Thanks to Bloomsbury and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book. I loved it!

I had not previously come across the author’s viral social media posts, but read a synopsis of this book in a fall book preview, and thought it sounded really unique and provocative. I was delighted to get to read a copy early; wow, this book was fantastic.

Busby’s point of view is so searingly original, unlike any I’ve read. This book is such a personal, thoughtful, and unflinching account (in part) of what it’s like to navigate the trade-offs of selling parts of your own marginalized identity to corporations that are nominally seeking to do DEI work, but really maybe just buying cover in order to avoid the necessary, more radical changes.

I’ve never heard someone talk about any of this; this book provided an absolutely fascinating point of view that really made me think about these politics in new ways. It was enjoyable to be in Busby’s head and see the world through her eyes, and gave me new perspectives that I surely will continue to mull over for a long time to come.

But beyond that, the writing is gorgeous and lyrical. Busby’s turns of phrase transcend the political questions she raises -- they’re delightful to read on their own merits. One memorable example, of many, was her description of the grandparents whom she lived with briefly, and their home -- her points are so sharp, but the writing is so graceful. This book is a treat.

I recommend this book highly to anyone who loves a non-fiction page-turner with a perspective you haven’t heard before, or to anyone who is trying to read more widely and thoughtfully about the race in America, or, really, to anyone who loves a unique memoir.

I really don’t think I’ve read anything quite like this - I want to say ever. It’s definitely a six star read to me. It takes a certain type of fearlessness, maybe fear that you have to let go of that turns into fearlessness, to expose yourself in such a deep and transparent way.

Black folks everywhere, especially Black women, who have been putting in the work providing free and paid racial education, putting their voice to the forefront, being passionate and telling the truth in the public sphere while battling their own thoughts and processing their own experiences in private, are going to count this book as a jewel in the crown.

She goes into so much. She shares so much. She eviscerates so much and spiritually self-destructs to rebuild herself in so many ways. It’s a truly unique experience. Her sense of humour is also on point! Jill Louise Busby has sight, yes she has eyes, but homegirl has sight!

Jill Louise Busby, also known as jillisblack on Instagram, has a genuine voice as she argues with society and herself in this set of personal essays. Her voice is poetic at times as she holds a microscope up to the way the world views her and then turns the mirror back on herself to ask if her social media doppelganger.

This is compulsively readable, really really good. Is one of the few books by a social media personality that really elevates the form, so that the tweets become more meaningful than momentary, and yet the visceral, immediate quality of the conversation continues.

After years of working on nonprofit diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, Jill Louise Busby posted a one-minute video on Instagram about whiteness and faux liberalism. It gave her, or at least her online persona Jillisblack, a bit of internet fame. But after years of running the Jillisblack account, Busby started to wonder about the performative nature of social media and the complicated dynamics at play in online discussions. In this essay collection, Busby takes a hard, critical, honest look at what she learned as an internet sensation about progressive communities, modern racism, and herself. The result is thought-provoking and unique. Although it doesn't provide any clear answers or easy lessons, it's a crucial part of the conversation on online activism.

Read if you: Want a no-holds barred, honest, and unflinching collection of essays about performative acts of white allyship, becoming a social media sensation (and its pitfalls), being Black and queer, being used for diversity points, exchanging DMs with a Proud Boy, and much more.

Definitely looking forward to reading more from Jill Louise Busby!

Many thanks to Bloomsbury USA and NetGalley for a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review.