Synopses & Reviews
Meet Helena Andrews, sassy, single, smart, and, yes, a bitch—but Tina Fey said it best, bitch is the new black!
When Helena Andrews heard this declaration on Saturday Night Live, her first reaction was How daaare you? But after a commercial break and some thought, she decided to poke at the stereotype that says "successful" and "bitch" are synonyms. Unafraid and frank, she comes to realize that being a bitch is sometimes the best way to be—except, of course, when it's not.
Bitch Is the New Black follows Andrews—sexy, single, and a self-described smart-ass—on her trip from kidnapped daughter of a lesbian to Washington, D.C., political reporter who can't remember a single senator's name. Told in Andrews's singular voice, this addictive memoir explores the roller coaster of being educated and single while trying to become an "actual adult" and find love.
In these candid yet heartfelt essays, she chronicles that ride from beginning to end: a childhood spent on an all-white island, escaping via episodes of The Cosby Show; being set up with Obama's "body guy" Reggie Love by Maureen Dowd; and the shocking suicide of a best friend. Through it all, Andrews and her gang of girlfriends urge each other to "keep it moving." But no one can stay strong all the time—not even the women we believe do so without trying.
As Andrews says, "Despite the fact that the most recognizable woman in the United States is black, popular culture still hasn't moved past the only adjective apparently meant to describe us— "strong." She is also flawed, tired, naive, greedy, gutsy, frightened, and kind: secret sides that come out in honest detail here.
Review
“[A] bitingly funny and honest read....[Andrews] establishes herself as an individual, proving that the women who fit into the “strong (single) black woman” category are more complex than the one-dimensional persona lets on.” Associated Press
Review
“Bitch Is the New Black is an authentic fresh exploration of what it is to be young, black, and single right nowfrom a voice both outrageously funny and heartbreakingly honest.” Shonda Rhimes, creator of "Grey's Anatomy" and "Private Practice"
Review
“I didnt like this book. I loved it....Im giving copies to all of my girlfriends who have crazy families, love lives that revolve around IM, and, of course, Im pretending I helped Helen write it.” Angela Nissel, author of < i=""> Mixed <> and < i=""> The Broke Diaries <>
Review
“With honesty and wit...Andrews is not afraid to reveal anything, even her bra size.” Washington Post
Review
“The scathingly witty author examines a wide variety of topics that, beneath the jokes and sarcasm, address weighty issues (depression, aging, abortion) with wry astuteness…An irreverent, savvy and sharp memoir.” Kirkus Reviews
Review
“Andrews combination of personal anecdote and analysis of success and race makes her tales unique. And at the same time, her exploration of gender in America is one surely any woman can relate to.” Bust Magazine
Synopsis
In this deliciously addictive memoir-in-essays, Andrews reveals her journey from the daughter of the town lesbian to a hotshot political reporter, and tries to find an answer to the perennial question, Can a strong, single and successful black woman ever find love?
Synopsis
Strong, sassy, always surprising—and titled after a Saturday Night Live “Weekend Update” monologue by Tina Fey—Bitch Is the New Black is a deliciously addictive memoir-in-essays in which Helena Andrews goes from being the daughter of the town lesbian to a hot-shot political reporter… all while trying to answer the question, “can a strong, single, and successful black woman ever find love?” Fans of Sloane Crosley (I Was Told Thered Be Cake) will love the bold and brassy Bitch Is the New Black.
About the Author
A graduate of Columbia University, Helena Andrews has written for numerous publications including Glamour, the New York Times, and TheRoot.com. She lives in Washington, D.C., and is working on the film adaptation of Bitch Is the New Black.