Back before Internet pornography there were things called books. People would read them. But before that, people would write them. And Mishna Wolff, a standup comic who used to hail from these here parts (L.A.), has done just that.

Mishna has penned "I'm Down: A Memoir" and will be reading from it at 7pm tonight (June 16) at the Barnes & Noble on the Third Street Promenade.

Her book seems to cover the same material that made up her one-woman show (remember those?): Mishna Wolff grew up in a poor black neighborhood (remember those, too?) with her single father, a white man who truly believed he was black. This hip, funny memoir will have readers questioning what it means to be black or white in America.

The reviews have been stellar:

“This buoyant memoir is rich in detail but never feels over embellished…I’m Down certainly has serious thoughts on its mind (Wolff actually grew up quite poor and hungry), but the tone manages to be light and triumphant because of the hilarious child-goggles Wolff wears while spinning her tales. Rating: A” --Entertainment Weekly

“An authentically funny, truly transcendent work that makes other, sorry-voiced memoirs by a certain more privileged class of writer pale—pun intended—by comparison…Wolff’s focus, and the sweet soul of this terrific book, was on being accepted by her streetwise, wiseass dad, whom she knew loved her—and whom she loved—unequivocally.” —Elle Magazine

Here's how to get to Barnes & Noble.

(I should also tell you, as someone who used to book Mishna, that her sister is a masseuse, and she is prone to walking up behind you and rubbing your neck and shoulders unbidden.)