Bulletproof Diva: Tales of Race, Sex, and Hair

By Lisa Jones and Lisa Jones

Book Overview

In Bulletproof Diva , Lisa Jones brings the wit and candor of her infamous Village Voice column, "Skin Trade," to a much larger audience. Chock full of the "fierce black girl humor" that has made her column so popular, this provocative collection of essays and observations on race, sex, identity, and the politics of style speaks to a young generation of blacks who were raised in an integrated society and are now waiting for America to deliver on its promises of equality. The thirty-seven short pieces and six long essays in Bulletproof Diva cover a wide range of topics, many of them extremely controversial. Jones moves smoothly from issues of ethnicity in a changing America, challenging viewpoints on African-American and mixed race identity, to "butt theory" and the roller-coaster politics of black hair. Written in a style that is as appealing as it is unapologetic, Bulletproof Diva marks the debut of a genuinely gifted young writer with a distinctive voice and a fresh perspective on the black cultural scene.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385471238
• ISBN13: 9780385471237
• Release Date: February 1997
• Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.2" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

This book is a must read for every woman

I purchased this book when I was still a teenager, and to be honest, I dont remember what attracted me to the book. I like to consider it one of those moments where fate leads you to somthing that will make life-journies a lot easier. Bulletproof Diva became "my bible" I carried it in my bookbag along with my schoolbooks and dreamed of becoming a woman like Lisa Jones who so eloquently articulates her lessons her passions, her battles and her life. I am now 26 years old, and my worn dog eared copy of this book (which has survived a building collapse, two moves and several tempermental boyfriends) is still listed as a favorite.I hope that it will inspire, elevate and nourish your soul, as it has mine!

INCREDIBLE

She needs to write another and another and another. I thought I was actually there in her memories....real time....in color. I have read this book several times and I am suggesting it to be read for a book club I belong to. A great read!!!!!

Better the 2nd time around

I bought this book about 5 years ago, read it, loved it, then put it on the shelf. I've recently picked it back up and read it a 2nd time. I loved it even more. The essays are sharp, well-written, funny and "real". This is writer who truly loves being black and female and it shows in every word. I especially loved her insight into the "rainbow babies" as she loves to call interracial folks. This is book that you can pick up time and time again and still learn something new! Ms. Jones, where's the 2nd collection of essays?

BulletProof Diva For Sure

I read this book in a 11th grade English Composition Summer School Class, my teacher was realitivly new and wanted to keeps us interested, so out comes the class trip to a local Bookstore to hear Ms. Jones read from her Book. All week long we had been going over it and I was impressed! Being a young Black female I could totally relate to the issuse in the book especially the ones on hair. In person Ms. Jones is very personable and funny. Reading this book and meeting her in person has given me the determination to continue my writing career in hopes that I too will become one of the Lisa Jones of the World. The Book itself is Funny,Interesting and at times very emotionally charged. I recommend it highly