Not for Everyday Use: A Memoir [Paperback]

Winner of the 2015 Hurston/Wright Legacy Award in Nonfiction

Longlisted for the 2015 OCM Bocas Prize in Nonfiction

One ofOprah.com's Best Memoirs of the Year

One ofThe Skanner's Best Black Books of 2014

One ofOprah.com's Memoirs Too Powerful to Put Down

Nunez ponders the cultural, racial, familial, social, and personal experiences that led to what she ultimately understands was a deeply loving union between her parents. A beautifully written exploration of the complexities of marriage and family life.
--Booklist(starred review)

Through her thoughtful and articulate writing, Nunez offers a valuable perspective on the racism that she experienced, even in America, and the damage the Catholic Church does to women who follow the 'no artificial birth control' rule. Recommended for memoir enthusiasts and readers interested in Caribbean literature.
--Library Journal

An intriguing...courageous memoir.
--Kirkus Reviews

A narrative that feels like a close friend talking about her past...An insightful, generous story.
--Oprah.com

Nunez reflects on her mother's legacy as she works through her grief, and demonstrates mastery of her craft.
--Huffington Post

A powerful memoir...this non-fiction narrative pulls the curtain back upon the Caribbean woman known as writer, mother, sister and wife...Definitely peruse how this writer’s narrative plays out.
--Ebony

Self-effacing and honest, Nunez gives listeners a unique window onto a foreign world.
--AudioFile Magazine, Earphones Award Review of audiobook edition narrated by Elizabeth Nunez

A celebration of understanding and empathy.
--Chicago Center for Literature and Photography

When a writer like Elizabeth Nunez, who has spent her career unraveling the roml“7