I'D RATHER WE GOT CASINOS and Other Black Thoughts

Wilmore, "senior black correspondent" on Jon Stewart's “Daily Show,” narrates a loosely linked collection of humorous pieces on race. Unfortunately, without expressions and gestures, neither his voice nor his writing is enough for a fully humorous effect. There are funny and telling moments, but also some dull ones—Wilmore is simply much funnier when seen. In print, the book's conceit of an editor introducing each piece could work, but here it's simply Wilmore pretending to be an editor introducing . . . Wilmore, which is, not to mince words, stupid. Other than Wilmore providing different voices (which he does fairly well), the production neglects opportunities (several simulated radio shows) to use the aural medium to advantage. This sometimes-amusing but basically under-par production may disappoint Wilmore’s admirers. W.M. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2009]