The BAP Handbook. - Review - book review

The BAP Handbook by Kalyn Johnson, Tracey Lewis, Karla Lightfoot & Ginger Wilson Broadway Books, June 2001, $9.95 ISBN 0-767-90550-4

Do you know where the House of Prada is located? What are Mikimotos? Well, if you can distinguish between San Pelligrino and Evian bottled water, would never mistaken Dean & DeLuca for Dolce & Gabbana's cousins, and know that peau de soie is worn and not eaten then you too may be a BAP, a black american princess--the ultimate club where membership has its privileges.

Written by four self-proclaimed BAPS, the handbook is a refreshing and funny look at what it takes to join this exclusive clique where the slogan is "the best and nothing less" BAPs come in all shapes and sizes, and from early in life they have schedules that can rival Oprah (a self-made BAP who happens to be listed along with other famous BAPs who were born to their status). Always out to make her parents proud, a BAP strives for excellence. An acceptable list of BAP professions (doctor, lawyer, curator, publicist) is listed as well as a list, of acceptable BAP names (BAP parent would never name their princess after a car or fruit).

Whether you're a true BAP or just learning to become one, you'll enjoy this delightful handbook. Even those who don't believe they have an ounce of BAPdom in them will find a piece of themselves.

COPYRIGHT 2001 Cox, Matthews & Associates
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group