Cider - Shop now
Buy used:
$5.85
$3.99 delivery May 6 - 9 to Manassas. Details
Used: Good | Details
Sold by madluckbooks
Condition: Used: Good
Comment: Ex-library copy w/ usual markings and stickers. Some signs of wear.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Added to

Sorry, there was a problem.

There was an error retrieving your Wish Lists. Please try again.

Sorry, there was a problem.

List unavailable.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Paul Mooney
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Black Is the New White Hardcover – November 3, 2009

by Paul Mooney (Author), Dave Chappelle (Foreword)
4.7 out of 5 stars 874 ratings
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.

Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Print length
    272 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Gallery Books
  4. Publication date
    November 3, 2009
  5. Dimensions
    5.75 x 1.25 x 8.5 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1416587950
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1416587958
Next slide of product details
The%20Amazon%20Book%20Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Paul 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.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Gallery Books (November 3, 2009)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1416587950
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1416587958
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.06 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.75 x 1.25 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 874 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Paul Mooney

Paul Mooney

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
874 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and easy to read, appreciating Paul Mooney's wit and comedic talent. Moreover, they value the book's authenticity and insight, with one review noting how it interweaves historical and social commentary. Additionally, customers praise the storytelling, with one highlighting the behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and the art quality, with one describing it as a work of art. They also appreciate the biography elements, with one review mentioning the celebrity trivia, and the commentary style, with one noting how it provides a social and personal perspective on the entertainment industry.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

88 customers mention "Readability"88 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and easy to read, describing it as a nice memoir that's not difficult to follow.

"...I was hooked after the first page. Not a hard read. Love it!" Read more

"...So the Richard Pryor stories are funny and interesting to read despite this book not descriptively being advertised as solely a Richard Pryor Book,..." Read more

"This is a fascinating read and inner perspective. I learned a lot about comics, black comics and history...." Read more

"...The book is well written and easy to read. It has a good mix of humour and behind the scenes stories. Second thing...." Read more

62 customers mention "Humor"62 positive0 negative

Customers find the book humorous, describing it as a comedic treasure with unending laughter and great insight into comedy's great comedians.

"...So the Richard Pryor stories are funny and interesting to read despite this book not descriptively being advertised as solely a Richard Pryor Book,..." Read more

"First things first. Mooney's brilliant and a real original in a world where there aren't many originals. The book is well written and easy to read...." Read more

"...And thank you for showing with power, accuracy and unending laughter that Black really is the new White. I hope everyone reads your book." Read more

"...I deeply value the way he's vulnerable about his beautiful friendship with Richard Pryor and hope that their friendship is one that many of us can..." Read more

32 customers mention "Insight"32 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful and intelligent, with one customer noting how it is interwoven with historical and social commentary.

"...He’s not bashing people or making blanket statements. It’s an intelligent and interesting telling of his life story...." Read more

"This is a fascinating read and inner perspective. I learned a lot about comics, black comics and history...." Read more

"...He does a great, insightful (and emotionally affecting) job of talking about Pryor burning himself up but seems to pull his punches on a few other..." Read more

"Paul Mooney thank you for being the most authentic man of African ancestry that comedy has ever seen...." Read more

19 customers mention "Authenticity"19 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's authenticity, describing it as honest and truthful.

"Something I really enjoy is hearing the truth. I think as a avid reader that from start to finish I was riding along with his journey into madness...." Read more

"...Mr. Mooney described his relationship with Mr. Pryor in such a real and honest way it makes me love him even more...." Read more

"...It was filled with memories and more than that, it was filled with authenticity...." Read more

"...He is a special kind of human with an amazing and inspiring talent...." Read more

18 customers mention "Story telling"18 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the storytelling in the book, describing it as an interesting and great history of Paul Mooney's life.

"...This book is not just commentary on race. It’s the magnificent story of his life. I’m not white. I have passed for a lot of my life though...." Read more

"...Mooney is surprisingly honest and "real" about Pryor's personal life, given that he obviously has enormous affection for the man...." Read more

"...The Pryor stories were entertaining, but would have wanted to know more about Mooney's experiences with Chappelle & other comedians." Read more

"...This book gives a true inside story about Pryor. Mooney was a true friend and maybe Pryor's ONLY friend...." Read more

10 customers mention "Art quality"10 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the art quality of the book, with one noting its brilliant composition and another describing it as surreal.

"As a Personal Paul Mooney fan, I find this book very appealing, Paul and his work are truly only for a select few, a select few will find his humor..." Read more

"My subject is the thesis of this brilliant composition of Paul Mooney's life...." Read more

"A truly beautiful and in-your-face realness one can only get from the great Paul Mooney...." Read more

"The forward by Dave Chappelle is beautiful...." Read more

7 customers mention "Biography"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the biography aspect of the book, with reviews mentioning its detailed content and celebrity trivia.

"...as to what the true theme of this book is, There are some Auto Biographical Portions in which Paul tells his life story growing up, in the deep..." Read more

"...A rather quick INFORMATIVE insight and overview of his “happenings” in Hollyweird and the industry itself. Glad I purchased, he will be missed!" Read more

"...It’s a quick read but memorable, full of details and wisdom. Highly recommended." Read more

"This book was one of the best biographies I have read in a long time...." Read more

7 customers mention "Commentary style"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the commentary style of the book, with one review noting it provides a social and personal look at the entertainment industry, while another mentions it offers a different perspective on Hollywood.

"...This book is not just commentary on race. It’s the magnificent story of his life. I’m not white. I have passed for a lot of my life though...." Read more

"...It offers a different perspective on Hollywood, what it means to make it in Hollywood...." Read more

"This book is a must read for any ethnicity who plans on entering the entertainment world. The best part is when he outs all the racists in Hollywood...." Read more

"This guy is just hilarious. Very political but also accurate at the same time. You get a real in depth look at him and Richard Pryor’s friendship...." Read more

The book was in awesome shape.
5 out of 5 stars
The book was in awesome shape.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

  • Eden
    5.0 out of 5 stars if you think you know Paul Mooney, think again
    Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    For any white person who might be scared away by Paul Mooney or thinks twice about reading his book - don’t be. This book is not just commentary on race. It’s the magnificent story of his life. I’m not white. I have passed for a lot of my life though. I know what people might assume this book is. He’s not bashing people or making blanket statements. It’s an intelligent and interesting telling of his life story. I was hooked after the first page. Not a hard read. Love it!
    Helpful
     Report
  • T I M
    5.0 out of 5 stars I love Paul Mooney, So I had to love his book
    Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    As a Personal Paul Mooney fan, I find this book very appealing, Paul and his work are truly only for a select few, a select few will find his humor to be Grade A, While others may turn away from the topics he typically talks about,
    but I say Paul is much deeper than what most people might misconceive him to be...I personally Enjoy his Humor and like how he is ALWAYS able to keep it real
    My copy of the book came Signed by Paul Mooney himself...Don't know how that happened but Very Cool. & it Looks Legit. So I have a signed copy of this book lol
    Im a White male in NYC and 'm 20 years old, first discovered Paul on "Chappelles Show"
    And since then I certainly love Paul mooney. I also didn't know he had such deep roots in comedy & Hollywood up until recently ...He has been around since the 1960s-70s
    appearing on Soul Train and performing stand up.. being just as funny as he is today
    So you can respect him more as a person with a lot of Experience and lessons learned in his life. Paul is a veteran comedian. This book does contain many references to
    The great Richard Pryor, Which to me is sort of peculiar, as to what the true theme of this book is, There are some Auto Biographical Portions in which Paul tells his life story growing up, in the deep south and tells you all of his life stories of Racism and his grandmother raising him to ultimately be the man he is today...Which is a big reason why I Purchased the book.
    So the Richard Pryor stories are funny and interesting to read despite this book not descriptively being advertised as solely a Richard Pryor Book, But they do provide a good laugh...

    Well, Paul is certainly not one to gouge a lot of attention, Remaining relatively under the radar as a Celebrity all these years. However He has been doing his thing long enough to know all the celebrities and big time folks of the 70s-90s and that in itself commands respect
    Paul says "I knew Peter Boyle back when Peter Boyle had hair" lol so He is right up there in experience and he knows what's up
    He is no ones fool!!
    which is what I like about him
    Paul is the kind of person that you must attract too, Everything that makes Paul Mooney who he is, Must be something of an interest to you,
    from his personality to his type of humor

    I am a personal fan of Paul Mooney having seen his Specials and listened to his classic Audio Tapes from the 90's
    Which to me is still funnier than most comedians today...so it's easy for me to like this book,,,Die Hard Mooney fans will enjoy it & Get a Kick out of it...I respect Paul Mooney as a Person and comic.... I'm looking forward to seeing him live one day..
    8 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • L. Thibodeaux
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, Informative and Hilarious!!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This is a fascinating read and inner perspective. I learned a lot about comics, black comics and history. Importantly I learned more about and have an even deeper appreciation of Paul Mooney, Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, and Dave Chapelle. I am grateful Mr. Mooney wrote this book and provided this insight into his life and the life of others, as well as Hollywood and the familiar politics we all face trying to make it here in America. I always have enjoyed comedy including Paul Mooney, but hadn't realized how much Paul contributed to the success of others in addition to being so successful himself. I also appreciate his enduring love and appreciation of "Mama", who has and continues to give him such strength. On top of all this....I laughed my Ass off!! I mean I laughed and laughed reading this book. I read every word - some more than once. I was sorry to finish - I enjoyed it so much! :-D
    4 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • ozcanuck
    4.0 out of 5 stars More Depth Please
    Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    First things first. Mooney's brilliant and a real original in a world where there aren't many originals. The book is well written and easy to read. It has a good mix of humour and behind the scenes stories.

    Second thing. It's not all about him. This is more a book about Richard Pryor than it is about Paul Mooney. And given that Pryor was his best friend and collaborator, means that the book is worth a read. Mooney is surprisingly honest and "real" about Pryor's personal life, given that he obviously has enormous affection for the man. That fact alone means Mooney did a great job on the book.

    The only thing I wish the book had was more detail. There's a lot of surface area covered and there would definitely be room to expand and for Mooney to go deeper.

    I'm not asking for lurid details or a "tell all" trashy autobiography -- just a bit more "heart" to go with the reportage. For example, when the death of his son is covered less than half a page, and the death of Pryor on two pages - you have to ask yourself why we don't get more detail. He does a great, insightful (and emotionally affecting) job of talking about Pryor burning himself up but seems to pull his punches on a few other areas that could be fleshed out.

    But to close this review let me go back to what I said at the top. Read this book, you won't regret it.
    29 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • DLB
    5.0 out of 5 stars I really miss this guy
    Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Paul Mooney told it like it was. Maybe if he didn't spit in the eye of everyone who could have forwarded his career it would have taken him farther, but he didn't change who he was and he was proud of it. This is a good read, and like every autobiography, you have to eat a bit of the writer's ego to get to the facts, but it was a fun meal.
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazingly Hilarious Politically Correct and Poignant
    Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Paul Mooney thank you for being the most authentic man of African ancestry that comedy has ever seen. And thank you for showing with power, accuracy and unending laughter that Black really is the new White. I hope everyone reads your book.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Geoff
    5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely Entertaining
    Reviewed in Canada on May 29, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I found out about Paul Mooney late and by late, I mean I only got into him in the last year. I have watched a number of videos of him on YouTube, his stand up and interviews. One of the best being one with Dick Gregory. I can honestly say that Paul Mooney is not only a genius of a comedian but a brilliant person to learn from him. He describes his comedy as dangerous, mostly because he pulls no punches and keeps it real. It is that 'Real' that I respect most about him. This all said, I had to get and read this book.

    This book does not disappoint. It is a reflection of his life, where he came from, what he did, how he got there and that he is still keeping it real after these years with no plans to change. His recounting of times spent with Richard Pryor is engaging to say the least. I have not read any biographies of Richard Pryor but have one and plan to read it soon both out of interest and for contrast. Outside of his dealings with Richard Pryor the reader is taken on a fantastic journey through the sixties and seventies as Paul Mooney is coming up in the comedy world. Beyond this you experience the decline of Richard Pryor's health and how that affects Paul along with his new endeavours with Eddie Murphy and finally a resurgence with Dave Chappelle.

    I give his book 5 plus stars, it matched and exceeded everything I hoped for. Paul Mooney has a fantastic way of delivering his stories that are engaging to the point I had a hard time putting the book down. Sadly, Paul has just recently passed but he definitely lives on. I highly recommend picking up this work.
    Report
  • Sanjay Vaidya
    5.0 out of 5 stars Inside peak into the underbelly of race in usa
    Reviewed in India on October 30, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Brilliant comedian experience with what it takes to be talented and black in amerika. Revelations on many stars and their mindsets may be a eyeopener.
    Report
  • Paris
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 4, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    The life and times of paul mooney and the exploits of richard Pryor sublime read
    Report
  • SwiftJay
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good deal
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 21, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I'm a big paul mooney fan and so is my brother so when I saw this book I had to get it for my brother, it's not my book so I can't review it and tell you about it and it's a Christmas present but I can say it arrived quickly and efficiently so would recommend the seller for reliability.
    Report
  • meliza glynn
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Gift for the right friend.
    Reviewed in Canada on March 8, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This book provides a wide angle look at Americas enduring issue of racism .
    Compelling, witty, thought provoking and at times , shaming.
    Report