Reviews

Token Black Girl: A Memoir by Danielle Prescod

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kaelilili's review against another edition

5.0

I know the ratings of this book are mixed, and I know a large complaint is her blaming behaviors, but I do think Danielle hasn’t shied away from what SHE did to perpetuate her eating disorder and racist interactions. She placed blame on herself as well for how she continued those behaviors into adulthood. She just wanted to fit in with what was considered “good” and “stylish.” I believe she is justified in saying that her learned behaviors are the fault of the media and her parents not acknowledging her anti-Black views as a child. This book made me think about my own biases and experiences growing up in a white-centered society, which is exactly what this book aimed to do. Its message is to speak up about racism and to examine how our biases have been affected by the media and racist past, and I think it did its job well. It also gave me insight to another person‘s life, which develops the empathy Danielle encourages in her memoir. This book was enjoyable, and I can’t wait to hear Danielle speak in her interview for our Author Chats Bookclub meeting!

bookishobsessedmama's review against another edition

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4.0

I have such deep respect for the author to share her experiences and what she felt toward the world around her. I don’t like rating a memoir less than 4 stars because even if it doesn’t resonate with me, it’s the authors feelings and experiences on the page and that takes bravery and courage to do that.

I felt so sad for the author that she felt such hatred toward herself and her black community. I hope that there is an audience that felt seen and heard from her work and that writing it all down and publishing it was therapeutic for her.