To Be Young, Gifted and Black: An Informal Autobiography (Signet) [Paperback]

Robert Nemiroff (Adapter), Lorraine Hansberry (Author), James Baldwin (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1970 | Series: Signet

A special autobiography told in a very special voice. Both the story and the voice belong to a young black woman who was born in Chicago, came to New York, won fame with her first play, A Raisin In The Sun, and went on to new heights of artistry before her tragically early death. Photos throughout.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

In her first play, the now-classic A Raisin in the Sun, Hansberry introduced the lives of ordinary African Americans into our national theatrical repertory. Now, Hansberry tells her own life story in an autobiography that rings with the voice of its creator. "Brilliantly alive."--The New York Times. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Signet (September 1, 1970)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0451159527
• ISBN-13: 978-0451159526
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,391,751 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #76 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Ethnic & National > African-American & Black
  • #83 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Arts & Literature > Theatre

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Can Relate, November 17, 2002

By 

Patrice A. Williams (Dallas, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: To Be Young, Gifted and Black: An Informal Autobiography (Signet) (Paperback)

I remember reading this book thinking that I could relate to the author perfectly well. Though I am not a playright, I do understand a lot of what she is saying. There should and will never be a borderline or a glass ceiling or anything else to hold me down. You are who you are regardless of what is . . . There is no turning back only that which is to be gained and won.

When I think of Lorraine Hansberry I think of a woman who achieved the impossible in an impossible time. She completed her plays with such intensity and flair . . . As if she lived and researched each every act.

Nevertheless, I feel that Hansberry was stating that to be "Young, gifted, and black," is clearly to be aware of who and what you are . . . and to take this knowledge of who and what you are and to run with it. Taking a chance when given a chance, or rather taking a chance and creating an opportunity with merely a bit of the gift that you had.

I will always remember what Thurgood Marshall, he basically stated that "He did the best with what he had." Is that being merely good or is that being the best. I believe that the concept of this book is not to be mistaken. I believe Hansberry is saying, "Hey sister, hold your head up high. It does not matter what this world thinks of you. It only merely matters about what you can do for yourself and your fellowman. Do you know your gifts? Hey write it down. You are worth perfecting."

Lorraine Hansberry did wonders in her lifetime she did so much for her community and her fellowman. My question to myself and others is . . . What about your gifts? Hey write them down. They are worth perfecting.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Poignant and inspiring, November 21, 2001

By 

D. Gill "gillda" (San Gabriel, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: To Be Young, Gifted and Black: An Informal Autobiography (Signet) (Paperback)

Getting inside the head of such a great thinker is a wonderful opportunity. The only negative comment I could make about this book is that a few of the passages included from Hansberry's lesser-known plays were not as powerful as the passages from speeches, journals, and A Raisin in the Sun. It is tragic that the world lost a truly gifted and spirited writer at such a young age. If you enjoyed A Raisin in the Sun, you'll also find this a rewarding read.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It was amazing, March 22, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: To Be Young, Gifted and Black: An Informal Autobiography (Signet) (Paperback)

I found this book really solefull. I am not black or gifted but I feel that I relate to Lorraine Hansberry in many ways. I recomend this unique format to anyone who wants deep reading that flys by!