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Callus On My Soul: A Memoir
Providing his thought-provoking insights on race, fame, and politics, a fascinating glimpse into the life and work of Dick Gregory, one of America's top comedians and civil rights workers, details the many challenges he has overcome and the many friends he has made along the way, including Dr. Martin Luther King and John Lennon. Original.
301 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2000
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875 people want to read
About the author
Dick Gregory
35 books347 followersRichard "Dick" Gregory was an American civil rights activist, social critic, writer, entrepreneur, comedian, motivational speaker, author and actor. He became the first black comedian to successfully cross over to white audiences.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 30, 2023
What a life! This is my favorite read this year thus far. Mr. Gregory gives a lot of his background but he also has several conspiratorial beliefs I don’t agree with. This book reminds one we do not always have to agree to learn. A must have on every bookshelf!
July 12, 2010
This memoir was an excellent showing of the life of Dick Gregory and his family. He shared aspects of his life that involved the Civil Rights Movement, the Black power struggle, and the black leaders that helped shaped the black world and the mindset of the people during that time.
He went from his childhood to the year 2000, that expressed and explained the times, the emotions, the hostility, the racism, and the segregation. The way he told the story of his life was phenomenal.
His comedy paved the way into his civil rights life, and allowed readers to see the struggles of his life and relate to the happy, sad, and difficult times.
Dick Gregory believed in humankind, equality, justice, and respect. He believed in living right and being healthy. To stand up for their rights and make sure they are standing up for the rights for all.
I would recommend this book a 5. I would recommend this book to anyone and those interested in non-fiction and autobiography or memoirs.
He went from his childhood to the year 2000, that expressed and explained the times, the emotions, the hostility, the racism, and the segregation. The way he told the story of his life was phenomenal.
His comedy paved the way into his civil rights life, and allowed readers to see the struggles of his life and relate to the happy, sad, and difficult times.
Dick Gregory believed in humankind, equality, justice, and respect. He believed in living right and being healthy. To stand up for their rights and make sure they are standing up for the rights for all.
I would recommend this book a 5. I would recommend this book to anyone and those interested in non-fiction and autobiography or memoirs.
January 1, 2018
This is a good book about a great life. If you don't know anything about Dick Gregory it's a pretty good place to start.
While written in primarily blunt statements, I compared the incredible journey that is Dick Gregory's life to "Forrest Gump". In the hands of the right director this would make for an amazing cinematic experience.
As Dick's life has been primarily focused on the civil rights movement I think it's only fair to say that I, as a white human, have never had to experience the indignities imposed on his oppressed brothers. This gives me a new respect for the "Black Lives Matter" movement.
Mr. Gregory deserves five stars for living his life fearlessly.
While written in primarily blunt statements, I compared the incredible journey that is Dick Gregory's life to "Forrest Gump". In the hands of the right director this would make for an amazing cinematic experience.
As Dick's life has been primarily focused on the civil rights movement I think it's only fair to say that I, as a white human, have never had to experience the indignities imposed on his oppressed brothers. This gives me a new respect for the "Black Lives Matter" movement.
Mr. Gregory deserves five stars for living his life fearlessly.
December 18, 2020
Life-changing.
July 15, 2010
Comedian, civil rights activist, author, actor, philosopher, and nutritionist- Dick Gregory has been all these things. A champion of political and social causes, he is reknowned for his biting satire. Now, more than thirty years after his bestselling book Nigger, Gregory has put his provocative life story down on paper. In this riveting memoir, he recounts his unique experiences and discusses the fascinating people he has known.
Gregory grew up in the St. Louis ghetto sharing a bed with five siblings, so hungry he ate paste out of a jar. He attended college on an athletic scholarship, became a superstar comedian, and then a human rights advocate who convinced the Ayatollah Khomeini to release the American hostages in Iran. Since the 1970s, he has been a nutrition guru, running clinics for the overweight. For four decades, Gregory has touched and rocked our world. It's time we are reminded just how much.
Gregory grew up in the St. Louis ghetto sharing a bed with five siblings, so hungry he ate paste out of a jar. He attended college on an athletic scholarship, became a superstar comedian, and then a human rights advocate who convinced the Ayatollah Khomeini to release the American hostages in Iran. Since the 1970s, he has been a nutrition guru, running clinics for the overweight. For four decades, Gregory has touched and rocked our world. It's time we are reminded just how much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2019
I believe this book should be used in lieu of history books that overlook the contributions and undermine the celebrations of African-Americans. Reading it, I smiled, I chuckled and I fell into a deeper love and respect for the root of who we are. Dick Gregory speaks passionately and I appreciate how honest he was about his life. He showcases his profound love for his wife and challenges black men to extend that love to the black women around him. He holds a mirror to state of the world and demands that it look itself in the eye. However, he always leaves you with hope. He believes that we can get better, and he demands that we acknowledge the work it will take to get better. I believe we're worth it. If I could, I'd give this book fifty stars.
July 1, 2013
I loved this book, this is a must have. Excellent book!
February 11, 2011
It was a joy reading Dick's Memoir and reliving some of the most historical events up close and personal with someone who was in the trenches during these times. I felt at one point Dick was advertising his Formula X product and diverted from the focus of his book for a chapter or two. His insights concerning the conspiracy theories of the FBI and CIA were very eye opening and truthfully, plausible.
December 24, 2021
One of my favorite books. Took this book with me everywhere as a teen reading and rereading chapters.
December 6, 2017
I listened to the audiobook while traveling to and from Pennsylvania over Thanksgiving weekend.
Dick Gregory's life shows that one can use their own power to lift others up. Like Mark Segal, whom we are lucky enough to still have around, Gregory connected with powerful figures to leverage positive change for African Americans.
Gregory constantly challenged the status quo while evaluating his values. Rest in Power, and may his long life inspire others.
On another note, Callus on My Soul is a firsthand account of many pivotal moments in the Civil Rights Movement.
Dick Gregory's life shows that one can use their own power to lift others up. Like Mark Segal, whom we are lucky enough to still have around, Gregory connected with powerful figures to leverage positive change for African Americans.
Gregory constantly challenged the status quo while evaluating his values. Rest in Power, and may his long life inspire others.
On another note, Callus on My Soul is a firsthand account of many pivotal moments in the Civil Rights Movement.
August 27, 2019
I learned so much from this man of God. Reading this book exposed the truth that has been covered up, the lies we were taught was history. I listen to the news with new ears and wish Dick Gregory were alive to take the mask off this current administration.
June 13, 2023
The final chapter that Dick Gregory recorded in his live (although he lived many years more). What would he say of the world today?
April 6, 2015
Even with some of the lapses that take place in the text (relatively speaking), I thought it was an amazing read. As someone who grew up in segregation and participated in the movement, Gregory shares a wealth of wisdom and history with the kind of depth that isn't discussed in most history classes of its kind. This book should be used in lieu of classroom textbooks when discussing the history of the Black Experience in America and Civil Rights.
I gave it five stars for how entertained I was throughout reading it. This book is great for readers with an interest in modern Black Literature and especially young adults.
I gave it five stars for how entertained I was throughout reading it. This book is great for readers with an interest in modern Black Literature and especially young adults.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews