Kindle
$12.99
Available instantly
Audible Logo Audiobook
$0.00
with membership trial
Hardcover
$23.49
Audio CD
$27.56
Buy new:
-19% $23.49
FREE delivery Thursday, May 16 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$23.49 with 19 percent savings
List Price: $28.99

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Thursday, May 16 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35. Order within 7 hrs 53 mins
In Stock
$$23.49 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$23.49
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
30-day easy returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$21.47
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
This book is in good condition. The binding is tight. Pages are clean with no markings/highlighting. The book has no missing or damaged pages, no creases or tears. Ships directly from Amazon warehouse. This book is in good condition. The binding is tight. Pages are clean with no markings/highlighting. The book has no missing or damaged pages, no creases or tears. Ships directly from Amazon warehouse. See less
FREE delivery Friday, May 17 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Thursday, May 16. Order within 7 hrs 53 mins
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$$23.49 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$23.49
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Natasha S. Alford
+ Follow
More books from this author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

American Negra: A Memoir Hardcover – February 27, 2024

by Natasha S. Alford (Author)
4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 25 ratings
See all formats and editions
Great on Kindle
Great Experience. Great Value.
iphone with kindle app
Putting our best book forward
Each Great on Kindle book offers a great reading experience, at a better value than print to keep your wallet happy.

Explore your book, then jump right back to where you left off with Page Flip.

View high quality images that let you zoom in to take a closer look.

Enjoy features only possible in digital – start reading right away, carry your library with you, adjust the font, create shareable notes and highlights, and more.

Discover additional details about the events, people, and places in your book, with Wikipedia integration.
Get the free Kindle app: Link to the kindle app page Link to the kindle app page
Enjoy a great reading experience when you buy the Kindle edition of this book. Learn more about Great on Kindle, available in select categories.
View Kindle Edition
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$23.49","priceAmount":23.49,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"23","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"49","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"S6yeCUSuusPcE4O8bX5XlEtmXvHOHa7Yc7HzTbbZZ8YyuaCcgB%2FOfkUZaIbfHYTWpp85Tikx%2BqxFPuVwJPl1trq9iaWX1wLB6GRxstest5S6DF9ylqw3K%2FJrln5xMCUEpA%2BB%2B0GPxSeKA0emBdbz7Q%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$21.47","priceAmount":21.47,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"21","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"47","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"S6yeCUSuusPcE4O8bX5XlEtmXvHOHa7YbW39dbM2gVe5BkR0XLa28LFYNxM4GEcgt4ijfLYTO%2Fdnc9bQ59%2Bzbkqg3CtM6nWIj1DSYtT4sXnwdAHzQ%2FMCIKY7fMf8BlA4tSglXD1%2BeGLraHQjEGUBpFhRf0105HankMaOU3CaQeLjVewmCOLuwkX1XQoorfkt","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

Award-winning journalist Natasha S. Alford grew up between two worlds as the daughter of an African American father and Puerto Rican mother. In American Negra, a narrative that is part memoir, part cultural analysis, Alford reflects on growing up in a working-class family from the city of Syracuse, NY.

In smart, vivid prose, Alford illustrates the complexity of being multiethnic in Upstate New York and society’s flawed teachings about matters of identity. When she travels to Puerto Rico for the first time, she is the darkest in her family, and navigates shame for not speaking Spanish fluently. She visits African-American hair salons where she’s told that she has “good” hair, while internalizing images that as a Latina she has "bad” hair or pelo malo.

When Alford goes from an underfunded public school system to Harvard University surrounded by privilege and pedigree, she wrestles with more than her own ethnic identity, as she is faced with imposter syndrome, a shocking medical diagnosis, and a struggle to define success on her own terms. A study abroad trip to the Dominican Republic changes her perspective on Afro-Latinidad and sets her on a path to better understand her own Latin roots.

Alford then embarks on a whirlwind journey to find her authentic voice, taking her across the United States from a hedge fund boardroom to a classroom and ultimately a newsroom, as a journalist.  

A coming-of-age story about what it's like to live at the intersections of race, culture, gender, and class, all while staying true to yourself, American Negra is a captivating look at one woman’s experience being Negra in the United States.

As the movement to highlight Afro-Latin identity and overlooked histories of the African diaspora grows, American Negra illustrates the diversity of the Black experience in the larger fabric of American society.

Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Print length
    288 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Harper
  4. Publication date
    February 27, 2024
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 0.9 x 9 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0063237105
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0063237100
  8. See all details
Next page
The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now

Frequently bought together

American Negra: A Memoir
$23.49
Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Puerto Rico: A National History
$24.95
Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
The Things We Didn't Know
$21.99
Get it as soon as Thursday, May 16
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Choose items to buy together.

Editorial Reviews

Review

An Essence "Best Book To Consider Adding To Your 'Must-Read' List" * An Elle "Most Anticipated Book" —

"In her searing debut, Alford smartly and candidly examines what it means to be Black and Latina in America, and interrogates identity, class, race and success—on her terms. American Negra is required reading for anyone longing to understand the intricacies of intersectionality in this country, and be inspired in the process." — Sunny Hostin, 3x Emmy Award-winning co-host of ABC’s “The View” and New York Times best-selling author

"A heartening and instructive portrait of a young woman’s search for identity." — Kirkus Reviews

"Alford's story is one of belonging and feeling a connection to her past and her present. Alford’s journalistic writing style is engaging and accessible, and her account is never overly sentimental or nostalgic." — Booklist

"American Negra is one of those rare books that offers an eye-opening and entirely different perspective on not just the world around us, but our own identities and experiences. I read it in one sitting, compelled to keep turning pages by Alford’s accessible, engaging and insightful prose, and a story that is both distinctive and entirely relatable. Watching her navigate her multiple identities in a world that has always been keen to box her in, find her power and learn to put herself, her dreams and her wellbeing at the center was an inspiration. " — Alisha Fernandez Miranda, author of My What If Year

"Drawing on her rich intellectual resources and masterful storytelling abilities, Alford effortlessly avoids the stale clichés and tired tropes that undermine most literary explorations of Afro-latinidad. Instead, she gifts us with a refreshingly critical, deeply vulnerable and wholly original text that promises to radically rearrange our understandings of race, class, ethnicity, and culture within modern U.S. Society. For years, Natasha has proven herself to be one of Black America's leading journalistic voices. With this wonderful new book, she also makes a compelling case for being one of our most talented new writers." — Marc Lamont Hill (Instagram)

About the Author

Natasha S. Alford is an award-winning journalist, host, and media executive driven by the power of storytelling to inspire and change people’s lives. Natasha serves as vice president of digital content for theGrio and an anchor for theGrio TV. She is also a CNN political analyst, where she offers commentary on the news, politics, and movements of the moment. Her work has also been published in the New York Times, the Guardian, Oprah Daily, Time magazine, and Vogue. Natasha is currently completing a Master in Public Policy at Princeton University and resides with her family in New Jersey.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harper (February 27, 2024)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 288 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0063237105
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0063237100
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.9 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 25 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Natasha S. Alford

Natasha S. Alford

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Natasha S. Alford is an award-winning journalist, host, and media executive. She is a senior correspondent, anchor, and Vice President at TheGrio, and appears on television as a CNN Political Analyst.

Alford's writing and on-air commentary have appeared in numerous outlets including The New York Times, The Guardian, Vogue, MSNBC, Oprah Daily and TIME Magazine.

A native of Syracuse, NY, Natasha holds a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and a B.A. from Harvard University.

Alford is the creator of the documentary “Afro-Latinx Revolution: Puerto Rico.” She is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. She resides in New Jersey.

Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
4.9 out of 5
25 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

@Earthatone
5.0 out of 5 stars BRAVO, Natasha S. Alford!
Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2024
Verified Purchase
I absolutely love American Negra: A Memoir by Natasha S. Alford. It has taken me longer than usual to write a Review because I had difficulty pinpointing why with complete transparency. I am a Black woman, and both of my parents are foundational Black Americans with Southern roots dating back to the Colonial Slave Trade. This book speaks to me: My great aunt and my aunt married Afro-Latino men. Two of my uncles chose Latina women. And my children have Latino heritage and a wing of bilingual family members. I grew up in the Bronx, where Blacks and Latinos are very close. And even when Latinos are muy Negra and habla sin acento, they might not appear Latino, but their cultural nuances can be intoxicating.

I no longer have an accurate count of how many personas of Afro-Latino heritage are in my family. In my parallel journey, I'd already identified much of what the author shared. Alford's insights are spot-on and she's fully transparent. Yet, she takes the reader along this trek into the world Black/Latino networks at Ivy League Academia. From there, so many questions I'd bumped my head trying to understand; she explained and made it plain. I applaud Natasha S. Alford for sharing her story in her way and in a way that allows all those of Afro-Latino heritage to embrace their culture and make all of their ancestors proud . . . however they choose. Bravo, Natasha S. Alford!
Helpful
 Report
Dani Branch
5.0 out of 5 stars Maravilloso
Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2024
Verified Purchase
There was a quote in this book that I feel is the opposite of me. It’s not opposite in the negative way. She mentioned that Arturo Schomburg was a Puerto Rican who bent over backwards to uplift Black people. In someways, I think I’m the
because I highlight, my Hispanic side I’m not. I’m black American, but I’ve certainly embraced Hispanic culture probably to the deference of my African-American side . I am fluent in Spanish. That being said I have a newfound respect for Natasha as Alford. This book was suggested to me from Amazon. I knew nothing about her, despite spending some of my formative years in upstate New York and the very very Syracuse that she writes about so lovingly. This book was a love letters to myself as a young woman navigating a new city and identifying as Spanish-speaking Hispanic. It was an excellent book and I have a new respect for Latinos, although I am a Brooklyn born American I see myself as a Latino alongside Natasha, Alford and the other she mentioned.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Brittany
5.0 out of 5 stars American Nedra: Amazing Read
Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2024
Verified Purchase
This is a phenomenal story about a young woman finding identity in a complex world. I have learned so much about those who are in the Afro-Latinx community and my own personal family. I am so honored and blessed to call you family. I love you very much! Keep shining! You inspire me!!
Helpful
 Report
RJR
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for anyone curious about identity and American culture.
Reviewed in the United States on February 29, 2024
Verified Purchase
A wonderful and moving memoir that expands what it means to be American with every word. It's energizing to follow Natasha on her path of success and self-determination with U.S. culture, politics, and economics as the backdrop.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Chike A. Walker
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for all!!!
Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2024
Verified Purchase
A great voice got people who tend to get overlooked. Storytelling is seamless and insightful. Highly recommend!!!
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
LaShanda
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully Written!!!
Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2024
Winning a copy of "American Negra" through a Goodreads giveaway felt amazing! I was so excited to start reading, especially because I'm a big fan of Natasha Alford's discussions on race and politics on CNN. Even though I already knew a bit about her work, her memoir gave me a whole new perspective.

I feel really lucky to get a glimpse into the author's life. Her story about growing up in New York with a Puerto Rican mom and an African American dad really touched me. It makes you stop and think about race, who you are, and what success really means. These are important topics that don't always get talked about enough, but they're something everyone should think about. Seeing them explored so honestly in her book was refreshing.

I'm so glad Natasha Alford decided to share her story with everyone. There are lots of stories like hers out there, but they often don't get the attention they deserve. Her bravery in sharing her experiences is inspiring and gives hope to others who might be struggling to tell their own stories. Stories like hers remind us that America is made up of all kinds of people with different backgrounds and perspectives.

I highly recommend reading “American Negra: A Memoir.”
Helpful
 Report
AAL
5.0 out of 5 stars Honest, Intersectional, and Insightful
Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2024
This memoir was brilliant. I’m incredibly grateful Natasha had the foresight to tell her story, because it has so many points of intersectionality that will allow a multitude of others to see their own experiences, thoughts, insecurities, and points of pride reflected within it. Moreover, she framed her story with historical and cultural context in a brilliant, informative, and objective but appropriately empathetic way that only an outstanding journalist would. Looking forward to seeing more from Alford across the media landscape.
This book is a gift.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Caren Rencher
5.0 out of 5 stars American Negra
Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2024
I loved this book! I like the fact that the author appreciates both of her cultures equally. I learned about a lot of unsung African Americans and Puerto Ricans who deserve to be known. Her determination and hard work are inspiring! I hope she writes another book. I'll definitely read it! Pnklpz.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report