Never Look an American in the Eye
Okey Ndibe
ISBN: 9781616957605
Published: October, 2016
Pricing
Paperback $16.00
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Description
Okey Ndibe’s funny, charming, and penetrating memoir tells of his move from Nigeria to America, where he came to edit the influential—but perpetually cash-strapped—African Commentary magazine. It recounts stories of Ndibe’s relationships with Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, and other luminaries; examines the differences between Niger...
Okey Ndibe’s funny, charming, and penetrating memoir tells of his move from Nigeria to America, where he came to edit the influential—but perpetually cash-strapped—African Commentary magazine. It recounts stories of Ndibe’s relationships with Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, and other luminaries; examines the differences between Nigerian and American etiquette and politics; recalls an incident of racial profiling just thirteen days after he arrived in the US, in which he was mistaken for a bank robber; considers American stereotypes about Africa (and vice-versa); and juxtaposes African folk tales with Wall Street trickery. All these stories and more come together in a generous, encompassing book about the making of a writer and a new American.
Media
“Okey Ndibe brings a keen eye to his delightful and insightful new memoir. His vision is clearer than 20-20. A writer who can arrive in America, be falsely accused of bank robbery in just 10 days, and still manage to keep his sense of humor, is a man with a story to tell. He writes it beautifully.”
–Sally Denton, author of The Profiteers: Bechtel and the Men Who Built the World
“Top 20 list of Indie Sleepers for fall 2016.”
“Razor-sharp. ”
—The New York Times on Foreign Gods, Inc.
“A story of sweeping cultural insight and absurd comedy. ”
—The Washington Post on Foreign Gods, Inc.
“Ndibe shapes an entertaining and endearing tale from his many struggles. This enjoyable and quick read is recommended for all memoir lovers.”
–Library Journal on Never Look an American in the Eye
“A thrill to read, and yet offers powerful insights into the trials, prospects, and triumphs of being an immigrant in America. In a style that is impressively skillful, Ndibe masterfully conveys the odysseys of his early life in Nigeria and as well as his immigrant life in the US. I have never laughed harder in recent years when reading a book.”
–Sahara Reporters on Never Look an American in the Eye
“Uplifting... [Ndibe's] writing can induce the sort of laughter that make the ribs ache.”
–Herald Scotland
“A generous, encompassing book about the making of a writer and a new American.”
–West Hartford News on Never Look an American in the Eye
“[Nidibe's] candor and sense of humor make this an enjoyable read.”