tearexmama's review
4.0
This is a really cool book with a lot of great information. Unfortunately, as an audiobook, it becomes monotonous and hard to listen to. There are so many women covered in the book, which is great, but the information flies by too quickly without adequate pause for reflection between. I frequently found myself wondering at all the various things a woman had accomplished, only to realize that I had missed an introduction to someone new.
I would very much like to sit down with a paper copy that I could take in slowly and in pieces, hopefully there are pictures in the paper book too so that I can more easily remember the names of these important women.
I would very much like to sit down with a paper copy that I could take in slowly and in pieces, hopefully there are pictures in the paper book too so that I can more easily remember the names of these important women.
tayler_liberationislit's review
3.0
In the age of unlearning history rooted in patriarchy and white supremacy, The Book of Awesome Black Women is so important. This book does just as the title suggests, highlights important Black women from history that many people may not have realized contributed greatly to our society. I wish I had a book like this when I was a little girl.
Throughout The Book of Awesome Black Women, we get a glimpse of the lives of Black women who have contributed to the arts, the science field, the political world, religious spaces, sports, and more. We see women featured from the time of slavery to contemporary society, each one opening the doors for the women who came after them and who continue to open doors for others to come. Multiple generations of Black women are highlighted throughout time.
Of course one of the biggest limitations of books like this is that they provide such a limited view of the person’s life, because if they didn’t, it would go on forever. This length was perfect for young people to get a grasp of important, and in some cases unknown, contributions of these Black women to stoke the interest to learn more.
Something else I grappled with reading The Book of Awesome Black Women was how it was co-authored by a white woman. It is disheartening to know a book has to depend on a white woman to prop it up to get the notoriety needed to get it in front of audiences, especially non-Black audiences who need this information just as much as Black people. However, I do appreciate Anderson realizing the need for a book specifically dedicated to Black women and their contributions, and elevating a Black woman to co-author the project.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to all young readers. Again, this book opens the mind to the sheer amount of Black women who have often been erased from history and provides a stepping stone to learn more about their stories.
Throughout The Book of Awesome Black Women, we get a glimpse of the lives of Black women who have contributed to the arts, the science field, the political world, religious spaces, sports, and more. We see women featured from the time of slavery to contemporary society, each one opening the doors for the women who came after them and who continue to open doors for others to come. Multiple generations of Black women are highlighted throughout time.
Of course one of the biggest limitations of books like this is that they provide such a limited view of the person’s life, because if they didn’t, it would go on forever. This length was perfect for young people to get a grasp of important, and in some cases unknown, contributions of these Black women to stoke the interest to learn more.
Something else I grappled with reading The Book of Awesome Black Women was how it was co-authored by a white woman. It is disheartening to know a book has to depend on a white woman to prop it up to get the notoriety needed to get it in front of audiences, especially non-Black audiences who need this information just as much as Black people. However, I do appreciate Anderson realizing the need for a book specifically dedicated to Black women and their contributions, and elevating a Black woman to co-author the project.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this book to all young readers. Again, this book opens the mind to the sheer amount of Black women who have often been erased from history and provides a stepping stone to learn more about their stories.
hannahmarierobbins's review
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
4.0
This is a brilliant, thorough, and exciting encyclopaedia of Black American women from across different walks of life from scientists, entrepreneurs, musicians, authors, astronauts, and activists. I was so excited to discover that it is trans-inclusive and includes activism for women’s and LGBTQIA+ rights. The authors do not shy away from details about enslavement, assault, and abuse in among the biographies although the book is very clearly focused on the power and impact of these individuals.
The style and tone is centred in Black excellence and celebrates lots of first (and only) stories as well as a capitalist gains, which won’t be for everyone. I listened to the audiobook, which is very enjoyable, but would definitely opt for a hard copy where you can look up/discover new women each time you pick it up.
Thanks to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for the audiobook ARC.
The style and tone is centred in Black excellence and celebrates lots of first (and only) stories as well as a capitalist gains, which won’t be for everyone. I listened to the audiobook, which is very enjoyable, but would definitely opt for a hard copy where you can look up/discover new women each time you pick it up.
Thanks to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for the audiobook ARC.
voidbexx's review
4.0
I already knew that the successes of women, especially of black women, are overlooked and buried but this book showed me just how deeply disturbing this problem is. our world and our history is rich in wonderful and successful black women and we have to recognise them and praise them.
Huge thanks to M.J. Fievre, Becca Anderson and RB Media for this opportunity to read the advance copy of this book on NetGalley.
Huge thanks to M.J. Fievre, Becca Anderson and RB Media for this opportunity to read the advance copy of this book on NetGalley.
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