Charlamagne Tha God returns with his second memoir that maintains the similar format of witty language rooted in raw personal reflection.

Charlamagne has written three books. I’ve read them all. I loved Black Privilege and Shook Ones.. And I’m happy to say this one did not disappoint.
‌
Although I was gifted a digital copy from the publisher, I chose to purchase and listen to the audiobook instead. That was a great choice for me because Charlamagne’s narration was awesome. He tackles tough topics in a lighthearted way.
‌
I must say, in this book Charlamagne appears to be calmer, more mature. I love that he takes accountability for some of his harsh comments and inappropriate actions from the past. There’s an entire chapter in which he gives his wife praise for all she’s done for him. That was nice to hear considering he aired out their dirty laundry in his previous books.
‌
I enjoyed the wide range of topics that’s discussed. For example, he holds hip-hop artists accountable for their self-destructive lyrics. He boldly calls out Gen Z for being impatient and having an “I want it now” attitude. He explains the importance of allowing people to evolve, instead of embracing cancel culture. He even put social media influencers on blast by saying some of them are merely pretending to live glamours lives. When in reality they’re using stolen credit cards to fund lavish vacations.
‌
But of all the chapters in the book, it’s Chapter 16,Death of A Nation, Featuring Aaron McGruder. that’s most impactful. I believe everyone should read this chapter Before going to the voting holes this November.. Aaron McGruder, the creator of The Boondocks delivers a compelling message about racism in America.
‌
I agreed with about 95% of the book. And even though I’d already heard some of Charlamagne’s stories on 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘊𝘭𝘶𝘣, I enjoyed hearing a more detailed version in this context. Each chapter is short and to the point. All ending with the words “Let’s Discuss…”

“Get Honest or Die Lying” was an intriguing and entertaining read. I’m pretty ambivalent as to Charlamagne to be honest and find his positions on things to be a bit surprising. Nonetheless, I found this book to keep my interest and to contain some gems of wisdom. 4 stars ⭐️. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the copy for review.

Charlamagne is always so real and honest. I love how he gives life lessons and tried to help out the community. Everyone should read this book. There is soo much helpful information. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of the book.

The fact that this turned out to be a one-sitting read, is a fantastic example of holding one’s attention through engaging and timely thoughts being processed through jaunty witty prose. I’ll say this, Charlamange knows how to organize and arrange his thoughts cohesively and that adds up to a valuable book, urging us to eliminate the small talk and begin having big conversations with each other. At work, at home, among friends, and strangers even.

To clarify; Charlemagne says “To be clear, when I say “small talk” here I’m not just saying you can’t chat about the weather or ask coworkers how traffic was on the way to the job. I mean small talk as a symbol of our lack of authentic communication. Both as individuals and collectively.”

And through 29 chapters (he kept them short, because he was worried about the attention span of potential readers) he goes on to effectively layout why talking small sucks and the potential damage in continuing with small conversations.He consistently cajoles readers to reach for the best version of self. “The key is larger conversations, internally and with people around you. It will not come through small talk with others and damn sure not by making small talk with yourself.”

He really finishes strong with a chapter entitled, “The Blessed Don’t Beef with the Miserable “ Because of social media we are being bombarded with noise that some mistake for real news, and if you choose to engage, be wary of who is on the opposite of that connection. “But again, think about who you’re really engaging with in these circumstances. It’s not college professors or philosophers or journalists sitting in an office lined with books who’ve come to their opinions after years of research. The person you’re arguing with is probably literally sitting on the toilet with their pants down around their ankles, Pornhub on the laptop, and . . . let me stop there.” Yeah, well done Charlamagne. Big thanks to Netgalley and Simon&Schuster for an advance DRC. Look for this book 5/28/24 wherever books are sold.