7/27/07 Review of L.V. Burns' Val & Nadine by J. Milligan

L.V. Burns’ new book, Val & Nadine, adds a bright new twist to an emerging literary genre that could be dubbed Black Women’s Hair Commentary. Previous publications run the gamut from reflective and scholarly treatises, such as Hair Raising: Beauty, Culture, and African American Women by Noliwe M. Rooks or That Hair Thing by Dr. JoAnne Cornwell, to that exuberant children’s book, Nappy Hair, by Carolivia Herron.

What sets Val & Nadine apart is its format as a graphic novel (bound comic book) and its pointed--yet non-preachy--commentary. Ironic and sometimes even painful realities are presented with humor, compassion and intelligence--clearly the result of a sistah who has “been there” and knows how to tell it like it is, without being self-righteous or overbearing.

Two delightful characters serve as counterpoints for each other: Val, the young Af/Am woman who challenges cultural norms when she decides to let her hair go natural, and her friend, Nadine, who chooses to hang onto her expensive and time-consuming hair straightening regimen. All-too-true scenarios include amusing hair hassles, self-esteem issues, workplace challenges, male-female relationships, interracial dating, and even some interesting hair care history.

In short, Val & Nadine is recommended reading for everyone, regardless of what side of the straightening comb your sentiments lie. It is funny, thought-provoking and, not least of all, highly entertaining. Hear that, Oprah?

VAL AND NADINE - A "different" kind of natural hair book

For the first time since I began publishing this Newsletter, I am delighted to include a book review for this issue.

I recently read Val and Nadine which is not your typical natural hair care book on the market. The author, LV Burns, took a different approach by creating a comic strip that is targeted towards people with natural hair, or for women who are transitioning to natural hair.

Val and Nadine is a little over 200 pages smacked full of real-life situations that deal with natural vs. relaxed hair in a comical way.

I have been natural for a little over 6 years and I found myself literally laughing out loud at the majority of the issues in the book having dealt with them throughout my own transition.

There are 3 main characters in this comic book, and if you are natural I am sure you can relate to most if not all of these individuals.

Val is the main character and decides to go natural. Nadine is Val’s best friend and she continues to relax her hair by choice, but is still supportive of Val. And lastly there is Tommy who is Val's boyfriend (on-and-off) and he does not fully accept Val's natural hair just yet.

Some of the topics that are covered in this book include dealing natural hair in the workplace with natural hair, some common myths about natural hair, and of course issues with the people close to her (including her boyfriend and her mother). This book is a refreshing change from the current natural hair books – and can be considered the first of its kind!

Val and Nadine is a must-have for any black woman seriously considering taking the plunge and going back-to-natural, or if you are currently wearing your hair natural. I guarantee you will find yourself laughing out loud hoping a particular situation won’t happen to you, or reflecting on past situations you’ve been through and shaking your head.

Reviewed by: Motowngirl (http://www.motowngirl.com/newsletters/2007/july.htm)

You hit every situation on the nose. I love the book. I wish I would have had it before I went natural. Fortunately for me I did not have to go through anything on my job, however at previous jobs I did not go natural because of a fear of having to go through "issues."

My family-mom, sister were supportive, but oher people-including my better half- were mad and upset about it. But they don't understand how it feels to be chemical free and to wear your hair in its natural state like most other nationalities do. It is so liberating and you feel so good.

Thank you for this book. It is a must read for anyone thinking of going natural and those around them. I wish you much happiness and success.

Here's a review that was emailed to me by Kaya:

So, when I got the book in my box, I immediately ripped it open. I then sat in my car in the post office parking lot for 20 minutes reading it - I had to make myself stop! As I drove home, I kept reading it on the red lights, until I saw a cop and reluctantly put it down, lol.


The book is awesome, I love it. I love reading everything all organized and categorized. The story unfolds really well, is well paced, and your points are very insightful and well made. One thing I really like is your ability to show each character in a "sympathetic" light. It's not the ignorant "permie," or the brainwashed Euro-loving man. Each character is multidimensional which is true to life.


I gently nudged the book toward my SO, and was very excited that he read all the way through the boyfriend blues section - and I heard him laughing from the other room!


Great job [LV], and much continued success with the book and your other endeavors.