Black Chameleon: Memory, Womanhood, and Myth

by Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton

Winner of the Texas Institute of Letters Carr P. Collins Award for Best Nonfiction
Nonfiction Finalist for the 2023 Writers’ League of Texas Book Awards
Named one of The Root's 2023 Best Books by Black Authors

It's often said that Black women are magic, but what if they really are mythological?

Growing up as a Black girl in America, Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton yearned for stories she could connect to—true ones, of course, but also fables and mythologies that could help explain both the world and her place in it. Greek and Roman myths felt as dusty and foreign as ancient ruins, and tales by Black authors were often rooted too far in the past, a continent away.

Mouton’s memoir is a praise song and an elegy for Black womanhood. She tells her own story while remixing myths and drawing on traditions from all over the world: mothers literally grow eyes in the backs of their heads, children dust the childhood off their bodies, and women come to love the wildness of the hair they once tried to tame. With a poet’s gift for lyricism and poignancy, Mouton reflects on her childhood as the daughter of a preacher and a harsh but loving mother, living in the world as a Black woman whose love is all too often coupled with danger, and finally learning to be a mother to another Black girl in America.

Of the moment yet timeless, playful but incendiary, Mouton has staked out new territory in the memoir form.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, Race, Audiobook

320 pages, Hardcover

First published March 7, 2023

About the author

Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton is an internationally-recognized performance poet, playwright, director, and the first Black Poet Laureate of Houston. Author of the 2019 Poetry Collection Newsworthy (Bloomsday Literary), her genre-bending poetry has engendered unconventional collaborations with groups as disparate as the Houston Rockets and the Houston Ballet. Her work has been featured by Glamour, NPR, the BBC, ESPN, and the TEDx circuit. Her most notable productions include Marian's Song (Houston Grand Opera, 2020) & Plumshuga: The Rise of Lauren Anderson, (Stages, 2022).
Her most recent memoir, Black Chameleon (Henry Holt & Co) reflects on her journey as a Black American Woman and the mythology that guided her along the way.

Reviews

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Chameleon: Memory, Womanhood, & Myth by Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton tells readers exactly what they are in for in the title. Deborah Mouton is Houston's first Black poet laureate and her craft is apparent in her storytelling approach. This is a memoir written in poetic language that uses literary devices such as magical realism and mythmaking to create a narrative around the author's life experiences as a Black woman.

In the tradition of Audre Lorde's Zami: A New Spelling of My Name, Mouton has written her own personal mythology, or biomythology. In her Afterword she also highlights the work of writers such as Maxine Hong Kingston and myths such as the myth of Momotaro in Japanese folklore to share with her readers where her inspiration came from. I really enjoyed the writing style of this memoir and the ways Mouton integrates established myths from the African diaspora to help readers make connections between our history as a people and her own coming of age journey.

This beautiful story shares relatable moments of Black girlhood such as getting your first hair relaxer, falling in love with your first crush, getting disciplined by your parents all juxtaposed with insights about our own ancient myths and folklore across cultures. There are references to Greek mythology that many readers will also pick up on which layers this narrative with deep meaning for the reader who enjoys learning more!

Thank you to the author and publisher for the e-arc copy!

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Black Chameleon, Mouton brings forth a novel and interesting addition to the memoir genre; she weaves together creative nonfiction and magical realism to seamlessly switch between describing events in her own life and imagined additions to them and then to original fables/myths that she has created pertaining to the specifically Black American experience (as opposed to the experience of a non-American Black person). I found her prose lyrical, beautiful, heartbreaking, hard to read at times, and overall well worth reading. Would recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley to providing me an ARC.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been occupied with the idea of legacy. How legacy is intertwined with storytelling & the myth-making of memory. Black Chameleon fits right into this moment of obsession—a memoir that grabs the tails of biomythographies like Zami and Bone Black and carries this legacy into present day. Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton recounts a childhood in which she searches for connection and belonging, moving back and forth between her younger POV and the reflective lessons of her present self. Interspersed with her stories are myths, some pulling from recognizable characters, others from the author’s imagination. These myths sit right up against her narrative, paragraph to paragraph, requiring the reader to bend with her and let go of linear time. It’s a book worth the trust fall, though, even if I felt floating without a tether sometimes. Through myth-making, Mouton reminds us of women’s inner worlds, their power, their wildness. This book is a reclamation as much as a memoir.

“What are we Chameleons but the greatest imposters? Convincing ourselves that we can fit into the world. That our Joy doesn’t alter the bodies limits. What storytellers. But there is no longer a reason to hide one so much shelter can abound.”

[Adrienne Blaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memoirs are their own myths, and in this memoir, Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton leans into this myth-making. By blurring the lines between straight ahead recounting and speculative fiction, Mouton pens new fables centered around the experiences of Black women.

I think this book is best read a little bit at a time to allow breathing room for reflection. The writing is fierce and dense. Each word has heft. This book is the opposite of fluff — even at its most dreamy. While exploring beyond the limits of reality, Mouton remains entirely truthful

I received a digital advance reader copy from NetGalley and Henry Holt and Company in exchange for an honest review.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of powerful poetry mixed with parables and mythologies written to create this picture sorrowful and continuously fierce memoir. She manipulated language in a most beautiful and spellbinding way.

[Reagan Formea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publishers for a free copy!
This is a work of literary genius and I already want to reread it. Gorgeous writing, heartbreakingly beautiful stories of mythology and black womanhood. So so so happy to have read it.

[Lit_Vibrations · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great memoir has been added to my list of favs‼️ I won this gem in a giveaway last year and wish I read it sooner. Mouton’s memoir was so engrossing, well-written, and like nothing I’ve ever read before. She used a magic/mythological approach that I loved so much.

“Mythmaking isn’t a lie. It is our moment to take the privilege of our own creativity in Black Mythology and use it to fill in the gaps in literature that colonization has tried to steal from us. It is us choosing to write the tales that our children pull strength from. It is hijacking history for the ignorance in its closets. This, a truth that must start with the women.”

Throughout the book Mouton explores themes surrounding womanhood, family, growing up black in America, her childhood, motherhood, and so many other things. She tells her own story while remixing myths and drawing on traditions from all over the world.

Like one myth we’ve all heard before mothers having eyes in the backs of their heads. I remember rolling my eyes once behind my mothers back and her immediately saying do it again and see what happens all while never turning around to acknowledge me. Couldn’t tell me she didn’t have eyes in the back of her head lol.

Overall, this was an amazing memoir definitely recommend y’all give this one a read. There were a lot of personal stories presented that many readers can relate to in one way or another.

[Alisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

An homage to the practice of writing biomythographies (e.g. Audre Lorde’s Zami, Zora Neale Hurston, etc).

The afterword really tied it all together for me. The timeline of her life is not always linear because really that’s not the focus. D.E.E.P. wanted to use her life as the basis for imagining stories that incorporated magical realism and/or animals and taught some moral that she’d picked up during her life. I appreciate her wanting to focus on create these myths which Black Americans can find understanding in, by grounding the stories in the heritage of Black Southerners. This is much more beneficial for us than trying to relate to Afrikan mythology. We can acknowledge the disconnect we’ve suffered from having our ties cut from our (unknown) native land/tribe/ancestors, and even honor that disconnected connection, but we must admit that we can never fully understand the tales of those lands (at least not while we actively live in America). The next best thing for grounding ourselves and regaining a connection to our Ancestors is thus honoring the 400-year-old stories that began on this soil, which, although began under tragic circumstances, are yet still just as valuable and full of life, joy, lessons which we can be grateful for and apply to our lives today.

[Rolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and lyrical, with lots of magical realism--reminded me of Jesmyn Ward’s work, or Beloved.

[Anna Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio version: read by the author.

A Texas native who looked for different myths and histories that had meaning for her. A Houston poet laureate, she definitely makes you feel these stories.

[Darnez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heard this recommended on The Stacks Pod and didn't really pay attention to the description. Felt the greatest mystery dish surprise ever once i began reading it. Every bit was delicious

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such heartbreakingly beautiful story telling! I was completely transported. I could not put this book down. I highly recommend it!

[Janet McMillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful stories of strong black women. Some of the stories are mixed with myths and poetry. Very moving tales .

[Jj Burch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Magic meets Mythos
In this memoir of Black joy,
Pain, and memory

[jet · Rating 5 out of 5]

favorite book I’ve read this year. it took me two tries to get started initially because I wasn’t comprehending the biomythography form of the book, but I listened to a podcast where she explained it and after that I could not put it down. mouton is an incredibly honest and captivating writer.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful poetic memoir. I did not understand all of the poetry but like a beautiful opera I appreciated the beauty.

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautifully lyrical experience. I’ve never quite read anything like it—the title not only alluding to all the shape shifting women and especially Black women have done, but also the way this book flickers between myth, memoir, and poetry. I am so inspired by Mouton and the creation of new myths, of “choosing to write the tales that our children pull strength from.” It seems truly vital if we are to sustain and nourish ourselves in worlds that weren’t made for us. If we are to remake those worlds, prying the words of others open and inserting our own stories.
The story of Dolores and Ida Mae in particular broke my heart and transported me to a childlike state of loving and reading fantasy books and fairy tales. Grateful especially to learn the idea that kindness is fear.

[Maia · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I were to write a memoir, I'd want it to be like this.
The author has created her own mythology, blending fantasy, history, and coming-of-age reality into a beautifully written, satisfying read. Needless to say, I loved it.

[Smileitsjoy (JoyMelody) · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was beautiful. i took notes in the margins.

[The Curious Spoonie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first heard of this book I was instantly curious. Not particularly familiar with biomythology, I wondered if I would be reading a chronological memoir or a collection of short stories. I was not far into the text before I realized the answer is ‘both’.

The author tells us the story of her life while intricately weaving myth and autobiography together so seamlessly that we can’t quite tell where one begins and the other stops. A concept that could very quickly become disingenuous or even indulgent is anything but in this skilled author’s hands.

And Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton is skilled. Her writing is expressive and enchanting, uplifting and insistent. I will admit that I am far from the best judge when it comes to poetic prose, but I was immediately impressed with the way her words were both beautifully lyrical and completely accessible. Her style feels honest and genuine.

And the people in her stories are genuine, too. These are women telling fables and truths about their lives and that telling can be felt on every page. Mouton reveals the everyday humanity of her characters through their most fantastical elements and then makes the reader believe in their magic. Their fairy tales hold the underlying darkness of a Brothers Grimm story but are also laced with an unavoidable strength that suggests what it means to be a black woman in America.

I enjoyed every part of this book, but I was especially drawn to the more mythical storylines and am only wishing I had more of them to read. A quick search online reveals that Ms. Mouton has more than enough to occupy her time - not just as an author and poet but also as a playwright and director, opera librettist, teacher, and performer. But if she ever thinks to write a short story collection of modern day fairy tales to that list I know one reader who would instantly scoop it up.

A big ‘thank you’ to the author and publisher for my free copy.

Trigger Warnings - There are two instances of attempted rape that, while short and not graphic, may be troubling to some readers. The opening fable contains vague descriptions of the intentional blinding of children that might be upsetting (not to mention heartbreaking).

[Rhys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here's what I think: You should add this author and this book to your book-readings.

I just finished Black Chameleon by Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton while preparing for a Zoom session treating Memoir and Myth. The writing in the book is terrific. Her word selection and usage are exceptional. The poetry in her work is even more exceptional. It helped define genre-shifting/bending of a memoir for me.

Then I listened to/watched the session. She speaks in the same way that she writes! Her poetry is her language! Remarkable.

I am placing Miss Mouton high on my list of Southern Writers; somewhere with Eudora Welty and Jesmyn Ward for her beautiful mixing of creative black folklore and very personal history.

Highly recommend the book and the author.

[Kioka Tuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

“When you’re grown from gunpowder, you have no choice, but to be the bomb.”


From Reading this book Other Books that come to mind: Her Stories & The People Could Fly by Virginia Hamilton
African Folktales

What makes this memoir different from others is that Mouton makes the statement Black women can be fierce, sexy, poetic, and able to put monsters in their place.

There are no bounds to Mouton's ability to craft the black woman into an everyday superhero.
I have always believed that the black women in my life have always been magical. From Family to Friends, we have a way of creating magic, and we don’t even realize it.

[Lori Tatar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true fairytale of a memoir, written in prose, in song and pure poetry, Black Chameleon by Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton is a classic in its own right. It speaks (sings) of grief and pain and joy and sorrow, Love and Death, that is not only read, but felt in the deepest recesses of our souls. It is a story of rage and hope, and throughout, the deep conviction to God. This is a beautiful book of poetry and prose that blurs the lines between what is lived, what is dreamt and what is felt. And it’s all real.

[Yvonne Marks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a very interesting collection of stories about growing up with a mixture of mythology and poetry included in them. Some of the stories are funny and we all can relate to going through some of the same things as we grew up. Although growing up as a preacher's daughter, she had some stories that provided a different perspective on family life than what others have experienced. It was a very interesting read.
Thanks for the free book.

[Katharina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton's memoir Black Chameleon is a captivating exploration of identity, self-discovery, and empowerment. What sets this memoir apart is its skilled integration of mythology, weaving ancient tales of magic and gods into the author's personal narrative. Mouton's unique crossing of genre boundaries creates a profound and thought-provoking reading experience that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.

[Lauren Oertel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book was fantastic! The genre-blending structure was inspiring and I loved the mythology and poetry elements. This has set a new standard, and opened new possibilities for what memoir can do, or really, any writing. Brilliant! Why stick to one form when you can try multiple? The result could be beautiful.

I highly recommend this book, in both print and audio and I’ll definitely be reading more from this author. Enjoy!

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Black Chamelion’ is the perfect title for this book since its’ tales of interwoven fables and mythologies of Black women and their experiences change from one telling to the next, just like a chameleon….the author draws on traditions from all over the world and blends them with her own experiences to craft a spellbinding read. Mouton has a gift for lyricism, poignancy and memoir telling.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful, evocative, mythical, and smart, this mixture of essays and poetry will have me thinking for a long time. Mouton is the Poet Laureate of Houston and she shares stories of her time there but also growing up in Los Angeles and Michigan. There is a real sense of place and memory in this book and the #audio is fantastic, narrated by the author.

[Starry Night]

This book got me hooked with the chapter "He May Not Come When You Want Him":

"I don't know a library that isn't a church. A sanctuary of stories no less holy than another. Even Lucifer had his tale. And religiously, every week, my mother would take me to church."

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black Chameleon is not like any other book I have read. It is a memoir with cultural myths and fables woven in between. Ms. Mouton is a beautiful writer and I found this book very poetic and important. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more work from Ms. Mouton.