Barack Like Me - by David Alan Grier (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

FROM GROWING UP IN DETROIT, where he marched as a ten-year-old with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., to attending the inauguration of President Barack Obama, where he narrowly avoided the Purple Tunnel of Doom but still saw nothing, David Alan Grier examines how he -- and America -- have changed for the better and the funnier.

Within these pages, Grier imagines being called to serve in President Obama's cabinet as the "secretary of mirth"; takes you to a wild and emotional election night party he hosted that didn't go as planned; explains the true meaning of the "magical Negro"; recalls the formative episodes from his life -- including being rejected by the Black Panthers at their headquarters door and turning down the initial offer to work on In Living Color -- and for the first time ever sneaks you backstage at Dancing with the Stars, where he exposes the inner workings of the show -- the camaraderie between dancers and stars, the excruciatingly painful rehearsals, the outrageous preparations, and each hysterical moment of his four-episode appearance and subsequent public meltdown.

Grier unabashedly muses on politics, culture, and race while recounting his own life story in this edgy, timeless, hilarious, and revelatory memoir and look at all things Barack.

Barack Like Me is David Alan Grier at his best -- the man, comic, and twenty-first-century thinker -- funny, brilliant, and original.

Review Quotes

""Barack Like Me" is the most important book since Alex Haley's third book, "Boots". With "Barack Like Me", David Alan Grier has created a world of wizards and goblins that will surely become a great TV movie someday." -- Chris Rock

"[David Alan Grier] is a pompous, potty-mouthed, windbag" -- "The New York Times"

"A comic of undeniable charm and supple skills." -- "The Washington Post"

"David's humor, wit and intelligence are as big as his penis...Huge! He is single-handedly keeping the black comedy myth alive." -- Chelsea Handler

"Hilarious! Pure DAG, "Barack Like Me" is a magical romp through one man's history that offers Americans a chance to examine its own. Full of surprises and profound insights, DAG takes readers on a modern journey through the looking glass of his life." -- Dr. Drew Pinsky

"Sketch genius David Alan Grier plays the race card. Shamelessly, perceptively, and hilariously." -- "The Hollywood Reporter"

"The definitive guide to American blackness. A masterwork. Grier triumphs again." -- Jimmy Kimmel

"This book is funny and thought provoking. DAG may be the greatest Black American since Dr. Julius Washington Irving Carver!" -- Adam Carolla

"This book will surprise and delight you. It's a splendid read!" -- Lewis Black

About the Author

Grier's television credits are abundant. Grier is well known as being a principle cast member of the acclaimed television series "In Living Color," where he helped to create some of that show's most memorable characters, and also as a co-star on Bonnie Hunt's hit ABC comedy "Life With Bonnie." He also starred on the hit NBC show "DAG" where he played the title character, as well Keeping his close comedic relationship with the Wayans' brothers, he co-starred with Damon Wayans in "Damon." He also starred in the television miniseries "The 60s," and "King of Texas" for cable television.

In addition Grier has gained recognition for his numerous feature film roles, including "Baadasssss!" for director Mario Van Peebles, "The Woodsman" opposite Kevin Bacon and Mos Def, "15 Minutes," "Boomerang," "Bewitched," "Jumanji" and Robert Altman's "Streamers," for which he won a Golden Lion Award for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival. David also co-wrote, produced and appeared in the independent film "Poker House," Lori Petty's directorial debut.

David recently appreared on the hit tv show Dancing With the Stars in which he danced his heart out for four episodes and then had a very public meltdown when he was eliminated that went viral on the internet. Grier also appeared in the Wayans Family's hit 2009 movie, 'Dance Flick' in which The New York Times gushed "Mr. Grier ultimately steals the movie with a tour-de-force". He is currently working on a stand-up comedy tour that may culminate in a special on Comedy Central about the experiences written about in Barack Like Me!!!