THIS IS MAJOR Notes on Diana Ross, Dark Girls, and Being Dope

Shayla Lawson's agile narration adds another layer of depth to this collection of essays about Black girlhood and womanhood. Whether she's writing about microaggressions at work or the idiosyncrasies of Twitter, her blend of humor and critique is always engaging. What's especially remarkable is how Lawson alters her voice to fit her material. In an essay about performing FOR COLORED GIRLS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE/ WHEN THE RAINBOW IS ENUF in high school, her tone is somber and reflective. In a piece about racism in the workplace, she infuses her voice with sharp humor. When she's talking about singer Diana Ross, you can hear the smile beneath her words. Her narration is as varied as the essays, making this audiobook a true pleasure to listen to. L.S. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2020]