During the holidays, I got a chance to unwind and read Akilah Hughes’ delightfully amusing book, “Obviously: Stories from My Timeline.”
Borrowing the blueprint from other funny ladies, like Tina Fey, Mindy Kaling, and Aisha Tyler, she released a series of essays on her life from adolescence to adulthood. Though the first few chapters of the book are dark and heavy at times, Hughes always knows how to throw in a joke in just the right places to lighten the mood.
The first time I ever saw Hughes was on YouTube in 2013, in the video, “Meet Your First Black Girlfriend.” Set from the boyfriend’s point of view, she lists a litany of dos and don’ts in their interracial relationship. I believe YouTube’s algorithm served it to my feed because it saw my endless search of the perfect wash-and-go video for 4C hair after my first big chop, and Hughes just so happens to be rocking her fluffy natural curls for this sketch. I digress. The video is witty, lighthearted, and relatable; I immediately subscribed.
I followed her throughout the years, admiring her growth and accomplishments – hint: HBO. Crooked Media. Comedy Central. Sundance Fellow. And she started getting slashes between her job titles: YouTuber/Stand-Up Comedian/Actress/Writer! Yup, Wowza! So when I saw that Hughes released a book, I had to read her memoir. But as they say, what you see on social media is entirely different from what one experiences in real life.
I found the book to be refreshingly candid like a funny ass homegirl after a few drinks at happy hour. I was pleased to learn that behind the snappy one-liners, accolades, and accomplishments lie a woman who questions life and is on a constant search to make it better.
Her book spans from being raised in Florence, Kentucky, and hustling her way through New York, New York. There are so many laugh-out-loud moments like her third grade ‘Roid rage incident that ended with her cursing out a bully-classmate; her precious mother, who always finds humor in the most serious situations. As she said, “worse shit happens;” Oh, and why she hates Akeelah & Bee due to her own experience with a spill on spelling – and the shared name, obviously.
With the comical moments, there are disheartening moments like her first run-in with blatant racism in fifth grade, the culprit, her teacher! Also, Hughes described the insanely unhealthy relationship she had with her now-deceased father, who she discovered had other kids besides her and her sister. I found her chapter on friendship very relatable as we’ve all had a good frenemy or two in our lives. There is more, but I can’t tell you all!
What I found most valuable was her perspective on being black in the YouTube space and Hollywood. The intricacies of finding her identity, gaining confidence, and embracing herself are all part of her success.
If you’re looking for a good laugh and book that taps into what life is like getting into Hollywood or at least getting social media famous, this book is a read for you.
Ravishing Raconteur 