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December 17, 2019

Lit to TV Review: Small Doses & I Be Knowin'


"There are all kinds of black women. All of our stories are relevant to the unique experience of what it is to be a sista. Whether you are from the 'hood or the high horse, ebony or beige, bald or rockin' inches, you are us." ~ pg. 23

One of my many cousins insisted that I watch Amanda Seales's HBO stand-up comedy debut, I Be Knowin'. I gave in one bored evening and found myself slapping my knee laughing, waving my hand at the TV saying, "GIRL, YES!" and "I know that's right!" When she described the process a professional black woman goes through when communicating at work, whew! In that hour, Amanda was me and I was Amanda.

I had totally misjudged Amanda Seales based on social media. I had only known her as the annoying friend on the popular television show, Insecure. Supposedly she was kicked out of some party. Who knows—I half paid attention. But the comedy special made me cast all impressions to the side and watch with an open mind. I so related to the jokes and willing to bet you will too.

"'Per my previous email' really means, 'I guess you gon' just ignore the fact that I already said this, huh?'" ~ pg. 41

The next logical step was to read her new book, Small Doses: Potent Truths for Everyday Use. It is filled with insightful essays. Non-fiction works sometimes bore me but Amanda Seales held my attention with comical retellings, intellectualism, Black American girl lessons and illustrations designed by the author herself. Amanda Seales engages readers with funny truths shot from the hip even though Small Doses is a more serious tone than I Be Knowin'.

Chickadee and I had an HBO & Girls' Night to watch I Be Knowin'. You should too! Invite some of your girls over to watch it. Then buy, borrow or share Small Doses. Let's meet back here for a good laugh.

Title: Small Doses: Potent Truths for Everyday Use
Author: Amanda Seales
Published: October 2019
Pages: 227
Edition: eBook
Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤

Title: I Be Knowin'
Premiere: January 2019
Show Time: 1 Hour
Genre: Comedy
Network: HBO
Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤

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