I'm Down: A Memoir

An amazing book

I loved this book, and I just wanted to stop by and recommend it to anyone else looking for something extra special to read. Mishna Wolff is just as funny as David Sedaris at his best, and at the heart of her memoir is a truly touching family story that brought tears to my eyes in places. Anyone who's ever felt like a misfit or an outsider, or who grew up wishing they were cooler or richer or more popular, will surely find a kindred spirit in Mishna Wolff. This is one of my new favorite books, and I'm so glad it's out there.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.

A great read and insight that's not so much about race as it is culture

"You thought you could bring your broke-a#% turtle down here to play Barbies?"...I just stood on the corner holding Tommy the Turtle as five black girls holding plastic white women laughed at my stupidity"
That line sealed it for me. All you have to do is read the sample chapter from Wolff's book and I'm sure that you are going to enjoy your stay in her world.
What impressed me the most is that Wolff shows the influence that culture and relationships can have on young mind, while at the same time showing the difficulties that are encountered by the impoverished. It's strongest draw is that the characters (Yvonne, in particular) are fleshed out and you can often see the reason in their madness.
The most telling aspect of this story though is the dialect. Too often you see "Black" slang interpreted as poorly spelled word and crazy contractions, that often times leaves readers (even black ones) confused. But Wolff captures the essence of the language and tones by using **real** words in the manner that speech is actually carried on. This was one of the best examples I have seen of Black speech on paper and it shows that the author was really down.
This is a great read simply put.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Laugh out loud funny!

This book is hilarious! Ms. Wolff's use of imagery is superb. She had me laughing out loud at her depictions of life as a white girl in a black neighborhood. Since she and I grew up in the same type of neighborhood, I could really relate to her circumstances. The only difference is I am black. I'm a daddy's girl, too. Any daddy's girl knows that your existence (especially when you're young) is all about pleasing him. Her quest for his undying love and devotion is really the heart of this story.
Have your family and co-workers read it also so you can compare stories.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Couldn't put it down

Mishna Wolff's story is funny, sweet, painful, and so well done. I too had a white father who thought he was black...and Latino, and Asian--anything but white. And so this story, which may sound far-fetched to some, rang oh so true to me.

Word

So funny. Not exeedingly profound, but fun.

great book

I really liked reading this book.

Loved+it%21

This+book+was+a+delight+to+read.++One+of+those+that+you+wish+was+longer.++I%27m+hoping+there+is+more+to+this+story.

Great Book

I really loved this book. I couldnt put it down...if i could change one thing it would be the ending. It stopped a little too abrupt for me.

Brilliant!!

She tackles race, family dysfunction, and every other childhood difficulty you CAN'T imagine with roll around on the ground holding your stomach humor. In the end its so lovely and tender.
Needed a good laugh and read if for the second time!!

A Very Amusing Book

I enjoyed reading this book from the opening pages. It is insightful, funny and a very enjoyable book to read. This would be an excellent gift idea.

Hilariously spunky look at Mishna Wolff's life!

Interesting dramadey (drama-comedy) of a young white woman's evolution in a world of infused "haves" & "haves not", coupled with one's struggle to try to belong and relate to someone, black or white, or something. Her journey through adolescent into young adult-hood provides a glimpse into a white person's world that did not involve being a part of the "polished" population. Mishna's story was very funny, touching, and informative; visual effects were priceless.

Good Read

I only got to read the chapter that is provided on here and I am hooked when I get the chance I am definitely buying this book. The excerpt that I read is so much more colorful than most books that take you reading at least 6 chapters for it to get good. Mishna Wolff is a gem.

Right on!

Loved it! And loved the way she told her story! Although so totally unique, I felt I could totally relate to so many of her 'struggles'. I particularly loved the chapter titled "The Family Racist"... and I've definitely been in her shoes. Everyone who says "I'm not racist" should read this book! - GO GIRL

DANG! I LOVED IT!

I totally enjoyed this book.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Great Read

If you think the cover of this book is funny, wait until you start reading. It is an intimate look at growing up poor and not fitting in. This book made me laugh and cry and look back with more gentle eyes on my own childhood.

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