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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
Awkward is definitely the word to describe this book. It starts out strong and then about halfway through it stops being funny and is just, well, *awkward*. There's an awkward chapter about black women and asian men that has race jokes that aren't funny, there's plenty of awkward childhood stories that take a strong pivot towards inspirational and motivational which is more weird than anything else, there's also awkward person anecdotes that read like deeply self-reflective diary entries instead of something meant for public consumption. The structure of the chapters didn't really make sense either. Why end with a not-funny chapter about coworkers when the chapter before it was about how the YouTube show got started and would've been the perfect transition into the acknowledgements? I wanted to like this so much! And in the first couple chapters I did like it! But halfway through her jokes fall flat over and over again (or at least they did to me). I think her style of humor is much better suited for film. Here? It was ok. That's all I can really say about it.
Refreshingly Real
Quick, clever and unique. I did not expect to finish this book in just one short day, but I couldn't put it down. Great insight and introduction to Issa Rae as a person. I selfishly wish the book was longer. Funny and relatable even for the not-so-awkward black girl.
Quick, clever and unique. I did not expect to finish this book in just one short day, but I couldn't put it down. Great insight and introduction to Issa Rae as a person. I selfishly wish the book was longer. Funny and relatable even for the not-so-awkward black girl.
I love Issa Rae and loved Insecure, but this didn't do a lot for me. Not as funny as I thought it would be, and not as insightful as I had hoped. I probably would feel differently if I had read it when it came out. It's not bad, and it was fine for a quick plane read, but not a lot really noteworthy in it.
I love Issa Rae. This was the perfect short and funny listen after a big heavy read. Perfect mix of self reflection, humor and observation of others. I’d listen/watch/read anything she does.
I fully wish that I’d read this book from the library instead of buying it and wasting 13 dollars+tax on it.
It pains me to give this book 3 stars because I do love Issa Rae & her work so much!! I just can’t bring myself to rate it higher/recommend it because of all of the icky diet culture stuff. Would absolutely not recommend reading (or, at the very least, skip over the chapter entitled “Fat”) if you have any eating related triggers because it is… very triggering to say the least. It was disappointing to read someone who I really admire and appreciate talk about diet culture in this way :/ The rest of the book was enjoyable to read, but just be wary of that going in!
As a fan of ABG and Rachetpiece theater, I was excited to learn that Issa Rae was releasing a book. There were several parts of the book that were laugh out loud funny. I was definitely given the side-eye while reading it during more than one commute. I would have preferred a different selection for the last chapter. It felt like the book just stopped versus having a planned ending. There are a few errors(e.g. missing words) which were distracting. Overall, an enjoyable read.
reflective
medium-paced