The Awkward Black Man

Stories

By: Walter Mosley

Narrated by: Mirron Willis

Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

Best-selling author Walter Mosley has proven himself a master of narrative tension, both with his extraordinary fiction and gripping writing for television. The Awkward Black Man collects 17 of Mosley's most accomplished short stories to showcase the full range of his remarkable talent.

Mosley presents distinct characters as they struggle to move through the world in each of these stories - heroes who are awkward, nerdy, self-defeating, self-involved, and, on the whole, odd. He overturns the stereotypes that corral black male characters and paints a subtle, powerful portrait of each of these unique individuals. In "The Good News Is", a man's insecurity about his weight gives way to a serious illness and the intense loneliness that accompanies it. Deeply vulnerable, he allows himself to be taken advantage of in return for a little human comfort in a raw display of true need.

"Pet Fly", previously published in the New Yorker, follows a man working as a mailroom clerk for a big company - a solitary job for which he is overqualified - and the unforeseen repercussions he endures when he attempts to forge a connection beyond the one he has with the fly buzzing around his apartment. And "Almost Alyce" chronicles failed loves, family loss, alcoholism, and a Zen approach to the art of begging that proves surprisingly effective.

©2020 Walter Mosley (P)2020 Tantor

So much fun!

What a range of stories, characters, and insights into the characters' lives! The best narration I've heard in a long time- like going to a play. Some of the stories do have humor, some of it sarcastic, and some of it just the way life is. I'll reread several of them for fun.

Love the stories disliked narrator’s voice.

The stories were great, but with narrator trying to talk with southern accent was painful to hear. He was putting extra emotions at times throughout this book and just doing too much. I would recommend this book only if somebody else narrated it.

Navigating the Parallel Universe With Consequences

These amazing stories give us a glimpse into the lives of citizens of this society whose identities demand them to navigate a parallel universe that most segments of dominant culture pretend not to recognize even though daily they participate in and sustain its existence.

A multiverse of imaginative stories

Each story covered different territory--past, present, future--and a wide range of characters and circumstances, all interesting and thought-provoking.

Mr Mosley has done it again

I always enjoy Mr. Mosley’s books. In this book, each story not was extremely engaging but sometimes eye opening n thought provoking.
Looking forward to reading many more.
Thanks again!!!

Walter Mosley gets better with time

found it interesting, some of the recurring themes like men's behavior skirting sexual harassment...men and their infidelity (real or imagined)... I thought these themes truly capture some of the awkwardness of how a generation is a little fearful when faced with its own gendered ideas

Never disappoints

Walter Mosley’s story telling Never disappoints. Truly enjoyed the composition of each story and the narrator

Don't just listen, think.

I enjoyed listening to stories about black people, not people being black. There's a difference.

Love these stories

All I need is more. Think I will try Mosley’s science fiction. There is just something about audible performances of his writings that can’t be beat. Its the combination of the reader and the writing..

thought provoking!

Didn't love or initially relate to every story... BUT, as Mr. Mosley does as well or better than anyone else...i found common ground with EVERY CHARACTER/ concept. Loved these lil character sketches and find myself thinking of them daily as i go about my work. thank you AGAIN Mr. Mosley! Brilliant Narration as well. Cheers