Review - The Last Black Unicorn by Tiffany Haddish

Published - December 2017

Book Summary

From stand-up comedian, actress, and breakout star of Girls Trip, Tiffany Haddish, comes The Last Black Unicorn, a sidesplitting, hysterical, edgy, and unflinching collection of (extremely) personal essays, as fearless as the author herself.

Growing up in one of the poorest neighborhoods of South Central Los Angeles, Tiffany learned to survive by making people laugh. If she could do that, then her classmates would let her copy their homework, the other foster kids she lived with wouldn’t beat her up, and she might even get a boyfriend. Or at least she could make enough money—as the paid school mascot and in-demand Bar Mitzvah hype woman—to get her hair and nails done, so then she might get a boyfriend.

None of that worked (and she’s still single), but it allowed Tiffany to imagine a place for herself where she could do something she loved for a living: comedy.

Tiffany can’t avoid being funny—it’s just who she is, whether she’s plotting shocking, jaw-dropping revenge on an ex-boyfriend or learning how to handle her newfound fame despite still having a broke person’s mind-set. Finally poised to become a household name, she recounts with heart and humor how she came from nothing and nowhere to achieve her dreams by owning, sharing, and using her pain to heal others.

By turns hilarious, filthy, and brutally honest, The Last Black Unicorn shows the world who Tiffany Haddish really is—humble, grateful, down-to-earth, and funny as hell. And now, she’s ready to inspire others through the power of laughter.

My Review - 4 1/2 stars

I haven't laughed so much at a book in years, crying, trying to catch your breath laughter.  Tiffany Haddish makes you want to meet her.  I could totally have a drink or coffee with her.  I would have to be careful not to choke or spit my drink out with laughter though.  She is crazy as heck and knows it. 

When the movie Girls Trip came out a few friends went out for a girls night, a fun movie and the crazy scenes involved Tiffany. She has made a name for herself out of laughter, her personal mantra is to make everything fun.  What a hard life she had growing up but her mantra helped her get through.  It also caused heartache and naivety but on the other side her strong morals probably saved her life.

Her men stories are hilarious, she dances for an elder man and he has a heart attack, she calls herself the booty assassin.  I also liked that she didn't name some people, she has moved on, left the toxic behind, why give them any kind of public acknowledgement.  If you have read 'The Help' there is a scene that makes me think of the 'Pie', awesome retaliation, I can't give to much because you just have to read. 

I enjoyed the titles of her chapters and the meaning behind her book title, The Black Unicorn.  One thing about Tiffany, she relates to everything, is triggered by somethings and the small things matter.

The first part of the book was unbelievably funny.  We get to her Ex Husband chapter and the laughter starts to slow down, I was like 'Tiffany, come on.......'  It is important to remember celebrities are real people and make mistakes just like everyone else. 

I know, I know.  You're right.  I should not have taken him back.  It's easy to sit here now and evaluate this and see I made the wrong decision.  I know that.  Kindle 63%

Let's just all pause here and take a breath.  Maybe a drink, rest up.  Because the story is not done, and we about to dive back into some intensity.  Kindle 69%

At this point I want laughter again, what a life, wowsa.

Overall a really fun read.  If you enjoyed The Girls Trip I would recommend.  This book is not for everyone and is probably not one to read in public, you will giggle and downright have the laugh of your life in that moment.  Comedy is her life, it is her safe place.

I was happy to read this when I was sick and needed a laugh.  For those that have read it..... Tiff-a-Knee.... was the funniest chapters.  I want to hear this story in person.