Customer Reviews

Nappy: Growing Up Black and Female in America

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

This was a book that all of black america (especially black men) should read. Anybody on this side of the color bar knows, HAIR IS A BIG DEAL. It really widned my eyes (and I do mean widened, 'cause mine are already open) to the plight and inner struggles a sister goes through just with her hair. To conform or not to conform, that is the question? To weave or not to weave? To let a hot comb sizzle your ears or let curling irons burn your neck? To perm or let the roots go back to Africa? Why does Jheri curl? Whether we admit it or not, hairstyle (or lack of) is another one of our intercultural racisms. (We won't get into that light-skinned, dark-skinned thing.) And corporate America ain't down with hairstyles that represent freedom and any attachment to the Motherland. The author has an open, honest, easy going style that sucked me into the story from page one, and I look forward to devouring her future projects. Miss Gibson, keep pen to paper, continiously move onward and upward toward the light.

Aliona is a gifted and awesome storyteller. Her book details her experience in a truthful (and sometimes comedic way). She definitely pulls you into her life and allos you to feel what she is feeling. I can't wait to see more from her!

This book documented what so many of us experience growing up as a "double" minority in this country. Aliona, congratulations to you and everyone who survives the madness and the struggles and still has the courage to get up and face the next day and whatever it brings.