A review by ashliesydel
Black Friend: Essays by Ziwe

4.0

 

Apparently Ziwe is a former late-night host that had a talk show on Showtime for a few seasons, has a YouTube Channel, interviews celebs on Instagram-Live, and is a behind the scenes writer for various comedy shows. 

I had never heard of her. *shrugs*

But I was picking up what she was putting down. In a series of essays, Ziwe explores what it's like to be black, a black woman in a predominantly white space, a black woman with white friends who try to be allies but still cross the line, a black woman in the entertainment industry where everyone supposedly looks a like and just shares her overall thoughts and feelings. 

This was not a political read. It was written in a lighthearted way where you felt like you were just chatting with friends but addressing some heavy and disappointing topics. 

Ziwe acknowledges her privilege of attending some of the top schools in the country, never having to struggle financially, and being able to chase her dreams. 

She recognizes that not all persons especially persons of color have that. But she also sheds light on how money does not eliminate micro-aggressions and/or disrespect. She also dabbles a bit into sexism in the entertainment industry. 

I liked this book more than I thought I would. Ziwe narrated it herself and she has a very upbeat and bubbling voice that kept me clued in. 

I did not see this book as political, or a must read for those on personal explorations of race and/or womanhood. But I do feel like this is a good introduction to get you thinking and could be a good Book Club disscusion among friends especially mixed race and social class friend groups.