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Cover of You can't touch my hair and other things I still have to explain

You can't touch my hair and other things I still have to explain

285 pages

A laugh-out-loud yet deeply affecting exploration of race, gender, and the absurdities of modern American culture.

What it feels like

Reading this collection feels like sitting down with a brilliantly funny friend who isn't afraid to tell it exactly like it is. The pace is brisk and energetic, driven by a stand-up comedian's impeccable timing and sharp wit. It balances a hilarious, pop-culture-savvy tone with moments of genuine, affecting vulnerability. The mood shifts effortlessly from laugh-out-loud absurdist to deeply thought-provoking as it skewers societal biases and explores the realities of Black womanhood in America. The prose is conversational and punchy, making heavy topics accessible without losing their weight. It is perfect for readers who crave essays that tackle race, gender, and cultural prejudices with both unapologetic humor and profound heart.

Mood
  • energetic
  • thought-provoking
  • warm
Tone
  • hilarious
  • affecting
  • witty
  • candid
  • sharp
Pace
brisk
Themes
Black womanhood in America · navigating race and gender · pop culture commentary · cultural biases
The writing
Conversational, punchy, and infused with a stand-up comedian's trademark wit and timing.
The arc
Moves from sharp, laugh-out-loud observations of cultural absurdities to affecting, heartfelt reflections on identity.
Who it's for
Readers who love sharp, humorous essays that tackle heavy cultural issues with a blend of pop culture savvy and heartfelt honesty.
Content notes
  • discussions of racism
  • discussions of sexism
  • prejudice

About the book

A hilarious and affecting essay collection about race, gender, and pop culture from celebrated stand-up comedian and WNYC podcaster Phoebe Robinson.

Being a Black woman in American means contending with old prejudices and fresh absurdities. Robinson uses her trademark wit to explore examine our cultural climate and skewer our biases with humor and heart.

Description from Open Library.

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