No Thanks: Black, Female, and Living in the Martyr-Free Zone by Keturah Kendrick (Review by Kala Saxon)

Rating: 4 Stars

I usually prefer to read my nonfiction books thru audio, but I had to make an exception this time in order to experience this book of essays. Keturah talks about subjects that need to be talked about more within the community of black women. She provides that space in this book. She makes you feel that your feelings are valid even if they are not the feelings that society or even your close friends and family thinks you should have.

She doesn’t shy away from the subjects of motherhood, religion, dating, and friendships. These are topics that are dealt with every day. In the very beginning of the book, Keturah hit a sore spot with me when she was discussing the dating habits of black women. I had to put the book down and come back to it after I evaluated my own dating life. She makes you think about what you are willing to put up with and what you are expected to accept. And that is not just with dating either. Also, with motherhood, friendships, and religion.

What Keturah accomplishes in this book is exceptional. I would say that all black women should read it. This book left me with so much to think about. It also showed me that I have every right to be comfortable in who I am, not just as a woman, but as a black woman in this world. Any woman would benefit from reading this book. The subjects explored are all subjects any woman deals with, this book just gives a different perspective showing how black women deal with them on a day to day basis. This is the type of book that can spark healthy and meaningful conversations. This book will also help the reader do some soul searching.