This book read like a celebratory wake. The authors, unique form of storytelling – a mix of verse and prose– made this book feel less like a dry encyclopedia of black entertainment.
Although it was exciting and often times humorous, it’s obvious that it is painstakingly researched.Hanif added nuance to even the most celebrated and well-known entertainers. He he added historical context, and relevancy to entertainers that I’ve never heard of.

I found myself, pausing my read to listen to snippets of music mentioned or to watch a bit of YouTube performance. This book is an experience in itself.

This book is an excellent exploration of the labor and exhaustive nature of racism, but also of The  act of resistance through Joy creativity and swagger.