The World Record Book of Racist Stories - by Amber Ruffin & Lacey Lamar (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Families may not always see eye to eye; we get on each other's nerves, have different perspectives and lives--especially when we consider how we've grown up in different generations. But for the Ruffin family and many others, there has been one constant that connects them: racism hasn't gone anywhere.

From her raucous musical numbers to turning upsetting news into laughs as the host of The Amber Ruffin Show or in her Late Night with Seth Meyers segments, Amber is no stranger to finding the funny wherever she looks. With equal parts heart and humor, she and her sister Lacey Lamar shared some of the eye-opening and outrageous experiences Lacey had faced in Nebraska in their first book. Now, the dynamic duo makes it clear--Lacey isn't the only one in the family with ridiculous encounters to share! Amber and Lacey have many more uproarious stories, both from their own lives and the entire Ruffin family.

Recounting the wildest tales of racism from their parents, their siblings, and Amber's nieces and nephews, this intergenerational look at ludicrous (but all too believable) everyday racism as experienced across age, gender, and appearance will have you gasping with shock and laughter in turn. Validating for anyone who has first-hand experience, and revealing for anyone who doesn't, Amber and Lacey's next book helps us all find the absurdity in the pervasive frustrations of racism. Illuminating and packed with love and laughter, this is a must-read for just about everyone.

Review Quotes

"The book is a portrait of one person's struggle to maintain dignity, strength and self-respect when faced with injustices small and large--all told with Ruffin's irreverent, sardonic style."--People

"A must-read that will have Black women feeling seen and heard, and will allow others to better understand the effects of racism. With YA crossover appeal, this is also an excellent choice for book clubs."--Library Journal (starred review)

"A perfect follow-up to the authors' You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey . . . The banter between the sisters is consistently funny, but the underlying social commentary remains incisive . . . An excellent look at lived experiences of Black Americans that should be required reading for all Americans."--Kirkus, Starred Review

"I dare you to read this hilarious and eye-opening book and not become obsessed with Amber Ruffin."--Mindy Kaling

"Thank you again to the Ruffin sisters for stuffing ten pounds of truth in a (funny!) five pound bag."--Tina Fey

"This timely and timeless book is hilarious, insightful, aggravating and comforting in equal measure."--Salon

"To read stories you won't soon forget, told in a totally memorable way by some very funny and generous writers, check out The World Record Book of Racist Stories." --BookPage

"Told with humor and headshakes . . . A great book to give someone who loves to laugh and learn at the same time."--BookRiot

About the Author

Lacey Lamar is Amber Ruffin's big sister. After years of working for her community, she has landed in a profession where she helps immigrants find work in their new country. Living in Nebraska, Lacey loves the challenge of creating safe spaces for the celebration of Nerd/African-American culture.