A Little Devil In America by Hanif Abdurraqib / 5 stars

[Meli]

If you are a fan of Hanif Abdurraqib already this is a no-brainer, must read. All the hallmarks of his skill as a writer are present - incorporating personal memories and experiences into his ruminations on moments and figures in American entertainment history. This book has plucked out a number of representations of Black performance, from dancers to musicians to singers to comedians and boxers and, at one point, even skilled card players, with the underlying theme of showing how Black people hold each other up through performance. There is more to unpack in his notes in praise, but that is one thread that is consistent throughout.

This book features well-known entertainment figures, others more obscure, stories that are familiar fleshed out with lesser known details.

If you haven't read Hanif Abdurraqib this is as fine a place to start as any.
His writing has never been stronger.

[Jen K]

He really so good! Fits perfectly for thought provoking. I love how he weaves his research into his only personal story so seamlessly.

[Meli]

Me too, that is my favorite part I think! We are both about the same age and grew up in midwest cities so a lot of his references connect with my own adolescence.