The Unexpected Journey of an Unconventional Black Woman

Carrie W: I purchased this in paperback as it was on sale for $9.99. I'm a big fan of Issa Rae. And heard her book was really good as it's filled with humor. So, I finally purchased. I cannot wait to read it!

United States on Aug 25, 2023

ElleElle: First just let me say the writing is amazing. Issa was so raw and real in her book and I actually felt the connection she portrayed. As an ABG or
Awkward Black Girl , the way she shared stories of her life and how she has evolved into the person she is today is relatable to me. Her humor is undeniable funny AF and Issa was bold and forthcoming in her descriptive essays. Still awkward as ever, Issa decided what she went through from trying to be cool and trying to find her place upon her peers. As an introvert I enjoyed and can relate to all the awkward she provided. I hope she gives us more of her wonderful writing.

United States on Jul 18, 2023

kori cahill: I absolutely adored this book! I added it to my list after deciding to read as many books by black authors as I could this coming month (black history month). Something about it sitting, waiting in my kindle account didn’t sit right with me so I “cheated” my own rule and read it early! So glad I did. Issa Rae is incredibly likable as she presents herself, her childhood, her family, her culture and her collective experience for all to enjoy. This book has it all! Wit, humor ( at times self deprecating-my go to type!), emotion, reflection, growth, self introspection, cultural appreciation - - the list could go on and on. Finishing it felt like staying up late to catch up with an old friend. Can’t wait for more from the incredible Issa Rae. Highly recommend this one!!

United States on Jan 25, 2023

Kaufman: I had no idea what to expect with this book, I really enjoyed it. An easy read about a young lady navigating life with various obstacles. It was a quick, comical read and I would recommend it to others.

Canada on Nov 01, 2021

Tisha FisherTisha Fisher: This memoir was very thought proving for me. After finishing reading To All The Boys I've Loved Before, I realized I do not read enough books written by or starring a person of color. I don't have any particular reason for this; it didn't even cross my mind until recently. I'm now making it my mission to read and watch more inclusive material. I have been a fan of Issa's HBO show Insecure for the last couple of years (I was late to the game) and when I found out she had this book, I knew I needed to pick it up.

Personally, I'm a fan of Issa's writing style. That may be because I know how she talks and read her words in her voice.

In The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, author Issa Rae details her upbringing in a Senegalese household and navigating the rough waters of impressing your peers when having semi-strict parents. This I was able to relate to as my single mother was semi struck as well. I was allowed to watch R-rated movies before I was seventeen years old but that parental advisory sticker on CDs I wanted deterred my mother from buying them for me. I remember begging my mother to buy Good Charlotte's Young and the Hopeless album. She insisted she...

United States on Sep 22, 2018

LozzaLove: Great read, and funny as heck. She is a great reminder that stereotypes stink and that being your authentic self is the key to happiness and success

United Kingdom on Jun 29, 2018

Helen Giffen: I love Issa rae’s Show, Insecure, and hoped that I’d get a deeper insight into this impressive writer, director, actress and go-getter. But i was underwhelmed. It was a flat, sometimes tedious, replay of adolescent events with very little retrospective insight or depth. It felt self indulgent and left me wondering what was the point? I didn’t really learn anything ...but I’m a 50 something white woman so maybe I’m not the target audience?

Canada on Dec 04, 2017

Amazon Customer: This book is excellent. Gives a refreshing look into the lives of a typical black family - the "normalcy" of it.
And as you have probably seen from reviews, this book is funny, you will laugh more than you expect. Issa Rae did a great job writing this book.

United Kingdom on Apr 27, 2017

Amazon Customer: Review for The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl.

I was first introduced to Issa Rae through a coworker who turned me on to her YouTube series “Awkward Black Girl” and I was immediately HOOKED!!!! I was like “who is this girl… she needs to be on TV”. So I knew that she would make it big because TALENT that funny and raw and original had to be on the big screen. Just look at the HBO series Insecure (PLUG: If you have not watched this series it is a much see. Please check it out before the next season comes on).

This was a great read!!!!! As expected, I found myself gasping and bursting out laughing on numerous occasions. Issa Rae is a trip and half and I LOVED every second of it! I can totally relate to her because I was/ kinda still am awkward and “geeky” in my own way and she is letting us know that it is PERFECTLY FINE to be who you are. She had me at the Introduction when she is talking about how people butcher her name. Considering I had an English professor name Dr. Diop and how much the students butchered his name, I couldn’t help but crack up laughing when Issa described how often she had to correct people to the point of...

United States on Mar 28, 2017

Tash-Tam: As a self proclaimed ABG, this book is hilarious and true to a tee!
Issa Rae is so funny and had me laughing on the train!
I can easily relate and would for sure recommend it:)

United Kingdom on Mar 23, 2017