You Can't Touch My Hair

by Phoebe Robinson
You Can't Touch My Hair cover
Good Books rating 3.62
Essays / Essay Collections
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 8950
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2026-01-04
  • ISBN: 9780143129219
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2016-10-04
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Phoebe Robinson, a stand-up comedian and co-host of the popular podcast 2 Dope Queens, shares her experiences as a black woman in America through a series of witty and thought-provoking essays. She tackles topics ranging from the absurdity of being asked if people can touch her hair to the challenges of navigating workplace biases, all while referencing pop culture icons like Lisa Bonet and U2. Robinson's unique voice and perspective make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of race, gender, and humor./n/nIn You Can't Touch My Hair, Robinson doesn't just make you laugh; she makes you think. Her essays are personal yet universal, exploring the nuances of identity and culture in a way that resonates with a wide audience. Whether she's discussing the NFL's issues or offering advice to the future female president, Robinson's insights are both timely and timeless, making this book a standout in the realm of contemporary essay collections.

Reviews
Medium · NookinBooklyn · 2026-01-04
informative 4.00

The book serves as a guide on respecting and appreciating other cultures. The author's voice is strong, though it can be a bit rambling at times.

The book is a how-to guide on understanding and appreciating different cultures. The author's voice is powerful and authentic, making the book a compelling read. However, the narrative can sometimes feel a bit disjointed or rambling. Despite this, the book's message is clear and important. It's a great resource for anyone looking to learn more about cultural sensitivity and respect. The author's personal experiences add a layer of depth to the book, making it both informative and engaging.

Quick quotes

    It's a how-to guide on how to respect and appreciate other cultures.

    The voice of this book is awesome. It can get a bit ramble-y at times, but the message is clear and important.

    The author's personal experiences add a layer of depth to the book, making it both informative and engaging.

Cannonball Read · Narfna · 2020-01-02
engaging 4.00

The book is engaging and the audio version, narrated by the author, adds an extra layer of enjoyment.

The reviewer found the book to be very engaging and enjoyed the audio version, which is narrated by the author. They noted that the narration starts off a bit shaky but improves as the book progresses. The reviewer appreciated the author's ability to connect with the audience and make the content relatable. Overall, they found the book to be a enjoyable and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    It is a very engaging read.

    The audio version, narrated by the author, adds an extra layer of enjoyment.

    The narration starts off a bit shaky but improves as the book progresses.

The Bibliophage · 2017-07-08
mixed 2.50

While the book offers a valuable look into a young African-American woman's life, the writing style may not resonate with all readers.

The reviewer appreciated the book's exploration of a young African-American woman's experiences, but found the writing style to be less engaging. They noted that the book provides important insights into cultural and social issues, but the delivery may not be as compelling for some readers. The reviewer acknowledged the book's value in shedding light on important topics, but ultimately felt that the writing style detracted from the overall impact.

Quick quotes

    Although I appreciated the look into a young African-American woman's life, her writing style left me cold.

    The book provides important insights into cultural and social issues.

    The delivery may not be as compelling for some readers.

Gazing Off Into Space · 2017-02-04
enlightening 4.00

This book provides a humorous and insightful look into the black female experience in the US, offering a unique perspective on race and gender.

The reviewer found this book to be both entertaining and enlightening. They appreciated the author's ability to blend humor with serious topics, making it an engaging read. The book offers valuable insights into the black female experience, which the reviewer found both informative and thought-provoking. While the writing style may not appeal to everyone, the content is highly engaging and provides a fresh perspective on important social issues.

Quick quotes

    This book was good for not only insight into 'the black/black female experience' in the US, but also insight into the author's personal journey.

    The author's humor and honesty make this book a standout.

    A must-read for anyone looking to understand the complexities of race and gender.

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