📖 Overview
Phoebe Robinson is an American comedian, writer, and actress who gained prominence through her podcast "2 Dope Queens" which she co-hosted with Jessica Williams. The podcast was later adapted into an HBO series of the same name.
Robinson has authored multiple bestselling books including "You Can't Touch My Hair: And Other Things I Still Have to Explain," "Everything's Trash, But It's Okay," and "Please Don't Sit on My Bed in Your Outside Clothes." Her writing often examines race, gender, and pop culture through a comedic lens.
As the founder of Tiny Reparations Books, an imprint of Plume at Penguin Random House, Robinson works to promote diverse voices in publishing. She has also appeared in various television shows and films, including "I Love Dick" and "Search Party."
Her work regularly appears in major publications including The New York Times, Glamour, and Vanity Fair. Robinson continues to perform stand-up comedy and has created the solo show "Sooo Many White Guys," which was produced by Ilana Glazer of "Broad City."
👀 Reviews
Readers connect with Robinson's conversational writing style and raw honesty about race, dating, and career struggles. Many note her ability to balance serious topics with humor, though some find her pop culture references overwhelming.
Likes:
- Personal stories that make complex topics accessible
- Fresh perspective on workplace discrimination
- Authentic voice that "feels like talking to a friend"
- Strong commentary on interracial relationships
Dislikes:
- Frequent tangents and footnotes disrupt flow
- Heavy use of slang and abbreviations
- Some jokes feel forced or repetitive
- References that may quickly become dated
Ratings across platforms:
- "You Can't Touch My Hair": 3.8/5 on Goodreads (15k+ ratings)
- "Everything's Trash": 3.9/5 on Amazon (500+ reviews)
- "Please Don't Sit on My Bed": 4.1/5 on Goodreads (8k+ ratings)
Common reader feedback: "Makes me laugh while learning" but "could be more focused and structured." Multiple reviews mention skimming through pop culture asides to get to substantive content.
📚 Books by Phoebe Robinson
Everything's Trash, But It's Okay (2018)
A collection of essays exploring topics including feminism, dating, workplace dynamics, and body image through personal stories and cultural observations.
You Can't Touch My Hair: And Other Things I Still Have to Explain (2016) Essays examining race, gender, and pop culture through personal experiences and commentary on contemporary social issues.
Please Don't Sit on My Bed in Your Outside Clothes (2021) Personal essays covering the author's experiences during the pandemic, her relationship, career development, and various social observations.
Pretty Big Deal (2023) A memoir covering the author's journey through entertainment, relationships, and self-discovery while building her production company.
You Can't Touch My Hair: And Other Things I Still Have to Explain (2016) Essays examining race, gender, and pop culture through personal experiences and commentary on contemporary social issues.
Please Don't Sit on My Bed in Your Outside Clothes (2021) Personal essays covering the author's experiences during the pandemic, her relationship, career development, and various social observations.
Pretty Big Deal (2023) A memoir covering the author's journey through entertainment, relationships, and self-discovery while building her production company.
👥 Similar authors
Samantha Irby writes personal essays about relationships, body image, and pop culture with self-deprecating humor. Her experiences as a Black woman navigating health issues and modern dating parallel Robinson's frank discussion style.
Jenny Lawson combines mental health advocacy with dark humor in her memoirs and essays. Her work addresses anxiety and depression while maintaining comedic observations about life's absurdities.
Lindy West tackles feminism, body politics, and social justice through personal narratives and cultural critique. Her writing style mixes commentary on serious issues with pop culture references and humor.
Roxane Gay examines race, gender, and culture through essays that blend personal experience with social analysis. She shares Robinson's ability to discuss complex topics while incorporating elements of humor and pop culture knowledge.
Michelle Buteau writes about her experiences in comedy, relationships, and identity as a Black woman in entertainment. Her essays cover marriage, IVF, and career challenges with a conversational tone similar to Robinson's approach.
Jenny Lawson combines mental health advocacy with dark humor in her memoirs and essays. Her work addresses anxiety and depression while maintaining comedic observations about life's absurdities.
Lindy West tackles feminism, body politics, and social justice through personal narratives and cultural critique. Her writing style mixes commentary on serious issues with pop culture references and humor.
Roxane Gay examines race, gender, and culture through essays that blend personal experience with social analysis. She shares Robinson's ability to discuss complex topics while incorporating elements of humor and pop culture knowledge.
Michelle Buteau writes about her experiences in comedy, relationships, and identity as a Black woman in entertainment. Her essays cover marriage, IVF, and career challenges with a conversational tone similar to Robinson's approach.