This would not typically be my type of book. I do not speak in hashtag, nor do I use a lot of slang or cute phrases. It’s not that I’m against it, it’s just not how I communicate. This book, and Robinson’s previous effort, are filled to brim with them, and “unnec abbrevs” (unnecessary abbreviations). Robinson is able to poke fun at herself about her style and her humor, owning that some of the way she is writing is ridiculous. From anyone else, I’d have immediately abandoned the book.
I came to read this (and her previous book) from my familiarity with her podcast 2 Dope Queens with Jessica Williams. I was not familiar with Robinson before the podcast, and was attracted to it due to my love of Williams. Robinson is a thoroughly charming person, and I was endeared to her despite her otherwise grating mannerisms. 2DQ provides a good litmus test for this book- if you don’t like her style or delivery on the podcast, this book is likely not for you.
I listened to this book as an audiobook, and I definitely think the format elevates the material. Her writing style is very conversational, and her delivery is very natural so it feels like a book you’re meant to hear. The essays ramble from time to time, and don’t always hold to the primary topic, but I think the meandering style helps to give the feel of talking to a friend. She bounces back and forth from casual reality tv anecdotes to serious social issues like feminism, body image, racism, and finding a balance when you’re a workaholic which can be jarring. I think for the most part it is an entertaining ride, and there were times where I was embarrassingly laughing out loud in public. I think it’s definitely worth a listen, but I think reading the text would be significantly more frustrating.