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Comment: Paperback octavo, very good condition, rear cover & spine little scuffed, pages lightly toned, minor edgewear. 346p. The autobiography of Anita Heiss, a passionate campaigner for Aboriginal literacy who was born a member of the Wiradjuri nation of central New South Wales (NSW), but raised in the suburbs of Sydney and educated at the local Catholic school. In this very personal story, told in her distinctive wry style, Anita gives a first-hand account of her experiences as a woman with an Aboriginal mother and Austrian father. She joined other part-Aboriginals in charging a conservative newspaper columnist in breaching the Racial Discrimination Act, by implying she was too fair-skinned to be a genuine Aboriginal.
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Am I Black Enough For You?: 10 Years On Paperback – 2 April 2012

by Anita Heiss (Author)
4.0 out of 5 stars 42 ratings
Edition: 1st
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Winner of the Vic Premier's Award for Indigenous Writing. The story of an urban-based high achieving Aboriginal woman working to break down stereotypes and build bridges between black and white Australia.

I'm Aboriginal. I'm just not the Aboriginal person a lot of people want or expect me to be.

What does it mean to be Aboriginal? Why is Australia so obsessed with notions of identity? Anita Heiss, successful author and passionate campaigner for Aboriginal literacy, was born a member of the Wiradjuri nation of central New South Wales, but was raised in the suburbs of Sydney and educated at the local Catholic school. She is Aboriginal - however, this does not mean she likes to go barefoot and, please, don't ask her to camp in the desert.

After years of stereotyping Aboriginal Australians as either settlement dwellers or rioters in Redfern, the Australian media have discovered a new crime to charge them with- being too 'fair-skinned' to be an Australian Aboriginal. Such accusations led to Anita's involvement in one of the most important and sensational Australian legal decisions of the 21st-century when she joined others in charging a newspaper columnist with breaching the Racial Discrimination Act. He was found guilty, and the repercussions continue.

In this deeply personal memoir, told in her distinctive, wry style, Anita Heiss gives a first-hand account of her experiences as a woman with an Aboriginal mother and Austrian father, and explains the development of her activist consciousness.

Read her story and ask- what does it take for someone to be black enough for you?
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  1. ISBN-10
    174275192X
  2. ISBN-13
    978-1742751924
  3. Edition
    1st
  4. Publisher
    BANTAM AUSTRALIA ORIGINAL
  5. Publication date
    2 April 2012
  6. Language
    English
  7. Dimensions
    15.4 x 3.3 x 23.1 cm
  8. Print length
    352 pages
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Book Description

Winner of the Vic Premier's Award for Indigenous Writing. The story of an urban-based high achieving Aboriginal woman working to break down stereotypes and build bridges between black and white Australia.

About the Author

Anita is a proud member of the Wiradyuri nation of central New South Wales and is one of Australia's most well-known authors, publishing across genres including non-fiction, historical fiction, commercial fiction and children's fiction.

Anita's non-fiction works include Am I Black Enough for You?, Dhuuluu-Yala (To Talk Straight)- Publishing Aboriginal Literature, and, as editor, Growing Up Aboriginal in Australia and The Macquarie PEN Anthology of Aboriginal Literature, which she co-edited with Peter Minter.

Her adult fiction includes Not Meeting Mr Right, Avoiding Mr Right, Manhattan Dreaming, Paris Dreaming and Tiddas. Her novel Barbed Wire and Cherry Blossoms was shortlisted for the Queensland Literary Awards and longlisted for the Dublin International Literary Prize, and was the University of Canberra 2020 Book of the Year. Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray was shortlisted for the 2021 HNSA ARA Historical Novel.

Anita's children's literature includes Who Am I? The Diary of Mary Talence, Sydney 1937, Our Race for Reconciliation, Harry's Secret, Matty's Comeback, and Kicking Goals with Goodesy and Magic, co-written with Adam Goodes and Michael O'Loughlin. She also wrote two kid's novels with students from La Perouse Public School - Yirra and Her Deadly Dog, Demon and Demon Guards the School Yard.

Her memoir Am I Black Enough for You? was a finalist in the 2012 Human Rights Awards and she was a finalist in the 2013 Australian of the Year Awards (Local Hero).

As an advocate for Indigenous literacy, Anita has worked in remote communities as a role model and encouraging young Indigenous Australians to write their own stories. On an international level she has performed her work and lectured on Aboriginal literature at universities and conferences, consulates and embassies in the USA, Canada, the UK, Tahiti, Fiji, New Caledonia, Spain, Japan, Austria, Germany, China, India and New Zealand. Anita is a Lifetime Ambassador for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, and a proud Ambassador of Worawa Aboriginal College, the GO Foundation and the Sydney Swans.

Anita is a Professor of Communications at the University of Queensland and is on the board of the National Justice Project, University of Queensland Press, Aboriginal Art Co and Circa Contemporary Theatre.

Anita loves chocolate, running and being a creative disruptor.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ BANTAM AUSTRALIA ORIGINAL
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 2 April 2012
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 174275192X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1742751924
  • Item weight ‏ : ‎ 458 g
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.4 x 3.3 x 23.1 cm
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.0 out of 5 stars 42 ratings

About the author

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Anita Heiss

Anita Heiss

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Dr Anita Heiss AM is a proud member of the Wiradyuri nation of central New South Wales and one of Australia’s most prolific and well-known authors publishing across genres including non-fiction, historical fiction, commercial fiction and children’s fiction.

Anita’s children’s literature includes Who Am I? the diary of Mary Talence, Our Race for Reconciliation, Harry’s Secret, Matty’s Comeback, Koori Princess and Kicking Goals with Goodesy and Magic, co-written with Adam Goodes and Micheal O’Loughlin. She also wrote two kid's novels with students from La Perouse Public School - Yirra and Her Deadly Dog Demon and Demon Guards the School Yard.

Anita’s non-fiction works include Am I Black Enough for You?, Dhuuluu-Yala (To Talk Straight) – Publishing Aboriginal Literature, and as editor, Growing Up Aboriginal in Australia and The Macquarie PEN Anthology of Aboriginal Literature which she co-edited with Peter Minter.

Her adult fiction includes Not Meeting Mr Right, Avoiding Mr Right, Manhattan Dreaming, Paris Dreaming and Tiddas. Her novel Barbed Wire and Cherry Blossoms was shortlisted for the QLD Literary Awards, longlisted for the Dublin International Literary Prize and was the University of Canberra 2020 Book of the Year. Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray won the 2022 NSW Premier’s Literary Prize for Indigenous Writing, was shortlisted for the 2021 HNSA ARA Historical Novel (Adult Category) and the 2022 ABIA Awards, and longlisted for the 2022 Stella Prize.

In 2023, Anita re-released her rom coms, plus her first children’s book Bidhi Galing (Big Rain) illustrated by Samantha Campbell.

Anita’s first play Tiddas, produced by La Boite Theatre had its world premiere at the 2022 Brisbane Festival.

Anita's website: https://www.anitaheiss.com/

Anita's blog: https://anitaheiss.wordpress.com/

Anita's instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dranitaheiss/

Anita on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnitaHeiss

Anita on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnitaHeissAuthor/

Anita on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anitaheiss

Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
42 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book insightful, with one mentioning it provides a detailed account of Anita's court case. Moreover, the book is considered a must-read for every Australian and is easy to read.

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4 customers mention ‘Insight’4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful, with one customer particularly appreciating the detailed account of the court case and another noting the truthful sharing of Anita's experiences.

"...Anita's insightful account of her court case and the very complex issues surrounding the case is riveting and a must read for every Australian." Read more

"This book offers an awesome insight from a leading First Nations person...." Read more

"Extremely well written, easy to read. Informative, interesting. She has achieved so much." Read more

"Truthful sharing of Anita's world...." Read more

3 customers mention ‘Readability’3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and consider it a must-read for every Australian.

"...very complex issues surrounding the case is riveting and a must read for every Australian." Read more

"...A good read, I personally enjoyed the first half, more than the last half." Read more

"Extremely well written, easy to read. Informative, interesting. She has achieved so much." Read more

Top reviews from Australia

  • Michael J
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant, insightful and riveting. A must read for all Australians.
    Reviewed in Australia on 15 January 2021
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    A very heart warming and brilliantly written account of what it's like to grow up as an indigenous Australian and some of the issues in dealing with success as an indigenous person. Anita's insightful account of her court case and the very complex issues surrounding the case is riveting and a must read for every Australian.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Evan Ulbricht
    4.0 out of 5 stars Above average, but not outstanding.
    Reviewed in Australia on 8 October 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    When culture is defined it is a generalisation at best, which always excludes someone (usually lots of people) and at the same time doesn't describe any-one person. So it is when someone wants to define Aboriginality, and particularly so when non-Aboriginal people do it. While the book loosely centres around the Andrew Bolt court case, it is primarily a collection of the authors perspective on Aboriginality, culture and individuality; Anita's memoirs you could say. A good read, I personally enjoyed the first half, more than the last half.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Sonya Oberman
    3.0 out of 5 stars This lady is so annoyed with the way the world has treated her
    Reviewed in Australia on 13 February 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This lady is so annoyed with the way the world has treated her, and other people with her background. She tells us so many times, and the repetition is not useful. Perhaps she was given a word limit, and felt she had to repeat material, because she didn't have enough to reach the limit? She also forgets that there are other groups of people who are not treated well by the world.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars A valuable insight from a leading First Nations person
    Reviewed in Australia on 16 March 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book offers an awesome insight from a leading First Nations person. Anita explains from her own experience why so many assumptions and claims made by non indigenous commentators are so wrong. She explains so well why so many that are perceived as "being more white than black" are able, entitled and have long claimed to be a First Nations person*3
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  • ann
    5.0 out of 5 stars easy to read
    Reviewed in Australia on 25 November 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Extremely well written, easy to read. Informative, interesting. She has achieved so much.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Charles G
    4.0 out of 5 stars Truthful sharing of Anita's world.
    Reviewed in Australia on 30 September 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I loved this. Anita is not being 'safe' in her approach and expression....what a relief. Please Sonya (fellow reviewer) just suspend and go with it...... I support the ethos of sharing each others experiences.....if we are a member of a majority , comfortable,white, privileged population we need to pause and listen.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Dc3108
    1.0 out of 5 stars Least liked book of Anita Heiss
    Reviewed in Australia on 16 June 2023
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I really disliked this book. It was written in very short sentences, very simple English and such an angry tone that it read like it was authored by an angry 13 year old. Whilst I understand the hurt Anita tries to convey (and rightly so)…. trying to rebut Andrew Bolt’s race comments for an entire book was unnecessary and boring. I gave this book away.
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  • Jo O'Mara
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book by great writer!
    Reviewed in Australia on 17 April 2022
    Everything Anita Heiss writes is fantastic, and "Am I Black Enough for You?: 10Years On" is no exception.

    Heiss is a generous spirited, insightful and open-minded writer. She is a proud advocate of First Nations people, and particularly the masterful fiction writing being produced by First Nations writers in Australia today. Her own writing is such a pleasure to read.

    As an audible book, this reading of her autobiographical reflection by herself works very well, as it is great to hear her read it in such a communicative and heart-felt way.

    I highly recommend this book to all Australians. Heiss circumnavigates a myriad of experiences she has had of acceptance, racism, joy, hardship, survival and flourishing, and unpicks them all with insight and understanding. I read this book when it first came out, and have really enjoyed and learnt a lot from listening to this reworking of the text.

    I'm a secondary English teacher by trade, and think this would make an outstanding book for study at school in senior English classes. In Chapter 24, "20 Reasons you should read Blak", Heiss makes 20 compelling, different arguments for "Reading Blak". I need no convincing however, as, for me, the quality of Blak writing in Australia is enough. First Nations literature should be taught at every year of schooling in Australia. There would be so much gained, and nothing lost, through doing this.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Mrs. Samantha K. Munt
    5.0 out of 5 stars A role model, regardless of her lineage, colour or gender
    Reviewed in the United States on 2 April 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I would hardly label myself as a spokesperson for the Aboriginal community of Australia, and yet last year, when I had the privilege of attending one of Dr Heiss's public speaking events, I found myself riveted- and changed- within two minutes of hearing her speak, which led me to this book. Every second sentence that comes out of her mouth is either witty or profound and she deserves to be recognised for those attributes, not for the scandal generated by people who would rather oppress progress than encourage it.

    There are places to read genuine reviews of her work- not an obnoxious majority's opinion of her character, and I encourage potential readers to find them or please, read this for yourself. The very fact that this beautifully written recount of a girl's life is skewed by one-star ratings proves that there is a BIG problem. Perhaps the reviewers have never actually read a one-star book before. I've been subjected to several and I can tell you- this is not one of them.

    'Am I black enough for you' is not an attack on Andrew Bolt, it is an intimate look into the life of a woman who is being made to struggle with her identity even though she knows exactly who she is, where she has come from and where she hopes to go. There is a lot of debate claiming that Dr Heiss is crippling free speech and that is utter BS. Look around the world people- everyone is saying whatever they want and those whose words garner controversy, like Andrew Bolt- are the ones being heard the loudest! If she'd crippled free speech this book would either not exist or have a much higher rating.

    This book is a perfect reflection of the authoress; Eloquent, warm, light, ballsy and riveting. She is a beautiful storyteller, and her determination to rise above what has been inflicted upon her and her people at any cost is admirable. This is not someone trying to claw her way to the top with controversy- but a bright young woman attempting to lift the consciousness of a nation.

    Read this. Learn from it. Grow as a person, rather than shrink from hate. This nation is in need of a severe attitude adjustment, and this is a great place to start.
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  • Jonathan Clough
    4.0 out of 5 stars Very smart lady
    Reviewed in the United States on 20 January 2013
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I read the rants by other people most of which seem to be very negative. All banging on about the 1st amendment rights. Get a life guys, this is an Australian women what has 1st amendment rights got to do with her or most of her readers. You guys have the Death penalty most of the Weston world think that is pretty barbaric but you still think you have the right of it.
    As for the content of the Book it was a good read I enjoyed it a lot. She writes well and has achieved a lot in her life and call me shallow but it is hard not to like an intelligent, beautiful writer. If I had a complaint it is that she names a whole lot of people I do not know. Now it could be said that; that is my fault for not reading up widely enough on Australian current affairs.
    I would recommend this book to any Australian as it gives you a very individual and unique perspective of being Aboriginal in an entertaining format.
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  • Leone Smith
    5.0 out of 5 stars Everyone should read this book!!!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on 10 November 2014
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    What an amazing story! As an Aboriginal woman I could relate to all that Anita expressed in this book! I feel even more honoured and proud to be a Blackfella! Onto my next book that I can't put down ....... Manhattan Dreaming! From one tidda to another...... Thank you Anita! Leone Smith Nambour Queensland
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  • A. Gail
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enlightening and Entertaining
    Reviewed in the United States on 17 January 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I actually purchased and read this book after reviewing an interesting clip of Dr. Heiss on YouTube. My son, a Black American, is engaged to an Aborigine so I was curious about the Indigenous culture. The colorful anecdotes in the book enhanced my knowledge and desire to learn more about racial relations in Australia in general. I could not help but compare and contrast the history and struggle of Aborigines to Native Americans and descendants of enslaved Africans. Reading the comments of other book reviewers, I concluded I have the opposite problem of Dr. Heiss-many Black Africans are not convinced of my American heritage. I gave the book four stars rather than five because of excessive name dropping and a lack of photos.
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