Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
4/5
Audiobook5 hours
The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5/5
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About this audiobook
The “brilliantly wry” (Lena Dunham) and “lovably awkward” (Mindy Kaling) New York Times bestseller from the creator of HBO’s Insecure.
In this "delightfully deadpan" (Essence) bestseller named for her wildly popular web series, Issa Rae waxes humorously on what it’s like to be unabashedly awkward in a world that regards introverts as hapless misfits and black as cool.
I’m awkward—and black. Someone once told me those were the two worst things anyone could be. That someone was right. Where do I start?
Being an introvert (as well as “funny,” according to the Los Angeles Times) in a world that glorifies cool isn’t easy. But when Issa Rae, the creator of the Shorty Award-winning hit series The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, is that introvert—whether she’s navigating love, the workplace, friendships, or “rapping”—it sure is entertaining. Now, in this New York Times bestselling debut collection written in her witty and self-deprecating voice, Rae covers everything from cybersexing in the early days of the Internet to deflecting unsolicited comments on weight gain, from navigating the perils of eating out alone and public displays of affection to learning to accept yourself—natural hair and all.
The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl is a book no one—awkward or cool, black, white, or other—will want to miss.
In this "delightfully deadpan" (Essence) bestseller named for her wildly popular web series, Issa Rae waxes humorously on what it’s like to be unabashedly awkward in a world that regards introverts as hapless misfits and black as cool.
I’m awkward—and black. Someone once told me those were the two worst things anyone could be. That someone was right. Where do I start?
Being an introvert (as well as “funny,” according to the Los Angeles Times) in a world that glorifies cool isn’t easy. But when Issa Rae, the creator of the Shorty Award-winning hit series The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, is that introvert—whether she’s navigating love, the workplace, friendships, or “rapping”—it sure is entertaining. Now, in this New York Times bestselling debut collection written in her witty and self-deprecating voice, Rae covers everything from cybersexing in the early days of the Internet to deflecting unsolicited comments on weight gain, from navigating the perils of eating out alone and public displays of affection to learning to accept yourself—natural hair and all.
The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl is a book no one—awkward or cool, black, white, or other—will want to miss.
Editor's Note
Well, that’s awkward…
The “Insecure” star shares all the real-life super-awkward moments she’s endured, the ones that shaped her into the master of uncomfortable social situations that need to be laughed off. Are you an awkward person in need of advice? Rae’s here for you.
LanguageEnglish
PublisherSimon & Schuster Audio
Release dateFeb 10, 2015
ISBN9781442386730
Author
Issa Rae
With her own unique flare and infectious sense of humor, Issa Rae’s content has garnered more than twenty-five million views and more than 200,000 subscribers on YouTube. In addition to making the Forbes “30 Under 30” list twice and winning the 2012 Shorty Award for Best Web Show for her hit series The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl, Issa Rae has worked on web content for Pharrell Williams, Tracey Edmonds, and numerous others. She developed a TV series with Shonda Rhimes for ABC and is currently developing a half-hour comedy, Insecure, for HBO. Issa has received national attention with major media outlets including The New York Times, CNN, Elle, Seventeen, Rolling Stone, VIBE, Fast Company, MSNBC, Essence, and more.
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Reviews for The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl
Rating: 4.398496240601504 out of 5 stars
4.5/5
665 ratings61 reviews
What our readers think
Readers find this title to be a hilarious and relatable journey of an awkward black girl. Issa Rae's storytelling is funny, insightful, and inspiring. The book is filled with laugh-out-loud moments and offers a sense of belonging to the ABG community. Fans of Issa Rae and the show Insecure will thoroughly enjoy this honest and entertaining read. Highly recommended for young adults and anyone looking for a relatable and enjoyable book.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 7, 2023
She is hilarious !! I love how she talked about every single issue that any girl could face especially if she live in a different country and culture1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5
Nov 7, 2023
A student I was working with was reading this and laughing quite a bit. It was a good collection of personal essays by Issa Rae - who so far has had a lucky and interesting life and can examine herself and others in a smart and humorous way.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 7, 2023
I am a huge Issa Rae fan, I am an ABG stan. Issa was awkward and awkward I still am. Issa gives us her truth, she holds herself up as a mirror for anyone who has just ever felt plain old different.
I love how she included all of her background into her story(it was great to be able to read and understand her parlez- vous francois.
I think the fact that Issa has been in a wonderful relationship with someone who totally gets her shows that she isn't as awkward as she may think.
This is a great read and it will make you laugh out loud and then cry because she is telling your story(the parts that you haven't told anyone else).
I hope to meet her one day so that I can let her know just how much she means to us awkward folk.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 7, 2023
I will always be an Issa Rae fan! Her awkward moments were funny and made me relive some of my own awkward times.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 7, 2023
I love how personable Issa Rae is! Bff in my head.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5
Nov 7, 2023
Reads like a collection of blog entries. Some are quite good, some are not as good, none are bad, all would benefit from not being read one after the other.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 7, 2023
Issa is naturally charming and her voice naturally entertaining! I loved every bit of it!1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 7, 2023
I loved to hear Issa read this book in her own words, tone, and infliction. It felt super conversational--like we were friends.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Nov 7, 2023
This book is a nice and easy read. It got me laughing on my own in public transportation :) Love the comic insight perspective through every story.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 7, 2023
Issa is so awesome. love her. A must listen. So real,funny,relatable.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 7, 2023
So refreshing! Issa Rae made me sigh with relief and allowed me to be comfortable in my skin as an ABG.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 7, 2023
I had a lot of great laughs throughout this book. She wrote about her life in a way that was hilarious, endearing, and painfully relatable. The honesty was refreshing and much appreciated.1 person found this helpful
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Apr 13, 2025
Absolutely amazing! Candid and entertaining, if you’re looking for an easy, yet exciting read with some relatable life experiences… this is for you - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Jan 1, 2024
Great book. Has some funny moments, and eye-opening moments. Great read, ready for the next project from Issa. - Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5
Dec 29, 2023
I am proudly
- the nerdy black
- the basic black
- the awkward black
And the strong black
It was funny - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Dec 19, 2023
Really enjoyed this book prfect combination between self help, memoir and narrative. Lots of humour and tips ! - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 7, 2023
Very enjoyable and entertaining listen. She is very much herself in every medium including this memoir. I related to her narrative and laughed a ton along the way. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 7, 2023
This book was so funny and inspiring! I love me some Issa Rae! - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 7, 2023
Such an amazing book. I was thoroughly entertained. Great job Issa. This is a masterpiece - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 7, 2023
I enjoyed this book. It’s so funny my family has told me I remind them of Issa. Now I see why. I have inside conversations with myself and at times feel out of my element. Will be checking out more of her work. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 7, 2023
This book gave me so much life! I laughed and related! - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 7, 2023
Loved every moment. Such a wonderful read, Issa rae reading it made it all the more better - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 7, 2023
Loved it, this got me through my hard Uber shift. Thanks ISSA - Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5
Nov 7, 2023
A good book that I would recommend for young adults. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 7, 2023
I truly enjoyed this book! This book allowed me to learn more about Issa Rae and was told in such a comical and intriguing way. Issa Rae’s storytelling is fascinating which is has drawn me to her works over the years. Can’t wait to read what she will create next! - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 7, 2023
It was fascinating to learn how the creator of Insecure rose among the ranks of awkwardness to be a Hollywood powerhouse. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 7, 2023
So relatable. Being the awkward fat black girl…thanks for giving us a voice! - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 7, 2023
I really enjoyed this and I'm a huge fan of issa rae wait what a fan? Well I'm that fan who's obsessed with her and her work ? this was fun to listen for me. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 7, 2023
Issa is a brilliant beautiful genius. Loved it! Must read! - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Nov 7, 2023
Witty, creative and awkwardness....enjoyed the book. Lots of laugh out loud moments