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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 t...more
Hardcover, 272 pages
Published
November 3rd 2009
by Simon Spotlight Entertainment
(first published 2009)
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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 hi
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 int...more
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 int...more
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 ment...more
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...more
This book is a goldmine of insight into the world of show-biz in L.A...more
'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 th...more
When reading this gem, I noticed that th...more
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 hi...more
Review originally appeared on ComicVsAudience.com
The fact that Paul Mooney is best known for segments on Chappelle's Show is sort of funny in a way, because as Mooney puts it, that show was merely "passing the torch" from what he did with his good friend Richard Pryor. Quietly for decades, Mooney helped write some of Pryor's best stand-up material in addition to the famous SNL sketch with Chevy Chase (there's a funny story about that), Sanford And Son and The Richard Pryor Show.
In fact, most of...more
The fact that Paul Mooney is best known for segments on Chappelle's Show is sort of funny in a way, because as Mooney puts it, that show was merely "passing the torch" from what he did with his good friend Richard Pryor. Quietly for decades, Mooney helped write some of Pryor's best stand-up material in addition to the famous SNL sketch with Chevy Chase (there's a funny story about that), Sanford And Son and The Richard Pryor Show.
In fact, most of...more
This book was given to me from a customer at Starbucks. She heard me sigh and say, "Oh no, I forgot my book" before I left the store to get on the train. She turned to me and said, here take this I'm done. So it's definitely a book I never would have picked up on my own, but I really liked it. His story is amazing. He really paved the way for a new kind of comedian. What they did then you can see now. It's incredible. I feel like I under appreciate the artistry and the work it takes to make come...more
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...more
(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...more
"Black Is the New White" is an unapologetically candid memoir from a talent whose influence has ranged far wider than his fame-mostly...more
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.
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.
Paul Mooney is just literally a genius. The book reads like if he were on stage telling the story of his life right in front of you live. I read the book in about three hours. I laughed in tears the entire way! Some of it was not laughable but very serious. His relationship with Richard Pryor was very real, and it was interesting because of their polar opposite values. I recommend this one to everybody.
It's an interesting read if you already have an interest in Richard Pryor's life and want some of the inside details from a man that was there for every stage of Pryor's career. However, as a whole the book is hard to take seriously because Mooney is pretty full of himself and makes unlikely claims like he's the one that taught President Obama the fist jab. Even if it's true, it's hard to believe.
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.
"Los Angeles is the bourgeois town of all bourgeois towns, a vile, racist city from the very start. It's always been way more conservative than people think. Hollywood folks like to believe they are wrapped up in their liberal beliefs, but it's all just a ruse. They got the complexion for the protection. Hollywood only brings up race when it works for them."
Paul Mooney is comic legend who may not be that well known by the main stream, but who is one of the great comic writers and stand up performers. He talks about his life, braking down Hollywood Barriers, and friendship and working partnership with the late great Richard Pryor. This book is funny and touching and it was so good I read it in a few hours!
If you know Paul Moody you already know what to expect. This man is the truth. I didnt realize how much he was connect to much of Hollywood. Yes Hollywood was afraid to you him as a actor for the most part but they respected his craft. There is also a lot of insight about his relationship with Richard Pryor
Its a good read
Its a good read
Quick read about the lives of comic genius Paul Mooney and his good friend Richard Pryor -- though Mooney tells more of Pryor's dirt than his own.. The historical perspective on Hollywood is priceless and the jokes are classic Mooney -- who seems more like a philosopher and social commentator than a comedian.
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.
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.
Paul is one of the most brilliant minds in Comedy. His influence in the modern world is impossible to ignore. He's written for the best in the business, and his stand up is both hilarious and insightful at the same time. This book is a great read.
I feel like I learned more about Richard Pryor then I did about Paul Mooney in this book. I never realized how tight a friendship the two had. I had only known of Mooney through Chapelle so it was interesting learning about how long of a resume he had in writing and comedy. It is no surprise to me now why Chapelle wanted him on the show. Good easy and quick read.
Easy to read overview of Paul Mooney's life and career, including his close relationship with Richard Pryor. Recommended for fans of his comedy, the Chapelle Show, Richard Pryor, or California Raisins.
Sometimes funny, sometimes depressing. I'm assuming most people read it to hear about Richard Pryor, who was hilarious, but also an unhappy man. This book reflects that
Left me with more questions. I think I remember Paul Mooney from Full Frontal Comedy, circa 1990s? Very intelligent performer. I must look for videos.
By far my favourite comic. Might sound familiar if you've seen/heard all his main acts - but insightful nonetheless - especially his relationship with Pryor.
Great and frank account of his work as a writer and comic. I especially liked the way he turned a bad situation and put it in context of the times.
Good book to get a look in the lives of Richard Pryor and Paul Mooney! I learned a lot about history. Mooney has seen a lot in his lifetime!
Really great book for fans of Paul Mooney and Richard Pryor. I would say 75% of this book is about the late and great Richard Pryor.
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Paul Mooney is an American comedian, writer, television and film actor.
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Paul Mooney is an American comedian, writer, television and film actor.
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Mar 06, 2012 08:02pm