mcc1246's review against another edition
5.0
This is a book I will keep coming back to for a refresher! There were so many people and events mentioned that I found myself constantly on Google for more background and pictures! I started out learning about Don Cornelius and YouTube’ing the one time he took to the Soul Train line. I did lose a bit of traction on “An Epilogue for Aretha” but it WAS a long funeral. My favorite was the breakdown of Dave Chappelle in “This one goes out to all the Magical Negros” as I’ve only recently became a fan of his standup comedy. The most thought provoking for me was “Sixteen ways of looking at Blackface”…. the author was able to clearly describe feelings I was unable to put into words.
ansmith917's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
I binge-listened to the audiobook narrated by JD Jackson within a week after this book was recommended to me a little while back. Jackson's voice captured the tone of this book perfectly, and I thought his brief Jack Nicholson impersonation from The Departed was hilarious. Everything about this book was on point and I learned so much. I absolutely loved the format- the way Hanif artfully wove his own experiences with the history of Black performance and culture in such a raw, engaging, and honest way was both brilliant and heart-wrenching. He is one hell of a writer and I can't wait to check out more of his books and poetry.
As someone who grew up and still lives in Columbus, Ohio and who happened to attend Beechcoft my freshman year from 2003-2004 (as a white queer skater goth no less), I have an even deeper appreciation for the mention of the sock hops and off-campus lunches. Admittedly, I was one of those kids who would take off during lunch sometimes, usually on my skateboard with the diverse group of skater friends I made there. I also grew up checking out the hefty music scene here and appreciated Hanif's mention of it, as well as the apparent racial problems that have and still do exist within it. Then there's the overarching gentrification and the segregated neighborhoods divided by highways here on which I also appreciated hearing about his commentary and experience. There is still so much work to do.
Much love to Hanif, Beechcroft alumni, the city of Columbus (even if it's bittersweet), and all of the Black artists who have lived their truths despite the adversity of systemic racism and paved the way for future generations and voices like Hanif's. ❤
As someone who grew up and still lives in Columbus, Ohio and who happened to attend Beechcoft my freshman year from 2003-2004 (as a white queer skater goth no less), I have an even deeper appreciation for the mention of the sock hops and off-campus lunches. Admittedly, I was one of those kids who would take off during lunch sometimes, usually on my skateboard with the diverse group of skater friends I made there. I also grew up checking out the hefty music scene here and appreciated Hanif's mention of it, as well as the apparent racial problems that have and still do exist within it. Then there's the overarching gentrification and the segregated neighborhoods divided by highways here on which I also appreciated hearing about his commentary and experience. There is still so much work to do.
Much love to Hanif, Beechcroft alumni, the city of Columbus (even if it's bittersweet), and all of the Black artists who have lived their truths despite the adversity of systemic racism and paved the way for future generations and voices like Hanif's. ❤
delmarche's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.25
officially apart of the abdurraqib hive 🫡
“okay, lover. it is just us now. the only way out is through.”
abdurraqib truly handles each essay with the most tender care, even moreso when he is detailing the uglier parts involved in black performance — and i am pleasantly blown away. his prose is just so touching. i would like to mold words together in the way that he does. my goodness. my physical copy is just tab after tab after tab…
“okay, lover. it is just us now. the only way out is through.”
abdurraqib truly handles each essay with the most tender care, even moreso when he is detailing the uglier parts involved in black performance — and i am pleasantly blown away. his prose is just so touching. i would like to mold words together in the way that he does. my goodness. my physical copy is just tab after tab after tab…
codyk's review
5.0
Some of the essays might confuse you, challenge you or speak right to you. And that’s all part of what makes it such an important read.