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A review by a_novel_ty
Small Doses: Potent Truths for Everyday Use by Amanda Seales
3.0
I'm a very recent fan of Amanda Seales. She popped up on my radar after the very viral video of her gathering Caitlyn Jenner and declaring—not only for herself but I felt like, for all black women across the diaspora—that she was 'passionate, not hostile'. PLEASE say it louder for the people in the back. I followed her on the socials, became a "dabbling" fan of her podcast of the same name "Small Doses". Gaffawed at her real and oh so relatable comedy special "I BE KNOWIN", and even had the night of my life at her live comedic style game show, "Smart Funny and Black." So it was a no brainer for me to decide I was going to read this book when she announced its release because I appreciate not only her voice, but her point of view.
I do, however, have a weird relationship with non-fiction books, in that it's hard for me to stay focused enough on them for an extended period of time, to get through them. Regardless of how much I'm enjoying them. So I waited until Small Doses was released in audiobook format, which was an A1 call on my part because I do not think I would have enjoyed this at all otherwise.
This was just not what I was expecting...and it may not be fair for me to project my expectations on the overall rating of this book, but it is what it is. I went into this book expecting to get to know more about Amanda. I wanted to hear stories about her career, her journey and path to success, childhood, teenage and young adult traumas and/or wins that helped shaped who she is today. I expected her story with of course Small Doses of wisdom, insights, advice, and lessons learned sprinkled in to round out the overall story. And in a sense, we got that, but it was more of an insight into Amanda's view on different topics, the state of the culture and world we live in, thoughts on relationships, friendships, career, etc. All good things...but things that you can get on a weekly basis just by listening to her podcast for free.
Don't get me wrong, I can appreciate that this book is a concentrated, focused and streamlined version of her Podcast and there were certainly some Gems Dropped as noted by a segment found throughout this book and in the aforementioned podcast. But again...I can get that every week in an hour-long format or even on a more regular basis from her insta posts/stories.
All in all, my biggest gripe with this book is that I was expecting to get to know more about Amanda Seales, instead of listening to what was essentially an 8 hour long, Small Doses podcast. I laughed a little, was intrigued, and even enlightened by a particular Dropped Gem regarding relationships. And for anyone looking for a different perspective and opinion on the world we live in, this would be a great book and an easy recommendation. It just was not what I was looking for or expecting when I picked this up. And if that's on me, I'll take it. Regardless, my rating and feelings stand.
I do, however, have a weird relationship with non-fiction books, in that it's hard for me to stay focused enough on them for an extended period of time, to get through them. Regardless of how much I'm enjoying them. So I waited until Small Doses was released in audiobook format, which was an A1 call on my part because I do not think I would have enjoyed this at all otherwise.
This was just not what I was expecting...and it may not be fair for me to project my expectations on the overall rating of this book, but it is what it is. I went into this book expecting to get to know more about Amanda. I wanted to hear stories about her career, her journey and path to success, childhood, teenage and young adult traumas and/or wins that helped shaped who she is today. I expected her story with of course Small Doses of wisdom, insights, advice, and lessons learned sprinkled in to round out the overall story. And in a sense, we got that, but it was more of an insight into Amanda's view on different topics, the state of the culture and world we live in, thoughts on relationships, friendships, career, etc. All good things...but things that you can get on a weekly basis just by listening to her podcast for free.
Don't get me wrong, I can appreciate that this book is a concentrated, focused and streamlined version of her Podcast and there were certainly some Gems Dropped as noted by a segment found throughout this book and in the aforementioned podcast. But again...I can get that every week in an hour-long format or even on a more regular basis from her insta posts/stories.
All in all, my biggest gripe with this book is that I was expecting to get to know more about Amanda Seales, instead of listening to what was essentially an 8 hour long, Small Doses podcast. I laughed a little, was intrigued, and even enlightened by a particular Dropped Gem regarding relationships. And for anyone looking for a different perspective and opinion on the world we live in, this would be a great book and an easy recommendation. It just was not what I was looking for or expecting when I picked this up. And if that's on me, I'll take it. Regardless, my rating and feelings stand.