Hilarious, reflective, and authentic, New York Times bestselling author Phoebe Robinson’s Please Don't Sit on My Bed in Your Outside Clothes brings an unmatched vibrancy to current events that otherwise may have felt discouraging and inescapable. Robinson’s essays remind readers that despite the tendency for societal obstacles to polarize and divide us, we have more shared experiences than we think. Upon thoughtful introspection, Robinson brings readers together through comedic discourse and relatable experiences.
Whether we like to admit it or not, talking about the pandemic has become almost everyone’s favorite pastime. Fortunately for us, Robinson’s essays are anything but monotonous, integrating humor and elegance to engage readers and stimulate a more hopeful discussion. It is no easy feat to address the elephant in the room, the pandemic, in an optimistic and understanding manner, but Robinson makes it her mission to do just that.
Each essay launches the reader on an enthralling adventure, one that is simultaneously playful and thoughtful. The first essay draws attention to important health equity considerations of the pandemic. Addressing important themes of social and racial injustices in the United States, Robinson offers her personal experience as a woman of color. Robinson shares moments of discomfort and discrimination in an effort to raise awareness and provide a space to speak openly about the evident prejudices many Americans face on a daily basis. Both relatable and authentic, Robinson provides an optimistic perspective in what can feel like dark and unsettling times. She acknowledges how easy it is to see the glass half empty, writing about how at one point or another, we have all considered losing “faith and question whether we should’ve had it in the first place” (Robinson, 16). As the mountain of death rates due to the pandemic, racial and sexual acts of violence, and other societal tragedies continues to loom over us, it can become painfully easy to be overwhelmed, cynical, and downhearted. However, Robinson energetically finds silver linings in various moments of feeling isolated, whether that be due to physical quarantine or more internal and emotional feelings of being an outsider. Robinson encourages readers to take agency in their role in society, as well as society’s role in their individual lives. Granting more power and energy to hope and optimism rather than discomfort and despair elevates Robinson’s perspective and ultimately affirms her ability to reach readers. With each page, Robinson is equally dedicated to raising awareness, as well as spirits.
Robinson draws from elements of her personal life to provide insight on a variety of sensitive, yet prevalent issues. Specifically, she illustrates her experience of being in a biracial relationship, as well as her contra-status-quo desire to not have kids. Through the lens of being misjudged and categorized by society, her initially unique and personal experiences transform into experiences many readers can sympathize with and relate to. Even if you’re not currently struggling with gender and/or racial injustices or confronting the lack of desire to have kids in a society where women are praised for becoming mothers in heteronormative, cisgender marriages, Robinson effectively evokes a wealth of emotions that surely all readers will resonate with. In doing so, Robinson strategically addresses inescapable societal issues and tensions regarding racial, socioeconomic, and gender gaps.
Robinson’s essays offer a unique, and perhaps unconventional, way of raising awareness by highlighting ways in which relationships are often impacted, whether positively or negatively, by prevalent issues in today’s society. Robinson brings vibrancy and life to recent current events as opposed to allowing readers to merely dismiss them as another headline on our phones. She finds clever and effective ways to engage readers while also providing important insight into how many aspects of society require improvement. Not only that, but she raises awareness and provides a comfortable and inclusive space in order to encourage the readers to be involved in improving the way society functions.
On a more serious note, Robinson eloquently brings attention to the issue of mental health in the United States. As a hardworking female business owner, she has seen first-hand how tense and overwhelming life becomes due to the difficult balance of one’s career, relationships, and everyday tasks. Her hopeful outlook never ceases to prevail, inspiring the reader to keep her head up, and aspire to grow and learn when taking on a new, challenging obstacle. Tying together the overall themes of each essay, Robinson strongly encourages readers to demand and fight for change. Robinson’s essays truly serve as a loudspeaker, allowing her to project her voice to anyone who will listen—or read—that is.
This humorous, heartwarming, and thoughtful collection of essays will provoke laughs, spark meaningful conversations, and hopefully instill a strong desire for change. For any reader who is looking to learn more pop culture references, prevalent current events, and laugh along the way, I think you just found your next book!