Rating: 
Summary: An enjoyable, light-hearted read . . .
Review: inside the life of the Black American Princess. I laughed, frowned, and smirked while reading this book because I could see bits and pieces of myself within the pages of this humurous [sp?] read. I chuckled when I was able to identify myself as a Boho (dimunitive of Bohemian) BAP. I frowned when I got towards the end and read about how one of a BAP's major goals is planning and preparing for her wedding day. I frowned because I've never been one to care too much about getting married . . . but alas, I'm only 20, so I'm not sweating it. Once I've attained my JD, I'll worry about it, because BAPs are ALWAYS pursuing perfection! ROFLMAO . . . I also happened to smirk when I read various scenes that relate to my experiences as a BAP growing up.Aside from that, the book was a very entertaining read about the lifestyle of a BAPbaby from birth to the time that she gets married when the cycle starts all over again! All in all, this is a recommended read if you're a 'sistah' that isn't from the 'ghetto fabulous' set. One of the reasons why I liked this handbook so much is because it shows a different side of Nubian life besides the 'hoochie coochie' mama that we always see in the movies (ie; John Singleton's latest hit, "Baby Boy") like another reviewer mentioned. For that, I give these ambitious BAPs (the authors' of the book) a standing ovation on a book that's well off the beaten course of Nubian entertainment.
Rating: 
Summary: I am so NOT a BAP
Review: Having a)grown up on the West Coast and b)come from strictly working class parents, I **sniff** cannot claim BAP status. I've got a couple of BAP friends and one super BAP-py cousin, but that's it. I can't even claim Butterfly status. So since I'm so far removed from the world of Vineyard summers, cotillions, and Kate Spade (although I do buy MAC Chestnut lipliner religiously and repeatedly remind my children to remember their "home training"), it was hard for me to tell when this book was being tongue-in-cheek and when it was just plain out pretentious. I can't recommend this book, but I wouldn't tell anyone to avoid it, either. It has it's funny moments, but I just could not relate. And I don't think any self-respecting "GDI" will relate, either. I do appreciate, however, the fact that there's a book out there that doesn't illustrate all Black folks as middle-class, under-educated, shouting in church on Sundays, homemade baby-naming clowns.
Rating: 
Summary: Cute but really sends the wrong messages sometimes
Review: This is a cute and lively book, but I really think that it is going to send very wrong messages to young women who are not wise to the world yet. I was blown away by the superficiality in the section that discusses engagement rings. If a man proposes to a woman with a ring that is less than a carat, he's basically worthless. Ugh!!! How horrible is that? There are a lot of wonderful men out here who will make great husbands, despite the fact that they are not spending more than they can afford on a diamond! As a point of fact, a relative of mine went temporarily broke buying his fiancee a two-carat diamond--three years later? They're divorced because they can't stand each other. I'm 33, so I have been alive long enough to know that money and "things" are not everything. A 20-year old may not get that yet. These women who wrote this book need to be more careful about the messaages they put out--women need to go for the substance of a man, substance and not just material goods in their lives--these authors are creating a new breed of golddiggers.
Rating: 
Summary: Confessions of a Bougie BAP
Review: This book is hilarious and it perfectly encapsualtes what it means to be a BAP in America. During my BAP upbringing, I was mocked by both black and white classmates. The black students were ten times meaner to me. Each time I walked by they chanted: white girl and they repeatedly told me how unattractive I was. Both of my parents had MBAs and it was expected that I would do the following: excel at school, be well-mannered at all times, attend church functions, read 5 books outside of class a week, be knowledgeable about the fine arts and be the perfect hostess. I don't understand why this book is causing such a fuss. Ten years ago, books about black folks took place in urban settings. I can't relate to growing up the 'hood, but it doesn't make the experiences of the inner city blacks any less valid than mine.
I feel sorry for those BAPS and nonBAPs who are unwilling to associate with someone from a different background. I think it would be helpful if a BAP and a nonBAP wrote a book together or hosted a radio show. We are all in this together!
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Rating:
Summary: Lighten up and get a sense of humor!
Review: This book was meant to be LIGHTHEARTED, folks. Ease up! As a Butterfly (not a lot of money but posesses class nonethless), I found the book hilarious and refreshing. Also, for those of us concerned about the mispelled words, it looks like the newer copies have been better edited. I think most of us know that there is more to life and character than whether or not you can afford to buy Prada on sale. And of course, parents can go overboard in wanting their children to succeed. But I see nothing wrong with wanting to surround your children with the best that life has to offer (which can be done even if you're not wealthy), and wanting them to strive for excellence. Our children are just as precious as that of whites! Also, Bogus was not an example of ridiculing those of us who are poor (the Butterfly definition makes that clear distinction; Butterfiles grew up poor, but were inspired to achieve better things in life). She is an example of those among us who spend beyond their means and have the mistaken notion that you are defined by the labels on your back; she lacks any kind of substance otherwise. She has no career goals (not even that of a wife and mother, which IS a career!), no direction, no nothing. She lives from paycheck to paycheck trying to live large, and ends up being flat broke, busted and completely disgusted. It's a scene that's all too familiar in our communities. I definitely agree with the book's premise that we need to be more mindful of the names we give our children. I'm not against African or other ethnic names (My first name is persian and means "Lofty"; my second middle name, 'Nekka, is African for 'her mother is beautiful), but please let it be a REAL one! I'm sick and tired of unpronounceable hybrid-pretend names that sound horrible (Shenehneh is NOT African! Get a clue!). Our children deserve names they can be proud of and that are a reflection of the godd things we want for them. All in all, I enjoyed the book. We need to learn to laugh at ourselves more (in a healthy way).
Rating:
Summary: It's ABAP Time...
Review: Every classy & sophisticated African-American woman should own "The BAP Handbook". This book is full of beautiful illustration, and cute jargon! It will truly be an enjoyment for years to come. However, this book isn't meant to be taken seriously word-for-word. Just enjoy it for what it is, and embrace your inner BAPNESS.
Rating:
Summary: Very Unique and Fabulous!
Review: Very fun and so true! Excellent the way they pull everything about the BAP experience all together - college, organizations, fashion, etc. I have never seen a book like this one that captures it all. A MUST-READ for all my BAP sisters out there!
Rating:
Summary: Lots of Fun--that's ALL!
Review: Reactions to books like this invariably reveal much more about the reviewer than the authors. How odd that in this celebrity and beauty obsessed culture, some of us get riled up about a bunch of middle classed doctor's daughters who get together to write a silly, (albeit FUN) bunch of fluff? Truth is, many of us (American Blacks) still feel that all we do should be driven by our history-- that we must remain serious and focused on the task of uplifting our people at ALL TIMES-- mindful of the dangers of assimilation into the larger culture, and focused on the negative aspects of our OWN culture. WHAT A BORE. As a card-carrying BAP who loves makeup, Hermes bags, Chanel suits AND helping others in my community, I say that there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking an occasional foray into deeply shallow territory! BAP ON!!!
Rating:
Summary: Hmmmmm.....
Review: Interesting read, actually. I started out reading this, thinking that I would hate it. It turns out that hidden in the material wilderness of Prada, Chanel and other names dropped and other shallow references in this book, there are some redeeming qualities. I found that the authors listed a lot of useful resources with which any young african-american woman should apprise herself. For that alone, you might want to think about purchasing it. Other than that, this was purely entertainment, chewing gum for the brain. I hope (and pray) readers realize this is not a serious read by any means. Besides, the last thing we need in this country is to jump start the "me" generation yet again!!! LOL (Jenny the Boho-Butterfly gets off her soapbox now)
Rating:
Summary: For all the Black American Princesses
Review: THE BAP HANDBOOK sheds a humorous and informative light on ladies of the upper/middle-class who have become known as Black American Princesses. There are four distinct types of BAPs, yet they all have one thing in common they "want the best and nothing less." The first type of BAP is the Betty. She is born and bred into a prominent family and acts accordingly. The second type of BAP is the Boho. Like the Betty, she comes from prominent family, but she in unorthodox in her style and her behavior. The third type is the Butterfly. The Butterfly resembles the Betty, but she did not come from an important family. She usually discovers her "BAPness" in college. Last is the Bogus. Just as the name implies the Bogus is a "wannabe" and is considered to be "ghetto fabulous." The book follows these types BAPs from birth until marriage. It has excellent resources and could also be used as a book of etiquette. The book's audience tends to be the upper class or upper-middle-class, so unless the reader is a member of those classes, the book may appear to be a little condescending. Nonetheless, I recommend it as an enjoyable, quick read and reference guide. Reviewed by Latoya Carter-Qawiyy
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
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