When a copy of You Can’t Touch My Hair: And Other Things I Still Have to Explain by Phoebe Robinson showed up at the door, I read a couple of pages.
Right from the introduction, I knew that I was going to love this book.
Robinson’s collection of essays on feminism, race and pop culture is compulsively readable and so, so relatable. She’s one of those writers whose authentic voice shines on every page – I could hear her speaking to me so clearly as I read. If you’ve ever listened to her podcast, 2 Dope Queens (that she co-hosts with Jessica Williams, formerly of The Daily Show), then I would guess you’d have a similar experience.
Robinson’s essays are littered with hashtags, slang, and amazing pop culture references. But don’t let that fool you – Robinson has some real stuff to say.
Essays include “Welcome to being Black” in which she talks about the experience of realizing that she’s somehow Other because of the colour of her skin and “How to Avoid Being the Black Friend” which covers advice like “Do Not Start Any Friendships with White People During the Summer Months”, “Call People out When They Say Unintentionally and Intentionally Racist Garbage” and “Take a Picture and See How Everyone Responds.”
Her essays are funny, obviously, but also not. There’s a story she includes where she was called “uppity”, how she once had to sit through a reading of a classmate’s play that involved a white woman falling in love with one of her female slaves and ended with the slave choosing to stay for love, rather than making a break for freedom (“no slave is ever, ever, ever, going to say yes to more slavery”), and about getting ignored at a Michaels when all she wanted to do was get a frame.
Honestly, there were times reading this book that made me want to shout. WHAT’S WRONG WITH PEOPLE????
Robinson’s book showcases a millennial black woman’s voice. She is so, so funny, and writes things that honestly make me laugh hysterically but then she calls me back by dropping a truth bomb that I can’t ignore.
If you’re looking for something to add to your Non-Fiction November roster, I would really recommend this. If you have listened to 2 Dope Queens and want more Phoebe Robinson in your life, I recommend this book. If you have no idea who Phoebe Robinson is, I recommend this book.
Thanks to Penguin Random House of Canada for an ARC of this book.
“WHAT’S WRONG WITH PEOPLE????” – I think this at least once a day. 🙂
This sounds great! Not my typical read, but I think I would like it. And I’m thinking my sister (who was once told that she was the “nicest Negro I’ve ever met”) would like it even more.
hahahaha totally, people are the worst.
I don’t even know what to say about that comment. People suck. I think your sister would find a LOT to connect to in this book.
I was shocked when she told me that. It was when she was living in Manitoba, but the lady who said it to her was a tourist from the southern US.
I admit I really have no idea of who Phoebe Robinson is and I’m still intrigued. I’m basically the worst podcast person ever though. I loved Jessica Williams on the Daily Show so I’m going to have to try 2 Dope Queens and go from there. The look on her face on the cover does totally make me want to pick this up.
Buzzfeed also did a really great piece on her: https://www.buzzfeed.com/alannabennett/the-world-better-get-ready-for-phoebe-robinson?utm_term=.goW2yOkV#.fa0dqbzP I should have linked to it.
Some of the outtakes from the cover photo shoot are equally excellent. I don’t know how they managed to choose one! I hope you do read this!
You’ve convinced me…I have to read this book! (Even if I get mad halfway through it at the incomprehensible stupidity of people in general.) It sounds like a great read…maybe even a good bookclub book. Thanks for the awesome review! 🙂
It would be really interesting to hear what a book club thought of this book!
I heard an interview with her on CBC a couple of weeks ago and thought her voice was very intriguing (and apparently she writes like she speaks – nothing fancy). I’m glad to hear that you found it so provocative (in a good way)!
She absolutely 100% writes the way she speaks. Provocative! That’s actually a good way to put it!
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