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patdg's review against another edition
4.0
I’m not too big on essays but this book had many relatable topics about being a Black woman.
From #BlackGirlMagic to Sarah Hemings, our blackness was put in to the spotlight. There were chapters which I couldn’t relate too all that much however it was excellent to see the parallels to women growing up in Britain and growing up in the United States.
For every Black woman, this is a good read and for those from other backgrounds, there is much that you can learn and understand about us as a collective from this beautiful collection of essays.
From #BlackGirlMagic to Sarah Hemings, our blackness was put in to the spotlight. There were chapters which I couldn’t relate too all that much however it was excellent to see the parallels to women growing up in Britain and growing up in the United States.
For every Black woman, this is a good read and for those from other backgrounds, there is much that you can learn and understand about us as a collective from this beautiful collection of essays.
jess_mango's review
5.0
4.5 stars
In her new essay collection, author Kenya Hunt with the help of a handful of other authors, discuss what it means to be a Black woman in today's world. The essays are all thought provoking and are often humorous. They explore everything from what it means to be a Black woman in American vs. England to what it really means to be a "bad bitch". In the collection, Hunt shows vulnerability and discusses how there are more ways to be a Black woman other than the "Strong Black Woman" persona. Hunt herself grew up in America but moved to England as an adult and became an editor at Elle magazine, where she helped to promote black representation in that publication. In the collection, we see the authors voice their frustrations with the stereotypes for Black women that still exist in modern society. The collection is relevant and references the pandemic, Obama, and Trumps presidencies and how they each in turn impacted the lives of Black women.
So good. So readable. Pick it up already!
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!
In her new essay collection, author Kenya Hunt with the help of a handful of other authors, discuss what it means to be a Black woman in today's world. The essays are all thought provoking and are often humorous. They explore everything from what it means to be a Black woman in American vs. England to what it really means to be a "bad bitch". In the collection, Hunt shows vulnerability and discusses how there are more ways to be a Black woman other than the "Strong Black Woman" persona. Hunt herself grew up in America but moved to England as an adult and became an editor at Elle magazine, where she helped to promote black representation in that publication. In the collection, we see the authors voice their frustrations with the stereotypes for Black women that still exist in modern society. The collection is relevant and references the pandemic, Obama, and Trumps presidencies and how they each in turn impacted the lives of Black women.
So good. So readable. Pick it up already!
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!
liz_newbern's review
5.0
"Girl Gurl Grrl" by Kenya Hunt is a series of essays, including a few guest writers, that share with the reader the experience of black women across a spectrum of different experiences. Hunt is poignant and thoughtful, as our her guest writers, who each have a particular perspective to share. It allows the reader to dive into the thoughts, experiences, and struggles faced by black women in today's world, but also highlights the beautiful and vibrant communities that they have created for themselves despite facing adversity.
As a white woman, I don't know that I can fully understand what it means to be a black woman in today's world, but I feel as if Hunt's words helped me get closer than I ever could on my own. I also did relate to many of the experiences she describes because some of them are not unique to black women, but are true of any woman navigating life in a patriarchal society. But for me, I came away from this book with a world view that was expanded, and hopefully a little more aware.
This book does discuss some sensitive and personal topics that may be triggering to some readers.
As a white woman, I don't know that I can fully understand what it means to be a black woman in today's world, but I feel as if Hunt's words helped me get closer than I ever could on my own. I also did relate to many of the experiences she describes because some of them are not unique to black women, but are true of any woman navigating life in a patriarchal society. But for me, I came away from this book with a world view that was expanded, and hopefully a little more aware.
This book does discuss some sensitive and personal topics that may be triggering to some readers.
blumoongirl's review
4.0
This book was a collection of essays by a black author, with a story to tell. She is every woman and she is also unique in many of her life’s circumstances. She is an Ex pat in London, she is a new mom, she is a strong, black woman… she writes about all of these thing in a very succinct, and matter of fact way. There is no sugarcoating how she feels and she is forthright about her own struggles as a woman, and most importantly struggles as a black woman in this world.
My favorite essay was her Woke essay. To badly paraphrase ‘just bring up the word woke in mixed company and you don’t even have to worry about getting to know somebody after seeing eyes roll and smirks’. So true.
I’ve read some of the reviews that complain that she is not overly informed when it comes to politics…. But that’s the beauty of a book of your own essays. She is writing what she wants and what she feels. And she’s entitled to every single word. Not every book of essays has to fit the readers agenda.
My favorite essay was her Woke essay. To badly paraphrase ‘just bring up the word woke in mixed company and you don’t even have to worry about getting to know somebody after seeing eyes roll and smirks’. So true.
I’ve read some of the reviews that complain that she is not overly informed when it comes to politics…. But that’s the beauty of a book of your own essays. She is writing what she wants and what she feels. And she’s entitled to every single word. Not every book of essays has to fit the readers agenda.
shaebaybee07's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
2.0
I don’t know what I was expecting when I decided to read this one. It just felt like a rehash of all the conversations I’ve watched and engaged in during my undergrad years and early adulthood on the forums and blogs (IYKYK). Unfortunately, there wasn’t anything new this collection of essays brought to the table.
faliiza's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0
Touching, reflective and informative.
The audiobook had some issues with the volume, changing to barely audible with some of the narrators.
The audiobook had some issues with the volume, changing to barely audible with some of the narrators.