Book Review: The Last Black Unicorn
by Tracy Simpson, Pratt City Branch Library
The Last Black Unicorn
Tiffany Haddish
Tune in to any talk show today and you will more than likely see the face of breakout comedian Tiffany Haddish discussing her new book, The Last Black Unicorn. While Haddish has been in the comedic world for several years, she became widely recognized after her recent role in the blockbuster movie Girls Trip. As a fan of Haddish I was anxious to read her memoir in order to learn more about her road to success and with hopes that she would inject some of her signature, side-splitting humor; Haddish definitely did not disappoint!
From foster care to homelessness, Haddish manages to turn some of the harshest experiences she endured into comical stories. Haddish learned early on that comedy and her ability to get others to laugh was not only a gift which allowed her to make money, but also a tool she could use to be "accepted" by others, and to help her deal with some difficult situations. With raw honesty Haddish writes about her life experiences, many of which are hard to believe. Haddish prepares readers early on with a warning that one part of the book will be difficult to read, which is the chapter where she discusses the details of her abusive marriage. Haddish also openly discusses the physical and emotional abuse she suffered from her mother as a child (and as an adult), which in part was a result of a traumatic brain injury her mother experienced after a car accident.
One of the most compelling stories Haddish shares is how she managed to get all the way to the ninth grade without being able to read. However, with the help of one dedicated teacher and a caring grandmother, Haddish overcame that obstacle along with many others. In the memoir Haddish reflects back on periods when she was the highly sought after "hype man" for local Bar Mitzvah celebrations in her early years, up to meeting and working with celebrities such as Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith. Haddish also shares experiences about the unfair treatment she received as a female comedienne compared to her male counterparts. As difficult as some of the stories about the abuse she suffered were to read, Haddish manages always to see the bright side of everything and turn tragedies into triumphs with a laugh and a smile.
The Last Black Unicorn is a quick read which will have you crying with tears from sadness one minute, and with tears of laughter the next. Haddish’s ability to talk about difficult subjects such as domestic violence, disabilities, mental illness, and misogyny with such candor makes this memoir a must read! Also, check out her movie, Girls Trip for more side-splitting entertainment.
Tiffany Haddish
Tune in to any talk show today and you will more than likely see the face of breakout comedian Tiffany Haddish discussing her new book, The Last Black Unicorn. While Haddish has been in the comedic world for several years, she became widely recognized after her recent role in the blockbuster movie Girls Trip. As a fan of Haddish I was anxious to read her memoir in order to learn more about her road to success and with hopes that she would inject some of her signature, side-splitting humor; Haddish definitely did not disappoint!
From foster care to homelessness, Haddish manages to turn some of the harshest experiences she endured into comical stories. Haddish learned early on that comedy and her ability to get others to laugh was not only a gift which allowed her to make money, but also a tool she could use to be "accepted" by others, and to help her deal with some difficult situations. With raw honesty Haddish writes about her life experiences, many of which are hard to believe. Haddish prepares readers early on with a warning that one part of the book will be difficult to read, which is the chapter where she discusses the details of her abusive marriage. Haddish also openly discusses the physical and emotional abuse she suffered from her mother as a child (and as an adult), which in part was a result of a traumatic brain injury her mother experienced after a car accident.
One of the most compelling stories Haddish shares is how she managed to get all the way to the ninth grade without being able to read. However, with the help of one dedicated teacher and a caring grandmother, Haddish overcame that obstacle along with many others. In the memoir Haddish reflects back on periods when she was the highly sought after "hype man" for local Bar Mitzvah celebrations in her early years, up to meeting and working with celebrities such as Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith. Haddish also shares experiences about the unfair treatment she received as a female comedienne compared to her male counterparts. As difficult as some of the stories about the abuse she suffered were to read, Haddish manages always to see the bright side of everything and turn tragedies into triumphs with a laugh and a smile.
The Last Black Unicorn is a quick read which will have you crying with tears from sadness one minute, and with tears of laughter the next. Haddish’s ability to talk about difficult subjects such as domestic violence, disabilities, mental illness, and misogyny with such candor makes this memoir a must read! Also, check out her movie, Girls Trip for more side-splitting entertainment.
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