Book Review: Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America by Ibi Zoboi

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Black is...sisters navigating their relationship at summer camp in Portland, Oregon, as written by Renée Watson.

Black is…three friends walking back from the community pool talking about nothing and everything, in a story by Jason Reynolds.

Black is…Nic Stone’s high-class beauty dating a boy her momma would never approve of.

Black is…two girls kissing in Justina Ireland’s story set in Maryland.

Black is urban and rural, wealthy and poor, mixed race, immigrants, and more—because there are countless ways to be Black enough.

Contributors:
Justina Ireland
Varian Johnson
Rita Williams-Garcia
Dhonielle Clayton
Kekla Magoon
Leah Henderson
Tochi Onyebuchi
Jason Reynolds
Nic Stone
Liara Tamani
Renée Watson
Tracey Baptiste
Coe Booth
Brandy Colbert
Jay Coles
Ibi Zoboi
Lamar Giles

Review:

I was at my local library and this book was on display at the Black History Month section.
The book features 16 contributing authors and I have read three of the authors separately so I decided to check the book out. I’m over 100 pages in and these are some really good short stories. Even though this book is targeted for young teens I think adults will love it as well.

I found myself nodding in agreement as I read. When I was teen I was told “I don’t act black” and I wish I had this book back then. This book showcases the struggles and stereotypes we face when it comes to being black.

Are we too black?

Are we not black enough?

Woke Enough?

Often times we have to hide certain taste in music, movies and likes just to keep our ‘black card’ intact. If you live in a certain area you’re ghetto, if you move to the suburbs you’re bougie. It’s a constant battle.

‘Black is urban and rural, wealthy and poor, mixed race, immigrants, and more-because there are countless ways to be Black enough.’

Say it one more time for the people in the back!

Now that the book is over I have to say I really enjoyed the message and meanings with the stories. They were all diverse and some stood out to me more than others but it was still an excellent read. I think people of all ages, races and orientations will enjoy this anthology. I’m making it my business to order a copy for my shelf.