This book, like its author, is intersectional in so many ways. The discussions of race, gender, geography, pop culture, and more, really came to life through Hunt's voice. I had so much fun reading this book and look forward to future titles from her.

This was middle of the road for me. I didn't get any profound, new insights. And, the writing was just okay. I didn't feel particularly moved. It didn't spark much of a reaction. I enjoyed the essay on motherhood. And, I enjoyed the essay by the guest author about her brother being killed by police and the hardships of raising Black children (especially men) in the U.S.

*Disclaimer I received this free ARC ion NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Catharsis. Is the first word that comes in mind when one finish reading, Girl Gurl Grrrl, a treatise on Black Womanhood in the face of modern society. Kenya Hunt has formed a perfect collection of essays from our sisters across countries. These transformative narratives that discuss so many important and real topics to black women such as love, heartbreak, racism, police brutality, and even miscarriages, these women have bared their souls to give a voice to the voiceless even if it is just for 256 pages. I will be adding this book to my permanent collection. The eloquently weaved personal accounts speak to the masses. Not only do I recommend this collection to you dear reader, but also, I would encourage professors from African Studies to Urban and Women Studies to consider including it in your lectures.

4.5 stars

In her new essay collection, author Kenya Hunt with the help of a handful of other authors, discuss what it means to be a Black woman in today's world. The essays are all thought provoking and are often humorous. They explore everything from what it means to be a Black woman in American vs. England to what it really means to be a "bad bitch". In the collection, Hunt shows vulnerability and discusses how there are more ways to be a Black woman other than the "Strong Black Woman" persona. Hunt herself grew up in America but moved to England as an adult and became an editor at Elle magazine, where she helped to promote black representation in that publication. In the collection, we see the authors voice their frustrations with the stereotypes for Black women that still exist in modern society. The collection is relevant and references the pandemic, Obama, and Trumps presidencies and how they each in turn impacted the lives of Black women.

So good. So readable. Pick it up already!

I really enjoyed this essay collection by Hunt, a careful exploration of a lot of intricate and delicate themes. I especially appreciated the global aspect, and what it means to engage with Blackness and race as a Black American transplant to England. Her writing is beautiful and attentive, with valuable perspective on a lot of topics.

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<p><em>Girl</em> is a collection of 20 essays commemorating what it's like to be a black woman in the 21st century. Fifteen are by Kenya Hunt and the rest are by other authors. These essays range from discussing what it's like to raise a black son to reflections on Aretha Franklin's 8-hour funeral. Though a lot of the subject matter is heavy, I enjoyed this and found it a quick read. Given that Hunt and many of her friends work in the fashion world, it was especially fun to see a bit of behind-the-scenes there, even though it's not always pretty (metaphorically speaking).</p>
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<p>Hunt's essays are especially memoir-like. They're somewhat in chronological order, and it was interesting to connect her childhood experiences with her eventual move to London. Hunt's struggle to love her body especially struck me. That is a struggle that I've been through, that I think most women go through, and there are even more layers to figuring that out when you're black. </p>
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<p>The fact that being black means there are extra layers to any issue is a recurring theme throughout the book. Hunt and the other essayists talk about their experiences with a hopeful frankness, being honest about the negatives but remaining optimistic. Their experiences and outlook are things a lot of readers will be able to identify with (and frankly, that more white women need to acknowledge). </p>
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<p>Hunt ultimately writes to and for the black woman. I'm not in that demographic, so to be honest this is probably not a book I'll return to. But I know how important it is to feel seen and celebrated, and think Hunt does a fantastic job of "seeing" and celebrating black women. I wish I had requested a hard copy so I could donate it to the library or used book store for others to enjoy. If you're into memoirs, essays, or books featuring real-life black girl magic, this is a good choice.</p>
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"Girl, Gurl, Grrrl" is a collection of essays written by Kenya Hunt and other black writers, including Candice Carty-Williams, author of "Queenie." Hunt takes us through her experiences as a black woman in the United States and UK. She details how it felt at times to be the only one like her in the room, especially in the fashion industry.

She tackles different topics, such as womanhood, motherhood, Black Girl Magic, racism, and police brutality. She starts her book off with an introduction about the pandemic. She is able to neatly tie it in with the rest of her book. Her first essay explains the title and I found it to be one of the most relatable essays in her book, as I've used many variations of the word "Girl" in my lifetime. Motherhood was another favorite of mine as Hunt bared her soul about her experiences with pregnancy and the toll it took on her. In my opinion, it's one of the most transparent and vulnerable pieces I've ever read.

Some essays were stronger than others, but that is expected when a book is compiled in this format. Although I could not relate to every experience, when I did relate, I felt seen and that is priceless. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to 1) feel seen about their experiences as a person of color, especially black women, and/or 2) want to listen and better understand other people's experiences.

Initially I thought this was a novel, but I was pleasantly surprised by the short essays. I appreciate that there were so many women telling their experiences of being Black in this world, and how it affects everything on such a grander scale than just ourselves individually. The essays were heartfelt, and I found myself many times saying, "girl!, giirrlll, or grrrl" because I personally identified with those situations as a black woman or have heard them in my own personal circle. For the topics that I may have not been as well versed in, I learned more in depth about industries where I know Black women are seen as trends or have negative responses, but had never been exposed to. Hunt does a great job picking the right people to provide their stories and in turn creates a well rounded book about the successes, fears, and struggles of black women not only in the UK, but the US and worldwide.

"I love us. We are beautiful, powerful queens. Masters of slays. Leaders of movements. Makers of culture and changers of games."

Girl Gurl GRRRL is about the black woman. This collection isn’t unique or breathtaking, but it is thought-provoking. In this collection of essays, Kenya Hunt speaks of being a black American woman living in the United Kingdom. This book does not speak to the experience of all black women, as no one book can, or should. The author definitely does not hide her privilege but draws very specifically from her personal experiences. She, along with a few featured authors, speak of finding and harnessing their voices. They speak of the opportunities that they have had the privilege of experiencing, as well as the realization of the things that their privilege does not protect them from. This book is equally a telling of the social issues affecting black women daily, as it is a celebration of their lives: their tenacity, their grace, their sense of responsibility to their community. "We are beautiful, powerful queens."

While I appreciated the content of this book, it is not one that I particularly enjoyed reading. It could simply be that I do not know much about England (where the author currently resides), or the fashion industry (author is a fashion director). Still at times, I feel like there were instances when the essays dragged on for longer than necessary and I really did not appreciate that the author referred to Caribbean nationals as “Caribbeans” (It was only one time but this is absolutely the hill I choose to die on). Regardless, I think that this collection is relevant, timely and worth the read.

This book is truly for the black woman, who has wondered a lot of the concerns that are written about in this book. It is filled with conversations that all of us at one point in time have had with ourselves, our significant other and our closest of friends. The author, as well as some of her friends, give very personal accounts into some of the things that has happened in their lives that mainly black women have experienced. It's honest and real talk and such an amazing and profound read.

I received a copy of the book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This is a book of essays, and there are a few other writers with contributions. Admittedly it confused me at first, not realizing that this book wasn’t solely essays by Kenya Hunt. But I’m glad they were included. What I was looking for, and found here, was more voices of lived experiences. One of joys of reading is being inside the body and mind of another person who is not you. Learning what other people experience in their life is one aspect I want from reading. Other times, it’s just enjoyment, but not when I pick up a book of essays that are understandably largely autobiographical.

Kenya Hunt is an American and British woman who works in the fashion industry. Since she is black, she is often an Only, the only one who looks like her, or a First, for holding a specific job title or reaching further up the ladder in fashion. I don’t know much about fashion, actually have little interest in it, but understand that it does influence many, too many, women and girls.

My favorite essays were in the beginning portion of the book, but no essay did I wish I hadn’t read. They all had something important to say and are well written. The essays do have varying lengths. A few are very short, but it said what it needed and moved on, I appreciated that. No fluff contained therein. While most essays speak to the overall culture, American primarily, but some British, there are some deeply personal experiences.

Rating: 3.5 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷
Book: Girl Gurl Grrrl: On Womanhood and Belonging in the Age of Black Girl Magic
AVAILABLE NOW!!!! December 8, 2020
Author: Kenya Hunt
Genre: Biographies & Memoirs/OwnVoices

Sipping Synopsis: This was a book that was a much needed read for me.
It was an easy read but felt so good to see some of my thoughts, feeling, experiences on paper. I enjoyed every chapter, from the oh-so-well written chapter on being WOKE to microaggressions, #blackgirlmagic, hair, black women not getting same medical attention as other races and many other everyday events in a black woman’s life.

Final sipping thoughts: What I liked most about this book is that it was not preachy- just Hunt’s (and a few other speakers) views and experiences on being a black woman in America. Not quite the black version of Girl, Wash Your Face but one that should be discussed just as much. If you read this, you will feel like you are just in a room surrounded by your black girlfriends discussing life. While some parts may be viewed as a little heavy, most of the book is just a true, WOKE 😉, conversation of real stuff.

Cheers and thank you to @NetGalley, @Amistad and @KenyaHunt for an advanced copy of @GirlGurlGrrrl

#GirlGurlGrrrl #Amistad #KenyaHunt #NetGalley #advancedreadercopy #ARC #Kindle #AmazonReads #Booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #nicoles_bookcellar #bookworm #bookdragon #booknerd #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookreview #blackgirlmagic #blackauthorsmatter #blackreads

| @Amistad /HarperCollins #giftedbook |
“It’s a wondrous thing to be Black,” -Kenya Hunt

Happy publication day to Girl Gurl Grrrl: On Womanhood and Belonging in the Age of Black Girl Magic. In this collection of essays, Hunt shares her experiences as an African American woman in London and what it's like being a Black woman right now. What was great about this collection was the cameo appearances from other Black women.

Although I wasn’t particularly blown away by this collection, it definitely reaffirmed to me that Black women are so strong and resilient. I recommend you read this book but share it with young Black girls. With everything Hunt expressed here I think they would benefit from what it truly means to have #BlackGirlMagic .

Yes! This book!!! If you’re a fan of Issa Rae’s Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl and ever wished for a slightly more cerebral version, this book is it. Kenya Hunt is funny, reflective, smart, and direct. She does a great job of combining what’s going on with the world with her own personal experiences.

"The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected woman in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman." - Malcolm X

In this book, Kenya Hart has authored a number of essays of her own and included those of others -- all centered on the unique experiences of Black women, both in the USA and abroad, especially in the UK and several African countries. The essays offer a number of perspectives that provide us with a window into the lives of Black women -- ranging from the use of "Girl" as a term of endearment and sisterhood, to the topic of hair, the nuances of colorism, the treatment of Black women in the business world (and far beyond) and the experience of Black women living outside of their own countries. Hart's essays also highlight the manner in which Black women are minimized and marginalized in terms of their own health care, no matter how vigilant they are, and the way in which stereotypes about Black women wrongfully become self-fulfilling prophecies. Hart also offers commentary on Black men and boys, including the effects of police brutality and what it is to raise a Black son.

I am not a Black woman, but benefited from reading this book, which has given me an additional glimpse into the lives of Black women. I believe that Black women who read this book will find themselves within the pages. In short, I highly recommend this book to all women (and men). It is also a book that allows people seeking to enact antiracist practices to be more informed.

An autobiographical, analysis of living in the world as a Black woman. Interspersed within the author's words are stories and essays by other Black women who are leaders in their field. You will learn new things, get confirmation of others, as well as perform a self analysis of your personal thoughts and feelings. A wonderful one sitting read.

This book was NEEDED!!! Given what we have been experiencing more and more in 2020, the world of social media has helped us “stay woke”, and #blackgirlmagic? OMG! I remember seeing this everywhere in social media, and I realize that true Magic it held, especially to me. Kenya Hunt’s book is a whole bunch of short stories, and they are all relatable, and they all make you feel a certain type of way. I know off of reading this you might know which one I liked the most, and my two faves are “Notes on Woke’ and “Bad Bitches.” No need to read this book in order, I saw myself jumping from chapter to chapter. Loved it. Thanks to Netgalley and Amistad Books for giving me the opportunity to read this GEM!

I really enjoyed this unapologetically Black memoir and how it detailed her life in the UK where people feel as if racism isn’t as bad over there. My favorite chapter was the one on Motherhood as I’ve always taken a strong interest in Black maternal health. I love her quote usage to prove her point from Audre Lorde, Toni Morrison and other prolific Black authors. I love all the topics she touched on since I experience a lot of the same stuff as a Black woman navigating this world. The book was well written and I’d recommend it to others.

BOOK REVIEW. Thanks to @amistadbooks , I was able to read Kenya Hunt’s essay collection “Girl Gurl Grrrl”. While most of the essays are penned by her, there are some interesting collaborations with other Black writers. Fans of Queenie will be delighted to learn about how this great bestseller personally influenced Candice Carty-Williams personality post-publishing.

My particular favorites were Girl, Notes on Woke, Motherhood and Skinfolk. Though written for Black women, as a BIPOC I could definitely relate to some of the sentiments expressed there and her experience as a person of color in a racialized America, and I feel that I learned a valuable lesson on reclaiming language that speaks to my identity, rather than trying to adapt white-sponsored “woke” terminology.

The book will be out in December, 2020. And it makes an interesting addition to our antiracist stacks.