Wash Day Diaries

Wash Day is a graphic novel by Jamila Rowser and Robyn Smith that follows the daily lives of four best friends in the Bronx. It explores the universal experience of Black women's wash day, featuring stories such as "Kim's Wash Day," "Group Chat," "Bright Side," "La Bendición," and "Ride or Die." The book pays tribute to Black sisterhood and the beauty and resilience of Black women's hair and friendships.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2022
Publisher: Chronicle Books

From the talented minds of writer Jamila Rowser and artist Robyn Smith, comes a captivating graphic novel that delves into the daily lives of four best friends residing in the Bronx. Told through a series of five interlocking short stories, this novel offers a unique and insightful perspective on the experiences of Black women.

"Wash Day" follows Kim as she embarks on her wash day, a universal ritual shared by Black women, where they set aside all plans and responsibilities for a full day dedicated to hair care. Through this narrative, Rowser explores the quiet self-care practices that Black women engage in, highlighting the importance of setting aside time for oneself.

"Group Chat" introduces Tanisha, a salon employee who spends her hours engaging in gossip with her friends through text messages. This story explores the dynamics of female friendships and the ways in which they navigate the complexities of social interactions.

"Bright Side" portrays Davene, a woman struggling with her mental health, as she misses a hair appointment. Rowser explores the intersection of mental health and hair care, highlighting the need for understanding and support within the Black community.

"La Bendición" takes a tender and emotional turn as Cookie receives an unexpected request from her estranged abuela. Through this story, Rowser explores the healing power of hair care and the importance of family relationships.

"Ride or Die" culminates in a triumphant night out at the club as the girls support Kim in her big show. This story showcases the strength and resilience of Black female friendships and the unwavering support they provide each other.

Inspired by her own wash day ritual and a desire to see more comics for and by women of color, Rowser collaborated with Smith to create the critically acclaimed mini comic, WASH DAY. In expanding the story of Kim and her friends, the authors pay tribute to Black sisterhood through portraits of shared, yet deeply personal experiences of Black hair care.

Smith brings these stories to life through her art, employing thoughtful color choices, expressive storytelling, and deeply relatable characters. The stories of WASH DAY DIARIES are filled with tender, relatable, and laugh-out-loud funny moments, paying a loving tribute to the beauty and resilience of Black women's hair and friendships.

Through its captivating narratives and vibrant artwork, WASH DAY offers a fresh and authentic perspective on the lives of Black women, highlighting the importance of self-care, female friendships, and the healing power of hair care. This graphic novel is a must-read for anyone who seeks to understand and appreciate the unique experiences of Black women in modern society.

Weight: 538g
Dimension: 155 x 215 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781797205458