Training School for Negro Girls

by Camille Acker

As unapologetic and resilient as the DC neighborhoods they live in, these women challenge monolithic assumptions of black identity.
A TSA agent who has never flown, a girl braving new worlds to play piano, a teacher caught up in a mayoral race. In this debut collection of stories, each of them navigate life’s “training school”—with its lessons on gentrification and respectability—while fighting to create a vibrant sense of self in this love letter to Washington, DC.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Audiobook, Race, African American, Feminism, Contemporary

248 pages, Paperback

First published October 9, 2018

About the author

Camille Acker grew up in Washington, DC and is the author of the short story collection, Training School for Negro Girls, published by Feminist Press in 2018. She holds a B.A. in English from Howard University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from New Mexico State University. Her writing has received support from the Djerassi Resident Artists Program, Voices of Our Nations Arts, and Millay Colony for the Arts, among others. She was a fiction co-editor for Dismantle: An Anthology from the VONA/Voices Workshop (Thread Makes Blanket Press, 2014). She has taught at New Mexico State University, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago Writers Studio, and Blue Stoop. Her writing has appeared in a number of outlets including The New York Time Book Review, LitHub, Publishers Weekly, Electric Literature, VICE, and DAME Magazine.

Reviews

[Gabriella · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wish I could tell y'all otherwise, but I really didn't know what to make of this collection. Many of Camille Acker's short stories fall flat, and I wish the characters were less one-dimensional.

There are few places were I felt adequately surprised by the scenes described, and I know the people she describes (sulking playground bullies from Southeast, 40-something single career women taking care of their mothers in Takoma Park, guilt-ridden black gentrifiers moving into the city with their white boyfriends) have more nuance to their lives than she suggests. Here, every girl you expect to end up in a fight DOES, and every Jack & Jill mom you expect to be colorist is rambling on about how light their kids will be. Despite some promising, humorous moments, Acker takes the extra, unplanned detours out of her character's narrative arcs, until they're a bit too linear to make for honest fiction.

BONUS: Training School for Negro Girls is chock-full of DMV references, so if you are a Washingtonian of a certain (read: my parents') era, you will enjoy all the shout-outs to Mayor Barry, Len Bias, crab feasts, and so on. If only the details made a book, then she would be all set...

[Naeemah Huggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black women are not a monolith. This book was filled with such beautiful nuance. Part One explores pre-teen and teen black girlhood: boys, brothers, racism, parents. Part Two: shares the mind of many older black women: how they think and navigate the world.
I identified so hard with these women who's inner thoughts might not match everyone else's. The grey areas of life as a black women were quietly explored and very much appreciated.
These new crop of black women authors are bring something different to the table. They are bringing their complete selves with the unpopular yet very familiar inner thoughts and I am here for it. It starts slowly, its not a flash bang out of the gate but it maintains a solid momentum until the very end, it was engaging and made me think. Isn't that what we ultimately want from out books? This one is a gem.

[Angelia Menchan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every story in this book. Some took me to childhood, others opened my eyes to things I hadn’t considered. My favorites were the ones of the grown Negro girls going through vagaries of life. There are two in particular that touched me, the first of a woman trying to get her daughter in a Jack and Jill type club for upper class blacks and another of a forty year old woman with seventeen former lovers... now taking care of her eighty year old mother while navigating loneliness, barrenness and plain old life.

[Carol Tilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

You want to read this one.

[Lulu · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a descent collection of short stories, but nothing really stood out. Nice build up of stories, but no endings that will stick with you.

[johnny ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

these vignettes were pretty mid and not connected to each other.

[Nickeisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't have much to say about this book.

This book is a collection of stories and most of them forgettable. So many times as I was reading I was confused about what was going on. Just disappointed with this one.

[K2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

GoodRead......I enjoyed the stories mostly.

[Tonya Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to this book on Audible. Some of the stories were good, others lost me. I also didn't realize I was into a different story, because there were no titles. Maybe I missed something, I don't know!! I'm going to listen again to see what I missed!!

[Books Amongst Friends · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really thought I was going to love this one.

THOUGHTS💭: The title and premise held so much promise, but unfortunately, it didn’t resonate with me. While the characters felt very real, and even familiar, they also felt distant. None of the stories left a lasting impression. Ultimately, this book felt forgettable.

I can’t give this more than 2.5 stars, and even those are largely because of my personal connection to DC and the references throughout the book. Unfortunately, the stories fell flat for me and lacked the character development I wanted. I often struggled to understand where the author was taking these stories or what their deeper purpose was. It seemed like an effort was made to capture a broad spectrum of experiences for Black girls, teens, and women, but instead, it felt monolithic or even stereotypical at times.

I don’t doubt that others might see themselves or their past selves in these stories or characters, and there were moments that almost connected with me. But for me, those fleeting moments were outweighed by an overall sense of disconnect.

[April (whataprilreads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3✨

I wish that I loved Training School for Negro Girls more, but I will have to be honest friends, it was only OK.

I actually really like this concept. A collection of stories broken into two parts. Part one explored Black girlhood and pre-teendom: discovering boys, dealing with family, and the first racist experiences that stick, being wild and Black, school. Part two explored life as a Black woman, navigating the world whether in a relationship or single and dating, aging parents, unfulfilling jobs, children, etc.

I really liked that the characters in each story were not painted perfectly. They had problems, they were not all good or all bad. There was a lot of grey area, a lot of real feelings and experiences woven into the story. I feel like I know some of these girls, I know these women. I might become them. And I was a little surprised at some of the scenes described and the themes explored. That was all refreshing, but in the end, something fell flat for me.

Whether it was the writing style, the pacing of each story (the one story about the girl's brother not going to college was so long and for what?), or the unsatisfied endings. I loved seeing snippets into the lives of Black girls and women who inhabit a different region of the US than myself because while I can see similarities in our stories, there is something nice about seeing how environments shape us just a little differently. Training School for Negro Girls is full of DMV references. If you're not totally familiar, they might be lost on you (they kind of were on me)

Overall, no one story stood out to me. Parts of stories resonate with me, moments where I could place myself in the characters' shoes. I could very vividly picture some scenes. But as a complete collection, it's just OK. Not exactly memorable.

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[Khadejah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, where to start...this was one of the best books I've read this year and it's December. First of all, I love how DC this book is. If you are from or live in DC (especially if you're Black), you will recognize the characters in these stories. You'll recognize the behaviors, the complexes, the joys, the fears... they are extremely well-written. Acker writes about everything from the joyful experience of a girl going to Ocean City as a child to a millenial character coming to the crushing realization that Black people can gentrify too to a mother desperately trying to climb the social hierarchy. The book has stories from all the perspectives of all sort of age groups and walks of life and tackles issues like double consciousness, colorism, and DC's public education system. It's got an Edward P. Jones vibe to it--being as it's a book of short stories set in DC, and it reminded me of the short story collection Black Enough (which is also amazing and has contributions from many major Black YA authors).

The only thing I didn't enjoy was that the stories I liked most felt unfinished. That is part of the package with short stories, though. I would love to see her expand my favorites into longer stories or even full books. I especially loved "Everything She Wants," "The Ropes," and "Training School for Negro Girls."

[Caroline Bock · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific collection of short stories set in Washington D.C. by Camille Acker -- all from a female point of view -- all from an African American view as one could guess from the title. Ironically, I picked up this collection in the iconic Strand Bookstore in NYC, not in any one of my regular bookstore haunts in my new home arena of D.C. Two of the stories that were stand outs -- "Mambo Sauce" -- using the D.C. specific hot sauce/duck sauce combo as the central metaphor for an interracial relationship among a black sculptor and her white boyfriend -- and how it's an uncomfortable mix after they relocate from Brooklyn to D.C.. The other story I loved: "You Can Leave, But It's Going To Cost You," about a 20-something driving around D.C., mainly NE, near Howard, with her father, who's smoking unfiltered cigarettes, playing Marvin Gaye, and philosophizing about life and death-- one of the shorter stories in the collection and one of the best. Kudos.

--Caroline
if you like short stories, consider:

[Smileitsjoy (JoyMelody) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this collection so much but unfortunately, I was let down.
Some stories were great and others were duds. I understand that every book isn't for everyone but usually, books about Black women and girls are my thing.
It is very rare I actually feel let down by a book emotionally.

I think Acker set out to write a powerful collection that discusses the things that make Black women who they are. Whether it's their parents or an experience with a friend in school or an experience with a lover; every experience molds them. So I understand the title fo the collection
However, I was confused with the parts of the book and how it was divided.

I think this collection had such great potential and I will read something else Acker decides to write; however, this collection fell a little flat.

[Carly Friedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic collection of short stories. I especially loved “Mambo Sauce”. “Cicada” was so beautifully written and like “The Ropes”, it will stick with me for a long time. I loved how the stories dealt with issues of race, gender, identity, family, love, and social pressures. I can’t wait to read more by Camille Acker!

[Ryan Mishap · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quietly amazing collection showcasing Black girls and women who defy or reluctantly conform to the stereotypes, or exist outside of, and despite, them.

I read this in one sitting it was that good. BUt don't listen to my tortured syntax review, go read it!

[Mimi S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent collection of short stories, none of them gave me closure. Every character in this book I feel like I know someone just like them in real life which made these stories a little more tangible and made me feel sad.

[Stephanie A-M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this collection of short stories. Set in washington DC each story features a female protagonist; some very young and just learning the facts of life, others older and weary of the ways of the world. There were several standouts but all in all it's a fabulous book that touches on Black girlhood and womanhood, societal expectations and how much of a challenge it is to just be comfortable in the skin you're in when all the world suggests you should be anything but.

[Carey Calvert · Rating 5 out of 5]

... I'm positive there are others but there are two poignant lines in Camille Acker's original Training School for Negro Girls; the first, 'the path to true love never did run straight.'

Where Kiese Laymon wrote an entire book of love to his mother (Heavy), Acker writes a series of love letters stemming from and exploring rudimentary highs and subtle slights, real and perceived.

Training School for Negro Girls is divided into two schools of thought: the lower school and the upper school; each designed to permeate that part of the soul that relishes self and then does everything in its power to hide it. And what Acker wades through in this sublime collection is the extemporaneous made extraordinary. In 'Strong Men,' she captures the penetrating pathos of Len Bias' death through the prism of a young storyteller, yet deftly expresses it through the pain of the storyteller's older brother.

Acker also tackles gentrification, ageism, and employment through the often loving, sometimes tense relationships among family members, co workers, authority figures, and lovers; each with an eye of examination, wonder and a level of severity, that leaves the reader melancholy with its second poignant line that echoes a Marvin Gaye (who figures prominently in You Can Leave, But It's Going To Cost You) verse.

May you always think of me the way I was.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay so a few things. 1. didn't realize this was an anthology before I started (this is my fault, I should have read the synopsis). 2. These stories were good but each one had an aspect I didn't like. All circling around a black character's ignorance or their willing to act as if they were ignorant - except for the first story.

All in all decent.

3.5 stars

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Mona-From teenager stories to working women all over our country. The individual stories are “special” and tell the “real story” of women navigating our world.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

None of the stories drew me in. There was some humorous parts that didn't make it so hard to read.

[Michelle Leonard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t really connect with any of the characters but I think it’s important to see the varying experiences of black girls and women.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not much to say about this collection of stories - I can’t remember much other than thinking they were just okay.

[Marc · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew Camille when she was in grad school at New Mexico State University, and I just want to write that I am so proud of her. I loved this collection of short stories. Some stayed with me longer than others. "Strong Men" was great at capturing a time and place and inviting us to peer into a family and young woman's life that was on the verge of change--change a lot of folks go through, but that makes it no less profound or momentous when it happens. Acker helped us see and appreciate that time a little. The "Training School" story made me think of the first time I watched School Daze. I had no fucking idea what I was watching, but I knew I wanted to know more about that world and better know the people in it. The class dynamics in that story fascinated me even though I didn't understand it. I wanted to know more. My favorite story might have been "Mambo Sauce." I loved how it captured the subtle and quotidian way we buy into or are forced to accept gentrification. The story also made me think about the ham-handed and clumsy ways we have to address gentrification and other social problems on a personal level when the problem is maybe 10% personal choices and 90% policy, racism, and rich folks rat-fucking everyone else. So proud of Camille and looking forward to reading more from her.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the stories in this collection center on the lives of black girls and women living in Washington, DC, Acker skillfully portrays the mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, friends, foes, and romantic partners that orbit them. Acker's gift for creating setting is strong-- DC neighborhoods, politics, and neighborhood politics will resonate with anyone who has spent time in the District. Each story stands alone, but taken together, they leave the reader with much to contemplate. Acker does not allow for easy answers or alliances, each story is filled with complexity and spontaneity.

[Sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Camille Acker can write, and I'd love to see what she can do with a full-length novel. This collection of short stories was powerful - the lives of Black girls and women in Washington DC as they navigate the journey of finding their sense of self, their sense of womanhood - essentially, their identity. Ms. Acker, should you decide to gift us with a longer piece of fiction - I shall be here waiting on bated breath.

[Megan Stroup Tristao]

“I am my own kind of black girl. However, I do not know if I am the kind that you will want or not.”

Strong Men and Mambo Sauce were the two stand-out stories of this collection for me. The titular story was also very good, though I felt like I had to read it through almost-closed fingers (so it was very effective). Many of the stories felt unfinished, but I think that was part of their beauty. Thanks to @roostercalls on Instagram for recommending this one!

[Shakira Jones · Rating 1 out of 5]

Struggled to finish

I saw the cover of this book and I was impressed. The cover gets my star because that was the only thing I liked about this book. I don't know who gave these fabulous reviews but I felt like we read two completely different books. Honestly the short stories were pointless and they went nowhere. They left me confused with questions that no one could answer. I put this book down several times and picked it back up and struggled to the end. I am sorry but I can't recommend this book. It obviously appealed to some people but it was not my cup of tea.

[Lala Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Anthologies. Especially for Black women. Bahni Turbin was the reader for this and of course she did not disappoint. There were some very good stories in here that dealt with a lot of different issues that black ppl would be able to relate to. Very very good and I def recommend this one.