Bad Fat Black Girl: Notes from a Trap Feminist

Really enjoyed! I was left with a better understanding of trap music and it's feminist undertones. As a black woman with a certain level of privilege, I was given valuable insight and awareness of black women who don't have the privileges I have. This book left me undoubtedly knowing that there is strength and beauty in the black woman experience - no matter what side of the trap/track you live on.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)

4.5 stars. I enjoyed the author's writing and how they struck a balance between highlighting/explaining important issues and including their personality and humor in it. Definitely worth a read.

Similar to How to be an Antiracist in structure, moments in the author's life are a take off point to discussing in an academic yet approachable style, particular aspects of Black experience, in this case, Black women and trap feminism, and how these experiences are shaped by forces like racism, capitalism, the patriarchy. Bowen's messaging is less about combatting these forces on a large scale, and more about what has worked for her to create a fulfilling life while managing the influences of these forces. Also includes occasional pauses to introduce vocabulary. 
More assertive in tone, perhaps, than The Body is Not an Apology, but I think there are similarities in the important messages coming from the same place of love. 
I especially appreciated the look into the necessary pairing of both knowing the importance of vulnerability and understanding the need to set boundaries and standards; black girl sexuality and sex positivity - the need for information and not shaming to keep young Black women healthy and safe; and addressing sex work - perhaps the area most in need of more people listening to practitioners rather than surrendering to preconceived ideas, especially when considering policy.   

⚠️ SA, fatphobia, body image negativity, misogynoir, racism, misogyny, loved one experiencing addiction, child abuse framed as  corporal punishment