You Can't Touch My Hair

And Other Things I Still Have to Explain

By: Phoebe Robinson, Jessica Williams - foreword

Narrated by: Phoebe Robinson, John Hodgman

Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

A New York Times Best Seller

"A must-read...Phoebe Robinson discusses race and feminism in such a funny, real, and specific way, it penetrates your brain and stays with you." (Ilana Glazer, cocreator and costar of Broad City)

A hilarious and timely essay collection about race, gender, and pop culture from upcoming comedy superstar and 2 Dope Queens podcaster Phoebe Robinson

Being a black woman in America means contending with old prejudices and fresh absurdities every day. Comedian Phoebe Robinson has experienced her fair share over the years: She's been unceremoniously relegated to the role of "the black friend", as if she is somehow the authority on all things racial; she's been questioned about her love of U2 and Billy Joel ("isn't that...white people music?"); she's been called "uppity" for having an opinion in the workplace; she's been followed around stores by security guards; and yes, people do ask her whether they can touch her hair all. The. Time. Now she's ready to take these topics to audio - and she's going to make you laugh as she's doing it.

Using her trademark wit alongside pop-culture references galore, Robinson explores everything from why Lisa Bonet is "Queen. Bae. Jesus" to breaking down the terrible nature of casting calls to giving her less-than-traditional advice to the future female president and demanding that the NFL clean up its act, all told in the same conversational voice that launched her podcast, 2 Dope Queens, to the top spot on iTunes. As personal as it is political, You Can't Touch My Hair examines our cultural climate and skewers our biases with humor and heart, announcing Robinson as a writer on the rise.

One of Glamour's "Top 10 Books of 2016"
Featured on Refinery 29's list of "The Best Books of 2016 So Far"

Read by the author, and featuring additional narration by Jessica Williams and John Hodgson

©2016 Phoebe Robinson (P)2016 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

Featured in NPR Weekend Edition, New York Magazine, Refinery 29, and Cosmo

“A must-read.... Phoebe Robinson discusses race and feminism in such a funny, real, and specific way, it penetrates your brain and stays with you.” (Ilana Glazer, co-creator and costar of Broad City)

“Phoebe Robinson has a way of casually, candidly rough-housing with tough topics like race and sex and gender that makes you feel a little safer and a lot less alone. If something as wise and funny as You Can't Touch My Hair exists in the world, we can't all be doomed. Phoebe is my hero and this book is my wife.” (Lindy West, New York Times best-selling author of Shrill)

“You Can't Touch My Hair is the book we need right now. Robinson makes us think about race and feminism in new ways, thanks to her whip-smart comedy and expert use of a pop culture reference. The future is very bright because Robinson and her book are in it.” (Jill Soloway, creator of Transparent)

Thank you Phoebe!!

I really enjoyed this book. As I listened to it, I experienced a full range of emotions; everything from laughter to anger to pride. I want so many of my friends to listen/read this as well. I will be encouraging them to do so. I will definitely listen again. Thanks Phoebe for articulating things the way you do.

Do you need relief?

This book came in to me at the right moment. Which is to say, my life was falling apart and this book made me laugh. Not that I expected less from Phoebe, if anything I knew this listen would be clutch in an crap situation. I recommend without reservation even if your life circumstances are far from sad. It's funny and crass, and also an education. So do it. Get this book. Do it now.

Phoebe is the best

She is the best, I love her a lot and everyone should listen to the audiobook!!!!

Great book she is quite funny!

I just wish authors that are reading the book would be coached to speak a little slower, it's hard to understand when audible.

I really liked that when she talked about black verses white that it wasn't the poor me syndrome like another book I just read. I grew up white and privileged and can still tell stories just as tragic. We all have our story and she told hers quite well!!

I am a little older and didn't know who she was but glad I chose it. I think it was the hair intro! LOL

I love all colors as long as they are good people.

Engaging

Phoebe Robinson is a fantastic story teller however not much stuck with me from this book. It has been about a month since I listened to this read and while I remember moments where I was laughing out loud, I can't quite recall at what or any specific stories from this book. I know I was highly entertained while on a road trip because of this book but it was not a stand out story even if it was a stand out performance.

Amazing book for everyone

What made the experience of listening to You Can't Touch My Hair the most enjoyable?

Phoebe dives into tough topics with her unique voice and hilarious humor. This book is great for everyone. People who want to hear familiar stories or people who want to hear different perspectives on the world we share will enjoy this. You will walk away from from this book with more knowledge and perspective. Phoebe keeps a positive vibe, filled with humor, pop culture references, and Bono.

Relatable, Funny, and Deep!

Loved it! Phoebe expressed my feelings on issues to a tee. Like having my private comedy show.

I <3 Her!

Her style of comedy is exactly what I need in my life. Weird, Nerdy, Random, and Lovely.

I loved listening to this book!

It had been on my to- read list for a long time and I'm glad I did!

Hilarious and Necessary...

As a smart and "articulate" black girl who also grew up in Ohio and now lives in NYC, I could relate to everything you wrote about what it means to be a black woman living in America. Thank you for sharing your experiences and for giving voice to so much of what we feel, but do not have the words nor platform to explain. Wishing you continued laughs and success!