Stuff that White People Like by Christian Lander [book]

Stuff that White People Like: A Definitive Guide to the Unique Taste of Millions by Christian Lander [book]

Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks, 2008
Language: English
Paperback: 211 pages
ISBN: 0812979915

Plot Summary:
Coffee. Religions that their parents don't belong to. Film festivals. Assists. Farmer's Markets. These are the top five things that white people like according to this irreverant book of ideas. In list format the book details things in cultures, foods, people, games, TV shows, and much more that white, affluent, environmentally conscious "like". There are pictures of white people with descriptions of why the author justifies that people of this culture like these specific things and fit into the stereotype of what these white people like. Other things on the list include: Wes Anderson movies, beards, scarves, lawyers, and irony.

Critical Evaluation:
This book is very funny but could also be seen as very racist towards the white community. It is a humorous book that describes things that white people like but they could really apply to many different types of people. It is well written, and not told in a story format, but in a factual way of what the author feels are things that white people like. It is numbered for things that people like with number 1 being coffee, and then it details why the author thinks that white people expecially enjoy this item. The descriptions are short, and filled with nonsensical facts, in which if you relate to them in general they will make you laugh for the truthfullness of them. One thing that I think is bad with this book is the fact that he uses stereotypes for all people, and at one point mentions "yellow fever". This can be offensive, but he is making plays on all stereotypes with the advent of this book in general.

Reader's Annotation:
Are you white? Do you like coffee? Do you enjoy indie films and foriegn food? This book is a humorous play on the stereotypes of white, affluent, environmentally conscious people.

Websites to look Into:
http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/

The Author:
Lander's blog gets a lot of trouble because of its "racist" theme, but Lander says that he describes these people with affection and numbers himself among them.

Awards:
New York Times Bestseller list

Similar Books:
"Whiter Shades of Pale" by Christian Lander
"The Hipster Handbook" by Robert Lanham

Booktalking Ideas:
Asking people if they also like the things that are liked in the book or if they know people that do
Creating a bookmark with different humorous things that are in the book

Genre:
Non- Fiction, Humor

Interest Age:
15+

Challenge Issues:
Stereotypes
I think that the book's title in itself provides a challenge in that it is creating a stereotype; this book is about things that white people like. I would combat it with the fact that it is humorous and it appeals to many types of people- not just white people.

Why this Book?
This book is funny and playful and I have laughed out loud when I read it. It plays fun at societal stereotypes and can appeal to many types of people.