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Black Is the New White
OTHER COMEDIANS TELL JOKES. PAUL MOONEY TELLS THE TRUTH.
For more than forty years—whether writing for Richard Pryor and Saturday Night Live or performing stand-up to sold-out crowds around the country—Paul Mooney has been provocative, incisive . . . and absolutely hilarious. His comedy has always been indisputably real and raw, reflecting race issues in America, and this fascinating, fearless new memoir continues that unapologetically candid tradition.
While other stars soared only to crash and burn, Paul Mooney has stayed chiefly behind the scenes, and he’s got a lifetime of stories to show for it. As head writer for The Richard Pryor Show, he helped tear down racial barriers and change the course of comedy. He helped Robin Williams and Sarah Bernhard break into show business. He paved the way for superstars like Eddie Murphy. Few have witnessed as much comedy history as Mooney; even fewer could recount it with such riotous honesty and depth of insight. He reveals the truth about his celebrated partnership with the brilliant, self-destructive Richard Pryor, from their first meeting to the very last joke, and reflects on some of his most notorious moments.
Decades ago, Paul Mooney set out not just make audiences laugh but to make them think. Black Is the New White is his blisteringly funny, no-holds-barred memoir of how he continues to succeed wildly at both.
For more than forty years—whether writing for Richard Pryor and Saturday Night Live or performing stand-up to sold-out crowds around the country—Paul Mooney has been provocative, incisive . . . and absolutely hilarious. His comedy has always been indisputably real and raw, reflecting race issues in America, and this fascinating, fearless new memoir continues that unapologetically candid tradition.
While other stars soared only to crash and burn, Paul Mooney has stayed chiefly behind the scenes, and he’s got a lifetime of stories to show for it. As head writer for The Richard Pryor Show, he helped tear down racial barriers and change the course of comedy. He helped Robin Williams and Sarah Bernhard break into show business. He paved the way for superstars like Eddie Murphy. Few have witnessed as much comedy history as Mooney; even fewer could recount it with such riotous honesty and depth of insight. He reveals the truth about his celebrated partnership with the brilliant, self-destructive Richard Pryor, from their first meeting to the very last joke, and reflects on some of his most notorious moments.
Decades ago, Paul Mooney set out not just make audiences laugh but to make them think. Black Is the New White is his blisteringly funny, no-holds-barred memoir of how he continues to succeed wildly at both.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
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Paul Mooney
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
September 4, 2010
Black is the New White. I liked it although it was more about Pryor than Mooney, but perhaps that was the point. Mooney describes the two as each others muses. I envy that kind of personal and professional relationship that spans decades. I'm embarrassed to say I didn't know who Paul Mooney was until Dave Chappelle, but I copped Know Your History and I put two and two together with Bamboozled and I thought, "Damn, this guy really is the man." Mooney never censors himself and that's why I love him. He lives to make white people uncomfortable. I admire that. All day. Although I was disappointed by his un-interrogation of his romantic relationship with a white woman, but this is where people misinterpret Mooney. He doesn't hate white people as people, but he calls out white privilege wherever he sees it and since everything is personal to white people they can't see the difference and they can't deal with him. I know he and Pryor faced more racism than the doozies he describes in the book, but the point is not how the man held them back--the point is how they refused to be compromised. I wanted more of his personal life even when he was talking about his personal history, but I definitely appreciated comedian histories and I definitely see Chappelle as Pryor and Murphy as the anti-Cosby. I haven't thought about black humor for a long time, and this book made me do that through the eyes of Mooney's career. It's more social history than it is personal history but worth the telling just the same.
January 15, 2023
“Everybody wants to be black until it’s time to be black”
Loved this book, rip to the goat. He was brutally honest and a very wise man.
Loved this book, rip to the goat. He was brutally honest and a very wise man.
February 14, 2011
'Black Is The New White' is a fascinating read. It's the story of the enigmatic genius behind both Richard Prior and Dave Chappelle (that would be the author,Negrodam-Er, Paul Mooney), but it's also much more: This book is also an enlightening accord into the roots of racism,as well as a view into the hidden history of some very famous people throughout the years (I never knew that Al Sharpton and Strom Thurmond are related!). Plus it has good-ass jokes!
When reading this gem, I noticed that the history of Mooney is almost completely intertwined with his best friend and partner in crime, Richard Prior. He loved Prior, very deeply.. Prior was more than a friend to Mooney. In my opinion, they were more like brothers, which is why this book is tinged with a hint of sadness and longing. It's as if Mooney wanted Richard to get off his coke/alky/women addiction, but knew that there was nothing he could humanly do to get Pryor to quit. However, Pryor's vices did nothing to inhibit the absolute brilliance of his comedic art, from his early days in the old stand-up clubs in L.A. to the Ed Sullivan Show, to his own show and so on. Mooney seems to be intentionally downplaying his influence on Pryor, even though he (Mooney) has had about as much experience in the stand-up and Hollywood scenes as Pryor himself.
Sprinkled throughout the book are instances in which Mooney meets and talks with some very influential and popular figures.. He shacks with Pryor, parties with the original 'Dance Party' crew (if you grew up in the Bay Area, you know EXACTLY what that is), hobnobs with Tammy Terrell, and fist-bumps with Barack Obama.
Summed up, this is a must-read for lovers of comedy, of Paul Mooney and of Richard Pryor, in that order. There's a lot of wisdom to be gleaned from theses pages, even though it may be masked by a veil of amusing jokes and banter from one of the great humorists of our time.
When reading this gem, I noticed that the history of Mooney is almost completely intertwined with his best friend and partner in crime, Richard Prior. He loved Prior, very deeply.. Prior was more than a friend to Mooney. In my opinion, they were more like brothers, which is why this book is tinged with a hint of sadness and longing. It's as if Mooney wanted Richard to get off his coke/alky/women addiction, but knew that there was nothing he could humanly do to get Pryor to quit. However, Pryor's vices did nothing to inhibit the absolute brilliance of his comedic art, from his early days in the old stand-up clubs in L.A. to the Ed Sullivan Show, to his own show and so on. Mooney seems to be intentionally downplaying his influence on Pryor, even though he (Mooney) has had about as much experience in the stand-up and Hollywood scenes as Pryor himself.
Sprinkled throughout the book are instances in which Mooney meets and talks with some very influential and popular figures.. He shacks with Pryor, parties with the original 'Dance Party' crew (if you grew up in the Bay Area, you know EXACTLY what that is), hobnobs with Tammy Terrell, and fist-bumps with Barack Obama.
Summed up, this is a must-read for lovers of comedy, of Paul Mooney and of Richard Pryor, in that order. There's a lot of wisdom to be gleaned from theses pages, even though it may be masked by a veil of amusing jokes and banter from one of the great humorists of our time.
September 19, 2024
Good enough book though I wouldn’t categorize it as a biography. Mr. Mooney seems to find it hard to author more than a few pages without expositing the life of his closest friend, Richard Pryor. It’s entertaining and sometimes informative but hardly a revealing look at the life of Paul Mooney.
It’s worth a read if you’re a lover of comedy and old Hollywood.
It’s worth a read if you’re a lover of comedy and old Hollywood.
August 13, 2017
Louise Penny in "A trick of the Light" makes the comment: A sort of social neutron bomb. Meant to keep the structure of polite conversation standing, while slaying the person."
In stand-up comedy the neutron bomb is most often a sleaze bomb. This book is one of them. I adore humor, and I love comedy. But some of it is just common crudeness disguised as jokes.
Now reverse the blatant racism in this book, and see what happens. The shoe just hates to be fitted to the other foot.
So NO, six chapters of it was enough.
Do to others what you want to be done to yourself. Sorry, won't stoop that low in this case.
In stand-up comedy the neutron bomb is most often a sleaze bomb. This book is one of them. I adore humor, and I love comedy. But some of it is just common crudeness disguised as jokes.
Now reverse the blatant racism in this book, and see what happens. The shoe just hates to be fitted to the other foot.
So NO, six chapters of it was enough.
Do to others what you want to be done to yourself. Sorry, won't stoop that low in this case.
April 18, 2011
I brought this book after Paul Mooney spoke about it on a radio interview. I had seen his face around before, but I never knew his name, or the like. After seeing his clips on YouTube I was just bowled over! I am not a big fan of comedy, but I do appreciate wit. And that is Paul Mooney's true genius; his mix of wisdom and wit that he interweaves in with stand up comedy. It is truly not like anything I have seen, or heard before.
This book is a goldmine of insight into the world of show-biz in L.A. in the 60s until the 80s. Of course Mr. Mooney tells it in a way that makes you chuckle; but it really gets under your skin (or it should anyway) at how such talent is stifled simply because it makes the White establishment uncomfortable. One of the most poignant phrases I took away from this book is "Racism trumps capitalism"...which basically means that Hollywood would rather hold on to its racist ways then make money off of what Black people want to do on their own terms. So sad, because here it is 2011, and we only have a few Black people yielding any sort of power in Hollywood (like Tyler Perry, Oprah, etc.)...but we are still so very, very behind.
The common gripe regarding this book is that it focuses more on Richard Pryor than Paul Mooney. However I can understand this. This book is about Paul's professional career really and the foundation of this career was Richard Pryor being a vessel through which Paul's work hit the mainstream. Paul by himself was too threatening for 60s and 70s America. Perhaps he was just born too early for his own good. Then again, the combined force of him and Pryor were an invaluable gift to our culture. So in this way, the focus of the book is very appropriate.
The main reason why I don't give the book 5 stars is because of the "flow" of the book. Yes, it is an easy read in that it is not a very long or wordy book. But it also doesn't move chronologically and sometimes you lose track of what instance/era Mr. Mooney is referring to. Maybe this is just the style of pop culture/comedic writers...but it was a bit of a distraction. I think that a skilled editor would (or should) have been able to give to book a better "polish". The content was there...it was just a bit "underdone".
Over all though, standing ovation for Mr. Mooney. You sir, are one of the people who make American culture so great. Your voice and opinions are still very much needed and relevant. I hope Mr. Paul Mooney keeps at it for another 30 years!
This book is a goldmine of insight into the world of show-biz in L.A. in the 60s until the 80s. Of course Mr. Mooney tells it in a way that makes you chuckle; but it really gets under your skin (or it should anyway) at how such talent is stifled simply because it makes the White establishment uncomfortable. One of the most poignant phrases I took away from this book is "Racism trumps capitalism"...which basically means that Hollywood would rather hold on to its racist ways then make money off of what Black people want to do on their own terms. So sad, because here it is 2011, and we only have a few Black people yielding any sort of power in Hollywood (like Tyler Perry, Oprah, etc.)...but we are still so very, very behind.
The common gripe regarding this book is that it focuses more on Richard Pryor than Paul Mooney. However I can understand this. This book is about Paul's professional career really and the foundation of this career was Richard Pryor being a vessel through which Paul's work hit the mainstream. Paul by himself was too threatening for 60s and 70s America. Perhaps he was just born too early for his own good. Then again, the combined force of him and Pryor were an invaluable gift to our culture. So in this way, the focus of the book is very appropriate.
The main reason why I don't give the book 5 stars is because of the "flow" of the book. Yes, it is an easy read in that it is not a very long or wordy book. But it also doesn't move chronologically and sometimes you lose track of what instance/era Mr. Mooney is referring to. Maybe this is just the style of pop culture/comedic writers...but it was a bit of a distraction. I think that a skilled editor would (or should) have been able to give to book a better "polish". The content was there...it was just a bit "underdone".
Over all though, standing ovation for Mr. Mooney. You sir, are one of the people who make American culture so great. Your voice and opinions are still very much needed and relevant. I hope Mr. Paul Mooney keeps at it for another 30 years!
August 9, 2015
Prior to this book, all I knew about Paul Mooney was that he was (1) a comedian and (2) he thinks all white rappers are clowning themselves and trying to be black.
Mooney shares everything in this memoir, from his childhood when he was protected from the racism that was so prevalent outside his home, to his friendship with Richard Pryor as he witnessed Pryor do more drugs than apparently anyone on earth. Mooney also makes it very clear that black entertainers faced constant Hollywood racism in 1950s-60s, and you either entertained in a clean, white person approved manner (not confronting the issue of race), or kept it real. Somewhere along the line, you realize that he was one of the few--along with Pryor--who paved the way for the very successful black entertainers today. I could hardly put this book down. Mooney's writing flows so well. 5 stars because I loved every page.
Mooney shares everything in this memoir, from his childhood when he was protected from the racism that was so prevalent outside his home, to his friendship with Richard Pryor as he witnessed Pryor do more drugs than apparently anyone on earth. Mooney also makes it very clear that black entertainers faced constant Hollywood racism in 1950s-60s, and you either entertained in a clean, white person approved manner (not confronting the issue of race), or kept it real. Somewhere along the line, you realize that he was one of the few--along with Pryor--who paved the way for the very successful black entertainers today. I could hardly put this book down. Mooney's writing flows so well. 5 stars because I loved every page.
January 20, 2013
Paul Mooney is a socially conscience comedian. He talks about social issues and race issues that are currently going on in the world. While he makes it funny, it is no less true. Paul Mooney is someone you not only have to read but also see in person. Read: 2010.
July 23, 2011
Anytime Paul Money tells stories it's gold, but this was a little underwhelming. A good read, but not up to the hype I had given it.
July 8, 2021
I have always loved Paul Mooney so it just seemed appropriate for me to read his latest book since he recently transitioned. I enjoyed the parts of his early life and didn't know he went to Berkeley schools. However, there was so much of Richard Pryor in this story that I thought, is he writing Richard's story or his own?
January 14, 2012
I was overwhelmingly amused and entertained by Paul Mooney's memoir telling of his rise as a major icon in radical black culture, his life with his best friend Richard Pryor, and his own stature as a stand up comedy icon. Mooney espouses a lot of opinions in this book I am not in agreement with, but even when his opinions are contrary to everything I believe, his reasoning why is always entertaining, and it is apparent Mooney stays honest to what he truly believes to a level that borders on mental illness. Mooney talks openly and honestly about racial tensions in Hollywood, Pryor's prodigious drug use and overall self-destructive behavior, and the infamous comedian's strike against Mitzi Shore of the Comedy Store in the 80s. Mooney is a somewhat minor figure to many outside of the world of standup, but he is a legend to those who appreciate and recognize the dedication the craft demands. Mooney isn't a smooth talker as he always chooses to just say the right thing for the moment. Mooney is not just a great comic, he's an over-flowing beacon of comedic history as well.
March 7, 2012
Paul Mooney, a comedian and writer who created some of the 70s/80s edgiest racial bits, including bits for Richard Pryor, speaks all in his memoir.
Admittedly, I had no idea who he was before this book (Mooney jokes about being a complete unknown to white people), but I found myself drawn into his autobiography. Mooney writes of his career, though the bulk of the book is his experiences with one of his best friends, Richard Pryor. His humor is based off his immediate family which he developed into edgy material towards the end of the 1960s. He meets Richard Pryor in the late 60s with whom he forms a close friendship until Pryor's death in 2005. I only knew one of his (Mooney's) most popular bits after he mentioned it, that being the Richard Pryor/Chevy Chase interview word association skit from the first season of Saturday Night Live.
I found it to be an interesting read that was paced well. While Mooney does tend to jump back and forth in his chronology, it doesn't really detract from the autobiography.
Admittedly, I had no idea who he was before this book (Mooney jokes about being a complete unknown to white people), but I found myself drawn into his autobiography. Mooney writes of his career, though the bulk of the book is his experiences with one of his best friends, Richard Pryor. His humor is based off his immediate family which he developed into edgy material towards the end of the 1960s. He meets Richard Pryor in the late 60s with whom he forms a close friendship until Pryor's death in 2005. I only knew one of his (Mooney's) most popular bits after he mentioned it, that being the Richard Pryor/Chevy Chase interview word association skit from the first season of Saturday Night Live.
I found it to be an interesting read that was paced well. While Mooney does tend to jump back and forth in his chronology, it doesn't really detract from the autobiography.
September 12, 2018
Good read to distract me from daily life.
This story was really shocking because even in his own book Paul Mooney is behind the scenes. The story revolves around Richard Pryor and the friendship he had with Mooney. Through life similarities and shared frustrations Paul's story is revealed through Richards. While I have never read a memoir in this format I actually like it. Paul Mooney is yes, very angry and frustrated from the systemic racism that kept him behind the scenes until the late 1990's. However this memoir could have been a way to showcase all we don't know about him. Instead he is behind the scenes even in the writing which leads me to believe that part of his anger in life is due to personality and not opportunity. His personality is not for everyone to enjoy or understand but it truly is a gift. Paul Mooney will forever be the God Father of Comedy whether folks want to acknowledge it or not. This book teaches that it is not recognition that makes the legend rather it is talent, self awareness and passion.
This story was really shocking because even in his own book Paul Mooney is behind the scenes. The story revolves around Richard Pryor and the friendship he had with Mooney. Through life similarities and shared frustrations Paul's story is revealed through Richards. While I have never read a memoir in this format I actually like it. Paul Mooney is yes, very angry and frustrated from the systemic racism that kept him behind the scenes until the late 1990's. However this memoir could have been a way to showcase all we don't know about him. Instead he is behind the scenes even in the writing which leads me to believe that part of his anger in life is due to personality and not opportunity. His personality is not for everyone to enjoy or understand but it truly is a gift. Paul Mooney will forever be the God Father of Comedy whether folks want to acknowledge it or not. This book teaches that it is not recognition that makes the legend rather it is talent, self awareness and passion.
September 18, 2016
I'm really becoming a memoir junkie. I loved Paul Mooney's work on The Chappelle Show (fucking brilliant!) and love how fearless he is in his comedy when it comes to race. This memoir really shows the longevity he has in terms of his importance in the entertainment and the impact he's had on a lot of people--not just Chappelle, but Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, and so many others. This book was really two books in one. It was a personal glimpse into the comedy industry from the 1960s to now, and it was a scathing reflection on race in America. To be honest, Mooney's sense of humor is kind of lost on paper. It needs to be delivered out loud. Don't get me wrong--this was a funny book, but it didn't live up to its potential. Reading it, I did gain a newfound appreciation for what Mooney had to do in order to succeed (the racial obstacles he had to overcome), and I found some of it very moving. But I think Dick Gregory's "Nigger" is a better read, as far as memoirs by black comedians go.
April 2, 2014
As a huge Paul Mooney fan, I'd tried reading this book a couple of years ago. What made me put it off for later was that it seemed to be all about Richard Pryor. Not that that's a bad thing. But, If I buy a book about Mr. Paul Mooney, I want to read about Mr. Paul Mooney. So, I gave this book another shot. Once I got passed the Richard Pryor stuff, it was all about Mr. Mooney...until it bacame about Mr. Mooney *and* Richard Pryor. Their lives are so intertwined that now I see why so much of his book is about Richard Pryor.
This book was a fun, entertaining, good, quick read. I have a ton of respect for Mr. Mooney and all that he's done in the field of entertainment. I'm waiting for an episode of Unsung about this brilliant man. I compare him to Fishbone. He's done so much and is the inspiration for so many yet hasn't received 1/100th of the recognition he deserves.
This book was a fun, entertaining, good, quick read. I have a ton of respect for Mr. Mooney and all that he's done in the field of entertainment. I'm waiting for an episode of Unsung about this brilliant man. I compare him to Fishbone. He's done so much and is the inspiration for so many yet hasn't received 1/100th of the recognition he deserves.
September 11, 2014
I've read pretty much everything in print about Peoria's Richard Pryor, but this memoir by Paul Mooney gives you a real behind-the-scenes look from the guy who happened to be Pryor's creative partner for three-plus decades. Mooney was there every step of the way and was the only person who "had the ear of Caesar", aka unfettered access to Richard. Hilarious and insightful, gut-wrenching and sad, this memoir provides intimate details from the only person who had an unbroken personal relationship with Richard over the years. Highly recommended.
April 5, 2015
I love Paul Mooney, unapologetically. His take on race in America is refreshing, honest, and in your face. I especially enjoyed reading about his friendship with Richard Pryor and the work that he has done with top African American comedians. As a historian I'm always intrigued by a persons family background. Reading about his life in Louisiana made my day.
September 22, 2012
A good read on the life of a Black stand-up comedian in a very white entertainement world. Lots of insights on the pressures and pitfalls 'star' culture.
December 5, 2012
Literally spent the better part of 8 hrs reading this.
September 17, 2013
eh, monotonous. I kept reading because it was a perspective I'm not familiar with.
it's mostly about Richard Pryor.
it's mostly about Richard Pryor.
Read
September 21, 2012
Product Description
A fascinating and fearless memoir from an enduring comedy genius -- the legendary, controversial, inimitable Paul Mooney.
Most comedians tell jokes. Paul Mooney tells the truth. And for more than forty years -- whether writing for Richard Pryor and Saturday Night Live, creating In Living Color's Homey D. Clown and Chappelle's Show's Negrodamus, or performing stand-up to sold-out crowds around the country -- he's been provocative, incisive, and always absolutely hilarious.
Black Is the New White is an unapologetically candid memoir from a talent whose influence has ranged far wider than his fame -- mostly by his own design. As head writer for The Richard Pryor Show, he helped tear down racial barriers and change the course of comedy. He helped Robin Williams and Sandra Bernhard break into show business. He paved the way for superstars like Eddie Murphy. And at every turn he's shunned the easy set-up and punch line in favor of comedy that's indisputably real and raw, reflecting the reality of race issues in America even when it's generated outrage.
While other stars soared only to crash and burn, Paul Mooney has stayed chiefly behind the scenes, and he's got a lifetime of stories to show for it. Few have witnessed as much comedy history as Mooney; even fewer could recount it with such riotous honesty and depth of insight. He reveals the truth about his celebrated partnership with the brilliant, self-destructive Richard Pryor, from their first meeting to the very last joke, and reflects on some of his most notorious moments, including organizing a performers' strike on the iconic Comedy Store and publicly giving up the n-word in his act after Michael Richards's onstage outbursts. Decades ago, Paul Mooney set out not just to make audiences laugh but to make them think. Black Is the New White is the blisteringly funny, no-holds-barred story of how he continues to succeed wildly at both.
About the AuthorPaul Mooney is a comic legend who has written for Chappelle's Show, In Living Color, The Richard Pryor Show, Saturday Night Live, Good Times, and Stanford and Son. He played Sam Cooke in The Buddy Holly Story. His first comedy album, Race, was nominated for a Grammy, and he recently appeared in his own comedy special, Know Your History: Jesus Was Black . . . So Was Cleopatra. He performs stand-up comedy to sold-out croweds around the country. He lives in New York City and Los Angeles.
July 30, 2012
(FROM JACKET)Most comedians tell jokes. Paul Mooney tells the truth. And for more than forty years-whether writing for Richard Pryor and "Saturday Night Live", creating "In Living Color"'s Homey D. Clown and "Chappelle's Show"'s Negrodamus, or performing stand-up to sold-out crowds around the country-he's been provocative, incisive, and always absolutely hilarious.
"Black Is the New White" is an unapologetically candid memoir from a talent whose influence has ranged far wider than his fame-mostly by his own design. As head writer for the "Richard Pryor Show", he helped tear down racial barriers and change the course of comedy. He helped Robin Williams and Sandra Bernhard break into show business. He paved the way for superstars like Eddie Murphy. And at every turn he's shunned the easy set-up and punch line in favor of comedy that's indisputably real and raw, reflecting the reality of race issues in America even when it's generated outrage.
While other stars soared only to crash and burn, Paul Mooney has stayed chiefly behind the scenes, and he's got a lifetime of stories to show for it. Few have witnessed as much comedy history as Mooney; even fewer could recount it with such riotous honesty and depth of insight. He reveals the truth about his celebrated partnership with the brilliant, self-destructive Richard Pryor, from their first meeting to the very last joke, and reflects on some of his most notorious moments, including organizing a performer's strike on the iconic Comedy Store and publicly giving up the n-word in his act after Michael Richards's onstage outbursts. Decades ago, Paul Mooney set out not just to make audiences laugh but to make them think. "Black Is the New White" is the blisteringly funny, no-holds-barred story of how he continues to succeed wildly at both.
"Black Is the New White" is an unapologetically candid memoir from a talent whose influence has ranged far wider than his fame-mostly by his own design. As head writer for the "Richard Pryor Show", he helped tear down racial barriers and change the course of comedy. He helped Robin Williams and Sandra Bernhard break into show business. He paved the way for superstars like Eddie Murphy. And at every turn he's shunned the easy set-up and punch line in favor of comedy that's indisputably real and raw, reflecting the reality of race issues in America even when it's generated outrage.
While other stars soared only to crash and burn, Paul Mooney has stayed chiefly behind the scenes, and he's got a lifetime of stories to show for it. Few have witnessed as much comedy history as Mooney; even fewer could recount it with such riotous honesty and depth of insight. He reveals the truth about his celebrated partnership with the brilliant, self-destructive Richard Pryor, from their first meeting to the very last joke, and reflects on some of his most notorious moments, including organizing a performer's strike on the iconic Comedy Store and publicly giving up the n-word in his act after Michael Richards's onstage outbursts. Decades ago, Paul Mooney set out not just to make audiences laugh but to make them think. "Black Is the New White" is the blisteringly funny, no-holds-barred story of how he continues to succeed wildly at both.
February 2, 2019
Good, good book. While reading it felt as if I was in Hollywood during their time in the 70's - 80's. I enjoyed this book so much because of how informal and informational it was. I also enjoyed the book so much because of how raw, and unfiltered it was describing the time period Mr. Mooney was living in. I found myself researching and googling names of many comedians and actors who I would of never paid any mind to. It was a great read for me because it was literally a blast in the past and interesting to see how all these historical figures interacted with one another. Gotta cherish people like Paul Mooney while their here and take advantage of books like this. It would be an honor to meet this man one day.
September 17, 2011
After reading a string of comedian's books that were decent to mediocre, I really enjoyed Paul Mooney's book. You definitely feel Mooney's honest, funny, confident voice throughout the book, and he's a good storyteller. My only issue with the book is that big chunks of it are more about Richard Pryor than Paul Mooney. Perhaps that was unavoidable, since the two were such close friends and worked on multiple projects together. But I would have enjoyed a little more depth on some stories that were given what felt like a passing glance, like the Comedy Store strike. Well worth checking out if you like Mooney, Pryor, and/or stand-up.
November 7, 2014
I am a fan of Paul Mooney's, but I purchased the book to hear what Mooney had to say about Richard Pryor's life. Richard Pryor was an American original and is surely missed. Mooney's insight into Pryor's genius makes the book an easy read and captivating for any Pryor fan. Mooney shares his life story, but goes heavy on the Pryor stories and adventures. Which made the book a great. If you are a Richard Pryor fan, then you should add this book to your home collection.
Bravo Mr. Mooney!!!
Bravo Mr. Mooney!!!
July 27, 2015
I'm a comedy lover and Paul Mooney has always been the man behind the men who I've found funniest and after seeing him last summer I was excited to read his story. He didn't disappoint in discussing his upbringing relationship with Richard Pryor and other comedic greats and his day-to-day philosophy. My girlfriend can attest that I laughed out loud a number of times reading this book and am glad I took the time to read it. For anyone interested in the man who always comes with the jokes and is uncensored, you will enjoy this book.
March 22, 2010
This was a good book and a fairly quick read. Considering the author is Paul Mooney, it is not what I originally expected. The book is sort of Paul Mooney's autobiography and a mini biography about Richard Pryor. Mr. Mooney does an excellent job of discussing the racial barriers African-American entertainers faced in Hollywood during the 1970's and how he and Richard Pryor changed the face of comedy and race relations.
July 12, 2010
While some may argue that Mooney's comedy is harsh and can even be considered racist, I think of him as a genius. I can appreciate and relate to his skewed sense of humor. This book is a look at his career and the men and women he's worked with, most notably, Richard Pryor. It was also a good excuse for me to go look for some of my old VHS collection to find the bits of his acts I recorded, back in the day.
March 15, 2011
This book is an easy, quick read because of Mooney's conversational style of writing (though occasionally, Mooney would use a figure of speech I wasn't familiar with due to our different generations/race that took me out of the flow). It's almost more about Richard Pryor than Mooney or anything else, but it also paints a really compelling picture of the struggles of artists and the role of race & power in Hollywood.
October 18, 2011
this book is hilarious, as expected. but if you've seen Paul Mooney perform, much of this book's material will be familiar to you. it's a lot like a long stand up set plus a Moooney's eye view bio of Pryor, with a faint hint of memoir sprinkled in for extra seasoning. whatever, though, it's funny, & i absolutely love bios of comedians and ESPECIALLY comedy writers, & Paul Mooney is on my shortlist of nominees for Greatest Living Person, so i am all for this book.
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