The BAP Handbook: The Official Guide to the Black American Princess

by Ginger Wilson, Kalyn Johnson, Tracey Lewis

"Finally, a book about the Black American Princess! If you're already a BAP or just want to act like one, this book is for you!"
— E. Lynn Harris, author of Not a Day Goes By

In the bestselling tradition of The Official Preppy Handbook , here is a must-have manual for the BAP and those who love her.

Black American Princess: 1 : a pampered female of African American descent, born to an upper-middle or upper-class family 2 : an African American female whose life experiences give her a sense of royalty and entitlement 3 : BAP ( acronym ) : colloquial expression 4 : an African American female accustomed to the best and nothing less.

Drawn from hours of interviews, archival research, and frequent visits to Prada, The Black American Princess Handbook offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at this exclusive lifestyle. Your total guide to BAP speak, BAP style, and BAP history, this one-of-a-kind book explains everything you ever wanted know about living the BAP life–from breaking in a shop-a-phobic dad to planning a magical BAP debutante ball.

In addition, you'll learn why a true BAP cleans her house before the housekeeper arrives, what to do if your Baby BAP wants to play sports, and whether it's OK for a relative to sing "I Believe I Can Fly" at a BAP wedding. Also featuring spot-the-BAP checklists, suggestions for top BAP colleges, a Who's Who of famous BAPs, a glossary (including essential French phrases), actual diary entries and e-mails from BAPS of all ages, and crucial chapters such as "It's High Noon-Do You Know Where Your Groove Is?"

The Black American Princess Handbook is destined to become a coveted treasure for BAPs worldwide. And, published just in time for graduation, it's sure to be at the top of every BAP's shopping list.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, History, African American

211 pages, Paperback

First published June 5, 2001

Reviews

[Jennifer Serenity · Rating 3 out of 5]

Humorous look at black women. Do not take this seriously. It is satire!! I personally know one of the writers and she said unfortunately some people do not see the humor.

[Jamia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hilarious and I love that someone wrote this book that speaks to the often alienated class of bougoise black girls in America with wit, love, acceptance...

[Nicole McLaren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Angelique H.:When I first picked up this book I thought this book would be interesting because it is about African American women or young ladies. Knowing that I am a young African American girl I would be able to connect with someone of the things the authors were saying. I was hoping to learn the true meaning of a BAP because I’ve never heard of that. Looking at the cover and seeing that it was a handbook I knew it was going to teach me something about these women and how they live. I thought this book was going to be a little bit snobby because it was about rich girls who had money and pampering themselves. Reading the comments that were said by celebrities’ maybe the book wasn’t going to be so bad.
After completing this book I was surprised because it was more interesting than I thought it was. I couldn’t put the book down. Some things that they had in the book made me laugh because I could relate like “The Look” I used to get those all the time when I was younger. I think black girls should read this because it is insightful and does teach you about others live. I’m glad there’s a book out there that teaches women that college and being successful and happy is important rather than being out on their streets engaging in illegal activity. I love being an African American, this book really shows that African Americans can make something out of their self, be successful, and fulfill their dreams.

[Kishanna Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Silly, but entertaining.

[rie]

black womanhood is so fun

[Nandi Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny,informative, but yet a bit exclusive(snobbish) as well. For those who are truly BAPs. You do gain some knowledge on stuff that you probably didn't know likewise. Good to have and to hold (smile).

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great funny and cute read! It was fun thinking of all the BAPs (and Bogus BAPs)I know! I'm discovered that I am not a BAP, but I do have some BAP like tendencies!!

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, delightful book. I read this in high school.

[Laurelle Bassa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be funny, Poignant
and honestly pretty true. It can give a lot of girls
who may haven't even thought of themselves as B.A.P.S before reading this book total insight into how their life actually. Works according to people who may have lived the life for longer than they have. It's quite fun to read and I found myself both chuckling and contemplating while reading this book.

[Tawanda W. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny, light-hearted read!

[eryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very funny and satirical - felt this on another level because if you know, you know.

[Dasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
Clearly satire and the sections that feature artists by genre is a hit. Unfortunately, I will be adding aspects from this book to my personality and claiming it as my own.

[Yeleen Messi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is funny and cute lol. Definitely related a lot to butterfly bap :)!

[Kierra J, · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book I feel was somewhat a waste of time. The content is very bourgeois and not applicable to most people. I'm definitely about uplifting the race, but this seems like it's specifically for an elitist group of African American women that don't take kindly to those on the outside. I wouldn't recommend this book to a young girl because it would probably be over their heads. I was hoping for something classic for my collection of books, but unfortunately, I don't even want to keep it.

[jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

A satirical treat for the Black American Princess. I saw some reviews complaining about the elitism. I thought that was kind of the point?! Although it seems I cannot fully accept the title of BAP, my life and childhood are certainly riddled with BAP ways. While this work is intended to be humorous, I also found it to be a fascinating and insightful glance at the lives of the Black Elite.

[Lynecia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Re-read it and I understand it better. Not to be taken seriously at all.

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some would say this is the story of my life. Or what I am, actually. Yes, I admit I am a BAP- a Vlack American Princess. Not sure what that all means? Read on and learn.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, this book is so funny and cute. If you or someone you know is a geniune princess inside and out. Add this book there collection. Happy Reading~

[Kassel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Silly yet entertaining read on Black American Princesses. Even though it was satire, I found myself relating a bit to Butterfly more than I'd care to admit!

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had a few good portions and remarkable resources that i never heard about prior. However, the all over tone was way too superficial for my taste.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun satire on the elite, female black experience, co-written by four strong, successful women. The Preppy Handbook for black women. :-)

[Kewannah]

I've had this on my must read list for 16 years!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was definitely cute:-)

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!