The Bap Handbook: The Official Guide to the Black American Princess (PB) (2001)

In the bestselling tradition of The Official Preppy Handbook, here is a must-have manual for the BAP and those who love her.

Black American Princess: 1: a pampered female of African American descent, born to an upper-middle or upper-class family 2: an African American female whose life experiences give her a sense of royalty and entitlement 3: BAP (acronym): colloquial expression 4: an African American female accustomed to the best and nothing less.

Drawn from hours of interviews, archival research, and frequent visits to Prada, The Black American Princess Handbook offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at this exclusive lifestyle. Your total guide to BAP speak, BAP style, and BAP history, this one-of-a-kind book explains everything you ever wanted know about living the BAP life-from breaking in a shop-a-phobic dad to planning a magical BAP debutante ball.

In addition, you'll learn why a true BAP cleans her house before the housekeeper arrives, what to do if your Baby BAP wants to play sports, and whether it's OK for a relative to sing "I Believe I Can Fly" at a BAP wedding. Also featuring spot-the-BAP checklists, suggestions for top BAP colleges, a Who's Who of famous BAPs, a glossary (including essential French phrases), actual diary entries and e-mails from BAPS of all ages, and crucial chapters such as "It's High Noon-Do You Know Where Your Groove Is?"

The Black American Princess Handbook is destined to become a coveted treasure for BAPs worldwide. And, published just in time for graduation, it's sure to be at the top of every BAP's shopping list.