[.ca] Angry Black Womans Guide To Life (ISBN 0452285127)

Unclear /Miss- Use of Terms:
I read this book from the shelf of the local B and N. I was shocked by the title and thus, wanted to know what the author had to say on the issue. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by the book's content. I initially thought that the text would be a rationalization for upholding a powerful, albeit negative, stereotype of Black women. It does and it is--BUT the text also calls our attention to the powerful Black women who have made change--and these changes all spurned from their "anger." bell hooks speaks about the power of proactive anger and the revolutionary changes that can take place once we decide we've had enough--all of us--and so one thing that I wish this author would have done was to change the title of the book so that it doesn't get overlooked as "just another rationale for Black women and the angry stereotype." Quite frankly, "anger" is not the correct term for what the women that bell hooks speaks of and the women that are discussed in the book have as the catalyst for their decision to make lasting revolutionary changes. I think the author falls back on the power of the rhetoric of shock value to get us sistahs to take her work seriously, but I can't and won't take this work seriously because the authors can't let go of stereotypical terminology that is used to frame a significant discussion of how Black women have and do change the world.

Stupid treatment of an important issue.:
I was very disappointed in this book (fortunately lent me by a friend.) This book is not for anyone seeking enlightment, growth, or even strength regarding black womens struggle in this country. It is for those more inclined to today's silly hip-hop psychology, a psychology that continues to destroy today's black men and women. It's a bunch of foolishness kind of like a BET in print. There are better ways to address this subject.

Satirical Stabs at Societal Frustrations:
The Angry Black Woman's (ABW) Guide to Life is a tongue-in-cheek examination of black women's reactions and thoughts caused by societal and situational frustrations. Weighing in at about 160 pages, it covers a variety of topics (some better than others) in a variety of forms. It opens with a multiple-choice quiz to allow readers to determine their ABW type. The three categories of results align with personality types of both fictional and real women; examples are Mo'Nique/Aunt Esther, Diana Ross/Bernadine (Waiting to Exhale), and Claire Huxtable/Condoleezza Rice. The book continues along this path and highlights a variety of situations ranging from career (managers and coworkers), interpersonal relationships (men and children), and even analogies with angry white women. Filled with quizzes, lists, and scenarios, it fancies itself as an 'in-your-face, no holds barred' synopsis of why black women are angry, what drives them crazy and comedic tips for coping with the madness that ensues. Of course, one should always tread lightly on race relations - dealing with generalities and stereotypes should be handled with care for obvious reasons. It cannot be argued that the authors took some liberties with their poetic license, because I personally did not find humor in every chapter; thus the middle of the road rating. The book offers a break from the normalcy found in today's contemporary fiction and if read with the right attitude a smile, laugh, or a nod in agreement can be gained. Reviewed by Phyllis June 6, 2004 APOOO BookClub The Nubian Circle Book Club

Great book, easy to get into:
This is great book, very entertaining. I didn't even know I was angry (ha,ha). I easily indentified with the women who wrote it. Very enjoyable reading. Males don't be scared to pick up a copy: read it and then pass it on to the angry women in your life.

An entertaining book!:
Indeed the book is a quick read, but I found it entertaining. You really don't have to be angry to read ABW, and men will love this book too. Cute, and different.