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13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Satirical Stabs at Societal Frustrations, June 7, 2004
This review is from: The Angry Black Woman's Guide to Life (Paperback)
The Angry Black Woman's (ABW) Guide to Life is a tongue-in-cheek examination of black women's reactions and thoughts caused by societal and situational frustrations. Weighing in at about 160 pages, it covers a variety of topics (some better than others) in a variety of forms. It opens with a multiple-choice quiz to allow readers to determine their ABW type. The three categories of results align with personality types of both fictional and real women; examples are Mo'Nique/Aunt Esther, Diana Ross/Bernadine (Waiting to Exhale), and Claire Huxtable/Condoleezza Rice. The book continues along this path and highlights a variety of situations ranging from career (managers and coworkers), interpersonal relationships (men and children), and even analogies with angry white women. Filled with quizzes, lists, and scenarios, it fancies itself as an `in-your-face, no holds barred' synopsis of why black women are angry, what drives them crazy and comedic tips for coping with the madness that ensues. Of course, one should always tread lightly on race relations - dealing with generalities and stereotypes should be handled with care for obvious reasons. It cannot be argued that the authors took some liberties with their poetic license, because I personally did not find humor in every chapter; thus the middle of the road rating. The book offers a break from the normalcy found in today's contemporary fiction and if read with the right attitude a smile, laugh, or a nod in agreement can be gained. Reviewed by Phyllis
June 6, 2004
APOOO BookClub
The Nubian Circle Book Club
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
I would recommend that all ABWs check it out, March 30, 2004
This review is from: The Angry Black Woman's Guide to Life (Paperback)
I was really excited to get a copy of The ABW's Guide to Life. I thought this is a book that represents me! I took the quiz and scored on the high end the "Silent Stewer" and felt this indeed is a book all about me. The book started out strong with a chapter on historical ABWs and ABWs at
work. Dealing with our kids was also a favorite of mine. Some of the
other chapters I could not relate to which is fine all ABWs are not alike,
but there were also some chapters I did not think were as sharp or funny as
other chapters such as angry white women and dealing with our men. The book gave a name to some of the things I have felt or experienced as a
Black woman. It was validation of a sort to read that my life experiences
are part of the greater experience of Black woman. While I thought the
content was sometimes uneven, that aspect of the book was valuable to me
and I think would be valuable to other Black woman. The book was a quick read and I think there is something in there for every
ABW to enjoy. I would not say it was the wittiest book I have every read
and does not rate as one of my all time favorites, but based on the topic
alone I would recommend that all ABWs check it out for themselves. Reviewed by Melissa
MBC2004
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
All about angry black women, October 25, 2004
This review is from: The Angry Black Woman's Guide to Life (Paperback)
With its chic and sassy, sista-girl cover, and a title that begs one to pick it up off the shelves, The Angry Black Woman's Guide to Life was just what I was looking for as I settled in for the weekend after working hard all week. This book falls into the self-help and women's studies category and explains how black women should embrace their inner "Angry Black Woman" or ABW and how to understand the frustrations, stresses, and trivial things that manage to create havoc in our lives.
What makes this book so easy to read is that the authors combine their thoughts with examples, humor, and scenarios in which the reader can easily relate. It covers areas such as: identifying which type of ABW you are, dealing with other people (white and black), and communicating in relationships with spouses and children. My favorite chapter of the book is the history section in which they showcased prominent women in our past and present (even fictional characters from movies and books) who have made an impact on society and how their ABW "syndrome" assisted them in their endeavors. There is also a chapter thrown in about the angry white woman.
For those who consider themselves an ABW, or who may be in situations where you lose your temper, this would probably shed a little light on why. It may also be interesting reading if you're trying to understand other ABWs. While I found the book a bit humorous in spots, in others it seemed too stereotypical and read as if the authors were trying too hard to be funny. Overall, it was conversational and light in tone and through some of the quizzes I found myself uttering an "I know that's right" or "you go girl" or something of this nature, in agreement with the authors.
Reviewed by Mz. Melody of Loose Leaves Book Review
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