This nonfiction book by Bert Ashe isn't just a recounting of his decision to change his hair, but explores the cultural identity associated with dreadlocks. His book-length essay addresses not only his own thoughts on dreadlocks, but also how people who have dreadlocks tend to have assumptions leveled at them.
For many Americans, if you ask them about dreadlocks, they refer to Bob Marley, and if you ask them about people who wear dreadlocks, a range of assumptions can follow: the person smokes ganja, they're counter-cultural, they're Jamaican. As Bert Ashe writes,"Few styles in America have more symbolism and generate more conflicting views than dreadlocks."
I found this book to be an interesting read, because Ashe writes in a way that intertwines his own experience with some sociological examination, a discussion of race and hair, and racial attitudes towards hair. Ashe has an engaging writing style, and I found the book was interesting and informative.
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