Everything's Trash, But It's Okay

October 22, 2018
Comedian Robinson (You Can’t Touch My Hair) spins stories that are laugh-out-loud funny yet carry an unmistakable undertone of seriousness regarding sexism and race relations. As a woman of color in stand-up comedy—often the arena of white men—Robinson has faced harassment (including fellow comedians catcalling her on and off the stage), and her anger fuels bold proclamations that should inspire women to push back against sexism and discrimination (“Women have to stop apologizing for things they don’t need to apologize for”). She is especially on point when discussing the highs and lows of race relations, believing that America had changed for the better in 2008 (“It felt like a new era, and anything was possible because there was proof of it every day in the Oval Office”) and then for the worse in 2016 (“We have a president... who behaves as though all African-Americans live in the inner city”). The author also touches on lighter topics as well, such as Oprah’s endorsement of Robinson’s first book (“Queen O continued with her message, and it was beyond lovely”), the difficulties of modern dating, and even the importance of good skin care. Robinson’s side-splitting memoir will both entertain and empower her readers.