Let It Bang

A Young Black Man’s Reluctant Odyssey into Guns

By: RJ Young

Narrated by: RJ Young

The most RJ Young knew about guns was that they could get him killed. Until, recently married to a White woman and in desperate need of a way to relate to his gun-loving father-in-law, Charles, Young does the unimaginable: He accepts Charles's gift of a Glock.

Despite, or because of, the racial rage and fear he experiences among White gun owners ("Ain't you supposed to be shooting a basketball?"), Young determines to get good, really good, with a gun. Let It Bang is the compelling story of the author's unexpected obsession - he eventually becomes an NRA-certified pistol instructor - and of his deep dive into the heart of America's gun culture: what he sees as the domino effect of White fear, White violence, Black fear, rinse, repeat.

Young's original reporting on shadow industries like US Law Shield, which insures and defends people who report having shot someone in self-defense, and on the newly formed National African American Gun Association, gives powerful insight into the dynamic. Through indelible profiles, Young brings us up to the current rocketing rise in gun ownership among Black Americans, most notably women.

©2018 RJ Young (P)2018 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Unexpected

this was unexpected. I was looking for something on 2A but not sure what. His combination of personal story with factual history was great.

A personal story

I began following RJ on YouTube and learned about his book from there. His story is personal and sometimes uncomfortable to hear not because of what is written but because of what it made me think about myself. I was and am still intrigued by his story. I am still processing how I feel. I don't have the luxury of a common background with RJ to relate to. What I do have is the ability to appreciate any book that makes me examine my own life and what surrounds me. RJ's book tells his truth and in listening I learned a bit more about myself.

Riveting! A must read!

RJ Young has written a compelling, soulful memoir, bringing his audience to a clear and compassionate understandings about guns, race, and America. He is a powerful narrator of his own story. Though it is short, it unfathomable in it's depth. I hope RJ Young will continue to write more.

Amazing Human Being!

I think this is one of the best books I've listened to all year. RJ Young narrates the book himself, which is one thing I truly appreciate in an author. Gun control is a hot topic these days and RJ's perspective is unique. I thought it was enthralling to read about his personal journey navigating personalities and skills to come to the life decisions he's made. I know that we will likely never see true change in the way we regulate or live with guns in the United States, but RJ's thoughts resonate with me. I am a while man and while I'll never completely understand what it means to be a black man in the U.S. or the world, even, I strive every day to empathize with my fellow human beings to try to become an example of what it takes to truly achieve equality. I wish everyone could read this book to understand what RJ is trying to illustrate for the rest of us. Humanity needs to evolve; we need to move past the color of our skin and truly embrace each other as the SAME race on this tiny rock in the universe. Thanks for sharing your story RJ!

Amazing story

This was an amazing story and every minute worthy of praise.
As a gun owner and a POC it has showed me the work I need to do to fight for positive change in my community.

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