kateleos's review
DNF, I'm sorry. I love Phoebe, but this is the second book by a Black female comedian I love that I've had to quit in the last few months because they use Asian stereotypes as a punchline. Do better, please.
audreysova's review against another edition
4.0
I love Phoebe and I adored these essays! There were moments that were incredibly funny and also moments so poignant and well researched. They all felt very timely and of course she kept things engaging throughout. The audiobook as well felt extra special to get to hear her tell the stories in her own voice.
caitlinanncran's review
5.0
Listening to this on audio was like a 9 1/2 hour stand-up routine and had me laughing out loud at least every ten seconds. I loved it SO much. I so appreciated her perspective on everything, full of hilarity and honesty and warmth and also depth, and I learned many things throughout all the laughter, and would have kept listening forever if I could have! Absolutely top-notch.
pmhandley's review
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
Phoebe Robinson never disappoints, and just like her previous books, this one lives up to expectations. What more is there to say!
sbsterling's review
4.0
I'm giving this book a lot of stars even though, like many others, there are parts made up of far too many words. If you remember that it's essays and not a memoir that's helpful and if you treat it like a chill hang with your bestie that never stops talking I think that's helpful too.
annmariereads's review
4.0
Phoebe’s third book has completely solidified her status as a literary QUEEN.
moodreader89's review
4.0
This book was witty and hilarious! I really enjoyed Robinson’s style and honesty; she’s amazing!
books_in_badgerland's review against another edition
funny
informative
medium-paced
4.0
Sometimes I want to read for fun, and books of essays seem to deliver for me. Phoebe Robinson and Samantha Irby are two authors that crack me up. I hope to read and share more of their work this year.
✨ thoughts ✨
This is Phoebe's third book of essays. As expected, there were multiple laugh out loud parts. (#Quaranbae) She also discusses serious issues from the perspective of a black woman: the chaotic happenings of 2020, being a business owner, beauty standards of black women, and more. Some points were new to me while others hammered home societal areas of opportunity. She describes how some efforts white people have made to improve race relations were performative and/or not helpful. She educates about the black hair world, and how there hasn't been enough representation of 4C hair (tightest curl pattern). She points out there are not enough role models for black female business owners even though black buying power is HUGE. I could definitely relate to the essay about being a 30-something child-free-by-choice woman.
Note: Familiarize yourself with Phoebe Robinson before reading this book (or listening, which I recommend), either through IG or her comedy specials. Two Dope Queens is an amazing HBO show and podcast, and Phoebe's Thirsty Thursday posts are the highlight of my life. The negative reviews I read were all due to readers not understanding her style. #youbroughtthisuponyourself
(⭐️RATING⭐️): I love her and will always recommend her work.
(⭐️RATING⭐️): I love her and will always recommend her work.
thewordwitch's review
4.0
As with any book of essays, this is a bit of a mixed bag. A couple I was less interested in, but the ones that are good are just so good, particularly the ones about race and hair. I listened to the audiobook, and I think that helps with the delivery of the jokes.