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"I love the book!" 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 Another Review that I Received in Email"
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... More > 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? < Less