Title: I’m Down
Author: Mishna Wolff
First published May 26, 2009
288 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780312378554 (ISBN10: 0312378556)
Rating: 3.69
Overview
Mishna Wolff’s upbringing in a poor black neighborhood was unconventional to say the least. Her single father, a white man who insisted he was black, dressed up like his idols and spoke like them too.
But Mishna was white and didn’t quite fit in with the neighborhood kids. Her father’s solution was to make her “Down,” but no amount of coaching could make her a good basketball player or a skilled dancer.
When she was abruptly sent to a rich white school, she discovered that she was now too “black” for her new white classmates. In her memoir, I’m Down, Mishna shares her hilarious and poignant journey of growing up between two worlds and questioning what it means to be black and white in America.
Editoral Review
Mishna Wolff’s memoir, I’m Down, published on May 26, 2009, is a humorous yet insightful chronicle of the author’s childhood, her struggle with racial identity, and how she found her place in the world. The book falls into the genre of memoirs, and it displays the author’s talent for storytelling, humor, and introspection.
By recounting her life experiences, Wolff shares a unique perspective on issues of race, class, and cultural identity. Her writing is powerful, engaging, and thought-provoking, making the reader laugh one moment and introspect the next.
The story follows Wolff’s childhood in Seattle, where she was raised by her white father and African-American stepmother. The story is set in the late 1980s, at the height of the crack cocaine epidemic.
Wolff recounts her experiences of attending predominantly white schools while living in a black neighborhood with colorful characters, including her biological mother, who is a white supremacist. She struggles with her racial identity, as she doesn’t feel like she fits in with either the black or white communities.
The characters in the book are vividly described, with each having a unique and captivating personality. The author’s father is an eccentric man who tries to portray himself as a stereotypical black man, even though he has a white-collar job.
Her biological mother is also depicted as an extremist who is vocal about her hatred for minorities. These characters serve to highlight the different attitudes and stereotypes existing within society, and how they can impact those experiencing the struggle of cultural identity.
Wolff’s writing style is engaging, witty, and emotive. She tackles sensitive issues with a light-hearted approach, delivering a compelling and entertaining narrative.
The pacing of the book is excellent, with each chapter leading smoothly to the next, never leaving the reader bored or uninterested. The author’s use of humor is delightful, and she manages to be both hilarious and poignant simultaneously.
Overall, I’m Down is a wonderfully written memoir that offers an honest, humorous, and thought-provoking view of what it’s like to grow up in a multiracial household. It is a story of vulnerability, strength, and perseverance.
Although there are a few instances where the author could have explored certain aspects of her life more deeply, it does not undermine the quality of her work. Mishna Wolff’s I’m Down is a heartwarming and insightful read that will appeal to readers of all backgrounds.
I recommend this book to anyone interested in exploring issues surrounding cultural identity, family dynamics, and race relations. It will appeal to those who enjoy memoirs, coming of age stories, and humorous tales.
After reading this book, readers will gain a better understanding of how our perceptions and attitudes towards race shape our experiences and shape cultural identities. I would rate this book a 4.5 out of 5, based on its quality of writing, captivating narrative, humor, and the depth of the authors self-reflection.