Obviously

Stories from My Timeline

By: Akilah Hughes

Narrated by: Akilah Hughes

"A refreshingly funny and blisteringly unsentimental coming-of-age memoir." (John Green, number one New York Times best-selling author of Turtles All the Way Down and The Fault in Our Stars)

In Akilah Hughes' world, family - and life - are often complicated, but always funny. Through intimate and hilarious essays, Akilah takes listeners along on her journey from the small Kentucky town where she was born - and eventually became a spelling bee champ and 15-year-old high school graduate - to New York City, where she took careful steps to fulfill her dream of becoming a writer and performer.

Like Tiffany Haddish's The Last Black Unicorn or Mindy Kaling's Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? for the YA set, Akilah pens revealing and laugh-out-loud funny essays about her life, covering everything from her racist fifth-grade teacher, her struggles with weight and acne, her failed attempts at joining the cheerleading team, how to literally get to New York (hint: For a girl on a budget, it may include multiple bus transfers), and exactly how to "make it" once you finally get there.

©2019 Akilah Hughes (P)2019 Listening Library

Critic reviews

"This book is like Akilah: vulnerable but tough, positive without being annoying, and so, so funny. Through all these stories-some happy, some sad, some insane-there's always a message that says don't give up. Boyfriends let you down. Raccoons fall through ceiling vents. Sh*t happens. Keep going." (Jon Lovett, co-host of Pod Save America)

"These laugh-out-loud accounts read like warm conversations with an older cousin who provides helpful advice - sandwiched between love and laughter - on growing up." (Kirkus Reviews)

"In terms of drive, wit, and confidence, look no further...Hughes presents a charming and surprising essay collection." (SLJ)

Akilah fucking rules. Obviously.

see above ( this had to be at least 15 characters, and I'm not worthy )

Hilarious Read

This was my very first audiobook and was definitely what got me hooked on listening! This book is hilarious all the way through. The book is narrated by Akilah herself and she makes it even funnier.

Ifyouarereadingthisbookisawesome!

I enjoyed reading Akilah’s timeline. It is always enlightening to learn that some life lessons are mutual. I loved the humor, positivity, and real ness of her life experiences. I recommend this book to all diverse backgrounds because everyone could learn from Akilah’s spectrum of experiences. She truly gets turning lemon into lemonade! Happy reading!😃

Black Girl Magic At Work

I loved the honest storytelling and comedic timing of the book. Akilah's narration was smooth and I laughed and cried.

I highly recommend this book!

I discovered Akilah on Twitter and I really enjoy her Tweets. I realized that she had written a book and decided to listen to it. I do no regret listening. The book is funny, entertaining and inspiring. Akilah is not only a good writer but she is also an excellent narrator. I highly recommend.

Funny, smart, and entertaining!

I’ve been a fan of Akilah since the beginning of her YouTube fame, but I didn’t know much of her back story. It was great to learn more about her life from childhood to the present with each essay. She isn’t afraid to go there and share both her highs and lows. Akilah is a great story teller and she narrates in a way that allows the listener to feel all the emotions. Very well done.

Hilarious and Real

I loved this book! I could relate to so many of her experiences and loved how she talked about serious issues while still making it entertaining. I also laughed out loud on several occasions, which is always great. I really enjoyed the conversational writing style. One of my favorite essay-style memoirs so far.

Touching and funny, wonderful

I cannot recommend this book enough. It was heartfelt without feeling too heavy, funny without being trite. It felt like talking with an old friend and listening to their life story. I’m grateful to Akilah for being vulnerable and making me both seen and helping me grow. Many an Oprah “aha” moment 💛

So you want to be a better ally: start here

I picked this book because I've come to appreciate Akilah's work on the Crooked Media podcast "What a Day". Akilah, herself, mentioned this book among others people should read to become a better BLM ally and to gain a small sliver of insight into the racism black women experience on a regular basis.
I enjoyed the vulnerability, the honesty, and the humor. This is a great read and I am glad Akilah shared her stories.

Incredible!

This is a hilarious & moving memoir. Get ready to FURIOUS with Akilah's 5th grade teacher. I can't wait for her next book!