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Publish Date: July 5, 2022
Physical Book Publisher: Chronicle Books
Genre: Fiction, Comic and Graphic Books
Page Count: 192
Description
From writer Jamila Rowser and artist Robyn Smith comes a captivating graphic novel love letter to the beauty and endurance of Black women, their friendships, and their hair.
Wash Day Diaries tells the story of four best friends–Kim, Tanisha, Davene, and Cookie–through five connected short story comics that follow these young women through the ups and downs of their daily lives in the Bronx.
The book takes its title from the wash day experience shared by Black women everywhere of setting aside all plans and responsibilities for a full day of washing, conditioning, and nourishing their hair. Each short story uses hair routines as a window into these four characters’ everyday lives and how they care for each other.
Jamila Rowser and Robyn Smith originally kickstarted their critically acclaimed, award-winning slice of life mini comic, Wash Day, inspired by Rowser’s own wash day ritual and their shared desire to see more comics featuring the daily lived experiences of young Black women. Wash Day Diaries includes an updated, full color version of this original comic–which follows Kim, a 26-year-old woman living in the Bronx–as the book’s first chapter and expands into a graphic novel with short stories about these vibrant and relatable new characters.
In expanding the story of Kim and her friends, the authors pay tribute to Black sisterhood through portraits of shared, yet deeply personal experiences of Black hair care. From self-care to spilling the tea at an hours-long salon appointment to healing family rifts, the stories are brought to life through beautifully drawn characters and different color palettes reflecting the mood in each story.
At times touching, quiet, triumphant, and laugh out loud funny, the stories of Wash Day Diaries pay a loving tribute to Black joy and the resilience of Black women.
Book Reaction Navigation
Gist
Wash Day Diaries follows the daily lives of a group of best friends, Kim, Tanisha, Davene, and Cookie. The first four vignettes are dedicated to a character, while the last is for the group. In them, readers get a glimpse into their haircare routines and hair woes, as they tackle the ebb and flow of life’s uncertainties. Luckily, they have the support of each other to confront and take charge.
What Worked For Me
The formatting of this graphic novel was my favorite aspect. I think it is informative and succeeded in communicating the purpose behind the creation of this graphic novel.
Black hair is somewhat of a mystery to most. Showcasing each character’s haircare alongside a day in their life creates lenses through which they should be seen differently by readers unfamiliar with the care and concern of textured hair. Specifically, the hair of Black women. Many are unaware of how it’s a physical and emotional attachment to us. The effort and care we take with our hair are literally unmatched.
The content of Wash Day Diaries was very relatable. I felt seen and uplifted. The friendship group and its bond emitted an aura of found family. Embedding social commentary and conversations between them, centered around the hair, is reminiscent of “salon chair therapy” to me. The type of conversations you have while getting your hair done at the salon, by a good friend, or a family member. Vulnerable and safe. Not all the time, but you catch my drift (lol).
What Didn’t Work For Me
It was too short. Yes, I’m greedy and I may be selfish. I wanted it to be longer. 🙂
Content Warnings
Moderate
- Drug Use
- Stalking
- Mental Illness
Minor
- Cursing
- Sexual Content
- Sexual Harassment
- Dementia
Final Verdict
I recommend this graphic novel and rate it 3.0 stars. The characters were compelling and relatable. I felt it when Kim said, “Nah, it’s wash day. I ain’t goin’ nowhere,” because I ain’t either when it’s my wash day. If you are in the mood for an informative, reflective, and fast-paced read, I implore you to please pick up this book.
