The Cruelty of Nice Folks: Why Minneapolis Is the Story of America — Audiobook
The Cruelty of Nice Folks: Why Minneapolis Is the Story of America is Justin Ellis’s audiobook about the city’s history of racial discrimination, the story behind its image of liberal progressivism, and the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder. Ellis narrates this unabridged edition himself.
At a glance
- Combines memoir and reporting with a historical examination of housing, schools and politics in Minneapolis.
- Connects the city’s response to George Floyd’s murder with wider questions about policing, inequality and racial justice.
- The listing describes a new epilogue addressing Minneapolis and events in 2026.
- Read by author Justin Ellis.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Author narration gives listeners Ellis’s own delivery of his memoir and reporting.
- The subject matter links a city-specific history to broader US debates about racism, policing and liberalism.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Author | Justin Ellis |
|---|---|
| Narrator | Justin Ellis |
| Programme type | Audiobook |
| Version | Unabridged |
| Listening length | 13 hours and 27 minutes |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Harper |
| Publication date | 16 Jun. 2026 |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Listeners interested in Minneapolis history, racial inequality and the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder.
- Readers looking for an author-narrated audiobook that blends memoir and reporting.
Less suited to
- Listeners seeking fiction or a short audiobook, as the listed running time is over 13 hours.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
58% 58% - 4 stars
20% 20% - 3 stars
11% 11% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
11% 11%
Aggregate ratings are moderately positive overall, but the small number of ratings and the spread from five-star to one-star responses offer limited evidence about how listeners respond to the narration or subject matter. No written review feedback is supplied, so specific praised features or criticisms cannot be identified.
Frequently asked questions
Who narrates The Cruelty of Nice Folks?
The listing names author Justin Ellis as the narrator.
Is this edition abridged?
It is listed as unabridged.
How long is the audiobook?
The stated listening length is 13 hours and 27 minutes.
What subjects does the book cover?
The description presents a mix of memoir and reporting on Minneapolis, racial discrimination, liberalism, policing and the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder.
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