Oakland Author Oubria Tronshaw Bares All in New Memoir

Tronshaw's 'Book Smart Dick Dumb' chronicles her unconventional upbringing and path to self-discovery.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:10pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a stylized coffee cup repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the everyday lifestyle and creative expression at the heart of Oubria Tronshaw's memoir.The vibrant, self-published memoir of Oakland author Oubria Tronshaw captures her unconventional upbringing and journey to find her true self.Oakland Today

Oakland-based author, healer, and mother Oubria Tronshaw has released a new memoir, 'Book Smart Dick Dumb,' that delves into her untraditional upbringing, tumultuous first marriage, and journey to find her true self. The book, which Tronshaw self-published, is earning praise for its raw honesty and wry humor as she recounts growing up between two households, an abusive relationship, and ultimately finding a sense of home in Oakland's Dimond District.

Why it matters

Tronshaw's memoir provides a candid, first-hand account of the challenges many women, especially women of color, face in navigating relationships, family dynamics, and societal expectations. Her willingness to share her personal story offers inspiration and solidarity to readers who may be going through similar experiences.

The details

In 'Book Smart Dick Dumb,' Tronshaw details her unconventional upbringing, with her parents maintaining separate households and a custody arrangement that had her shuttling between the two. She describes the 'patternless minefield' of her father's home, where 'heartbeats went into space' whenever he arrived. This environment honed Tronshaw's intuition, which she later relied on when she met 'the Professor' - a man who initially seemed charming but proved controlling and abusive. Tronshaw went on to have five children with him before eventually divorcing.

  • Tronshaw graduated from undergrad in Santa Fe and drove home to Chicago in 2026.
  • Tronshaw met 'the Professor' eight days after graduating from undergrad.
  • Tronshaw and 'the Professor' moved in together within three weeks of meeting.
  • Tronshaw became pregnant within a month of moving in with 'the Professor'.
  • Tronshaw and her husband divorced after having five children together.

The players

Oubria Tronshaw

An Oakland-based author, healer, and mother who has published the memoir 'Book Smart Dick Dumb' about her unconventional upbringing and tumultuous first marriage.

Tronshaw's father

Tronshaw's father, who had an affair with her mother and formed a separate household with his wife Gigi and their child.

Gigi

Tronshaw's father's wife, with whom he formed a household separate from Tronshaw and her mother.

Tronshaw's mother

Tronshaw's mother, with whom she spent part of each month after her parents' separation.

Sharonda

Tronshaw's older sister, who lived with Tronshaw and their mother for part of each month.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not supposed to tell you this," she whispers to the crowd, and then she tells them everything.”

— Oubria Tronshaw, Author

“This is my book now. I can say what I was really thinking.”

— Oubria Tronshaw, Author

“I miss her terribly, but I don't know if I would have the strength to be this honest if I knew she'd just pick up this book and read it.”

— Oubria Tronshaw, Author

“I feel more at home here, than I have felt in a very, very long time.”

— Oubria Tronshaw, Author

What’s next

Tronshaw is currently promoting her self-published memoir 'Book Smart Dick Dumb' and plans to continue writing and sharing her story through various creative outlets.

The takeaway

Oubria Tronshaw's raw and honest memoir 'Book Smart Dick Dumb' serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of women, especially women of color, in the face of unconventional family dynamics, abusive relationships, and societal expectations. Her willingness to share her personal journey offers inspiration and solidarity to readers navigating similar challenges.