Nappy: Growing Up Black and Female in America

by Aliona L. Gibson

Drawing on personal experiences, a young black woman offers her thoughts on dealing with the politics of race and identity, relationships, body-image issues, higher education, and employment opportunities, in an intimate, candid, and delightful glimpse into the life of the author. Original. IP.

176 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1995

Reviews

[Claire DM · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted this book to be better written- either deeper or a more readable coherent narrative- than it was. I ultimately gave up and didn't finish. It is a colloquially written and non academic autobiography of a Black woman in modern America- a voice and perspective that needs to be heard far more!While I don't *know* this author's perspective, it contained no revelations for me (racism exists for people other than Black people! Black women's hair is a BIG DEAL! Colorism exists in the Black community too) I'm still happy to see this voice published though. I have no doubt that many of Gibson's casual life observations would be big revelations for many white Americans. This is not about "wokeness" but rather simple contact or lack-thereof between many white and black in the US.

[Meka · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book put me in an apoplectic rage during most of my reading it. I suppose I could have been nice and given it 2 stars, but I had such a visceral reaction to the author's blatant hypocrisy in the book that I can't even manage. The one pro that I had was that she wanted to leave a lasting impression upon her readers that women are beautiful. Too bad she started dissing women and their looks 20 pages later. I finished the book, but it left me feeling angry, sad, and pretty livid.

[Alisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing spectacular. I can’t remember much because the impression of the life tales wasn’t big. Probably the largest lesson I took away is the importance of friendship among women, especially if they’re older/more experienced than you, yet still treat you equally.

Also her comparison between the west and east coast, regarding the commonality of Black men seeking Black women. Not sure I agree but that was a different era haha.

[Cherisse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just another one of the books I think black women and others should read to enlighten themselves.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was like reading someone's (sometimes poorly written) diary. I was confused a lot of the time by the slang she used and the timeline.

[Khelani · Rating 3 out of 5]

She is from California, so some parts of this book probably only apply to coast-challenged women such as herself.