Reviews

Token Black Girl: A Memoir by Danielle Prescod

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spatterson12's review against another edition

5.0

I starting following this author on instagram in 2021 and really enjoy her content. I love how she considers the accessibility component of social media and practices environmental consciousness. When I saw she had a memoir coming out, I was excited to learn more about her background since I joined her page so late in the game.

There’s so much to be said about the vulnerability she shared in her writing. To expose how life was in the fashion industry as a Black woman and how some of the more commonplace ways of thinking were ingrained into her practice at times. I keep thinking back to the work event dinner where she didn’t have an ally at the table, and to her point that even just 10 years ago — allies weren’t really a thing. I also think about the story of leaving midday to get her hair done and the repercussions from that choice. Oh, and the excitement of getting her Spice Girls T-shirt only for the other girls to ruin that feeling.

She’s such a fantastic writer. Really respected that.

TW: eating disorders

kaelilili's review against another edition

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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.