Pretty for a Black Girl!: Compliment or Insult?

Aisha Curry
AuthorHouse (2009)
ISBN 9781438954097
Reviewed by Deb Shunamon for Reader Views (12/09)


“Pretty for a Black Girl!: Compliment or Insult?” by Aisha Curry is a book for a select audience, and is actually more of a lecture. Memories, the author’s comments on what others have said, numerous quotes, and the mention of celebrities are all used to support the opinions of this determined author as she expresses her views, and spiritual thoughts, on being a black woman.

Ms. Curry has good intentions, but for the most part I found this book hard to take seriously for many reasons. There are a number of spelling errors, and an overly personal, conversational style of writing is used which is quite distracting. For example, “giggling” actually appears in brackets at the end of one sentence. Chapter dividers are full pages of the author’s initials; and the dedication, extensive acknowledgement page, and photo of the author and her husband, as well as the numerous references to her own world travels, makes it clear to the reader that this author has it all – confidence, wealth, and a caring family. That is wonderful; however, I think these personal displays actually detract from her message. Ms. Curry’s words should be heeded by those who need to think critically about their attitudes and behaviors, but I question whether the writing style and presumptuous “look at me” approach of the book will convince this audience that she is grounded enough to pay attention to.

I did learn a few things, and the author has definitely put effort into trying to promote reflection on the serious issues of definitions of beauty, sense of self, race, and perception of women. However, I also think that Aisha Curry’s views in “Pretty for a Black Girl!: Compliment or Insult?,” would have more impact if the writing was less frivolous, and the personal fanfare was considerably toned down.

Make comment on weblog

FTC Disclosure