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An Angry-Ass Black Woman
This sassy, shocking autobiographical novel captures the racial tensions, the hardships, and the bonds that formed between families and neighbors growing up poor in Harlem.
The autobiographical novel from the author of Uptown Dreams and Satin Doll
Karen E. Quinones Miller is AN ANGRY-ASS BLACK WOMAN
You’d be angry, too . . . if you grew up poorer than poor in Harlem in the 1960s and ’70s, a place of unrelenting violence, racism, crime, rape, scamming, drinking, and drugging . . . with a dad permanently checked out in Bellevue and a mom at the end of her rope raising you, your twin sister, and your two brothers, moving every time the money runs out— and doing what it takes to survive.
But there’s more to her story . . . Ke-Ke Quinones was whip smart and sassy, a voracious reader of everything from poetry to the classics. No matter what, 117th Street—where you could always count on someone to stand up for you—would always be home. And with every hard-knock lesson learned, Ke-Ke grew fiercer, unleashing her inner angry-ass black woman to get through it all.
Is this her final chapter? Now, decades later, comatose in a hospital bed after a medical crisis, she reflects on her life—her success as a journalist and renowned author, her tragicomic memories of Harlem, her turbulent marriage, the birth of her daughter, future possibilities—all the while surrounded by her splintered family in all of their sound and fury. Will she rise above once more?
The autobiographical novel from the author of Uptown Dreams and Satin Doll
Karen E. Quinones Miller is AN ANGRY-ASS BLACK WOMAN
You’d be angry, too . . . if you grew up poorer than poor in Harlem in the 1960s and ’70s, a place of unrelenting violence, racism, crime, rape, scamming, drinking, and drugging . . . with a dad permanently checked out in Bellevue and a mom at the end of her rope raising you, your twin sister, and your two brothers, moving every time the money runs out— and doing what it takes to survive.
But there’s more to her story . . . Ke-Ke Quinones was whip smart and sassy, a voracious reader of everything from poetry to the classics. No matter what, 117th Street—where you could always count on someone to stand up for you—would always be home. And with every hard-knock lesson learned, Ke-Ke grew fiercer, unleashing her inner angry-ass black woman to get through it all.
Is this her final chapter? Now, decades later, comatose in a hospital bed after a medical crisis, she reflects on her life—her success as a journalist and renowned author, her tragicomic memories of Harlem, her turbulent marriage, the birth of her daughter, future possibilities—all the while surrounded by her splintered family in all of their sound and fury. Will she rise above once more?
- GenresFictionBiography Memoir
288 pages, Paperback
First published April 26, 2011
18 people are currently reading
907 people want to read
About the author
Karen E. Quinones Miller
21 books192 followersKaren E. Quinones Miller is the author of the Essence best selling novels Satin Doll, I’m Telling, Using What You Got, Ida B., (nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction), Satin Nights, and Passin’.
Miller was born and raised in Harlem and dropped out of school in the 8th grade, but later finished her education and became a reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
In 1999 she self-published her first novel, Satin Doll, and sold 3,000 copies in just six weeks --and ultimately sold 28,000 copies in six months. The publishing rights to Satin Doll and a second book were ultimately sold at auction for a six-figure deal. She has subsequently been published by Simon & Schuster, Warner Books, and Grand Central Books.
Miller, who is included in the book Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African-American Women in Literature, is a frequent and accomplished public speaker. Miller has conducted numerous publishing/self-publishing workshops that have been attended by people nationwide.
But more than anything, Miller’s passion is writing. She used her publishing company – Oshun Publishing Company, Inc. – to publish Harlem Godfather: The Rap on my Husband, Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson -- the first biography written about the Harlem gangster who was depicted in the movies Cotton Club, Hoodlum and American Gangster – which she co-authored along with Bumpy’s 93-year-old widow, Mayme Johnson. Oshun Publishing also recently published Raw: An Erotic Street Tale by Shay, and Prey For Love by Leyton Wint.
Miller was born and raised in Harlem and dropped out of school in the 8th grade, but later finished her education and became a reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
In 1999 she self-published her first novel, Satin Doll, and sold 3,000 copies in just six weeks --and ultimately sold 28,000 copies in six months. The publishing rights to Satin Doll and a second book were ultimately sold at auction for a six-figure deal. She has subsequently been published by Simon & Schuster, Warner Books, and Grand Central Books.
Miller, who is included in the book Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African-American Women in Literature, is a frequent and accomplished public speaker. Miller has conducted numerous publishing/self-publishing workshops that have been attended by people nationwide.
But more than anything, Miller’s passion is writing. She used her publishing company – Oshun Publishing Company, Inc. – to publish Harlem Godfather: The Rap on my Husband, Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson -- the first biography written about the Harlem gangster who was depicted in the movies Cotton Club, Hoodlum and American Gangster – which she co-authored along with Bumpy’s 93-year-old widow, Mayme Johnson. Oshun Publishing also recently published Raw: An Erotic Street Tale by Shay, and Prey For Love by Leyton Wint.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 23, 2018
Amazing
It's not often that a book reels me in from the very first sentence but this book definitely did just that! This is raw, real, authentic, funny, and touching. I felt bad for Karen and her siblings at some points but they held their own the best they could with the hand they were dealt. As an adult Karen took no shit and I admired that. Definitely a must read.
It's not often that a book reels me in from the very first sentence but this book definitely did just that! This is raw, real, authentic, funny, and touching. I felt bad for Karen and her siblings at some points but they held their own the best they could with the hand they were dealt. As an adult Karen took no shit and I admired that. Definitely a must read.
October 25, 2012
Crying and attempting to breathe after reading the final chapter, I shared my thoughts about this Author and this book to someone who has no idea who Ms. Miller is. Then I told him to go online and buy his own copy because I was NOT sharing mine.
I’ve never been to Harlem and I’ve never even driven remotely close to Mississippi but the fact that Ms. Miller painted such a vivid picture of her childhood I felt as though I was there, raw emotion and feeling the pain, trauma, joy and Peace that make this story such an awesome wonder is what had me hooked. Chapter 8 will keep you mesmerized. I can’t say anything more about it except, I cried, put it down and went right back to it again. This is well thought out personal “storytelling” at its’ best and as a Black Woman I found myself feeling just as angry and at times rather bitter. But I got over it and kept reading. I will pick it up again, and reread it because I think that I can get even more out of it the “second time around”. Hurry get your copy and prepare yourselves for emerging emotions and holding your children a little closer at night………
Kuddos to you Ms. Miller, for perseverance and strength. Kudos to the Quinones family…..for their support and undying love at its’ finest.
Antoinette Lakey
AAMBC Reviewer
I’ve never been to Harlem and I’ve never even driven remotely close to Mississippi but the fact that Ms. Miller painted such a vivid picture of her childhood I felt as though I was there, raw emotion and feeling the pain, trauma, joy and Peace that make this story such an awesome wonder is what had me hooked. Chapter 8 will keep you mesmerized. I can’t say anything more about it except, I cried, put it down and went right back to it again. This is well thought out personal “storytelling” at its’ best and as a Black Woman I found myself feeling just as angry and at times rather bitter. But I got over it and kept reading. I will pick it up again, and reread it because I think that I can get even more out of it the “second time around”. Hurry get your copy and prepare yourselves for emerging emotions and holding your children a little closer at night………
Kuddos to you Ms. Miller, for perseverance and strength. Kudos to the Quinones family…..for their support and undying love at its’ finest.
Antoinette Lakey
AAMBC Reviewer
March 26, 2016
Ke-Ke has many reasons to be angry. Her mother died when she was young, her father was in and out of the sanitarium, she was raped, they were poor and struggling to make ends meet along with getting evicted constantly. Ke-ale is a woman that takes no mess and willing to battle for what she believes in.
From a young age, her parents encouraged her and her siblings to read & stay abreast the news and have the wherewithal to be able to discuss what they read. Her love for books is what allow me to relate to her. She craves knowledge and to have the ability to graduate at the topic her collegiate class and never completing high school is a great accomplishment.
The book takes you through several eras and entertains you with the brutal truth along with providing an understanding of why there are Angry-Ass Black Women within our communities.
From a young age, her parents encouraged her and her siblings to read & stay abreast the news and have the wherewithal to be able to discuss what they read. Her love for books is what allow me to relate to her. She craves knowledge and to have the ability to graduate at the topic her collegiate class and never completing high school is a great accomplishment.
The book takes you through several eras and entertains you with the brutal truth along with providing an understanding of why there are Angry-Ass Black Women within our communities.
August 2, 2014
This book was a little too over the top for me. It contained Unnecessary profanity. Due to the age range at the time of the stories' events made some of them unbelievable. I thought she was too young to remember that much detail. I found myself saying "Yeah, right!" a lot. I get it...sell books...I did like the way she unfolded her characters and information. There were a lot of funny parts and sad parts too. Still an admirable struggle for any Black woman.
November 18, 2017
The main reason why I decided to read this was because of the title. I am sure that most people have heard the phrase many times, whether by talking to someone or on the media. I understood the frustrations that Miller went through growing up poor and having to overcome poverty. However, I felt that the language was too raw for no reason. Does every word have to be F**** Mother **** B**, it was starting to get annoying like I know you are mad but do you have to cuss that much? I know that is probably asking for too much considering it is her story, but I digress.
I will say that this book was poignant with some scenes but the language was frustrating to read through. It is one thing to get all your frustrations out, another thing to just cuss and be angry for the sake of it..It tends to validate stereotypes of black women in general but that is just my personal opinion, without regard to taking the whole community in effect.
I will say that this book was poignant with some scenes but the language was frustrating to read through. It is one thing to get all your frustrations out, another thing to just cuss and be angry for the sake of it..It tends to validate stereotypes of black women in general but that is just my personal opinion, without regard to taking the whole community in effect.
October 6, 2012
Raw...Outspoken...Fiery...
These are the three words that describes Karen E. Quinones Miller's autobiographical novel, An Angry Ass Black Woman.
I've taken the liberty to know Ms. Miller through online writing groups and discussions but nothing further. Admittedly, I had no idea she was a bestselling and award-winning author until we've spoke on a few occasions. The first thing I've wondered was how did she have the time to reach out to aspiring authors? I know that sounds cynical. Yet on the contrary, it spoke on Ms. Miller's character in volumes.
As for her book I'm writing this review as an objective reader. A reader who just experienced a book that was so provocative and honest, I had to take a breath after reading the final page. There were moments I laughed; moments I fought back tears; moments I felt anger, and moments I cheered. However, there was moment in the book that it mirrored so close with my past I had to put book the down and sob, and it wasn't out of pity for Ms. Miller but I, too, felt the Angry Black Woman wanting to come out.
Also, the way Ms. Miller told her story was simply amazing. She painted a vivid picture from her upbringing in Harlem to her life in Mississippi, and to discovering her new career in Philadelphia. More importantly, she embodied the meaning of family. The Quinones fiercely loved hard as well as protecting those whom they loved, especially in chapter eight (and that's all I will say).
Giving An Angry Black Woman five stars is a disservice to the well thought-out, beautifully written, and real-as-it-gets novel. She exemplified her storytelling as if she was reciting it in person. Her tone and voice was superbly real. There was no holding back.
Kudos to Ms. Miller!
These are the three words that describes Karen E. Quinones Miller's autobiographical novel, An Angry Ass Black Woman.
I've taken the liberty to know Ms. Miller through online writing groups and discussions but nothing further. Admittedly, I had no idea she was a bestselling and award-winning author until we've spoke on a few occasions. The first thing I've wondered was how did she have the time to reach out to aspiring authors? I know that sounds cynical. Yet on the contrary, it spoke on Ms. Miller's character in volumes.
As for her book I'm writing this review as an objective reader. A reader who just experienced a book that was so provocative and honest, I had to take a breath after reading the final page. There were moments I laughed; moments I fought back tears; moments I felt anger, and moments I cheered. However, there was moment in the book that it mirrored so close with my past I had to put book the down and sob, and it wasn't out of pity for Ms. Miller but I, too, felt the Angry Black Woman wanting to come out.
Also, the way Ms. Miller told her story was simply amazing. She painted a vivid picture from her upbringing in Harlem to her life in Mississippi, and to discovering her new career in Philadelphia. More importantly, she embodied the meaning of family. The Quinones fiercely loved hard as well as protecting those whom they loved, especially in chapter eight (and that's all I will say).
Giving An Angry Black Woman five stars is a disservice to the well thought-out, beautifully written, and real-as-it-gets novel. She exemplified her storytelling as if she was reciting it in person. Her tone and voice was superbly real. There was no holding back.
Kudos to Ms. Miller!
November 12, 2012
Crying and attempting to breathe after reading the final chapter, I shared my thoughts about this Author and this book to someone who has no idea who Ms. Miller is. Then I told him to go online and buy his own copy because I was NOT sharing mine.
I’ve never been to Harlem and I’ve never even driven remotely close to Mississippi but the fact that Ms. Miller painted such a vivid picture of her childhood I felt as though I was there, raw emotion and feeling the pain, trauma, joy and Peace that make this story such an awesome wonder is what had me hooked. Chapter 8 will keep you mesmerized. I can’t say anything more about it except, I cried, put it down and went right back to it again. This is well thought out personal “storytelling” at its’ best and as a Black Woman I found myself feeling just as angry and at times rather bitter. But I got over it and kept reading. I will pick it up again, and reread it because I think that I can get even more out of it the “second time around”. Hurry get your copy and prepare yourselves for emerging emotions and holding your children a little closer at night………
Kuddos to you Ms. Miller, for perseverance and strength. Kudos to the Quinones family…..for their support and undying love at its’ finest.
RATING ***** AWESOME STORY
I’ve never been to Harlem and I’ve never even driven remotely close to Mississippi but the fact that Ms. Miller painted such a vivid picture of her childhood I felt as though I was there, raw emotion and feeling the pain, trauma, joy and Peace that make this story such an awesome wonder is what had me hooked. Chapter 8 will keep you mesmerized. I can’t say anything more about it except, I cried, put it down and went right back to it again. This is well thought out personal “storytelling” at its’ best and as a Black Woman I found myself feeling just as angry and at times rather bitter. But I got over it and kept reading. I will pick it up again, and reread it because I think that I can get even more out of it the “second time around”. Hurry get your copy and prepare yourselves for emerging emotions and holding your children a little closer at night………
Kuddos to you Ms. Miller, for perseverance and strength. Kudos to the Quinones family…..for their support and undying love at its’ finest.
RATING ***** AWESOME STORY
October 29, 2014
This book is a gritty story about the author's life, and how she turned her life around. I admire her so much she fought the big fight and came out a winner. This is book is a great read and very inspirational it shows you that you can do anything if your heart is in it. Ms. Miller is my hero!
September 20, 2016
So very much loved this book. Karen wrote a great book about her past. You will enjoy it from the beginning to the end. I would highly recommend this book.
October 7, 2012
this book was intense!
September 21, 2023
3.5*
Excellent title.
I wasn't especially impressed with the author's conceit of having an avatar by which she interacts with the world (the titular angry-ass black woman), especially because this avatar's origin story is not shared until well past the book's halfway point.
I also felt the later chapters were written in haste. They had a superficial feel to them and reminded me of some ghostwritten bios I have read.
But mostly I found the story compelling.
Excellent title.
I wasn't especially impressed with the author's conceit of having an avatar by which she interacts with the world (the titular angry-ass black woman), especially because this avatar's origin story is not shared until well past the book's halfway point.
I also felt the later chapters were written in haste. They had a superficial feel to them and reminded me of some ghostwritten bios I have read.
But mostly I found the story compelling.
April 1, 2020
This book reeled me in at the beginning. This is a gritty, yet compelling story of how your childhood and early life influences have the ability to influence the rest of your life. Karen carried her traumas into adulthood and suffered so many negatives in her life as a result.
Lesson: Stop running. Confront your issues, so that you can live your best life.
Lesson: Stop running. Confront your issues, so that you can live your best life.
July 5, 2021
Karen E. Quinones Miller defines herself as an angry-ass black woman. In this memoir, she tells of her life growing up with a dysfunctional family in Harlem and overcoming poverty, abuse and racism. It is especially interesting to see how she was able to become an author by peddling her self published book which is no easy feat. I recommend this one but do warn that it has a lot of profanity.
April 17, 2018
Amazing read. I am definitely looking forward to reading more from this author.
November 16, 2019
I fell in love!
This book had me wanting more from the first page to the last! Her life had so many ups and downs. Yet she made it. Stayed true to herself.
This book had me wanting more from the first page to the last! Her life had so many ups and downs. Yet she made it. Stayed true to herself.
March 22, 2021
This book is so raw and real that I couldn’t put it down until I finished it.
December 3, 2013
I should haver given it 5 stars but selfishly I didn't want I to end. Part autobiographical with life lessons, humor and a heavy dose of reality. WOW! It is a must read. The title can be a bit misleading, the choice words were mixed in but after the prologue where she explains her choice of words, one basically just buckles up for the ride. Her family grew up poor and knew it and some members overcame the odds and others became statistics. I enjoyed how she vividly portrayed the people in her life with such great realism that one couldn't help but understand their situations. The literary foundation encouraged by her mom served her well in her later years and the love of the daughter she wasn't quite sure she wanted defined her in her later years. The Angry Ass Black Woman is passionate, sometimes violent and defiant but as she said "underneath it all is a smart, sassy, happy woman waiting in the cut." Rest assured, she can always revert! So glad I took a chance on this book after reading Berneice L McFadden's recommendation.
August 17, 2013
If you are a fan of author Karen E. Quinones Miller her autobiographical novel An Angry-Ass Black Woman is definitely a book that you should check out. Quinones-Miller tells the story of her childhood and the events that helped to shape her as a woman and as a author while recovering from surgery for a brain tumor.
This autobiographical novel gives readers the opportunity to take a look into the family life of Quinones Miller during her childhood, teens and into the early years of her adulthood.
There are times when the truth telling is painfully raw regarding events that occur to different members of Kee-Kee's (pronounced Kay-Kay) family. There are also times when there is a lot of reflective disclosure about her attitudes towards life that shows how she matured as an individual.
I read this book in a couple of hours. It is interesting and it will make fans of her work gain a deeper understanding of why Kee-Kee is an Angry Ass Black Woman.
This autobiographical novel gives readers the opportunity to take a look into the family life of Quinones Miller during her childhood, teens and into the early years of her adulthood.
There are times when the truth telling is painfully raw regarding events that occur to different members of Kee-Kee's (pronounced Kay-Kay) family. There are also times when there is a lot of reflective disclosure about her attitudes towards life that shows how she matured as an individual.
I read this book in a couple of hours. It is interesting and it will make fans of her work gain a deeper understanding of why Kee-Kee is an Angry Ass Black Woman.
December 30, 2012
Karen E. Quinones Miller is an amazing writer. As a best-selling author, she tells her own story in a way that felt comfortable, natural. I felt as if I were sitting down with her at a coffee shop, listening to her tell me about her experiences.
Her command of language and use of structure kept me turning pages. I cried with her losses and cheered her victories. I feel as if she turned her life over to her fans as friends, letting us get to know her better.
I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys autobiographies.
Her command of language and use of structure kept me turning pages. I cried with her losses and cheered her victories. I feel as if she turned her life over to her fans as friends, letting us get to know her better.
I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys autobiographies.
December 20, 2013
I came across this book while browsing the black literature section at the library, and I'm so glad I found it! And this author! This is a hard hitting autobiography narrated from the point of view of an African American lady growing up in the mean streets of harlam it's gripping, believable funny in some places but also has some very difficult parts to read I really enjoyed the book so much so I've ordered some of her earlier books and ones she mentioned she had read too I can't wait to read 'satin doll' one of her earlier novels. Well done Karen I am a fan! Thank you for sharing your life story.
May 19, 2016
It was bookclub pick and I was not looking forward to reading it based on the title. I had actually made up my mind that I was not going to read it!. But I did and I am glad that I did. Karen was angry and by all rights she should have been but she didn't stop there. She pushed and prodded her way through her rough childhood of rape, drugs, poverty and came out of it a positive,intelligent hard working woman. I liked that this book told her story of survival and triumphs. And provided a better more positive life for her daughter. Another story of a hard working Black Woman? Yes and I am so glad I read it!
November 28, 2012
If I can give this book more than five stars, I would! For me this autobiograpghy is very intense. Reading this book makes you not want to complain about anything in life. But were humans and we still do. Some of the events in this book was shocking. I just wanted to jump in the story and fight for her. She had every right to be angry. But I'm glad she kept her baby, whom became her greatest love. Even after everything she loved God and made it out of her coma. And she wasn't angry anymore. This was such a powerful book, I even had tears in my eyes at the end.
February 16, 2013
The title and the cursing was a little discouraging but once I got pass that I realized on so my level there are plenty of these women that go thru lack and abuse but instead of causing self destruction they lash out at everyone else. I really appreciated that she was brilliant and honest about her feeling. She took that anger and made money she wasn't afraid to go speak how she felt and go after what she wanted its amazing how she and Camille work together to make the impossible happen. By the end I did enjoy it.
September 11, 2014
I enjoyed reading this book! At first it seemed a little slow. She repeated 117th so much It was insane lol. This book is straight to the point and raw! If you have every read "A Piece of Cake" by Cupcake Brown, and loved it, then you will like this book as well. Just like "A Piece of Cake", this book motivated me in a way I can't explain. As the saying goes, "When you go through things, just know that someone out there has or is going through way worse than you". This book will have you counting your blessing and keeping better track of them. MUST READ!
March 23, 2013
Wow I absolutely love this novel man even if some of it was sad moment. I love the fact that family always stuck together and everyone in the neighborhood looked out for everyone like family now that what I called hood love. Man I love the Quinones family they are crazy but they are their for everyone and never turn their back on anyone.I happy You Karen made it out of your situation and was bless with sharing your sucess and upbring really enjoy reading thanks
February 12, 2013
This book was great, one of the best I've read in a long time. I'm part of a bookclub, and we choose the book based on the title alone. This book was very raw and gritty, and I visioned each page. I applaud Ms. Quinones Miller for sharing her story. It really gives hope to people who are trying to make a better life for themselves, even as they endure daily struggles.
February 1, 2013
I thought it was good...the female version of Manchild In A Promised Land. Interesting insight into the person who wrote the thought provoking best sell I'm Telling was full of laugh out loud humor, and tear dropping scenes. My only problem????? It had to come an end.
May 24, 2013
really good!!!! should have been more to the story.....
October 28, 2014
Love her books
April 14, 2015
I really enjoyed this book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews