"There are enough twists and curves to keep any reader titillated. [Big Black Penis] gives insight into the author’s inner workings, showing his vulnerability, fear, and concern in full—something not often granted to black men in America." —East Bay Express
"Truth comes in many flavors. . . . Big Black Penis is a picnic of spicy nuggets. Open it anywhere and laugh with recognition." —Steven Barnes, author, Lion's Blood and The Cestus Deception
"Shawn Taylor's deep questions and riveting stories give us a lens into our own culture that we desperately need." —damali ayo, author, How to Rent a Negro
"The black nerd has become the locus of pomo literary style." —San Fransisco Bay Guardian
"A great exploration into what it means to be a man in today's society." —Pop Syndicate
"An intimate and comically insightful portrait of African-American masculinity." —Tri-County Sentry
Being black and male is serious business, but its absurd contradictions are often too funny for words. In this award-winning book, Shawn Taylor deftly leads us on a no-holds-barred tour of his masculine development, acknowledging some deep but often hilarious truths about black men. This raw and spellbinding narrative, full of unexpected turns of phrase and shocking displays of vulnerability, contains powerful meditations on sexuality, romance, fatherhood, and violence. Unapologetic and sharply critical of the hatred and fear that American society harbors toward black men, Taylor brings the subject of black masculinity into the 21st century.
Shawn Taylor is the author of People’s Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm. He is a spoken-word performer and writer who focuses on gender, cultural identity, folklore, ancestry, and ritual. His solo performance “Slower than a Speeding Bullet” was selected as the AOL.com pick of the week.
African American, Social Science
208 pages, Trade Paper, 5 1/2 x 8 1/2
Distribution Rights: WOR
$14.95 (CAN $16.95)
9781556527340 (1556527349) Pub Date: June 2008
Lawrence Hill Books