The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell Audiobook By W. Kamau Bell cover art

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

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The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell

By: W. Kamau Bell
Narrated by: W. Kamau Bell
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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 upbringing 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.

©2017 W. Kamau Bell (P)2017 Penguin Audio
Biographies & Memoirs Entertainment & Celebrities Political Science Politics & Government Racism & Discrimination Social Sciences Witty Funny Thought-Provoking

Critic reviews

"Although the text version is an interesting, if curiously structured, work, the audiobook allows Bell a more apt platform for his offbeat intelligence and idiosyncratic voice. The experience of listening to the text, which clocks in at 10 hours and 31 minutes, is like being the sole patron in a comedy club while Bell performs a marathon stand-up routine.... [T]he audiobook allows a listener to hear the jokes as they were meant to be delivered." (The New York Times Book Review)

"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)

Featured Article: 55+ Quotes for Whenever You Need a Little Encouragement


We all have bad days and dry spells. We all experience moments of disappointment, sadness, and self-doubt. And occasionally, we all need an encouraging word—or several—to lift our spirits, boost our confidence, and fill us with hope. Straight from the works of best-selling and widely admired authors, here's a collection of positive and reassuring words you can turn to anytime you're in need of support.

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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.

riveting

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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.

Great Book

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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.

Not what I expected, in a good way!

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

Makes you think!

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

It’s like hearing his show!

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I first met Kamau in a field. He was interviewing a member of the KKK. My world stopped for a moment and I held my breath as I watched this gentle soul gracefully navigate his way through this, as he puts it, in great understatement, awkward moment with a kind of humor I had never seen before. If you are white like me and want to better understand what it looks like, feels like and sounds like to be a humble, kind, lovable and very funny black man on a relentless day to day basis, don't miss listening to Kamau Bell's Awkward Thoughts.

Meet W. Kamau Bell

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Highly recommended! Funny, thought-provoking, and important. Made more interesting since read by the author. Everyone would benefit from reading this book.

Great read

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W. Kamari Bell you rock!!! The real stories and the fact that he narrates it makes for a great listen. Highly recommended to all his fans.

I loved everything about this book!!

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Listened to this on a road trip and felt like W. Kamau Bell was in the passenger seat of my car. This is left wing comedy from a Gen X, Pearl Jam loving, black man's point of view.

Loved it!

Fun book!

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Great writing. W. Kamala Bell is so funny. I really enjoy his storytelling and humor. Good reading for everyone. I’m so happy to have found your books. Keep them coming. A real fan. Thank you.

Hilarious

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