Honest Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book and honestly I feel that it allowed me to venture into someone else’s awkward like outside of my own. Here are a few of my takeaways from this book and why I rated it a 4.5/5:
1. Humor is a coping mechanism that needs to be STUDIED lol! It’s an art form honestly and awkward black people are the architects of it. There were parts of the book that I heavily related to, especially in my younger school days and my “internet hoe” days 🤣🤣
2. Black Awkwardness is not a one size fits all. There are different variations of awkwardness just like blackness. In my case I am Awkward and boujetto lol I can hang with anyone but I just struggle. I’ve embraced my awkwardness to the point it doesn’t bother me anymore lol
3. Her journey to creative success was very inspiring to me because she really started from the bottom career wise (not in a negative tone). I felt like I wasn’t too far off from my goals and that working your way up is not going to be handed to you.
4. Although Issa took charge of your glow up she was a bit shallow lmao let’s keep it real, but she made it work for her. It was good to see how she utilized her glow up and had her fun. That is something I personally wish I did more of in my 20’s lol
Overall this was a good read and def one of my favorite books. I would read it again.
In her book, Issa Rae offers a refreshing take on the complexities of identity, especially for the black community. The narrative emphasizes that humor is a vital coping mechanism and showcases the nuances of black awkwardness—it's not uniform and varies from person to person. Rae's journey from humble beginnings to a successful career serves as an inspiring blueprint for many striving to achieve their dreams. The book also touches on the importance of self-acceptance, illustrating how embracing one's quirks can lead to personal growth. Readers will find solidarity in shared experiences, especially those related to today's challenges in social interactions, career paths, and personal development. As Rae navigates her path, she encourages readers to appreciate their journey and the laughter along the way. This authenticity resonates deeply, making it a compelling read for anyone feeling out of place or searching for their unique voice in the world.