The Coloring Book

A Comedian Solves Race Relations in America

By: Colin Quinn

Narrated by: Colin Quinn

Length: 4 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

From former SNL "Weekend Update" host and legendary stand-up comedian Colin Quinn comes a controversial and laugh-out-loud investigation into cultural and ethnic stereotypes.

Colin Quinn has noticed a trend during his decades on the road - that Americans' increasing political correctness and sensitivity have forced us to tiptoe around the subjects of race and ethnicity altogether. Colin wants to know: What are we all so afraid of? Every ethnic group has differences, everyone brings something different to the table, and this diversity should be celebrated, not denied. So why has acknowledging these cultural differences become so taboo?

In The Coloring Book, Colin, a native New Yorker, tackles this issue head-on while taking us on a trip through the insane melting pot of 1970s Brooklyn, the many, many dive bars of 1980s Manhattan, the comedy scene of the 1990s, and post-9/11 America. He mixes his incredibly candid and hilarious personal experiences with no-holds-barred observations to definitively decide, at least in his own mind, which stereotypes are funny, which stereotypes are based on truths, which have become totally distorted over time, and which are actually offensive to each group and why.

As it pokes holes in the tapestry of fear that has overtaken discussions about race, The Coloring Book serves as an antidote to our paralysis when it comes to laughing at ourselves...and others.

©2015 Colin Quinn (P)2015 Hachette Audio

genius

genius as always. the legend never fails his fans. I only wish he comes out with a children's version so rich vos could read it

hilarious and insightful

this book gives a real insight on what makes New York and it's people great. our differences give us culture and spice to life

The World I Remember

Colin Quinn captures the joy of real diversity - the differences between us celebrated and respected rather than varnished over and ignored. It reflects the reality that we have always fought with each other but this does not mean hatred in absolutes. It's also a very funny, well-narrated work that doesn't outstay its welcome. I can see how this material would upset a Millennial but that really just tells you what is wrong with that generation. This is a great use of an afternoon and I completely recommend it to anyone.

Thank you Colin

Funny intelligent and probably should be part of a none P C school curriculum ... P W

The NYC perspective on race relations

Nicely sums up how you learn to live with all kinds of people when you are never more than 100 yards from every race color and creed on a daily basis

Really enjoyed this one!

We thought this was a good one. Enjoyed it very much! Found myself laughing out loud multiple times throughout.

A hilarious story of race and growing up in NYC in the 70's

Colin needs to work in his reading skills, but overall this is a great book! Hilarious stories! He manages to be funny and edgy about race without crossing that dreaded PC line. Great job Colin!

Take a Seat James Joyce, There's a New Kid in Town

Despite having the grating voice of a 50 year chain smoker gargling with shards of glass, Colin Quinn's (CQ as he prefers to be called affectionately by his dozens of fans) audio performance warms the heart, soothes the soul, and inspires the mind.

After listening intently in my car while driving around the ethnic part of town, I really feel like he helped me to "get it" as the hip, in-the-know types refer to understanding PoC (this abbreviation means 'persons of color') and now, thanks to CQ ;) I aspire to meet some Haitians.

Colin Quinn is not just a Renaissance Man to me, no. After listening to his charming stories about Chinese work ethic and Jamaicans bedding white women, I feel like he's a Renaissance Friend.

Funny, Entertaining & Insightful Observations

What made the experience of listening to The Coloring Book the most enjoyable?

OMG, I loved it. Colin Quinn is a great writer and comedian. He tells race relations from his comedic, observational POV having grown up in diverse Brooklyn, and now living in NYC. It's also interesting to hear his memoir intertwined.

Loved it!

Great job Colin! Have been a fan for many years! I appreciated the honesty and hilarious nature of your book!