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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
This is a book that I read in a day. What I enjoyed about the book is that it really felt like things I hear myself say and don't often get to share with others for the sake of being anymore of the "odd one" than I already. So for me was it groundbreaking? No, but the fact that I was able to completely identify with someone who is from a completly different heritage, different familial structure, and has all of my respect and admiration for her work, is a rewarding experience. I only wish that it had been written when I was a 6th grader and I had to choose a book to steal from my mother's bookshelf because I think it would have paired nicely with the Pearl Cleage and Connie Briscoe novels that were taken. :)
This memoir was a perfect audiobook choice for a long car drive. Issa Rae wasn’t really on my radar until after the success of Insecure. I’d heard about the Awkward Black Girl, but I didn’t invest time into the series or book. I realize now what a mistake that was. As a fellow ABG, I saw myself within many of Issa’s stories. I feel validated by her insights and honored by her honesty. My one wish is that I had a better understanding of her timeline and the friends in her life. The overwhelming amount of times and places was hard to keep track of; however, she did warn us in the introduction to “deal with it.”
This book is vignette style, which is not typically my favorite, but I found it engaging and insightful. There were parts that I found myself laughing out loud, and I like that she tells it like it is. I’m now following Issa Rae on IG.
I was LOVING this book, until I realized that there is some weird Asian hate/profiling happening a few places in the book.
I went for the audio book version, because I love hearing things from straight out of the author's mouth.3 times this happens that stood out to me: first, when she said a friend at her camp had (racial slur here, rimes with "sink") eyes. Next, she does a mocking ESL Asian accent when relaying a conversation. She includes dialogue multiple times in the book with folks from non-American backgrounds, and never once does she do those accents, but when an Asian person is spoken of she does. Finally, she's already caught some heat for suggesting Asian men pair up with Black women, but it's worth it to note that her joke about Pilipino culture fell flat for me. Like, what's that even supposed to mean?
I'm sure there are some that I missed, and I understand that she's a comedian and jokes are jokes and all, but a racial slur doesn't really feel like the kind of "joke" I'd care to be in on.
Rest of the book was great, but I don't feel like I can give it 5 stars in any good conscience.
I went for the audio book version, because I love hearing things from straight out of the author's mouth.3 times this happens that stood out to me: first, when she said a friend at her camp had (racial slur here, rimes with "sink") eyes. Next, she does a mocking ESL Asian accent when relaying a conversation. She includes dialogue multiple times in the book with folks from non-American backgrounds, and never once does she do those accents, but when an Asian person is spoken of she does. Finally, she's already caught some heat for suggesting Asian men pair up with Black women, but it's worth it to note that her joke about Pilipino culture fell flat for me. Like, what's that even supposed to mean?
I'm sure there are some that I missed, and I understand that she's a comedian and jokes are jokes and all, but a racial slur doesn't really feel like the kind of "joke" I'd care to be in on.
Rest of the book was great, but I don't feel like I can give it 5 stars in any good conscience.
“I needed to see more from my movies than the extremely tragic black woman, or the magic helpless Negro or the many black men in dresses.”
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“In her hilarious debut book, Issa Rae uses the brilliantly wry voice she's honed in her searing and necessary webseries to tell a story that is so personal yet so universal: awkward girl becomes awkward woman, and in doing so realizes that awkward is the best way to be.”
•••••
I will shamelessly say that I have lost count of how many times I’ve read this book. Lol I’ve been an Issa Rae fan wayyyy before Insecure and even this book. I’m talking Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl web series. Curled up in my twin size bed in my dorm, watching on my iPad laughing crying. This woman is genius and really knows how to make you feel seen. A whole lot of “I know that’s right” and “sameeeee girl” energy in everything she writes. She takes us on a journey through her early life, school life, young adult life and everything that makes her who she is. The juvenile mishaps, the not so great dating experiences….people trying to turn your hair into a petting zoo…trust me when I say you will find a way to relate. I highly recommend this book. It’s raw, real and relatable (sometimes too relatable because how do you know my life). Swipe left for my visit to Inglewood in front of the infamous Dunes apartment. Can’t believe the Insecure series is over. *ugly cry face*
•••••
“In her hilarious debut book, Issa Rae uses the brilliantly wry voice she's honed in her searing and necessary webseries to tell a story that is so personal yet so universal: awkward girl becomes awkward woman, and in doing so realizes that awkward is the best way to be.”
•••••
I will shamelessly say that I have lost count of how many times I’ve read this book. Lol I’ve been an Issa Rae fan wayyyy before Insecure and even this book. I’m talking Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl web series. Curled up in my twin size bed in my dorm, watching on my iPad laughing crying. This woman is genius and really knows how to make you feel seen. A whole lot of “I know that’s right” and “sameeeee girl” energy in everything she writes. She takes us on a journey through her early life, school life, young adult life and everything that makes her who she is. The juvenile mishaps, the not so great dating experiences….people trying to turn your hair into a petting zoo…trust me when I say you will find a way to relate. I highly recommend this book. It’s raw, real and relatable (sometimes too relatable because how do you know my life). Swipe left for my visit to Inglewood in front of the infamous Dunes apartment. Can’t believe the Insecure series is over. *ugly cry face*
A fun read that was at times painfully relatable for this #teamawkwardwhitegirl!
Funny and familiar, this memoir should be required reading for young women of all backgrounds. As an awkward black girl myself, I so loved reading her story and listening to someone like me. I can't say enough how important to me it was to read a funny black girl's story at this time in my life.
funny
Easy listen with lots of giggles and great stories. This made me love Issa Rae even more!
There weren't any deep insights here and I question the depths of the authors awkwardness, but the book was entertaining and did provide a window into a life very different from mine in some ways but surprisingly similar in others.
Really funny biography. I thought it was going to be more in depth on her work and filmmaking tips but it was more like a memoir. Her life, although awkward, has been very interesting! Loved it! And i could totally relate to it being an introverted black female!
Can't wait till her show "Insecure" comes out on HBO!
Can't wait till her show "Insecure" comes out on HBO!