Book Review: Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self by Danielle Evans
Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self by Danielle Evans
Published: September 23, 2010
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Genres: Fiction, Short Stories, Literary Fiction, Contemporary Fiction
Quick Thoughts: This stunning short story collection explores the lives of young Black and mixed-race women navigating identity, family, and womanhood. Evans’ characters are so real, her stories so sharply crafted, that even if you don’t usually like short stories—this one might change your mind.
I purchased this book myself. There was no obligation to post/give this book a certain rating. All views are my own. I remain entirely impartial.
READER INFORMATION:
This book is ideal for adult readers and mature teens (16+) who enjoy contemporary literary fiction. Content includes themes around race, womanhood, sexuality, class, and familial conflict. Great for readers who love character-driven stories and want something that’s emotionally resonant but easy to pick up and put down.
ABOUT THIS BOOK:
Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self is Danielle Evans’ debut collection of short stories—and what a debut it is. Each piece centers on a young African-American or mixed-race woman caught in the tension between who she was raised to be and who she’s becoming. Evans tackles themes like race, women’s health, sexuality, and the complexities of family with remarkable insight and emotional clarity.
Though the stories are distinct, they’re united by a shared sense of internal conflict—of characters trying to reconcile their pasts with their evolving identities. Evans writes with empathy and sharp observational wit, making these narratives feel lived-in and real.
FIRST THOUGHTS
I stumbled across this book a few summers ago from a list of recommended reads by Black authors, and even though I wasn’t familiar with Danielle Evans at the time, I was instantly intrigued. I went in not knowing what to expect—and came out blown away.
I usually don’t gravitate toward short story collections, but this one felt different. Evans builds entire worlds in just a few pages, and somehow, every character feels like someone you know. The emotional depth packed into each story surprised me.
MY BOOK REVIEW
Reading Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self felt like discovering a voice I didn’t know I’d been missing. Evans doesn’t just tell stories—she tells truths. Each narrative had me pausing to sit with it for a moment before moving on to the next.
From race and identity to health, love, and generational trauma, Evans covers a wide emotional spectrum. What amazed me most was her ability to give every character a full, lived-in interior life. These women aren’t just protagonists—they’re whole people, complex and messy and deeply relatable.
My only real “criticism” is that every story could easily have been expanded into a full novel. That’s how rich they were. In fact, I found myself wanting more—not because anything was missing, but because I didn’t want to leave these characters behind.
If you’re in a reading slump or just want something that will leave an emotional mark without requiring a huge time commitment, this is the book. I haven’t met anyone who read it and didn’t love it.
