Customer Reviews

The Angry Black Woman's Guide to Life

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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

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

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

Indeed the book is a quick read, but I found it entertaining. You really don't have to be angry to read ABW, and men will love this book too. Cute, and different.

Denene, Angela, & Mitiz have come together and presented a book that every woman can say Amen to. These three ladies take a look at the many generations of black woman who have truly impacted the lives of black and white woman of today. The authors of "The Angry Black Woman's Guides To Life", breaks down to the reader what it's like to be an angry black woman (A.B.W) and what it takes to keep an A.B.W. happy. The ladies go as far as to discuss our Caucasian sisters - the angry white woman (A.W.W) explaining how these sisters can represent like any A.B.W. Not only do they explain what it takes to be an A.W.W. and A.B.W. they also tell you about some famous ABW & AWW of our own generation and the generations before us.

The authors of this book have put together an exceptionally well thought book that encourages woman of all races. This book is an excellent read for anyone trying to figure out any woman.


Missy B
R.E.A.L. Reviewer

My mother sent me this book to belittle a choice I've made. I read the cover summary, took the quiz, and decided to read the book. It was a lighthearted, yet supportive book for me - a woman who says what she means, means what she says, and gets ALL KINDS of drama for it... I know that my mother expected it to get a rise out me that generated negative energy, but NOPE!!!This was a good little read.

This is great book, very entertaining. I didn't even know I was angry (ha,ha). I easily indentified with the women who wrote it. Very enjoyable reading. Males don't be scared to pick up a copy: read it and then pass it on to the angry women in your life.

THE ANGRY BLACK WOMAN'S GUIDE TO LIFE is an outrageously funny, no holds barred book that takes you deep into the mindset of ABW's (angry black women) everywhere.

Not your typical "how-to book", this guide is chock-full of questionnaires, quizzes and scenarios (including what and what not to do). Got a trifling man? Bad children? If so, then you definitely need to read this book. It not only deals with those issues, but it also shows you how to effectively deal with racists, situations in the workplace, those "ghetto fabulous" people that we oftentimes hate to claim as a part of our race, and any other situation that you can think of where finger-popping, neck-swiveling, talk to the hand gestures, and instant attitude would be the ABW's first reaction.

A mere 160 pages, THE ANGRY BLACK WOMAN'S GUIDE TO LIFE is short and to the point. I often found myself laughing out loud and nodding my head in agreement with everything, as will most other women who read this. I also realized that I may be in denial about it, but I am an angry black woman, and there is nothing wrong with a little righteous anger. This was unequivocally the best "how-to" book I have ever read.

Reviewed by Renee Williams
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

The Angry Black Woman's Guide is not a good book. Period. I wouldn't even call it a book. Ok, its referred to as a "guide," but it's not that either. I thought it would have some really helpful, thoughtful tips along with the humor, but it doesn't. I purchased this because I try to support fellow African American female writers, but this book really is a piece of junk/fluff. It is stuff a sixth grader could put together. There is no real intellectual value to it, it is clichéd, so it's really not funny; punctuation issues abound, it's overly stereotypical, and I want to know what its purpose is. It seems like three women were given the go-ahead to write a book on whatever they wanted, and they chose this clownish, easy, completely unchallenging topic. The only good thing about the book is the cover art. I am really disappointed because I respect Denene Millner as a writer/journalist and have followed Angela Burt-Murray's work at Essence and at Teen People. I am not really familiar with Mitzi Miller's work outside of her small bits at the now defunct Honey magazine. This book just has no value, I really wish I knew what's its purpose was.

The authors of The Angry Black Woman's Guides To Life tell what it is really like to be a black woman and what it takes to keep an a black woman happy. Together these three write an expectantly well thought of book that encourages woman of all races & ethnics.