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rekadarnb 's review for:
The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl
by Issa Rae
Review: I was really excited about this book from Ms. Issa Rae, as I watch her web series of the same title on YouTube. I find her videos highly relatable and extremely funny, and I sometimes watch them whenever I need a pick-me-up; so naturally I assumed that the book would have a similar effect on me. I was wrong. I’m not going to say that I was completely disappointed. There were times when I laughed a little bit louder for public comfort, but those were far and few between. I’m beginning to find that books labeled as “humor” are just autobiographical books with a small hint of giggles on the side, or basically “here are my opinions with some embarrassing stories to go with it.” I don’t know how I feel about this. Don’t get me wrong, I was interested in learning about her life, but if you’re going to do something autobiographical, as a reader I’m more concerned on how she got some of the jokes for the show, how she got some of her cast members on board, etc. I mean, some of that stuff may not be funny, but I think it gives a good outline on how others, especially minorities, can aspire to similar goals. There’s also something that I found highly disturbing about this whole book: her complete and utter omission of “nigga.” I kept waiting on it to pop up and just the right moment, only to be thoroughly disappointed. It’s not as if she doesn’t say it on her web series, so I fully expected it to be in the book. It was not. I don’t like that. Was it omitted because it wouldn’t appeal to the masses? Then, fuck the masses. I also didn't understand it when she said "moderate feminist." What the hell is a moderate feminist? Confused. All and all, I think I’d rather stick to her videos on YouTube, at least I can get some real talk on there for certain.
Favorite Chapter: “Leading Lady” This chapter basically calls Hollywood out on its BS. The 90s were such an epic time for television, and then black disappeared only to come back on the screen playing the same tired stereotypical caricatures. It’s sad.
Favorite Quote: She gives a really relatable description of how I feel about race on page 60 of the book; I’ll spare you (and myself) the two paragraphs. I also died when she referred to AJ’s hair on 106 & Park as “velociraptor braids.” (p. 62) Dead.
Recommend? If you like the series, I do think the book is worth a shot. I just don’t think you should have the same expectations that you would have in comparison to the show. I also think it’s important to support my fellow sisters/brothers of color.
Re-read? Honestly? Probably not :-/
Favorite Chapter: “Leading Lady” This chapter basically calls Hollywood out on its BS. The 90s were such an epic time for television, and then black disappeared only to come back on the screen playing the same tired stereotypical caricatures. It’s sad.
Favorite Quote: She gives a really relatable description of how I feel about race on page 60 of the book; I’ll spare you (and myself) the two paragraphs. I also died when she referred to AJ’s hair on 106 & Park as “velociraptor braids.” (p. 62) Dead.
Recommend? If you like the series, I do think the book is worth a shot. I just don’t think you should have the same expectations that you would have in comparison to the show. I also think it’s important to support my fellow sisters/brothers of color.
Re-read? Honestly? Probably not :-/