Reviews

They Don't Dance No' Mo by Hanif Abdurraqib

Only show reviews with written explanations

jp_quinn's review against another edition

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funny reflective sad medium-paced

4.5

lizal33's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

5.0

wapisiw's review against another edition

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4.5

What can I say with nearly the intelligence and thoughtfulness? Nothing. 4.5 stars. Sometimes i floundered but there he was again with a hand inviting me back in

ryliereadss's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

The book hooks you by first talking about dancing marathons and you can’t look away after. The essays about times he has forced himself to dance are so poetic. There was a lot of research put into this collection about black performers and I felt like I learned so much. He balances personal stories, his observations about past and current black performers and the discourse that surrounds them, and history so well. I loved the essays in the fourth Movement, those were some of my favorite. Incredible work, I can’t wait to read his newest collection!!

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artist_lace's review against another edition

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hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

This collected history of black performance in the US thoughtfully examines the ways American culture was shifted by these contributions. Whether the performance, artist, or movement was accepted or met with resistance, the iconic and cultural impacts deserve appreciation for the ways in which they’ve shaped our lives. The book is beautifully written and engaging, blending the author's personal reflections with a celebration of black entertainment, while also examining the racism and resistance playing alongside these moments.