Rating: 
Summary: A seemingly thorough ground for debate
Review: I had heard a lot about this book that made me curious to read it, but what finally prompted me to do so was through several discussions about offensive words, especially relating to literature. I was curious to find out what Randall Kennedy had to say on what he calls the "strange career of a troublesome word."Kennedy's book takes us through the history of the word "nigger" and how it has been used, for insult and for good, throughout American history. Why is it that blacks can use the N-word as a sign of affection, yet coming from the lips of a white it is automatically offensive? What makes this one word seemingly more volatile than any other word in the English language? These are just a few of the questions that Kennedy attempts to bring to light in his example-bound treatise. "Nigger" is filled with examples - from song lyrics, to court cases, to literary passages, to the repertoires of comedians - to explore how this word is used and abused. Randall Kennedy has covered all the bases to show how this word is deeply rooted in America's past as offensive, and how it is still taboo today, even though many African-Americans are trying to reclaim it for a positive use. Kennedy's writing is concise and thorough, offering various instances of "wrong" and "right" actions regarding the N-word. Yet at times, there seems to be almost too many examples. After a while, one wishes for more of an argument than a laundry listing of the word's history of discord. He offers little of his own opinion in the epilogue, only saying that he diasgrees with the useage of racially offensive words. I understand his need to remain unbiased, and realize that there may never be a right or wrong answer regarding the impact this word will have on American culture. Kennedy has succeeded at showing us its past; it's up to us to determine its future.
Rating: 
Summary: Very Informative
Review: I used this book as my primary source for a school presentation. The book was informative and really made me think about the word nigger, its origin and its uses. Randall Kennedy includes a bunch of anecdotes and quotations from people we recognize (and some we don't) in order to show the impact of 'nigger' on humanity. I would recommend this book to anyone, especially blacks, as it opened my eyes and the eyes of my presentation's audience, the majority of which was white. As the lone black man in my high school class, I wanted to bring something new to my white schoolmates, but to my surprise, I learned a lot as well.
Rating:
Summary: Thought Provoking
Review: Randall Kennedy had a brilliant idea for a book. Unfortunately, the subject may be too complex for any mortal man to tackle in a reasonable amount of pages. Kennedy does open some eyes and has created some dialogue in regard to his subject, but the book will leave most readers with some unanswered questions. Kennedy discusses many facets of this controversial word in his thought provoking book. After discussing the history of the word, he looks at its use in pop culture, law cases, as well as its overstigmatizing effect. Kennedy succeeds in stating these facts in a reasonably fair and balanced way. In large part, he avoids over-stating his opinion as part of the explanation. While Kennedy proposes no direct solution to the problems created by this word, it is difficult to criticize him when any possible solution has its flaws. He does manage to create a long overdue dialogue on the subject. The cautions which can be drawn from this dialogue include being cautious of the context of the word and overstigmatizing those who use the word. The fact that such a book exists demonstrates a deeper cultural understanding and defining of the word is being sought. This makes Kennedy's final product very credible.
Rating: 
Summary: thought-provoking but inadequate
Review: I was very excited to see a book out on Black History with such a daring title. The hoopla in the paper and television show Boston Public made me very intrigued on this novel. Coming from Canada, Black History is not discussed, and this book is perfect to learn of the lives of a people we know very little about. A novel where the world can learn about N-word in an impartial manner with a gutsy attitude.
Nigger is a book about the word, first and foremost. It discusses its uses in history, its place in history, its uses in pop culture, and so on. Although these are topics that have been digested by the American and Canadain public time and again, Randall Kennedy displays it in a refershing way. I had no idea that the culture of this word was so broad, overused and abused. The book discusses the words useage by black and white persons and when it is ok to use it.
The author does not damn all those that use the word but, is quick also, to priase the person who files for its inappropriate use. Not to say Kennedy contradictics himself, by far, he does not.
Kennedy wrote this book so that Nigger, the word, can be disolved or be used in accordance to society (norms). People must inspect it from every angle, which is exactly what Kennedy did. He has attempted to reduce the evilness, however, not replacing it with good, but, with delicate understanding and careful explination. Through use of quotes, court cases and related experience, we the reader have enough information so that we can respect or disregard his discussion. For any one person interested in the English lexicom, history or general reading, this book can allow you to think and discover your innermost thoughts. A wonderful intellectual read.
Rating:
Summary: Black Language
Review: Randall Kennedy's Nigger: the Strange Career of a Troublesome Word is about the history of the N-word. A good part of the book is about white people verse black people saying the word. Many black people loosely refer to themselves as niggers. When white people do the same it is an insult to all people involved. White, Detroit rapper Eminem has earned his "blackness" to be able to use this word. He has worked hard in a black dominated field and he has been accepted into this "world." He is free to use their language. Black people feel it's a privilege to use the word. You must earn your right to use the word. This book is very interesting and as a white person I learned a lot due my reading it. The reader learns the history, meanings, usage, and court cases all surrounding the word nigger.
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