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3.77 AVERAGE
3.77 AVERAGE
I didn’t know this was a collection of graphic stories so I was expecting a singular narrative. I am glad to have a window into the world of Black women’s hair and gladder still that a book like this exists because I think it is an important read, especially if you have never learned about the history of Black hair in the USA. This history is not laid out in this book as it is more of a memoir than an explanatory book, but I think it makes a great jumping off point to learn more, especially for middle/high school students. The personal tone and the vignette nature of the stories give intimate glimpses into the lives of many women in a variety of stages of life with hair as a central aspect of each tale. I enjoyed the loose drawing style and the handwritten text, both of which reminded me a little of Lynda Barry. I’m left wanting more and would love to read a longer memoir by Flowers.
Ebony Flowers' Hot Comb is a series of short comics with a recurring theme of Black hair, with a series of satirical ads for imaginary hair products in between. But the book is also a nuanced, complex look at the relationships between Black women in particular, as well as a look at how hair relates to poverty and social class. Maybe because there are no easy answers the stories often feel a bit short and deliberately but frustratingly incomplete. The art style is rough but easy to follow and ultimately compelling. One story had an exceptionally good portrayal of hair pulling disorder (formerly known as trichotillomania). Overall I'm glad this book exist.
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
funny
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Ebony Flowers illustrates this set of autobiographical short stories in graphic novel format in black & white, in an informal, sketchy style that conveys an unembellished, casual, & up-front outlook. (It's possible some of them are autobiographical and others are fiction - but every page looks & sounds like real people in a well-remembered incident.)
One-page hand-drawn reproductions of hair products for African hair punctuate each short story, in which Ebony Flowers shares a personal incident or point of view that feels honest & vulnerable. Some of the characters are heroic, fierce, or happy, and some of the characters are disappointed, confused, or hesitant - people of all ages & body-types. This range makes them all feel believable & unpretentious, presented without judgment or even much commentary, so readers are left to draw their own conclusions - which feels respectful and communal in a way.
Ebony Flowers strikes me as brave to share these sometimes-unflattering observations of (what is probably) herself & the people close to her. I'm really glad I read it; I've had a glimpse into some scenes that don't come up in my own life. For me, it's a window into the lives of many people who I live or work near, and it seems like there are many readers who would see themselves in these pages.
Although my library keeps it on the adult side of the library, there's nothing in here that would be unfamiliar to most people in middle school or older.
One-page hand-drawn reproductions of hair products for African hair punctuate each short story, in which Ebony Flowers shares a personal incident or point of view that feels honest & vulnerable. Some of the characters are heroic, fierce, or happy, and some of the characters are disappointed, confused, or hesitant - people of all ages & body-types. This range makes them all feel believable & unpretentious, presented without judgment or even much commentary, so readers are left to draw their own conclusions - which feels respectful and communal in a way.
Ebony Flowers strikes me as brave to share these sometimes-unflattering observations of (what is probably) herself & the people close to her. I'm really glad I read it; I've had a glimpse into some scenes that don't come up in my own life. For me, it's a window into the lives of many people who I live or work near, and it seems like there are many readers who would see themselves in these pages.
Although my library keeps it on the adult side of the library, there's nothing in here that would be unfamiliar to most people in middle school or older.
Black cultural and racial identity framed around the process of caring for and styling hair.
I was excited to read this book and it did pique my interest throughout with the unique art style and uncommonly portrayed perspective. Still, it may be a personal thing but I just am not drawn as much into short stories and snippets versus a more cohesive narrative. I did, however, enjoy some frames quite a lot and thought the art conveyed emotions in a very organic way from more commonly traditional styles.
I would actually probably give this book 3.5 stars so a bit of a bump is due. This is a graphic novel, short-story collection by Ebony Flowers. Because it was very quick stories, it was hard to get engaged in the characters but it seems to take nice, quick dives into African-American culture. Many of the stories revolve around hair and points out the interesting role hair can play in a culture, family and individual. It was a quick read! Simple drawings that seem to just make all the stories more straightforward. Would probably recommend.
This collection of short stories really grew on me. The artwork has a chaotic but charming quality to it and lends itself well to the narrative, which is mostly told from the vantage point of a young Black girl dealing with all manner of cultural and social issues surrounding hair. My favorite story was "My Little Sister Lena," which was a punch in the gut. Lena plays on an all- or mostly-white softball team and the other players are so obsessed with touching and comment on Lena's hair that she develops a neurotic habit of pulling out her own hair. A habit she seemingly is never able to break. Flowers does a great job of capturing the innocence, joy, uncertainty, and self-consciousness of youth while exploring larger social themes and family dynamics.