Humbled is only way I can describe my experience of Paul Beatty’s novel, “The Sellout”. Beatty’s comic approach to issues ranging from being raised by a single parent, racial matters, love, and the judicial system is cleverly acerbic. Each line of the novel is packed with cutting commentary, and I found myself laughing out loud on several occasions. The audio version features the voice of Prentice Onayemi who convincingly portrays the slow, breathy cadence of the pot-smoking narrator. “The Sellout” features a cast of unlikely characters, who stumble through life and relationships, adding to the comedic effect and illustrating Beatty’s message.
“The Sellout” dares to grab society’s greatest problems by the ankles, hold them upside down, and shake out the pockets, exposing all the (otherwise unspoken) idiosyncrasies. This is an intelligent, albeit humorous, expose, which merits more than one read through.
Found this video interview of the author talking about his inspiration for writing the novel:
One Woman's Quest II 
I am always looking for the next read (translate listen). Are you enjoying the book? I found I could not get through “Eat, Pray, Love” – appealed more to my daughters.
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I am not usually motivated to read fiction. I admire the writing craft, but fiction sometimes leaves me with “What’s the point already?” I consume non-fiction voraciously. I saw Gilbert on Super Soul Sunday and thought I’d try this book. It’s something to listen to in the car, but I am still looking for the teachable point (LOL)..
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Thanks for the interesting book review. I hope my library will get an audio version in. Until then, it’s on my “For Later” shelf in print form. Right now I’m listening to Elizabeth Gilbert’s The Signature of All Things.
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