Among the greatest nonfiction books I've read recently, THIS IS MAJOR ranks near the top. This anthology of writings filled my spirit and spoke to the Black girl deep within me. Lawson covers a wide range of topics in this collection, from the significance of friendships among Black girls as they grow up to the challenges and complexities of interracial dating for Black (darker skinned) women. She also discusses the frustrations of being a Black woman in a predominantly White workplace and the toll it takes on one's resiliency. I used a lot of underlining, highlighting, and marginalia. For Colored Girls, Love Songs for Thots, and & Just In Case You Forgot Who I Am, I Am are some of my favorite works in this collection. This is not a dreary, joyless, or hopeless novel, but there were parts that made me angry and sad. In fact, Lawson demonstrates, even in the most heartbreaking of her articles and recollections, the enduring joy and complexity of Black girlhood and womanhood. We are the sum of our experiences, including the good times and the bad, as well as everything in between. Because there is so much to absorb, I plan to reread this anthology sometime in the next 12 months. It is clear that Lawson's writing style and structure in this book are daring and exploratory attempts to find new and effective methods to tell tales, experiences, and travels. There is a large portion of the book written in the second person, which is typically something I avoid, but I suppose it's because I haven't yet encountered an author who can make the switch such that it doesn't feel forced. At some point, though, I stopped noticing that Lawson was employing the second person in parts of THIS IS MAJOR. That's how well she handles this unconventional style of writing.

Didn't even finish the book I lost interest immediately but was so excited for it.

This was given to me two years ago and actually put me off of reading for a while, although I think this probably just wasn't my cup of tea.

I really enjoyed this book of essays - Shayla Lawson is a poet, and you can tell by the way she uses language. This collection covers so much; Lawson uses an autobiographical lens to examine everything from American Girl dolls to Twitter to racist workplaces to intra (and inter) racial dating. (Her story about her first Tinder date is so good.) She also weaves in fascinating research, including about the appalling history of Portland and about Nina Simone's life and letters. In fact my favorite essays were the ones in which she focused on musicians, including Simone, Diana Ross, and SZA. She talks about their lives, but also about what they mean to her as a Black woman in America. I also loved the last piece, a poem that made me want to run out and read all of her poetry. This book is highly recommended.

This is Major is a book full of essays about the author’s experience as a Black woman and her thoughts of Black women in the media, pop culture, legacy, and so much more. There’s a lot to unpack in this collection of thoughts, but I enjoyed it thoroughly from beginning to end. There are so many important narratives, awareness about many issues are brought to light, there are fun musings on life’s experiences, and an overall deeper conversation about race.

Lawson reflects on how life’s experiences have shaped her through the years and into the woman she has become today. From her time of performing in the play, For Colored Girls to Black Twitter, shares her honest opinions on their influence and it’s place into today’s society. I liked the structure of each essay and how she delves into a topic and then shares personal reflections/memories that tie-into it. It gave the book a personal touch and it allowed me to connect with her narrative deeply. Not only as a Black women, but as reader. I think others will be able to resonate with her stories as well.

I enjoyed all the essays and I learned so many new things. I liked her tie-ins to pop culture to explain certain concepts. This thought-provoking, and complex read. It was well-written, thoughtful, timely, and I would like to check out more of Lawson’s works. I highly recommend This is Major as a book that you should definitely add to your TBR!

Thank youto HarperCollins publishers and NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this fabulous book!

This was a great read. Especially being a black girl myself, it was amazing reading about how damn dope they really are. Shayla Lawson’s memoir, was a very raw and true telling of the experiences that she goes through and the standards of which most black women experience throughout their lives. I really liked the different essays within the book and some of the titles were just awesome! In each essay she explores that particular subject matter and mixes in her own personal experiences throughout her own life, mixing in historical figures, and the many influential black women who have inspired her, as well as many other black girls throughout the course of history. For example, in the essays titled, ‘Black Girl Magic’, she explores what that term means, it's origins, stereotypes, and the many women that have influenced her, and also sharing in depth stories from her life. I could definitely relate to the ‘No, My First Name Ain’t Whoopi’ essay. Why in the world do almost all dark girls get compared to Whoopi Goldberg?! Do you know how many times people have said the same about me? That essay hit the nail on the head. I honestly enjoyed a lot of the essays on this. Some spoke to me more than others did, but all in all, I loved them. Some of my favorites essays were, ‘Black Girl Hipster’, ‘Black Lives Matter’, 'Tammy from HR’, ‘Diana Ross is Major’, and her last one that lists amazing black women throughout our history titled, ‘& Just in Case You Forgot Who I Am. I Am’. A few of her essays definitely sounded like poems to me, given that Shayla Lawson is a poet, they were immensely riveting to read.

A lot of black girls would be able to relate to Lawson’s life and experiences. I know I definitely did! I also appreciated how current some of the subject matters were in this book. Lawson mentions a great deal of black women that are still influencing us now, such as SZA, Lizzo, Lauryn Hill, Solange, and many more. She delves into the dating life of a black girl and the stereotypes and challenges they face in the dating world and how they are perceived through others’ eyes. I also learned quite a bit especially the roots of the term ‘Hipster’ explained in the ‘Black Hipster Girl’ essay. I also adored the Diana Ross section of this book! I actually didn’t know a lot about her earlier life and this book has made me want to research Diana Ross’s life and watch her movie Mahogany which was released in 1975. Diana Ross is truly and will remain an icon to so many black girls and women. I admire Lawson for letting us into her life and writing about her personal experiences and these wonderful black women who have shaped our history. It made me appreciate being a strong black female myself.