GIRL by Kenya Hunt is a wonderful read particularly for black women. It was interesting for me as a black Brit to read from Kenya's perspective - a black American living in England. While Kenya had some unique insights, perhaps most interesting of all was discovering that American black women and British black women face many of the same challenges despite the ocean between us.

Hunt's collection feels current with references made to the pandemic and to Kamala Harris who was, at the time of writing, a nominee for VP and not VP-Elect as she is now; nevertheless even her being nominated was historic.

Ultimately this collection is about voicing the frustrations that come with the stereotypes that are assigned to black women but it is also, purely through its existence, a step in the right direction towards a time when a collection like this won't need to exist. Interspersed throughout the collection are essays from guest contributors, one of my favourite being the one by Candice Carty-Williams, author of Queenie. Candice speaks of how draining she finds interviews being someone far more comfortable at home and away from the limelight. She also expressed fatigue from interviewers assuming Queenie is completely autobiographical even going as far as to her hairstyle in no way resembled the box braids featured on the book's iconic front cover.
The idea that when a black story does break through into the mainstream it must be representative of all black women's experiences (including the author's) when the same assumption would not be made for a white woman is not new. It's as though because there are so few black female writers achieving commercial success, anything that does make the bestsellers list is given so much more weight with higher expectations placed on it than is proportionate. And yet, I left this collection feeling hopeful, Hunt writes: "to be woke is to long for a day when one doesn't have to stay woke" and having read and enjoyed this book I look forward to the day when black women can rest.

This is a well thought out and researched collection of essays, that all tie together brilliantly. Of course, with every collection of this type, there are some elements that are better than others; however, there are no “bad” elements in this at all.

As a white woman, it was interesting to read more about the Black sisterhood, and the struggles women face when they become mothers, perhaps even more so in the USA. As Kenya points out, there are some things other families do not have to consider – how many people have the State killed in the local neighbourhood, being just one.

It’s tempting to say that this is a timely publication, considering all that has happened in recent months (George Flloyd, the drama surrounding Meghan Markle, the BLM protests, the US election etc) however, these are issues that are always lurking below the surface. It is only the front name that changes, the headline act that varies – the issues underpinning them are ever-present, and something we would all do well to pay more attention to and try to change, rather than simply virtue signalling our way out of the awkwardness.

The Stars
A strong collection of essays that will either have you nodding along, depending on your experiences, or may well make you open your eyes that little bit wider.

Girl is an incredibly timely collection of essays having been finished up during the pandemic and written in the build up to the US election. This means Kenya Hunt has been able to touch on some of the emotions and feelings of 2020, particularly in the wake of June 2020 and the prominence of the Black Lives Matter protests. However, the collection of essays is much bigger than the landscape of 2020.

It covers a vast array of topics from the broader themes of terminology we use, communities and identities, Black motherhood, Black trauma and loss. To more specific situations such as the drama surrounding the British Royal Family and the anti-blackness exhibited towards Meghan Markle. There are also several contributed essays from other Black women such as Candice Carty-Williams who discusses the fallout to her book Queenie and how it's changed people's interactions with her.

From my own personal perspective what I found most interesting is that Kenya Hunt is an American expat living in the UK. This means she has a real critical insight into both the US and the UK political, social and cultural scene. For those that often consider the UK to be "not as racist as the US" I think this really brings home some stark realities.

Other elements that I really appreciated in this collection, which felt very relevant as I was reading this as the US election results were being counted, was the devastation she felt and discussed in response to Trump's election in 2016. Her focus on the hidden efforts and power of Black women to drive change. And then finally, not related to politics, but I really enjoyed her discussions about the power of Black Panther and Wakanda for Black culture.

Overall this was a fantastic and timely collection of essays that gave me a lot to think about and I devoured the whole thing in a few sittings. The length of these essays makes them really great for when you have short amounts of time to read. Thanks to @hqreads and @netgalley. Out 26th Nov.

GIRL is an engaging, well-paced, and candidly informative set of essays on the experience of Black womanhood. Kenya Hunt writes with warmth and intelligence, and the guest contributions (from Candice Carty-Williams and Ebele Okobi, amongst others) were welcome throughout, only adding to the experience.

As with most essay collections, I'm sure you'll have your favourites, but I couldn't name you a single weak link in this one. Every one felt purposeful, all had something to say. With Black Lives Matter becoming forefront this year, with the racial disparities in Britain being put under the lens (hint: 'not the US' does not mean 'not a racist country'), this is an informative and ever-relevant look into the many facets that make up Black womanhood: the 'Black Girl Magic', the language, the social support, the racialisation of fashion and beauty and pregnancy.

This is definitely an emotional read, but it's one I tore through. It's interesting, it's sad, it's funny, it's informative. Most of all though, it just feels honest. This is definitely I'd recommend.

Big thanks to Kenya Hunt, to NetGalley, and to HQ for the arc in exchange for an honest review. This baby's due for publication on the 26/11/20 in the UK!

🌿BOOK REVIEW🌿

Girl Gurl Grrrl by Kenya Hunt

🌼🌼🌼🌼/5

This is an emotional, honest collection of essays exploring what it means to be black, a woman, a mother and part of society today. Kenya Hunt is an American journalist who moved to London 10 years ago and is currently a fashion editor at Elle. The essay collection also contains some guest authors, including Candice Carty-Williams!

Like all essay collections you will have your favourites but for me there wasn’t a single bad or borderline essay. Each explored a unique issue in a brutally honest way and I really enjoyed the length of each essay as I felt they were long enough to pack a punch but didn’t drag.

Hunt reflects on her own experiences of being a black woman both in America and in London and the impact it’s had on her career and personal life. There were some extremely heartbreaking moments in this book that explored real life events. Equally, Hunt also incorporated humour at times! Throughs each one of her essays you really felt Hunt’s voice coming through which I absolutely loved.

This is an extremely important piece of work that everyone should read.

This book was recommended to me because I was a great fan of Queenie and it was interesting having that tie in link. Girl is a series of essays that I immediately connected with because I chimed with many of the stories about moving to London from America. I found the name dropping at times a bit much and occasionally distracting but for the most part I really enjoyed this book when the author's voice shone through.

This is a beautifully written, engaging exploration into Black womanhood. It touches on the political, social landscape as well as the minutiae of everyday life. Playing homage to relationships, especially female friendships, and the importance of cultivating and treasuring these. Kenya isn't afraid to offer real and genuine insight into her life and thoughts. She doesn't become preachy or judgemental at any point, which is a relief. Instead she uses humour to shed light on topics which are not discussed openly. I found myself nodding in agreement almost continuously.

My only issue with this is the structure of the book. Although I enjoyed reading the other contributors' work, they started to feel like unnecessary interruptions which I slowly began to resent. It may have been better to group and place their work together either at the end or for Kenya's writing to top and tail their text.

A brilliant piece of work. Hunt writes with confidence and compassion, complemented by contributions from Candice Carty-Williams, Jessica Horn, Funmi Fetto, Ebele Okobi and Freddie Harrel. GIRL offers reflections on Black womanhood, both with regards to the pleasures and importance of community and also to the experience of being what Hunt describes as the 'Only'. Some of the stories she includes made my heart leap with joy, others brought me to tears. The juxtaposition of brief, nostalgic reminiscences and raw discussion of the personal impact of recent events across the world means that the text couldn't be more timely and impactful

Read through netgalley

I really enjoyed this book. It was written in an accessible and relatable way with the author describing her own experiences of being black and what they meant to her.
Some of the chapters about her own experiences of fertility and body image were very relatable and I would have definitely read lots more of.

Would recommend.

A really inspiring read. As a black woman, it’s rare to see such an honest collection of essays that reflect the realities of being a black woman in the modern day. The book includes essays by a number of prominent public figures, including Candice Carty-Williams (author of Queenie).

Some of the topics covered including Black Lives Matter, racism, police brutality, the racialisation of pregnancy, music, history, slavery, beauty and the underrepresentation of Black and brown women in the workplace (notably in the fashion/entertainment industries), identity and the portrayal of black women, adolescence, and so, so much more. A truly brilliant book, I can only hope it paves the way for more women to speak up.

I received a free copy from Netgalley.

In the first few pages of the book we got to know Kenya, and learn about her and her insight into what it means to be Black in America. later on, it became unclear if it was just her own words or if there were essays from other writers too, but once i saw one from Candice Carty Williams i knew it was from multiple authors. I particularly enjoyed Candice’s as i am a big fan of hers. The last few pages were so emotional, poignant and moving. I keep thinking about Toyin, Ahmaud, George, Tony and now Jacob Blake. This book is so relevant and necessary for what we are going through right now. Thank you Kenya.

First of all, thanks to NetGalley for a privilage of reviewing the ARC. It was a pleasure and I really enjoyed it.

Kenya Hunt is a fashion director of Elle, she's a Black American woman living in London. Her book “Girl” is a bunch of essays written by her as well as other black writers.

It explains how it is to be a black woman in modern times. It's a true celebration of Black girl magic. Some of the topic talk about motherhood, the “otherness”, differences in being Black woman in States and the UK. “Girl show the system injustice and how the racism existing in the institutions such as hospitals.

I was really happy that Candice Carty-Williams was one of the featuring authors. I loved the way she described process of writing “Queenie”.

As I mentioned before, the book is a compilation of essays by different people. While they all talk about blackness and womanhood the whole thing lacks coherence as it jumps from one topic to another.

Kenya's book is a really powerful and important piece in today's world. I can't recommend it enough. It's the time we stop avoiding the topic of racial prejudice.

Girl by Kenya Hunt is a exploration of what it is to be black woman in 2020. Through various essays, Hunt examines fashion, healthcare and general social life for the black community in an increasingly visible world. It's a snap shot into one view point, and offers a unique insight into a life very different from my own, and further my own knowledge in becoming a better Antiracist.

Most of the essays are written by Kent herself, however there are a few scattered throughout from other authors, including the rather wonderful Candice Carty-Williams. I loved her essay on how Queenie came to life and effected her day to day life moving forward from publishing such a well lived novel. I would have loved more essays from Black women from a variety of backgrounds, if only to broaden the voices and experiences that Hunt is trying to present. Although her opinions and experiences are entirely valid, I feel I could have got more out of this than what was presented.

That said, this is an excellent piece of feminist black literature, and one I would happily read again and again, knowing I'll get something new out of the experience every time.

'Girl' is full of heart, emotion and strength, as writer Kenya Hunt uses personal essays to explore her experience of being a black woman both in the United States and the UK, circumnavigating working in overwhelmingly white industries (namely fashion) and exploring healthcare, beauty, fashion, entertainment, pop culture, politics and more through the eyes of black women.

There's a lot to enjoy here. The topics that Hunt discusses - and other writers contribute towards - are powerful testaments to how black women are viewed and view the world, and on failings in institutional systems that disproportionately affect them. Hunt is a thoughtful and talented writer, weaving personal anecdotes and stories with in-depth research. The essays I most enjoyed were 'Sally Hemings and Hidden Figures', 'An American In London', 'The Lord's House, A Queen's Soul' and 'On Queenie' (guest written by Candice Carty-Williams).

My central issue concerns the structure of the entire book. The majority of this book is a bit haphazard - a little disjointed in the way its put together. It might have just been the layout of the proof, which is understandable, but it seemed to be trying to veer between a memoir and an essay collection by multiple contributors. The notion of guest writers seemed to interrupt the flow of both the book and of Hunt's essays themselves.

While Candice Carty-Williams' essay about writing 'Queenie' and her process of becoming a public author versus a private writer was a real highlight, I wanted it to be part of a broader collection, rather than just an interlude to Hunt's writing. TPerhaps if there had been more contributors overall, with Hunt writing more than one essay for the collection, it would have felt more cohesive, structurally. There were times when an essay would finish and another would start - and I wouldn't even realise it. The collection is not bad, by any stretch, but I felt like this book just didn't quite know, structurally, what it wanted to be.

As a British person I love reading about someone living in Britain that’s from a different country. This is about a black experience of navigating the world in 2020. Even if the topics in the essays weren’t new to me. The writers always had new insights for me to think about a topic. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.