D.L. Hughley’s New Book Becomes Instant NYT Bestseller
Comedian Turns Author: Debut Hardcover Tops Charts as Laughs Meet Literary Acclaim Overall
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Instant New York Times Best Seller
Comedian and author D. L. Hughley broke out the champagne earlier this week when he announced on Instagram that his latest book had shot straight to the top of The New York Times bestseller list. In a brief post on @realdlhughley, Hughley celebrated with a photo of the hardcover alongside the caption, “INSTANT @nytimes BEST SELLER!! #TeamDL @noliewithbtc.”
The image shows Hughley holding the new volume against a bookshelf backdrop, grinning as fans and fellow comedians flooded the comments with congrats. His shout-out to @nytimes confirms the title debuted on the list for hardcover nonfiction, marking a milestone in the seasoned entertainer’s literary career.
How Not To Get Shot Reaches #1
Hughley’s book, titled How Not to Get Shot: And Other Advice From White People, dives into his trademark blend of social commentary and hard-won humor. Released earlier this spring by Crown Publishing Group, the volume pairs personal anecdotes with pointed advice on policing, race relations, and safety in American cities. According to the publisher’s press release, the title landed at number one on the hardcover nonfiction chart in its first week—a feat the comedian-turned-author marked with pride.
This latest release is Hughley’s third full-length book. He first made waves on the bestseller circuit with 2005’s I Want You to Shut the F#ck Up and Eat!, followed by 2020’s Black Man, White House: An Oral History of the Obama Years. Each title has showcased his ability to mix candid storytelling with incisive wit—and this newest effort proves his audience is more eager than ever for Hughley’s unfiltered perspective.
Comedy Stage Still Sizzles
While Hughley enjoys this literary high, he hasn’t slowed down on stage. He wrapped a sold-out run at The Ice House in Pasadena on Wednesday, May 21. In an Instagram post promoting the show (https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ7PVnuRCQF/), Hughley teased “surprise comic drop-ins” and urged fans to grab the last remaining tickets for what he calls “another legendary night.” The post’s image features Hughley mid-set, microphone in hand, as laughter rippled through the club.
Fans have long praised his knack for live performance. Hughley got his start in stand-up at The Comedy Store in West Hollywood in 1990, and over the past three decades he’s toured worldwide, headlined TV specials, and starred in sitcoms—including his own series, The Hughleys, on ABC and UPN.
A Voice That Resonates
Readers and reviewers note that How Not to Get Shot stands out for its mix of humor and urgency. The book blends first-hand stories from Hughley’s travels with research on community policing, supplemented by interviews with activists and legal experts. “This book isn’t just comedy,” he told Essence magazine in an April interview. “It’s a conversation piece—and I wanted to do my part to spark dialogue about safety and accountability.”
USA Today called it “a bravely candid guide,” while Publishers Weekly praised its “sharp analysis backed by real-world experience.” Social media buzz has only intensified following Hughley’s announcement, with #TeamDL trending across multiple platforms.
Beyond The Page And Stage
In addition to his books and stand-up career, Hughley’s multimedia presence spans TV and radio. He hosted CNN’s satirical news show D.L. Hughley Breaks the News, fronted CNBC’s reality series Credit Card Wars, and has co-hosted The D.L. Hughley Morning Show, syndicated in over 20 markets since 2013. His voice on issues of race and politics has made him a sought-after commentator, from late-night talk shows to academic panels.
Hughley also supports community initiatives, working with nonprofits to promote youth mentorship in underserved neighborhoods. He often blends fundraising appeals into his stand-up routines, raising thousands of dollars for local charities.
As D. L. Hughley rides this wave of success, he’s already hinting at more projects in the works. Between late-night TV appearances, upcoming tour dates, and now a bestselling book under his belt, the comedian-author shows no signs of slowing down. Whether he’s on stage or on the page, Hughley continues to merge laughter with insight—and in the case of his new release, that formula has proven best-seller gold.
Fans can pick up a copy of How Not to Get Shot at bookstores nationwide and catch Hughley back on stage when he resumes touring later this summer.
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