My Favorite Literary Awkward & Black Sheros: A Book Review

I am a total fan of Awkward Black women characters in fiction. I relate to them. You know the black chick that is not cool, maybe didn't get the best start in life and some way usually in a bumbling fashion she ends up with a great outcome. They are my imaginary heroes wait, no, sheroes. So I decided to reread two of my favorite books, 32 Candles by Ernessa T. Carter and Diva, Inc by Donna Hill. I was missing them so I decided to stop by and see how they were doing.

32 Candles by Ernessa T. Carter kept me company one summer/fall when my grandmother was rushed to the hospital then placed in a nursing rehab three years ago. My mother had just retired and was with my grandmother most days. I had lots of downtime at home with my brother. After reading a review in Essence Magazine & A trip to Walmart for grocery I picked this literary gem. Loaning it to my sister, my niece picked it up and I have not seen that copy since. I have a Kindle now and uploaded it there. Here's its description:
This debut novel of longing for family, love, and acceptance finds some interesting territory before settling too early into inevitability. Davidia Jones, a nerdy child of poverty, is abused by her alcoholic mother and is the subject of merciless taunting at her high school. But it's the "Molly Ringwald Ending" that guides this fragile 15-year-old when she bolts town with a lesbian trucker named Mama Jane and lands a gig as a '40s-style chanteuse in L.A. With a little Hollywood stardust, she redefines herself and begins living the life she's dreamed of--until James, the rich golden boy she had a crush on back home, walks into her nightclub. Not knowing their connected past, James promptly goes gaga for the overhauled Davie, whose need for sweet revenge adds a welcome dark edge to a trajectory toward self-empowerment.
If you are a fan of John Hughes movies, this book will give take you right down memory lane. Davie is a hoot. Such an attention grabber. Totally relatable. The Then & Now section dividers were brilliant The In-Between Now & Then (The Amendment) bowled me over. It made me wonder what could have the late John Hughes do with such a nice book like this.  After rereading it, I have decided they should make this into a movie. I have the perfect actress, the Awkward Black Girl herself, Issa Rae. If you know her, tell her I said so. I totally see her in a Strokes T-shirt, with quick quips and an atonement list giving this character life. I don't know if she can sing but that is minor.

Donna Hill is one of my favorites in Romance. I was "Black Friday" shopping years ago and I saw this Diva, Inc. and thought "Umm this one sounds different. Let's get it". I read it in one night. I loaned it out (yeah a pattern I've ended) to someone and never saw it again. I rebought it used and like the taste of soda after Lent, I quickly knew why I loved this book described here.
Tiffany Lane and Chantal Hollis are bonafide divas in every sense of the word. They've also been Margaret Drew's best friends since they were children. Margaret has always been the plain Jane of the threesome, living vicariously through the exploits of her friends. But when Tiffany and Chantal head to Europe on an extended vacation, leaving Margaret to tend their apartments, Margaret decides to see how the other half lives. Co-opting their apartments, their boyfriends (current and past), their fabulous lifestyles, and Tiffany's very savvy pooch, Virginia, Margaret finally feels like she has found the life she has always wanted and deserved. But her double living begins to catch up with her and Margaret might soon be homeless, manless, and friendless all in one swoop.
The description only speaks of Margaret Drew's Diva friends but she has a grandmother that will keep you chomping at the bit and in stitches also. She reminds me of an old family friend, Ms. Dorthy (RIP). Margaret's Diva Journey is very hilarious. She is a true ABG. She is so bumbling it is pitiful. It has a very quick and straightforward ending. Now with the invention of YouTube and Web series, I could see this as a web show or maybe an indie film. I wouldn't want Hollywood to touch this.

Maybe I should go looking for more reading gems like these. I love them. These characters exist and I am happy someone sees our story and helps us tell it. So what books help tell your story. Let me know if you dare in the comments.

As Always, Talking to You in Adult Terms

Answering Eye Shadow Allergy Questions

Okay I am "face naked" most days. I only wear makeup for church and social occasions.  l got a few questions after my Eye shadow Allergy blog. So I'm answering them here.

Is that clear mascara?

Yes, that is Clear Mascara. The brand is Maybelline. Clear mascara is designed to tame, shape and gives a slightly darker (wet) look to your natural lashes.  It's also good for shaping your eyebrows. I like clear because it matches all looks and it is easier to clean off my lashes.

What do you suggest as a basic look for the eyes?

My basic look is eyeliner (black or brown), clear mascara, and eye shadow primer (it helps your eye shadow last longer but can give your lids a hint of color). It goes from day to night. A Simple look  that can't go wrong.

Make up confession: I'm never totally face naked unless I'm at home. I never leave my house without Brown Eyeliner (unless the look requires Black or Blue). I've worn it since senior year in high school. It defines my eyes without being noticed with my peanut butter skin color.

A

B

C

Can you tell which picture I have brown eye liner on? A B or C The Answer will be in the next blog. Good Luck!

 Where do you find eye shadow advice? Are there any how-to websites out there?

Makeup looks are everywhere. I first used to follow the Mary Kay sample  that they have at Mary Kay parties in college. Then I found a brand is called Urban Decay and they have a great Steal Our Look section on their website. Now thanks to YouTube makeup advice is everywhere. From makeup brand to vloggers, YouTube is full of makeup tips; all you have to do is a search. I personally like Beat Face Honey (She's a makeup artist. She does Brandy's Makeup) and iCRAiZ (She's a fashion & beauty vlogger. I liked the way she did her nude lips with drugstore products). Hover over their names to get to their pages. And good ol' see someone's look and ask. Sounds goofy but it works. People will share tips with you after a nice compliment.

Okay, Hope I answered your questions. Now I'm inspired to do a lip color blog. Stay tuned!!!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms

A Blog about My Addiction

Now that you ran over here (To get some hot gossip on me , I bet (Shame on You) or Because I sent you over here), Listen up!!!
My name is ________OUTSPOKEN_DIVA_______ and I am addicted to Black Web Series & Vlogs. I'm jonesing right now because my YouTube App on my phone has been acting up for the passed 35 hours and I have to watch stuff on my slow PC. If you are an FBF you already knew this to some point. My "little brother" B.J. is gonna cuss me out if I suggest one more Web Series or Vlog. I got it BAD Just checked my phone, ERROR!

I read an article last year wondering why "black sitcoms/dramas" aren't on TV but Online (which I agree with, The ONLY "black" show (scripted or reality) on TV I'm watching this summer is Single Ladies (women friends with more money than me with men issues I so can relate)). So I went to YouTube, FaceBook and Twitter to look for some of the titles and ran smack dab into my truth. Let me see I found shows or vlogs that deal topics like "Single with a crush but date others", "Secret love of ghetto songs that you still pick apart the lyrics but you still dance to" "Weirded out by co-workers (in my case former (a self-employment benefit)) because of attitudes and culture", "Nerdy & Full of Love of "the '80 or '90's", "Single & Dating", "Like dating Men but the ones you like still got issues and you start to think it could be you" "Awkward Phone Calls" and "College study Groups". Part of my Truth. All I need to do is find a good Christan show and my life will be cover by the Web Series. Okay here my list of my favorites. If it's Green, that's the link.

10. Fail - I avoided study groups in College because I once had an experience like of these. Not telling!!! Mine wasn't so funny. I fail on my own not because of others. 8D Episode 1 (The theme song is Great)

9. Venus Vs. Mars - It's British but this American can relate. What happens after your boyfriend breaks up with you, you try to date while your family and friends are in relationships? Pilot Episode

8. Black and Single TV - They are perfect for each other. Will they ever meet? Episode 1

7. She Got Problems - Little sister of a real-life famous actress that wants to do a musical about her dating life. She had me at "Black Guys are a few of My Favorite Things". Anthony Mackie is on my Top Ten 10 list too. She Got Problems by Allison McDonald

6. Black Nerd Comedy - I swear he acts like my cousin, D.D. D.D. is the cousin I was mostly around growing and one of the ones I'm kind of similar to (Trust me the other cousins know. They won't be offended). This Vlog is filled with Top List, Rants Raves & Reviews about video games, movies, TV Shows, etc. Lot of current stuff and a lot of stuff from the 80's & 90's. Check this episode out You also have to check out his Rant of Charles Barkley. Barkley asked for it, IMO.

5. HangUp!!! - Ever had a phone call go WRONG First Time You Should Hang Up!

4 . Corporate Brother - Ever been the only "Black Person" at work or in class. And the non-blacks want to "talk" to you about you being just that. Best episode "The Black History Month Program" Episode 2. But first Episode 1

3. Unwritten Rules - Female version of Corporate Brother. Some of her co-workers are rude also. Based on a Book Yes, (I plan to read) The Hair Episode I swear it's straight from the book of my life.  Episode 1

Okay the Top Two are Both written by the same person  Issa Rae. She has another show "Fly Guys" Kinda cute. Just not for me but check it out, It might be yours.

2. RatchetPiece Theatre - Rae's Vlog were she analyzes some of her favorite Songs, that We All Know the lyrics are Vile, Vulgar, Degrading, Morally Wrong, Ghetto,etc but that Beat makes us bounce our butts to it anyway Oh and she's classy about it too. Need a definition of Ratchet? Episode one, she provides the perfect one. Episode 1

1. Awkward Black Girl (ABG to my possibly annoyed FBF) - You know you are on to something when Pharrell Williams put your Season 2 on his IamOther channel on YouTube. When the main character J. asked if she was only person that acts like she in the video when singing in the car, while singing a new ratchet favorite of mine "Booty Shawts", I was HOOKED. She had me at the first sentence, first scene, & first song of Episode 1 of Season 1. Issa Rae says she was just wanted the "black" Liz Lemon from 30 Rock. She made comedy genius to me. She's awkward at Dating. She's awkward at Work. She has awkward Co-workers (i.e. Germy Patty, "A", Sister Mary, Baby Voice, Darius are Some). She has an awkward BFF. She is Awkward and Black and I love it. (Maybe because I'm a true ABG, also) The show even has character shorts between seasons. Season 1 Episode 1   Season 2 Episode 1

Okay so now you see why I Don't Watch the various Wives, Ex Wives, Love and whatever and all the rest. I'm watching This Stuff. I relate to Web Shows better.

Now these are the one's I like. I am want you to go a look up "Black Web Series" no look up "Web Series"(my next venture, blame the article) and find what you'll. There many out there. Issa Rae and Black Nerd rave about a "reality show" called "K-Town" (Asian version of Jersey Show). Issa Rae also has the "Fly Guys" and soon out "I Hate LA Dudes". I know the makers of "HangUp" also, have "The Couple" & "The Number". On the Iamother channel there's A man on the street show called "StereoTypes" My friends rave about a series about blacks lesbians called "Between Women". There is even a "reality show" about black male strippers suppose to be out. It looked interesting enough. Oh and there are Vlogs Galore. Are you already watching some? What are you watching?

There is Something for everybody. Where TV can let you Web Series can boost you back up. Oh yeah I check my phone still an error message!!! LoL, I'm so Addicted!!!