Guest Author - Khara Aisha

At this point, the words "fab" and "fabulous" are both overused and indescriptive. Perhaps we do have Sex & the City to thank for that. But I admit it, I do use the word -- I think that some things are just that, FABULOUS! However, I would never use "fab" to describe a book. So, when I saw this title, I was wary.


But as a black professional woman, there aren't many many black fiction books that have heroines that I can really relate to. Fab has at least two young black women who work long hours to pay their own bills, are not looking for a man to fund their lifestyles, or scheming against women who have more than them. So I had to buy it.


There are four women in the novel, all best friends. Bianca King is a fashion publicist turned TV publicist whose inability to separate the meaning of success from the price of her outfit is about to drive her into bankruptcy. And it's getting in the way of finding and appreciating love. Roxanne is a talented but struggling actor -- struggling both to find artistic and commercial success, and to find and listen to her inner voice. Taylor is a successful attorney who works long hours for grueling clients and has trouble taking off her "golden hancuffs" to enjoy life while she can. And my personal favorite, Carolyn, works at a successful adverstising agency. Her career is successful, but her self esteem is in the toilet. She knows it, but she still has a hard time picking herself back up.


Fab is a great, realistic story about four black women who want to live "the fabulous life," but do it by working hard and enjoying their time with their friends, as opposed to scheming or marrying rich. What a refreshing change! They all want the same things -- a successful career, good friends, unconditional love and support, and, to be happy in their own skin. Each character is struggling in a different way to find the right balance and perspective. They all have flaws, but wonderfully, they all know it, and they all try, in varying ways, to improve themselves and their lives. And they aren't complaining about being black, about being women, or about black men.


Because the writing is so clever and interesting, all of this is apparent without ever sounding trite, simplistic, or cheesy. The writing is clear and the plot never slows down. Even better, the plot isn't silly or outlandish. The writing is also VERY witty, and intelligent. (I know I said that already, but I really appreciate cleverness and wit.) It made me laugh out loud several times. I enjoyed all the characters and felt like I really got to know and understand them all. The characters are real and developed. I hate it that I was actually so surprised by this, but even with books where I enjoy the plot, I am often disappointed by the character development or the writing. Fab has it all. It's probably the best black "chick lit" that I have ever read.


Honestly, the only thing that I didn't like was the title. To me, the title didn't really do the book justice.
Thus, if you are (or you know) an intelligent, fun, professional, independent black woman, read (or tell her to read) Fab. I recommend it to all the fabulous black women that I know. Not serious reading, but fun reading, perfect for a renewing weekend.