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To Hair and Back: My Journey Toward Self-love One Strand at a Time
If hair was a woman’s crowning glory, then why did Rhonda Eason have a mass of uncontrollable tumbleweed at best? At worst, it was a source of frustration and self-condemnation. Raised in a family of women born with tresses suitable for romance novel heroines, Rhonda was apathetic toward her kinky coils, and, in turn, herself. To Hair and Back – My Journey Toward Self-Love One Strand at a Time is a debut memoir that details her quest for the perfect head of hair and the discovery of something far more meaningful. In this endearing personal narrative, she explores the question: If I am not my hair, then who am I?
Beginning in a Detroit ghetto and traversing the globe, the author boldly reveals the joy, despair, pride, and public humiliation she experienced while in search of her best self. Through humorous self-introspection, Rhonda uses her passion for hair to explore the dynamics of her relationships, as well as themes of race and gender. To Hair and Back takes the reader on a journey of a child bullied because of her knotty roots through her adventurous life-long crusade in search of the perfect hair. Masked as a need for creativity and a remedy for boredom, Rhonda’s obsession with her ever-changing hairstyles becomes a metaphor that anyone who has ever struggled with issues of self-worth will find relatable.
Beginning in a Detroit ghetto and traversing the globe, the author boldly reveals the joy, despair, pride, and public humiliation she experienced while in search of her best self. Through humorous self-introspection, Rhonda uses her passion for hair to explore the dynamics of her relationships, as well as themes of race and gender. To Hair and Back takes the reader on a journey of a child bullied because of her knotty roots through her adventurous life-long crusade in search of the perfect hair. Masked as a need for creativity and a remedy for boredom, Rhonda’s obsession with her ever-changing hairstyles becomes a metaphor that anyone who has ever struggled with issues of self-worth will find relatable.
320 pages, Paperback
Published July 4, 2017
112 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 27, 2017
Truly great read, a light touch on a serious topic - of self concept, self esteem, self image, self acceptance.
November 1, 2017
So Good
Oh this was so well done ✔I laughed out loud and I loved every second of it. Glad I read this and I will look out for this author. sO identified with Rhonda. Great Story!
Oh this was so well done ✔I laughed out loud and I loved every second of it. Glad I read this and I will look out for this author. sO identified with Rhonda. Great Story!
November 13, 2017
OMG What a great book! I've never read an ode to hair before. It's so funny how getting a good cut, or waking up with good hair, can make you feel a million dollars, and a bad hair day can cast a gloom over everything. And if you happen to be born with tricky hair, it can take over your life, much like it did for the author.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! It was sweet and refreshing and funny. I had to look up some of the terminology though - I'm in NZ and a lot of the styling techniques for African-American hair aren't as common here, but no biggie.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! It was sweet and refreshing and funny. I had to look up some of the terminology though - I'm in NZ and a lot of the styling techniques for African-American hair aren't as common here, but no biggie.
March 7, 2019
This was a really enjoyable read! I laughed out loud, wanted to cry with and for characters....the whole nine yards! Every black woman will be able to relate to some part of this story. No regrets and I’ll definitely be on the lookout for other books by Rhonda.
October 30, 2017
It is a light hearted read full of self deprecating humor. Once I started reading it I could not put it down until the very end. I was truly amazed by Ms Eason's ability to tell her life story just by talking about her hair. I think this and the humor dared me to stop reading any where but the very end. Dan Agbese
November 21, 2018
So many stories in which I saw myself. It was like a trip down memory lane. (insert nostalgic sigh)
July 6, 2018
Oh, the stories we can tell about our kinky, coily, curly hair and Rhonda delves into many as she shares her journey, from childhood to adulthood, trying to find herself through her hair. Her struggle to manage, to grow and to love her mane is one we all have experienced. The comparison of hair textures, the assumptions of confidence (or lack of) based on hair styles or lengths... smh
This book doesn't disappoint because it is so relatable.
This book doesn't disappoint because it is so relatable.
June 22, 2018
I had so much fun reading about Rhonda's hair journey. Her childhood was certainly drama filled- I felt more inclined to her mom (of all her family members) and I am happy at the end of her adult life, the author gave some hints on how her mom fares. I am happy that Rhonda found an internal peace in her adult life as I too seeks that beautiful calm.
The author storytelling is captivating that although I picked up the book for the hair journey, I became just or even more interested in her social life. Her childhood turmoil's of self identification was resounding and at times a scary comparison to my juvenile counterpart of surviving a split and struggling family. I appreciate that there is almost an unpretending air to this story, as if the author tells it all with almost nothing to hide. I say "almost" because I do not know the author personally therefore I cannot vouch for authenticity. However, based on certain aspects of her childhood divulged I have that gut feeling of genuineness (I could be wrong).
The author storytelling is captivating that although I picked up the book for the hair journey, I became just or even more interested in her social life. Her childhood turmoil's of self identification was resounding and at times a scary comparison to my juvenile counterpart of surviving a split and struggling family. I appreciate that there is almost an unpretending air to this story, as if the author tells it all with almost nothing to hide. I say "almost" because I do not know the author personally therefore I cannot vouch for authenticity. However, based on certain aspects of her childhood divulged I have that gut feeling of genuineness (I could be wrong).
February 8, 2019
Memoir about hair and self esteem that evokes mixed emotions
The story starts when the author was young, longing for 'good hair' and using shirts on her head to mimic the feel of long, flowing locks. As she grows her treatment of, and feelings about, her hair evolve as well.
My hair and life experience does not match that of the author, so some of the world she describes is foreign to me. I enjoyed reading about her experience and evolution, but treatment by others that belittled her, her appearance, and her self esteem saddened me.
The writing style is difficult to put down and makes me want to read more of her work. It's matter of fact, with an understated, dry sense of humor and pathos. An example:
"The bus ride home could have been so much longer. I would’ve appreciated a slow, circuitous route, maybe veering off of Grand River, doubling back over to Telegraph and taking I-96 toward Chicago then hitting the I-90 up toward Wisconsin, then over to Minneapolis where I’d stop in to Paisley Park and cry purple tears on Prince’s shoulder."
The story starts when the author was young, longing for 'good hair' and using shirts on her head to mimic the feel of long, flowing locks. As she grows her treatment of, and feelings about, her hair evolve as well.
My hair and life experience does not match that of the author, so some of the world she describes is foreign to me. I enjoyed reading about her experience and evolution, but treatment by others that belittled her, her appearance, and her self esteem saddened me.
The writing style is difficult to put down and makes me want to read more of her work. It's matter of fact, with an understated, dry sense of humor and pathos. An example:
"The bus ride home could have been so much longer. I would’ve appreciated a slow, circuitous route, maybe veering off of Grand River, doubling back over to Telegraph and taking I-96 toward Chicago then hitting the I-90 up toward Wisconsin, then over to Minneapolis where I’d stop in to Paisley Park and cry purple tears on Prince’s shoulder."
June 6, 2018
In this book, Eason takes you through a personal hair journey that centers around the struggle of self-acceptance, and self-worth, and it was enjoyable (particularly in the beginning), and full of insights! This is why I gave it four stars.
She went through some painful moments that I could relate to. Her hair woes align with other black women who I’m sure have all endured similar dreaded situations and experiences.
What I like most about her book is the reflection she gives towards the end, and it’s simple: love yourself and do right by you BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE.
And the insights- appreciate family and the times before their gone. Heal old wounds. Be aware of your bad habits. There was just so many. This is the main reason why I love autobiographies. One person’s experience in life could be the big, life-altering message for yours. Best believe that God works that way. That’s life!
Thank you for sharing your story with us Rhonda, I greatly appreciated it!
She went through some painful moments that I could relate to. Her hair woes align with other black women who I’m sure have all endured similar dreaded situations and experiences.
What I like most about her book is the reflection she gives towards the end, and it’s simple: love yourself and do right by you BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE.
And the insights- appreciate family and the times before their gone. Heal old wounds. Be aware of your bad habits. There was just so many. This is the main reason why I love autobiographies. One person’s experience in life could be the big, life-altering message for yours. Best believe that God works that way. That’s life!
Thank you for sharing your story with us Rhonda, I greatly appreciated it!
June 2, 2021
This is a memoir written about the author’s life and her hair journey while growing up. As a Black woman, I could connect with Eason’s narrative as we go through different types of hair journeys in our life. And in reading her story I could reflect on my own continual hair journey in my own life. Easton takes us through snippets of her life in each chapter that share memories of her family, life experiences, and some of the trauma she endured because of her hair. One of the main reoccurring themes in the book was the choice to have natural hair vs relaxers, how race ties into various hairstyles, and beauty standards.
Read the full book review on the blog at: https://www.lifeofafemalebibliophile....
Read the full book review on the blog at: https://www.lifeofafemalebibliophile....
December 28, 2017
Hair,hair,glorious hair
I was leery about reading a book about hair. Being a Black Woman I was well aware of the challenges we face with our hair. The Natural verses Relaxed hair debate is not new, but Ms.Eason gave it a new spin by incorporating her personal challenges and wins in life as it related to her hair. Bravo!
I was leery about reading a book about hair. Being a Black Woman I was well aware of the challenges we face with our hair. The Natural verses Relaxed hair debate is not new, but Ms.Eason gave it a new spin by incorporating her personal challenges and wins in life as it related to her hair. Bravo!
November 9, 2017
Insightful
This book really spoke to me. I could relate to the day, to month, to year struggle of the hair as a Black woman.
It was funny and light, yet you can sense the compulsion from the writer
This book really spoke to me. I could relate to the day, to month, to year struggle of the hair as a Black woman.
It was funny and light, yet you can sense the compulsion from the writer
March 2, 2018
Learning about natural hair and natural beauty!
There is a lot of work that goes into being natural. I loved the spectrum of beauty defined in this book. It helped me empathize with my oldest sister and her ever changing mane.
There is a lot of work that goes into being natural. I loved the spectrum of beauty defined in this book. It helped me empathize with my oldest sister and her ever changing mane.
April 24, 2018
It was ok
It took me a while to finish this book, but I did. I enjoyed certain parts of this book better than others. It's not a bad read. It just went to slow for me. However, I did learn something. I learned to be content with the skin you're in. LOVE EVERY PART OF YOU!
It took me a while to finish this book, but I did. I enjoyed certain parts of this book better than others. It's not a bad read. It just went to slow for me. However, I did learn something. I learned to be content with the skin you're in. LOVE EVERY PART OF YOU!
June 15, 2018
Great book
I enjoyed Rhonda's hair story. It's a very well written and funny memoir that a lot of black women an girls can relate to. I myself recognised some of my own struggles with accepting my hair. Truly a great book.
I enjoyed Rhonda's hair story. It's a very well written and funny memoir that a lot of black women an girls can relate to. I myself recognised some of my own struggles with accepting my hair. Truly a great book.
July 18, 2018
Great light hearted read
Ms Rhonda Eason is hilarious and so transparent in this book. I really enjoyed the laugh out loud moments that made others look at me as if I was crazy! The humor was unexpected and the story was definitely memorable!
Ms Rhonda Eason is hilarious and so transparent in this book. I really enjoyed the laugh out loud moments that made others look at me as if I was crazy! The humor was unexpected and the story was definitely memorable!
November 27, 2017
A must read for all, "napturals".
Each stage of the love affair with hair is covered. It couldn't have been done better if Ms. Eason had tried. Thank you, "Sista'".
Each stage of the love affair with hair is covered. It couldn't have been done better if Ms. Eason had tried. Thank you, "Sista'".
December 26, 2017
I loved this book. It was so relatable and reminds me of my own hair journey. Such a fun read and I couldn't put it down!
April 2, 2018
Loved this! Great fun.
August 1, 2018
It's fun and honest. Unfortunately it also could use a lot of proofreading.
April 28, 2019
This book is like coming home.
December 23, 2019
Funny and honest
Hair is something most black women go from loving to hating, on the same sentence. This book captures those feelings in an honest and funny way!
Hair is something most black women go from loving to hating, on the same sentence. This book captures those feelings in an honest and funny way!
April 26, 2020
Biography
In thought this was about the history of hair and it was but it was more a novel about the author's life . It was funny and relateable
In thought this was about the history of hair and it was but it was more a novel about the author's life . It was funny and relateable
January 10, 2018
From start to finish I was engrossed with the book. I am currently transitioning from a relaxer to natural hair, so quite a lot of topics in the book I could realt to, very down to earth and an easy read. loved, loved the book!!!
November 21, 2017
This book is great! Rhonda Eason takes readers through her lifelong struggle with her hair. The book gives glimpses of her family and career, but the driving narrative of the book is her desire to make her hair be what she wants it to be. My only complaint is that I think the book should have included pictures of her different hairstyles throughout her life. This is a funny and very entertaining book with a serious message about accepting and celebrating yourself.
March 15, 2018
What a journey this was to follow. It feels like five or six stand-alone books in one novel -- which isn't a bad thing -- but be prepared for the author to cover a LOT of ground, and a lot of genuinely awful topics along the way. And, be prepared to laugh. There were at least a dozen laugh out loud moments throughout Eason's story, which I think is pretty impressive.
Four stars because the stories (chapters, life moments, or whatever) need to be more evenly told -- a LOT of time was spent covering Eason's early childhood. But high school, military service, and some parts of her New York life seemed rushed. And finally, I feel like we needed more time with Eason's mom at the end of her story. I'd consider it being nosy -- but ... so.much. about Eason's mom was divulged earlier on -- it seems like everyone, Eason's mom included, needed more time and reflection on what's happening with her now.
I look forward to more -- fiction, creative non-fiction, or whatever else, from this author.
Four stars because the stories (chapters, life moments, or whatever) need to be more evenly told -- a LOT of time was spent covering Eason's early childhood. But high school, military service, and some parts of her New York life seemed rushed. And finally, I feel like we needed more time with Eason's mom at the end of her story. I'd consider it being nosy -- but ... so.much. about Eason's mom was divulged earlier on -- it seems like everyone, Eason's mom included, needed more time and reflection on what's happening with her now.
I look forward to more -- fiction, creative non-fiction, or whatever else, from this author.
December 23, 2019
I loved it. The voice, the protagonist; and such an unusual focus. It was fascinating ting getting a glimpse into a culture so different from my own. As a person who also obsesses over her own hair, I really felt a connection to that yearning for the perfect cut and style to fully express my identity.
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December 9, 2017Cute. Unrealistic but I still liked it.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews