say that a collection of true stories of terrible racism is a delight . . . yet here we are. Amber and Lacey (and their family and friends) have a way of telling their stories that makes you feel like you are sitting and talking with them, and they are making you laugh (because you gotta, otherwise you'll cry). They are hilarious, they joke and tease each other, they mock the awful people who "star" in their stories, they are great. Add in pictures of adorable babies in wigs, and you have a winning combination here.
And seriously: THE HAIR TOUCHING. WHY, WHITE PEOPLE? WHY?
And seriously: THE HAIR TOUCHING. WHY, WHITE PEOPLE? WHY?
May 3, 2023
Some of these tales are basically trying to find racism in every situation that could be logically seen as just bad or misinterpreted and want to play the victim. The one with the child in the gift shop could be such an example.
December 18, 2023
Mandatory. Amber Ruffin and her sister Lacey Lamar tell appalling, bizarre, racist stories from members of their immediate family. There are plenty. They are short. There are barely any pauses and we jump from racist incident to racist incident by the paragraph. Some of them are funny in a horrifying kind of way. The one that's stuck with me in the most is the time that Lacey tried to tell some co-workers about a documentary she watched about the Rwandan genocide. The co-workers didn't believe that Africa could have genocide or war, because everybody is Black and, therefore, the same, and then they mocked Lacey about the idea that Africa could have two different factions that oppose each other, until she eventually forced them to stop.
Also, their sister who is a pastor has faced unspeakable racism for her entire career and met it with incredible equanimity. She has a lot of stories.
Also, their sister who is a pastor has faced unspeakable racism for her entire career and met it with incredible equanimity. She has a lot of stories.
January 4, 2024
Comedian and TV writer Amber Ruffin and her sister Lacey Lamar have written a book that is hilarious — and horrifying. I’m Latina, but I can pass for Anglo White, so I have been spared truly over-the-top racism: Nobody grabs my hair, follows me around in Dillard’s, talks about “my people” or tells me I’m more intelligent or erudite than they were expecting. (I did have White people in Miami, seeing my last name, tell me in amazement, “You speak such good English.” I would deadpan, “Well, I was born here, so what would you expect?” It had the effect of introducing an awkward silence, which was my intention. Naturally, I never suffered anything one-one hundredth as bad as Ruffin and her family.) How the Ruffin family can be so chill about constant belittlement and just weird stuff I do not know. They really do deserve stars in their crowns, to quote my Sunday School teacher.
I have a calendar, so I know for a fact it’s 2024. But it appears that many White people think it’s 1924, so it’s OK to say Negro in a way that’s as close as possible to the N-word, dedicate “Brown Sugar” to the only African American in the office, chide Blacks for following the rules, and marvel that a Black person isn’t a criminal. I’m no fool: I knew White people could be incredibly racist, but I did not realize just how awful and/or ridiculous they could be. I wish I could give this book six stars.
The saddest thing about this book is that the title is inaccurate. Because the real World Record of Racist Stories ends with an unarmed Black man dead or in jail.
I have a calendar, so I know for a fact it’s 2024. But it appears that many White people think it’s 1924, so it’s OK to say Negro in a way that’s as close as possible to the N-word, dedicate “Brown Sugar” to the only African American in the office, chide Blacks for following the rules, and marvel that a Black person isn’t a criminal. I’m no fool: I knew White people could be incredibly racist, but I did not realize just how awful and/or ridiculous they could be. I wish I could give this book six stars.
The saddest thing about this book is that the title is inaccurate. Because the real World Record of Racist Stories ends with an unarmed Black man dead or in jail.
December 22, 2023
The World Record Book of Racist Stories is really funny, and it’s really not. Gauge your mood before you read it. If you’re already up to here with white folks, then there’s nothing in the book that’s gonna help bring your irritation down to normal levels. If your racist experiences are mostly microaggressions, then the book will make you feel like you’re in good company. If you don’t think racism is real, this book will definitely make you think again. It will also make you not want to ever go to Omaha if you’re black.
The sisters write it together and their banter in different fonts is cute for a few pages. and then I was mostly over it. There’s a lot of references to the first book which I hadn’t heard of so at times I felt like I was starting in the middle of a conversation. Their stories about their pastor sister, Angie, were the most horrendous for me. Not just because someone threatened her and her family’s lives, but also because of how terrible the white religious community can be. How inevitable and unsurprising.
The book is a quick read as long as you’re in the mood to slog through one racist story after another. I liked the frame of using their family because the reader receives their racist experiences from different generations and genders and geographic locations. It’s a wider swath that’s still really personal. Read it as your mood allows. Maybe it’s a good gift for the DEI person in your life. Maybe it will help you understand why the DEI people in your life are so stressed TF out.
The sisters write it together and their banter in different fonts is cute for a few pages. and then I was mostly over it. There’s a lot of references to the first book which I hadn’t heard of so at times I felt like I was starting in the middle of a conversation. Their stories about their pastor sister, Angie, were the most horrendous for me. Not just because someone threatened her and her family’s lives, but also because of how terrible the white religious community can be. How inevitable and unsurprising.
The book is a quick read as long as you’re in the mood to slog through one racist story after another. I liked the frame of using their family because the reader receives their racist experiences from different generations and genders and geographic locations. It’s a wider swath that’s still really personal. Read it as your mood allows. Maybe it’s a good gift for the DEI person in your life. Maybe it will help you understand why the DEI people in your life are so stressed TF out.
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January 13, 2023Another great collection from the two sisters. Some were fun, some were heartbreaking, some made me shake my head and roll my eyes, others made me nod my head while thinking, “Yeah, that tracks.”
I know that there are people out there who will think this is all made up, and that astounds me. Maybe they’re stuck in 2008 when we ended racism. Oh yeah, apparently we ended racism? That’s what Fox News keeps telling me.
September 24, 2025
This was a quick and entertaining read, but I also found it kind of lacking. Mostly in organization, and writing style. I did their first book by audio and I think maybe I should have done that again, because without Amber's comic timing, her parts especially come off try-hard, and a lot of her jokes fall flat. I love her, but "Just kidding" was a joke I was using in the third grade, and she uses it a lot here. Anyway, I'm sad I didn't have as good a time with this one as the first, even though they bring in other friends and family this time, not just Lacey. It's an extremely voicey read, and if you vibe with the voice you'll probably have a better time than I did.
December 26, 2022
For me, the first book by these sisters ("You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories about Racism") was great. This one feels more like outtakes from the first book, but I still raced through it in an afternoon.
While the first book was mostly stories about hilarious (aka horrifying) racist things happening to Lacey Ruffin, this one focuses on hilarious (aka horrifying) racist incidents that happened to the sisters' parents, siblings, friends and local legislator.
Echoing the first book's stories about JC Penney, this time around there's an absurd situation in Dillard's where staff follow a woman of color who is shopping for handbags until six staff members have encircled her, aggressively asking if she needs help.
I also found the scenes memorable where they share stories about white people's encounters with the police.
Start with the first book. If you like it, you'll want to keep the feeling going with this one. And consider the audio version so you can hear the sisters sing made-up songs from their childhood.
While the first book was mostly stories about hilarious (aka horrifying) racist things happening to Lacey Ruffin, this one focuses on hilarious (aka horrifying) racist incidents that happened to the sisters' parents, siblings, friends and local legislator.
Echoing the first book's stories about JC Penney, this time around there's an absurd situation in Dillard's where staff follow a woman of color who is shopping for handbags until six staff members have encircled her, aggressively asking if she needs help.
I also found the scenes memorable where they share stories about white people's encounters with the police.
Start with the first book. If you like it, you'll want to keep the feeling going with this one. And consider the audio version so you can hear the sisters sing made-up songs from their childhood.
October 25, 2022
I want to see one published about blacks being racist. I have many, many examples I can start with…
This book is just more hate mongering and divisiveness that liberals love. Pathetic.
Unfortunately I have to add this to my review since there seems to be some people who lack the ability called “reading comprehension”. I HAVE read this poor excuse for a book, and this is my review like it or not.
This book is just more hate mongering and divisiveness that liberals love. Pathetic.
Unfortunately I have to add this to my review since there seems to be some people who lack the ability called “reading comprehension”. I HAVE read this poor excuse for a book, and this is my review like it or not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2023
This book was so funny. A lot of the time, racism is only thought of as the very violent acts, but this book really shows the sort of everyday racism that happens in regular places and work environments (but also a few of the stories you’d expect). Racism isn’t funny, but these authors definitely are. I’d read a story and laugh while reading it. While reflecting on the story after, my thoughts shifted to “that’s so fucked up,” “I can’t believe people would do that,” or “how can people think that’s okay?” The book made me feel more educated on what black people in America may experience in their daily lives as well as leading me to reflect a bit on my own privilege.
That being said, the one thing I wasn’t quite a fan of was the banter between the two authors. It felt like an unnecessary addition that I’m sure made them laugh more than it made me laugh, but that’s okay.
That being said, the one thing I wasn’t quite a fan of was the banter between the two authors. It felt like an unnecessary addition that I’m sure made them laugh more than it made me laugh, but that’s okay.
February 21, 2023
As hilarious and horrifying as the first book, authors Ruffin and Lamar warn readers this one will take a harder approach than before. They weren't kidding. They expand their everyday racism experiences to include horrors members of their family have experienced, which gives the narrative an even sharper edge than their previous book. I can't imagine anyone reading this and not being affected - by the racism itself, of course, but also by the unrelenting nature of it, the daily toll it must take on an individual. Highly recommend as a follow up to You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey.
December 2, 2023
If you're still chortling over the Harriet Tubman story from You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey, The World Record Book of Racist Stories will keep you going with even more tales of the Ruffin family surviving the winners of "Most Racist DJ," "Most Frugal Racist," "Most White Privilege," and more. My jaw was dropping, I was laughing, it was a good (and occasionally sobering) time. And the sobering stories were usually followed by baby pictures so the levity wins out.
Recommended, especially if you enjoyed You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey. I heard all of Amber's stories in her voice and that made it even better. This book is on audio, but the pictures in the physical copy make the experience even better.
Recommended, especially if you enjoyed You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey. I heard all of Amber's stories in her voice and that made it even better. This book is on audio, but the pictures in the physical copy make the experience even better.
December 21, 2022
I haven’t read these sisters’ first book but I have enjoyed watching Amber’s show and wanted to check this book out when it came onto my radar.
And I know this is funny. The whole book is satirical yes, but it is also the truth and it’s just hilarious as well as despairing to read about the numerous big and small racist experiences these sisters, their families and friends have been through. It’s a harsh reality that we may be able to process through making fun of it but the reality is still horrific. And the worst part is I’m sure they’ll be able to write more books because looking at the way things are going, I don’t see how they’ll run out of racist stories to tell.
Great book to have a laugh at first glance but definitely leaves you with a lot to think about.
And I know this is funny. The whole book is satirical yes, but it is also the truth and it’s just hilarious as well as despairing to read about the numerous big and small racist experiences these sisters, their families and friends have been through. It’s a harsh reality that we may be able to process through making fun of it but the reality is still horrific. And the worst part is I’m sure they’ll be able to write more books because looking at the way things are going, I don’t see how they’ll run out of racist stories to tell.
Great book to have a laugh at first glance but definitely leaves you with a lot to think about.
February 8, 2026
It shouldn't be shocking... but it is. A must-read.
December 8, 2022
This was such an amazing read! I enjoyed it even more than their first book You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories about Racism. In that book I found myself wanting Amber Ruffin to share more of her own stories instead of mainly just providing commentary on her sister’s stories. This book definitely delivered more stories from Amber as well as Amber and Lacey sharing stories from their parents, other siblings, and friends.
The book uses humor to relay these absolutely wildly racist situations and people that the authors and their loved ones have experienced over the years. While upsetting and infuriating things happen, the way the stories are told keeps the book from feeling too heavy. I definitely recommend checking this out on audio. Lacey and Amber both narrate it and it’s fun to hear them go back and forth in the different stories.
The book uses humor to relay these absolutely wildly racist situations and people that the authors and their loved ones have experienced over the years. While upsetting and infuriating things happen, the way the stories are told keeps the book from feeling too heavy. I definitely recommend checking this out on audio. Lacey and Amber both narrate it and it’s fun to hear them go back and forth in the different stories.
December 14, 2022
Like their first book, this book evoked a wide range of responses and emotions in me. Their senses of humor (which are great) help to mitigate a lot of the anger I felt in response to the stories of racism. I highly recommend this book (as well as You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories about Racism), especially for those of us who are white and need to understand the pervasiveness of racism in our country.
November 5, 2022
Once again the authors have many eye opening stories, some are more serious in tone than their previous book. This didn’t flow quite as well, probably because it jumps around between storytellers and also contains a lot of banter (sometimes unrelated to any story) between the sisters. I liked this one but I didn’t love it as much as I did You’ll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey.
Thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy!
Thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy!
February 28, 2023
Sadly funny. The stories here will bring a chuckle as well as drop your jaw. The things that some people do in the service of white supremacy are at times incredulously outrageous. A good book to share with “friends” that accuse you of seeing racism in every nook and cranny. These stories of racist encounters are a reminder that you really don’t have to look that hard.
January 28, 2023
These stories are horrifying...and these ladies have the grace and patience of saints.
September 28, 2023
I love these books. Amber Ruffin and Lacey Lamar know how to make me laugh. Also their family is adorable, I loved seeing the family photos. I think there's something magical about the way they write, their interactions with each other and the rest of their family that makes this book such a triumph. I used to be convinced that books about racism had to be horribly sad, and while these stories do feel heavier than in the first book You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories about Racism, the humour is still there.
TWRBoRS has a way of making me feel seen and understood and there's something so cathartic about expressing how hilariously messed up racism is.
I think I want to get the audiobook to hear all the songs that were in there LMAO.
My one gripe was the huge paragraphs that could've been broken into smaller paragraphs. But I didn't care much about that because I was too busy laughing and trying to convince my mom and friends to read this book.
TWRBoRS has a way of making me feel seen and understood and there's something so cathartic about expressing how hilariously messed up racism is.
I think I want to get the audiobook to hear all the songs that were in there LMAO.
My one gripe was the huge paragraphs that could've been broken into smaller paragraphs. But I didn't care much about that because I was too busy laughing and trying to convince my mom and friends to read this book.
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