Skip to content
Visit Our Amazon Shop →
Instagram Spotify Facebook Pinterest
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Camino
  • Leaders
  • Film
  • Collaborate
  • Resources
  • Shop
  • Events
  • About
  • Contact
DG Speaks official logo
  • Privacy
  • Disclosure
DG Speaks official logo

My Favorite Things: Reading List for Jan. 2020

ByMercedes Diane Griffin Forbes January 13, 2020

Right now I’m really reveling in my “Black Girl Magic.” These books are funny and insightful. Plus, it’s refreshing to hear social topics discussed from a cultural perspective I can identify with.

I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual

From Goodreads:

Luvvie Ajayi is a NYTimes best-selling author, noted speaker, and professional troublemaker who thrives at the intersection of comedy, technology and activism. Her debut book “I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual” was published in Sep. 2016, becoming an instant best-seller.

She is the person who often says what you’re thinking but dared not to because you have a filter and a job to protect.

Her TED talk, “Getting Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable” has over 4 million views.

The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl

From Goodreads:

With her own unique flare and infectious sense of humor, Issa Rae’s content has garnered over 20 million views and close to 160,000 subscribers on YouTube. In addition to making the Forbes 30 Under 30 list twice and winning the 2012 Shorty Award for Best Web Show for her hit series “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl,” Issa Rae has worked on web content for Pharrell Williams, Tracey Edmonds and numerous others. She developed a TV series with Shonda Rhimes for ABC and is currently developing a half-hour comedy for HBO with Larry Wilmore. Rae is also slated to release a book of essays with Simon & Schuster in 2015.

Issa Rae is signed with UTA and 3 Arts Entertainment.

You Can’t Touch My Hair: And Other Things I Still Have to Explain

From Goodreads:

PHOEBE ROBINSON is a stand-up comedian, writer, and actress whom Vulture.com, Essence, and Esquire have named one of the top comedians to watch. She has appeared on NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers and Last Call with Carson Daly; TBS’s Conan, Comedy Central’s Broad City, and @midnight with Chris Hardwick; as well recently landing a recurring role on the new Jill Soloway show for Amazon I Love Dick.

Robinson’s writing has been featured in The Village Voice, NY Mag, and on Glamour.com, TheDailyBeast.com, VanityFair.com, Vulture.com, and NYTimes.com. She was also a staff writer on MTV’s hit talking head show, Girl Code, as well as a consultant on season three of Broad City.

Most recently, she created and starred in Refinery29’s web series Woke Bae and, alongside Jessica Williams, formerly of The Daily Show, she is the creator and costar of the hit WNYC podcast 2 Dope Queens as well as the host of the critically-acclaimed WNYC podcast Sooo Many White Guys. Robinson is the author of the New York Times best selling book, You Can’t Touch My Hair and Other Things I Still Have to Explain, a collection of essays about race, gender, and pop culture. Robinson lives and performs stand-up in Brooklyn, NY, and is busy planning her upcoming nuptials to Michael Fassbender. 

Mercedes Diane Griffin Forbes

Post navigation

Previous Previous
Understanding Why Sex is a Vital Variable for Women’s Health
NextContinue
Best Books to Read in January: A Celebration of Black Girl Magic

From My World to Yours

Mercedes at Pena Palace in Sintra, Portugal

About DG Speaks

Hi, I’m Mercedes Diane Griffin Forbes, founder and editor of DG Speaks. Alongside our amazing team of contributors, I created this space to share stories that celebrate travel, food, culture, business, independent film, and diverse perspectives. Whether you’re planning your next adventure or looking for fresh ideas, I’m glad you’re here and hope you’ll become part of our community.

Disclosure
Some articles on DG Speaks contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting independent journalism and storytelling.

Affiliate Disclosure | Privacy Policy

What We’re Talking About

Book Your Next Adventure

Mercedes Diane Griffin Forbes with Happy Aging Elixir

Healthy Aging Starts Today

Happy Aging Elixir is part of my wellness routine. Use my link to get 3 months for the price of 2.

Claim Your Offer
Airbnb Expert Hosting by DG Speaks

Thinking About Becoming an Airbnb Host?

Have an extra room, guest house, or vacation home? Hosting on Airbnb can be a great way to earn extra income while meeting travelers from around the world.

As an Airbnb Superhost and Ambassador, I've welcomed guests from dozens of countries and know what it takes to earn five-star reviews. I'd love to help you get started.

Start Hosting Today
⭐ Airbnb Superhost
⭐ Airbnb Ambassador
⭐ Expert Hosting Tips & Resources
DG Speaks official logo
Facebook X Instagram Amazon Linkedin YouTube

Stay in the know

Copyright © 2026 · DG Speaks · Hello You Designs

Scroll to top
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Camino
  • Leaders
  • Film
  • Collaborate
  • Resources
  • Shop
  • Events
  • About
  • Contact
Search