And Other Things I Still Have to Explain - You Can't Touch My Hair

Just finished this book. As a Black woman, I found the subject matter fairly interesting, but the writing style was a little too wordy for me. Also, a lot of the material was not funny where the author's intent was clearly meant to convey funny. Being much older than the author, I found that many of her references in this book were people/things I could relate too. But overall a decent read.

I would highly recommend this to people who are black and want to laugh a little; to people who aren't black and who want to learn and laugh a little. And to people who are biracial and want some words of advice from a black woman and a white man, by way of letters to her niece. I was not familiar with Phoebe Robinson before this, but I am now a fan. Her first chapter did not kindle any sparks with me. In fact, it had me wondering if I had spent the 90s in a coma as a lot of her cultural references went right over my head. I used the google a lot. In the early 2000s I had small kids as an excuse. And I am white. Very white. But still. Anyhoo, I soon either caught on or she moved on to references I knew. It was VERY worth powering through my ignorance. Robinson is funny and yet on target and I found this book expanded my vision quite a bit. Highly recommend.

Omg I received my book yesterday and started reading it just today and I am in love phoebe is hilarious I've found myself laughing out loud so many times and saying yessssssss girl I agree. Such a great buy!!

Fantastic. It's pretty heavy with the pop culture references so I wouldn't exactly recommend it for the older gen, unless they are prepare to use google and urban dictionary every 4 or 5 sentences.... but It's a wonderful read and provides insight into what many ethnic women struggle with. It's a fun and eye popping read, Phoebe hits a home run with her ability to use humor to reference every day struggles for people of color. I love how it's the kind of book you can pick up and open to any page and fall right into step. After realizing that... I made it a coffee table book! Cheers to exposing so many topics and creating a dynamic platform of conversation for all those funky taboo topics that desperately need to be addressed. Woo!

I love the 2 Dope Queen's podcast, and Phoebe's own podcast - Sooo Many White Guys - and this book was more of the same greatness I've come to expect. Funny stories and Phoebe-isms combined with some poignant and thoughtful pieces on issues like sexism and racism, this book was a joy to read, and listen to- I did both!

The content of this book is great, but it's written like a side-segment from a comedy talk-show (The Daily Show) and pretty tough to get all the references. Might be more enjoyable to listen to an audio version because the cadence is SO conversational/comedic.

I love Phoebe on 2 Dope Queens, so I thought I would love the book. But, I stopped 3/4ths through, and I really have no desire to finish. The book was basically her rambling about random topics. The chapters were difficult to follow where her thought process was going.

The wit is wry and I seriously want to go get a beer with this chick, but the format is a bit long and it begins to feel like she is vamping for time a couple of jokes start to make recycled appearances. Overall, as a white chick, this was a great way to learn more about Black culture and the Black Female experience.

I definitely recommend listening to this voice.

Phoebe is addressing serious and very relevant subjects with grace and backbone. She interjects her excellent humor in a way that doesn't take away from the occasionally deeply painful experiences and cultural issues she's addressing, a tricky balance to find.

I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK. Phoebe Robinson tells about her journey of becoming and being herself unapologetically. Phoebe is funny, real, insightful, smart, and wise. She is also woke as hell. I totally felt like yelling, "Yaaas, Queen." So many different times because I could really relate to some of her experiences, and her commentary and insight regarding those experiences. So I definitely recommend this book, and hope she writes more books in the future.

I read this book because I love two dope queens, broad city and funny as hell people. This book has way more going on though and exposes subtle parts of life in America for black people than even I had not considered. In addition to that you glide through the pages like a hot knife through butter. Almost too easy to read! Read it. You won't regret it.

As usual, Phoebe Robinson delights with her wit, frank assessment of race in America, and clever pop culture references. Her voice is strong both in her indignant confrontation of ignorance and in the poignant passages directed to her family.

Not like "miss" it but you know, not sleep because you're reading this book that makes you wake-up, laughart and giggle. It also makes you have feels. Like the feels in the most positive way. And a little bit of sadness for guys named Vernon that work on boats. In case you're reading this and you're Ms Robinson's agent, get her more book deals, get her a coffee, find her shows to run/act/write/take time away from not good shows. I feel like I missed a word there. Basically, I think readers of this book will walk away thinking "why didn't I get hip to black women sooner?". Also sleep. They might also think about sleep.

An amazing and insightful book as well as being laugh out loud funny. Phoebe Robinson is a rock star and I love her book. Shout out to Keith and the Girl, where I first found out about this awesome woman.

I absolutely loved this book!!! If you want an introduction to racism, feminism, misogynoir and just some good laughs, this book is for you. It really opens your eyes to the Black woman's experience and you will love it.

LOVE Phoebe and all she represents and stands for! But i did not like this book. I just could not get into it. I didn't find it funny or insightful. It seemed to include phrases and topics that have already been beaten to death on any social media site you can think of. Maybe that's the fault of writing about trending topics when books take so long to go to press. Her voice just sounded 4 or 5 years out of date when reading it. I'm not made at my purchase because I can't be made about supporting young black authors being a black female myself, but it's not exactly on my "recommend" list.

I found Phoebe in TDQ and decided to read her book for the online book club. She is funny, honest and I enjoyed the book. Especially because I can hear her voice in my head! Check out the podcast too!

This book is one I would simply call 'okay'. It is not particularly memorable or something I'd read again/recommend. The author included some excellent and pertinent material, but her near-constant peppering of jokes and snark bits made the whole thing seem rather silly-- amateurish, even, as of someone who's trying a little too hard. That being said, it's a decent read, but not for me.

I might have fallen in love with Robinson a little bit while listening to her read this amazing audiobook. I'm sure reading it for myself would have been fun but the audio was SO GOOD. It's definitely the way to go.
I do, however, recommend reading Between the World and Me first, if you plan on reading both and haven't read that one already. Not only does she reference it at least once, but the information is complimentary without being identical and Coates's work was much more serious and gave a lot of history to both his topics and hers. That said, if you were not already going to read Between the World and Me, it is not essential to understanding this book whatsoever. Reading it first is just a recommendation from me. I read them in that order and feel like reading the funny first would have led me to not enjoy the serious as much.

I had decided that I absolutely had to read this one from the second I read the title. I have had issues with people touching my hair, though for different reasons. I get the irritation that comes with having to explain to people not to touch you. Since she is a comic by trade, I'm sure you expect this work to be funny, so I won't go on and on about how hilariously the book handled each topic. I will say that it did very much remind me of the way it has been pointed out in All the Rebel Women that it is a big part of this fourth wave of feminism that women are increasingly using humor to make our points and that the stand-up comic arena has become a feminist platform that is making headway.

I would normally tell you which essay was my favorite, but it's hard to choose. There's a moment or two in each that really makes it hard to pick a favorite. I think the one that I really need to remember the most, though, is the Angry Black Woman. I've never accused a black woman of being angry, but Robinson's issue makes perfect sense. Personally, it sounds like the dumbest thing to do because I feel like it makes a not angry person upset to call them angry but I get that it's a tactic to try to shut black women down and done for exactly this reason. I've had similar issues with other words associated with bitchy. My internal response is either "Oh, you want a bitch, you'll get one" or "WTF, that wasn't bitchy at all" and then feeling bad that something could have been offensive. I'm working on it, though, because that's a ridiculous response to someone who is also just trying to shut me down, but I didn't know that for a long time.

I'm also pretty familiar with the black friend dynamic. I've had done that to people (not proud to say I've done that to friends but it's true) and I've had people try to make me the Hispanic/Latin friend. The joke was always on them, though, because all the things people want a Latin friend for I can't do or am horrible at, like cooking Latin foods, dancing, speaking Spanish. It's become it's own source of entertainment for me. The essay on the usage of uppity was also different while being familiar. I've heard people say it before, but I'd never put it together that way and it makes so much more sense and feels like it should be obvious. As a girl who is also mixed, I particularly appreciated her letter to Olivia about being mixed and appreciating both heritages and both cultures. That was not something that I was taught growing up and I had to gradually come to appreciate my Hispanic side. It wasn't anyone's fault, just the way the insecurities of multiple people around me played out.

It's a little cute when she calls herself old because I've felt that way at work too. I'm a smidge older than her, but it's been happening since around her age at the time of her writing. Being that we are fairly contemporary, I got almost all the pop culture references. I had really started to think that I was the last person on the planet that remembered the show the West Wing, so her references to that show and C.J. Craig were especially fun for me.

I had a little bit of a book hangover when I was done and YouTubed some of her shorter video's for a while as I was trying to concentrate on writing this review. I look forward to watching/reading whatever else she does in the future and checking out her podcast 2 Dope Queens soon.

While there isn’t a manual or instructional guide into the “black” experience, if you’re a non-person of color wanting a glimpse into our world, Robinson’s book is about as close as one might get! I absolutely loved this novel. I have to say I didn’t know much about Phoebe Robinson. I’m not into listening to podcasts much, but after doing some basic research of her on the internet, I was quite impressed with Robinson’s resume.

Each morning I’d read You Can’t Touch My Hair and I would literally bust a gut from laughing so hard, as I watched non-people of color look at me like this black woman has lost her entire mind. Eh, some may say that, but I say, when a comedian writes a book this good and you aren’t laughing, then the jokes on you, I suppose. She touched on so many things that I’ve had the unfortunate pleasure of dealing with in my own life.

When she began explaining what it’s like for black actors in the industry to get casting calls and to really tell it like it is, my jaw dropped. I wanted so much to believe she was joking about that, but the sad reality of it all is, I know she wasn’t kidding. Being followed around in stores is something I’m very used to, even to the point I’ve had non-people of color take their precious children to the side as if I want to snatch them away. Hmm, newsflash, trust and believe, your children are the last thing I’d ever want to steal.

I was really in awe as she expressed this idea or notion of post-racial era. Umm, I’m sorry, but what era is that? The last time I checked, this country was not without racism. In fact, if you take a look at our government and the news in general, I don’t think we’re “past” racism. OMG, are you friggin’ kidding me right now? That’s exactly how Robinson feels as well. This woman touched on so many things that should make the average person cry, but using her humor to keep it light, makes it bearable.

It’s truly sad that she had to write a book about what we should and shouldn’t do to a group of people, but she damn sure didn’t tell any lies. She hit the mark tremendously. I realize, after reading several reviews of her book, that many people weren’t feeling her humor. Well, it’s all good because I did. I don’t understand how some can take offense to what she’s saying when it’s her experiences. If you want to be offended, be offended by the offense being done to her, but not in the way she went about expressing it.

I kept seeing this book in all my magazines and online and I wondered what it was all about. After reading it, I quickly figured it out. This was really a deliriously funny book. You have to laugh to keep from crying, especially if you’re a minority. I must say the one section that made me laugh more than anything else is her hatred for my Pittsburgh Steelers. Eh, we have many haters, and having another Cleveland Brown fan hate on us is nothing new. I’d hate us too if I didn’t play for a winning team. But that’s the breaks, Phoebe! (chuckle).

Robinson’s humor in taking pop-culture and basic knowledge in telling her truth was delightfully hilarious. I get her and I get the book. Laughter truly is the best medicine and Robinson’s book is a great pill to swallow. I couldn’t stop laughing. She’s really gifted. If you haven’t read this book, you need to add it to your shelf.

If you're not familiar with Phoebe Robinson yet, she's a comedian and hilarious person who is one of 2 Dope Queens, Black Daria (Blaria), and as she refers to herself in this book, a cross between Miss J from America's Next Top Model with a dash of Ta-Nahesi Coates. A lot of Robinson's essays spend time discussing black hair, her own historically, and through memorable pop culture moments. The Not So Guilty Pleasures section of the book had the most laughs from me, along with her repeated references to some of the nonsense of Carrie Bradshaw and Sex and the City, whilst loving the show and constantly making fun of it simultaneously. I listened to You Can't Touch My Hair as an audiobook, which was very entertaining because Robinson is great at using her voice to tell a good story; I'm not sure her written words would have jumped off the page in the same way her voice jumped through my ears and mind.

Here's a lil' snippet from the book, regarding Robinson wanting to be intimate with Bono from U2.
“I have issues. We all have issues. We’re all like a year subscription to Vogue magazine. We’ve got twelve issues each. It’s fine.”

3.5 stars.

I picked this one up based off of the title alone because, SAME! As I read, I found myself repeating that word approximately 72,000 more times. Of course, there were also lots of things that make the author, Phoebe Robinson very uniquely her that I didn’t necessarily relate to but, she does such a fabulous job of engaging storytelling & speaking her truths that they were just as entertaining (if not more so) than the parts I could relate to. I loved her fearlessness in sharing not only the things about herself that don’t fit into the “stereotypical black girl” mold but also her opinions on how ridiculous that mold is in the first place. The Letters to Olivia (her biracial niece) section that closed out the book especially touched my heart not just as a “Mixed Girl” but also as a mom, aunt and daughter. I look forward to checking out more of Ms. Robinson’s work & would love to see her follow up with another book.

I listened to the audiobook version of this book. Now when I listen to an audiobook by a celebrity, it's very important to me that the celebrity do the narrating (and so far in my experience, they usually do). Phoebe did her own narrating, and it's possible she ad-libbed at times (it seemed like she was ad-libbing at times). In any case, I think it's definitely worth springing for the audiobook regardless of whether there was ad-libbing or not. If nothing else, you're guaranteed to get the info in the tone it was intended since you're hearing it straight from the author herself.

I am a liberal and a feminist, so I was already receptive to the information Ms. Robinson was providing. In spite of that, I caught myself #AllLivesMatter-ing her. She was talking about the pressure black women face to meet specific, basically impossible, beauty standards and I thought "Uh, that's all women." I know better than to do that. I was listening to this book specifically to get more insight into the issues Phoebs was talking about, and I still #AllLivesMatter'd her. I shamed myself then paid attention. Clearly I still needed this book based on that though. And Phoebe clearly knows what she's talking about. That was made clear when she proclaimed that oatmeal raisin cookies are not real cookies. Pretty much everyone knows that to be a fact after all.

I expected this book to make me laugh more than it did. Don't get me wrong, it was funny, I just spent more time angry than laughing. And I remember the anger more than the laughter, although that means the information made a bigger impact than the jokes, and that's not exactly a bad thing. I would definitely recommend this book to people who are interested in getting more insight into the issues affecting women and minorities. 5 out of 5 stars.

I am torn between rating this 2 stars or 3 stars. Phoebe I love you but SHUT UP. I get it. You’re rambling was intended to be funny but it felt more narcissistic and amateurish after the 100th page than it felt useful, witty or insightful.

This book has moments of fresh air (the angry black woman chapter) that made me feel like “me too! I hope someone non black reads this and becomes enlightened!”

This book isn’t a waste and I was happy to support her. But be prepared to flip through a lot of pages. A lot.

I am a 55 year old white woman with close friends who are black. I love the podcast two dope queens so I picked this up. In between spit takes I also learned some very valuable information about what my friends likely experienced growing up. The section about the hours that black girls had to spend on their hair to be socially acceptable in our culture really surprised me. I am so proud of my friends who now have let go of social norms and wear their hair any way that they want.
The pop culture references were spot on and I got all of them. You don’t have to be a millennial to appreciate this book.
If you care about the society that we live in and what others experience and how they are treated it is important to open your eyes to others’ experiences. This book certainly did that for me. Thank you Phoebe for sharing your experiences and entertaining me while you educated me.

I just read Amy Schumer's GIRL WITH THE LOWER BACK TATTOO, and if you follow me, you'll remember that I had some complaints. Mainly that comedians, for whatever reason, write unfunny memoirs that are either a) self-promotional, b) long, shopping lists of gratitude, or c) boring & dry. It's like they have to prove a point - that they're not just the funny man or woman, they can be serious, just you watch. But...that's not why people are going to buy your memoirs. It's not why I buy your memoirs.

Phoebe Robinson's memoir is not like that at all. It opens with the history and the politics of "natural" hair and why it's rude to ask to touch it. Robinson discusses how different hairstyles can make a statement if you're a woman of color, the hours and effort that go into maintaining natural hair, and the frustration she and other women feel when they are othered based on their appearance.

After this, as a bit of a wind down, she discusses some of the famous (black) celebrities who contributed to the pop cultural lexicon of black hairstyles. This section includes pictures and commentary, and I really enjoyed seeing the evolving looks.

The middle section is a bit about Phoebe herself, and some of the things she loves, as a sort of belated meet-cute before she gets into the heavy stuff. Try not falling for this woman, I dare you. She's so charming, and funny, and self-effacing. She drops pop culture references and slang like a pro, and her voice is so strong that you really get the feeling that you're having a dialogue with her - right now.It can be surprisingly difficult to capture a "voice" on paper, and she does it really, really well.

After the meet-cute, Phoebe gets into the Deep Stuff. Race. Stereotypes. Bigotry. Guilt. Othering. Coded language. Privilege. The stuff that will send a small population running for the hills (or their laptops), screaming about rabid SJWs. But Phoebe discusses these topics in a really great way, supporting her points with examples that help give you an idea of what she feels and why when people use insensitive words like "exotic", "urban", or "uppity", or why she got so angry when a woman burst into tears after Phoebe was forced to read aloud and then later criticized her offensive lesbian master/slave love story and claimed that she - a white college student - felt "picked on."

Riiiiiiiight.

Phoebe gets right to the point. Even now, decades after the civil rights movement and about a century after the end of slavery, we are still pretty damn discriminatory as a society. And discrimination doesn't have to be overt. You don't have to say the N-word to discriminate. Discrimination can be as implicit as designing camera film for white skin, treating your black friend like they're the ambassador for all people of color, or only carrying lighter shades of foundation at a drug store. Buzzfeed did a few role reversal videos (1, 2) that help illustrate what things look like from the outside the privilege zone, but the fact that it feels so ridiculous just goes to show how heavily integrated such stereotypes are within the structure of society, and why we still need change.

The book ends with Phoebe writing a series of letters to her young niece about what it means to be black, biracial, and a woman, and the importance of being an authentic, compassionate individual who is open to new experiences but also not afraid to stand up for her principles. She brings up some more great points, too, but after the previous section, it feels a bit anticlimactic. I can see why Phoebe chose to end her book this way, though. You don't want to leave your readers on a note of moral outrage (for better, or for worse), and it helps bring the memoir full circle, as Phoebe starts out talking about the politics of the parts of the individual, and ends with the politics of the whole article.

This is probably one of my top 5 favorite female memoirs, ranking right up there with Felicia Day's YOU'RE NEVER WEIRD ON THE INTERNET and Tina Fey's BOSSYPANTS. It made me cry out, "I relate to that!" "I am interested in that!" "I am outraged by that!" and "I want to be your friend!" by turns. I love memoirs that are passionate, and political, and energized, and this book was all of those things. It was also thought-provoking, and honest in a way that a lot of memoirs these days aren't (I think you've probably heard me complain that too many celebrity memoirs are too "nice"; nice is nice, but it isn't controversial and it doesn't make a statement and it doesn't get you talking, either).

I loved that. And I love Phoebe. (And now I'm off to check out her comedy and stalk her on Twitter.)

Thank you so much, Netgalley, for the free copy!

4.5 to 5 out of 5 stars.

If you're a fan of Phoebe already, you'll gobble this book up. If you've not yet discovered her, prepare to fall in love. She tackles race, gender, and peens and vajeens in a hilarious, smart, moving way. I read this in a day!

I listened to the audio version of this book.
Pro: Hearing Phoebe Robinson say her own words in her own voice. Thank you Phoebe for sharing your world. Her sharp wit and endless tv/movie references had me laughing & reaching for imdb and google on occasion.
Con: Couldn’t listen with young kids in the car. (Cuss words, sexual content) You can overcome this if you can pop in one earbud while driving.

A book that covers awkward and uncomfortable topics such as race, gender, and pop culture with enough humor to take off the edge, Phoebe Robinson is an unapologetic feminist with something to say. If it makes you uncomfortable, good. Her words are something that need to be read and taken seriously even as she makes them humorous. I value her wisdom and experiences because it something that will never occur to me. It’s hard for me to saying anything else beyond everyone needs to read this book, especially those who need their minds opened.

Phoebe Robinson is a witty and intelligent young woman. However, she is not very funny. Perhaps I should have purchased the book instead of the Audio because her voice grates on the nerves. I gave up at Chapter 7. Truly want my money back.

Thank you Phoebe, for writing this book! It is so funny and true and speaks to a fairly unique experience that I'm guessing at least thousands of black girls have gone through. And if you're not one of them, this book is still funny and important. My only complaint is that there wasn't much discussion about love and dating. Perhaps that is in book two... "I wrap my hair at night to look this good."

I had been looking forward to reading this and tried reading this back in October and DNF'd it. I then got it as an audiobook, hoping I'd enjoy it this way, since Phoebe Robinson is a comedian and narrates this book. Had I read a bit more in the book back in October, I would not have spent the time doing so. Although the issues she discusses were relevant and could be considered informational, the way she delivers the content is less than enjoyable. She is quite crude in language, an occasional swear word where needed is fine and understandable, but every paragraph it seems is littered with this type of language, which isn't quite necessary, especially to the degree that it is used. She also makes sexual references constantly. Although this is probably part of her appeal as a comedian, it did not appeal to me. Without all the bad language and sexual references, this book could have been interesting and informative. I was deeply disappointed in this book that I was looking forward to. I will try the book by Ta'Nehisi Coates for I think this will be an informative collection of essays which since they were originally written to his son, I would think they may be written in a language that may be of more interest and enjoyment than You Can't Touch My Hair. Although I did not read/listen to this entire book, I read close to half, so I feel a rating is appropriate.

I began listening to her podcast so many white guys and then the two dope queens podcast so that's how I found Phoebe (that, and I saw her on say yes to the dress once lol). I love everything she says and her cute voice. I wish I had a friend as cool and funny as her but I will settle for her books (and podcasts, and HBO specials). This book was so good I just preordered her next book (you should too)!!

I picked up this book and was immediately drawn in, even though I didn't know much about the author. Towards the end, though, it got so slow and was painful to finish. Its like the book just drug on with unnecessary content.

This book is really funny and tackles important social issues through the perspective of a black woman. I highly recommend it, as a white woman, the little things that she covers in this book escalate to larger racial issues and prejudices, that white women don't face. Its a great way to introduce yourself to racial prejudices and open your mind to a different perspective. I recommend the audio book, its makes the text even more hilarious.

Look at the cover. Do you sincerely believe that conversation ever has or ever will take place?

How did hair touch wind up as the default fake greivance story frame? Do you personally know anyone who has ever openly and rudely expressed a desire to touch a stranger's hair or any part of their body? What is going on in these people's minds that they think this sells?

I'm left wondering if these folks are playing some kind of defense mechanism. ex: "Who would ever want this?? (cries)" "Y'know, what?? You CAN'T have this - SO THERE!"

Fascinating read. Top rating!

I’m a big fan of Phobe’s podcasts (“2 Dope Queens and “So Many White Guys”) and she shines in this book, as well. It’s funny, insightful, and an enjoyable read. I particularly enjoyed the book because we’re the same age, and therefore had similar exposure to pop culture, but have very different lived experiences and perspectives (I’m a white woman). Reading this was like having a conversation with a girlfriend over a glass of rosé. Read it!

Very funny and informative. Raises awareness of sexism that even a 74 year old white women recognizes and gives ideas how to deal with. I wish I had read this 50 years ago. I'm sorry she has had to deal with racism - which Trevor Noah now says is a disease. Give me more!

An entertaining and informational read. Through a series of essays and humor Phoebe breaks down stereotypes and important topics involving race. The audiobook with Phoebe reading it made it like a standup show!

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I listen to the podcast, 2 Dope Queens, and had been looking to read it for a while. I am surprised because I thought it was going to be very similar to Awkward Black Girl or I'm Judging You, which it is but very different on its own. I love reading personal essays by women of color but I loved the outwardly feminist take from Phoebe Robinson. It was great.

Truth and wit. A sarcastic yet vulnerable journey through all the struggles that make us human. Phoebe forges unafraid exposing her insecurities and showing us it's okay to be who we are as long as we keep changing, learning and growing.

Really enjoyed this read by a comedian who cracks me up constantly. I loved having insight into her life and how she’s dealt w certain things and loved that she touched on the dynamics of being a black woman in the industry. Definitely recommend it for a light/easy read

BUY THIS BOOK! Phoebe Robinson's You Can’t Touch My Hair and Other Things I Still Have to Explain is an incredibly funny, and uncompromisingly candid. Her comedy (whether in performance and in prose) is like a "bottomless brunch," you can always get more of what you want: a big dish of #woke-ness with side of intersectional feminism and a double serving of irreverence. (I "Lettermaned" the hell out of that meal metaphor...sorry).

An excellent book. Informative and hilarious. It's awesome to feel like you're best friends with Phoebe Robinson. Once-and-for-all answers to questions you might have as well as witty commentary on pop culture, the tone of the book stays light but the content remains relevant. Phoebe, thank you for writing this book. I hope people listen to your advice.

Very funny and informative. Raises awareness of sexism that even a 74 year old white women recognizes and gives ideas how to deal with. I wish I had read this 50 years ago. I'm sorry she has had to deal with racism - which Trevor Noah now says is a disease. Give me more!

An entertaining and informational read. Through a series of essays and humor Phoebe breaks down stereotypes and important topics involving race. The audiobook with Phoebe reading it made it like a standup show!

I think I’m too old for this book (I’m 51). I didn’t get a lot of the references. Plus I dont need to hear about hair styles for 30 minutes. I just didn’t get it. A lot of “hashtag _______”. Just not my jam. It may be yours.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I listen to the podcast, 2 Dope Queens, and had been looking to read it for a while. I am surprised because I thought it was going to be very similar to Awkward Black Girl or I'm Judging You, which it is but very different on its own. I love reading personal essays by women of color but I loved the outwardly feminist take from Phoebe Robinson. It was great.

Truth and wit. A sarcastic yet vulnerable journey through all the struggles that make us human. Phoebe forges unafraid exposing her insecurities and showing us it's okay to be who we are as long as we keep changing, learning and growing.

Really enjoyed this read by a comedian who cracks me up constantly. I loved having insight into her life and how she’s dealt w certain things and loved that she touched on the dynamics of being a black woman in the industry. Definitely recommend it for a light/easy read

BUY THIS BOOK! Phoebe Robinson's You Can’t Touch My Hair and Other Things I Still Have to Explain is an incredibly funny, and uncompromisingly candid. Her comedy (whether in performance and in prose) is like a "bottomless brunch," you can always get more of what you want: a big dish of #woke-ness with side of intersectional feminism and a double serving of irreverence. (I "Lettermaned" the hell out of that meal metaphor...sorry).

I began this book reading it via kindle and then via audio book. I will say that I should of stuck to the kindle version as the author's voice as narrator was annoying at times and created parts that were funny reading not to translate the same which is unfortunate. The content was good but the narration for me was not.

I laughed and learned a lot while reading this book. Her podcasts are great too! Phoebe Robinson gives me hope that we can all be better people through ongoing, open-minded discourse on racism in America. Well done, Ms.Robinson.

Uses the word "vagina" 500 times but doesn't actually know where it is. Hon, most of the time you said "vagina" you actually meant vulva. Please take a quick course on female anatomy. I had the audio version. The T in "often" is SILENT. How does someone so educated not know that? Finally, the word is recur, not "re-occur."

Can't stand her, worst book I have ever read. A much better book is Mein Kamph which talks about non exploitative capitalism and how through use of the media an individual can change mankind and the course of history for the better.. Mein Kampf

If you're not familiar with Phoebe Robinson yet, she's a comedian and hilarious person who is one of 2 Dope Queens, Black Daria (Blaria), and as she refers to herself in this book, a cross between Miss J from America's Next Top Model with a dash of Ta-Nahesi Coates. A lot of Robinson's essays spend time discussing black hair, her own historically, and through memorable pop culture moments. The Not So Guilty Pleasures section of the book had the most laughs from me, along with her repeated references to some of the nonsense of Carrie Bradshaw and Sex and the City, whilst loving the show and constantly making fun of it simultaneously. I listened to You Can't Touch My Hair as an audiobook, which was very entertaining because Robinson is great at using her voice to tell a good story; I'm not sure her written words would have jumped off the page in the same way her voice jumped through my ears and mind.

Here's a lil' snippet from the book, regarding Robinson wanting to be intimate with Bono from U2.
“I have issues. We all have issues. We’re all like a year subscription to Vogue magazine. We’ve got twelve issues each. It’s fine.”

3.5 stars.

I've had this book for about a year but didn't start reading it until a few weeks ago. It was a VERY easy read, the humor made me awkwardly laugh out loud in some moments, and I got through it in about a week - only reading during breaks throughout my day. As a Black woman, this book said so much, made me feel relevant, and said so many things that needed to be addressed. As a Japanese woman, this book taught me so much and made reevaluated many things. It's crazy to say a book can make you a better person, but this book can make you a better person. It narrates the black woman experience beautifully, comically, and honestly. And as a racially mixed woman, the last chapter in this book literally made me cry. Non-black women, you will learn so much, you will understand so much, and you will laugh many times while doing so.

An excellent book. Informative and hilarious. It's awesome to feel like you're best friends with Phoebe Robinson. Once-and-for-all answers to questions you might have as well as witty commentary on pop culture, the tone of the book stays light but the content remains relevant. Phoebe, thank you for writing this book. I hope people listen to your advice.

I think I’m too old for this book (I’m 51). I didn’t get a lot of the references. Plus I dont need to hear about hair styles for 30 minutes. I just didn’t get it. A lot of “hashtag _______”. Just not my jam. It may be yours.