Name: Kelly Gorman's review of Black Klansman by Ron Stallworth
Item: Black Klansman
Rating: 4
Author: Kelly Gorman

Ron Stallworth

"Soon to be a major motion picture"--Cover.

A Memoir

Black Klansman

Kelly Gorman

C. J. Daley 

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, not only for the incredible story behind it, but also as an attempt to read educational historical works during Black History month (it is, however, a worthy read no matter the timing). 
I found the story to be quite fascinating, especially due to the fact that until the movie trailers, I had never heard of it before. I even did some mild digging online to try to find the validity of the statements being made and it seems pretty thoroughly written (ie. I did not find anything blatantly accusing it as fraud). 
I was worried before I started reading the memoir (I had already seen the film) because I had read through a few reviews and multiple people referred to it as boring or a poor writing style. I have to personally say, that seeing as it is a memoir, I was never really expecting outright excitement or action. I feel as if some of the reviews posted on here almost seem like they’re coming from the attitude that this is fiction and not a tale that actually occurred? I took on this read under the assumption that it would be along the lines of a textbook-style lesson on the events that took place. I believe it delivered on that and more. Stallworth takes multiple opportunities to indulge the reading in the knowledge that it is written to the best of his ability and memory, so I must say I disagree with most people knocking its style. 
However, everyone is entitled their opinions

If you are on the fence, I would suggest reading.

Fiona Coffey

Genuinely an important piece of history. I noticed that most of the reviews of this book say that they thought the storytelling was lacking... certain parts (especially towards the ending) felt a little clinical or procedural, however that doesn’t take away from the riveting and TRUE STORY that Ron Stallworth tells in this firsthand account. It’s real life, it’s not made up, and so some parts might be more interesting to read than others. That doesn’t take away from its power and importance. My mind was blown, and I can’t wait to watch the film (as late as I may be in getting around to it.)

Jill Swan

An interesting read for sure. The writing voice was on the dry side, clearly done by a police officer with experience writing reports. The story was very cool and since it’s only 190 pages I’d recommend it.

Neva Davies

I really enjoyed this book for the topic that it was bringing awareness to. And if it wasn't for a small cliched scene in chapter ten, I would have given this a five star rating.

Jordan Robinson

This is so interesting! I loved how much I learned and how absolutely fucking stupid it is to call your racist leader the "grand wizard." But I guess what else should we expect from the KKK? Foolishness. 
The only thing I was wanted from this was the ending felt anti climatic but how much can I fault the book? If that's how it happened, that's how it happened.

Taylor McNeely

This was such a great listen and gave me an interesting insight into the KKK during the 70's. Also, a lot of people said the book was boring and they couldn't get through it so I recommend the audiobook. It's narrated by the author and it goes by a lot more quickly.

The extraordinary true story of the black detective who goes undercover to investigate the KKK, the basis for the major motion picture written and directed by Spike Lee, and produced by Jordan Peele. When detective Ron Stallworth, the first black detective in the history of the Colorado Springs Police Department, comes across a classified ad in the local paper asking for all those interested in joining the Ku Klux Klan to contact a P.O. box, Detective Stallworth does his job and responds with interest, using his real name while posing as a white man. He figures he’ll receive a few brochures in the mail, maybe even a magazine, and learn more about a growing terrorist threat in his community. A few weeks later the office phone rings, and the caller asks Ron a question he thought he’d never have to answer, “Would you like to join our cause?” This is 1978, and the KKK is on the rise in the United States. Its Grand Wizard, David Duke, has made a name for himself, appearing on talk shows, and major magazine interviews preaching a “kinder” Klan that wants nothing more than to preserve a heritage, and to restore a nation to its former glory. Ron answers the caller’s question that night with a yes, launching what is surely one of the most audacious, and incredible undercover investigations in history. Ron recruits his partner Chuck to play the "white" Ron Stallworth, while Stallworth himself conducts all subsequent phone conversations. During the months-long investigation, Stallworth sabotages cross burnings, exposes white supremacists in the military, and even befriends David Duke himself. Black Klansman is an amazing true story that reads like a crime thriller, and a searing portrait of a divided America and the extraordinary heroes who dare to fight back.

Race, Hate, and the Undercover Investigation of a Lifetime

Erin 

Never in a million years would I have picked up this book of my own accord if it wasn't for the film released last year. It was incredibly eye-opening and frankly, terrifying, to realise the kind of world we live in and that the opinions and hatred within these pages actually exists in real life. Maybe even with people you know (but hopefully you know better people). Anyway, the film does a great job at capturing the story, and doesn't leave too much out, so reading the book is more about getting just a bit of a cleaner picture.

Seleena Hillier

The #1 New York Times Bestseller! The extraordinary true story and basis for the major motion picture BlacKkKlansman, written and directed by Spike Lee, produced by Jordan Peele, and starring John David Washington and Adam Driver. When detective Ron Stallworth, the first black detective in the history of the Colorado Springs Police Department, comes across a classified ad in the local paper asking for all those interested in joining the Ku Klux Klan to contact a P.O. box, Detective Stallworth does his job and responds with interest, using his real name while posing as a white man. He figures he’ll receive a few brochures in the mail, maybe even a magazine, and learn more about a growing terrorist threat in his community. A few weeks later the office phone rings, and the caller asks Ron a question he thought he’d never have to answer, “Would you like to join our cause?” This is 1978, and the KKK is on the rise in the United States. Its Grand Wizard, David Duke, has made a name for himself, appearing on talk shows, and major magazine interviews preaching a “kinder” Klan that wants nothing more than to preserve a heritage, and to restore a nation to its former glory. Ron answers the caller’s question that night with a yes, launching what is surely one of the most audacious, and incredible undercover investigations in history. Ron recruits his partner Chuck to play the "white" Ron Stallworth, while Stallworth himself conducts all subsequent phone conversations. During the months-long investigation, Stallworth sabotages cross burnings, exposes white supremacists in the military, and even befriends David Duke himself. Black Klansman is an amazing true story that reads like a crime thriller, and a searing portrait of a divided America and the extraordinary heroes who dare to fight back.

Kelly Gorman &
Black Klansman by Ron Stallworth

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Kelly Gorman &
Black Klansman by Ron Stallworth