The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell

Tales of a 6' 4", African American, Heterosexual, Cisgender, Left-Leaning, Asthmatic, Black and Proud Blerd, Mama's Boy, Dad, and Stand-Up Comedian

By: W. Kamau Bell

Narrated by: W. Kamau Bell

You may know W. Kamau Bell from his new, Emmy-nominated hit show on CNN, United Shades of America. Or maybe you’ve read about him in the New York Times, which called him “the most promising new talent in political comedy in many years.” Or maybe from The New Yorker, fawning over his brand of humor writing: "Bell’s gimmick is intersectional progressivism: he treats racial, gay, and women’s issues as inseparable."

After all this love and praise, it’s time for the next step: a book. The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell is a humorous, well-informed take on the world today, tackling a wide range of issues, such as race relations; fatherhood; the state of law enforcement today; comedians and superheroes; right-wing politics; left-wing politics; failure; his interracial marriage; white men; his up-bringing by very strong-willed, race-conscious, yet ideologically opposite parents; his early days struggling to find his comedic voice, then his later days struggling to find his comedic voice; why he never seemed to fit in with the Black comedy scene . . . or the white comedy scene; how he was a Black nerd way before that became a thing; how it took his wife and an East Bay lesbian to teach him that racism and sexism often walk hand in hand; and much, much more.

Critic reviews

"Bell... tackles everything from racism to his life growing up as a Blerd (Black nerd) to his struggles to find his comedic voice in this illuminating memoir." —Entertainment Weekly

“With insight and aplomb, stand-up comedian Bell recounts his career arc...Those unfamiliar with Bell’s work or expecting a lighthearted read from a popular comedian will be surprised by the book’s breadth and depth...This informative read will be illuminating and worthwhile for aspiring comedians and general readers.”—Publishers Weekly

“At times funny, at times somber, this debut will be enjoyed by fans of United Shades, Issa Rae’s TV series Insecure, and anyone who enjoys comedy with a personal touch.”—Library Journal

“A funny, heartfelt tête-à-tête with a down-to-earth star.”—Boston Magazine

“At turns sarcastic, poetic and enraged, Bell's language is potent. His own realization of how racism intersects with other forms of discrimination, like sexism, broadens his platform and embraces a wide audience. Awkward Thoughts is definitely entertaining, but it also invites readers to look through different eyes. And those who aren't inspired to take action will at least have considered a new view. As Bell says, ‘that's progress.’”—Shelf Awareness (starred review)

“A comprehensive look at what gave rise to Bell’s insightful, critical eye and his hilarious comedy.”—Booklist

“A unique perspective of the development of identity comedy in the 21st century.”—Kirkus Reviews

riveting

I didn't want to stop listening to this book. Kamau is funny, brilliant, and completely relatable. He also provides a lot to think about in regards to race and gender in America. I'll be listening to this one again.

Great Book

Really enjoyed Kamau's wit and prospective. He is a great story teller. Everyone should read this book for his spot on view prejudice in America.

Not what I expected, in a good way!

An interesting story on carrer struggles, family, fatherhood, mixed race marriage, truth and honor, and great self introspection. Well written and well read all while being riddled with witty and often silly humor. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Makes you think!

This book is so many levels of great. You will enjoy and learn from it.

It’s like hearing his show!

I recently saw him live and have been listening to this to recapture some of that magic. Totally worked! Really enjoyed this.