diverse audiobook (humor from Nigerian-American social activist)
brilliantly sharp and a little rant-y, in a highly amusing way, and she also does a good job of deconstructing racism, sexism, homophobia, and other significant topics.

seriously hilarious and hilariously serious, and more timely than any of us could have predicted. ( )

Brilliant, honest, tenacious and perfect delivery. ( )

Luvvie Ajayi is exactly the kind of whipsmart, no-nonsense feminist of color we need right now. Her chapters on same-sex civil rights and intersectional feminism are particularly apt. It just edges out Bad Feminist for me, but I think the marketing for BF is misleading.

1/5/18 update: a year later, Luvvie's advice feels more necessary than ever. White women, we must do better. Please read this book, because it provides helpful and hilarious perspective on how to do better in our public and private lives. ( )

Let’s face it: We are human. We make mistakes. We have flaws. We have prejudices, too. It’s our job as humans to do our best to learn from our mistakes, embrace our flaws, and correct our prejudices, which is why I am always looking for a good self-help book. And boy, did I find one in I’m Judging You by Luvvie Ajayi.

The book is divided into four sections: Life, Culture, Social Media, and Fame. Within each section, Luvvie addresses how we can do better as a people – from washing bras to the plague of rape culture. Some of her essays are light-hearted while others tackle harder topics, such as racism, sexism, homophobia, and fake news.

I’m Judging You is downright hilarious. It’s rare for me to cackle my way through an entire book, but that’s exactly what I did. I also loved how Luvvie integrated details about her native Nigeria and her culture and growing up black in America. Coupled with these heavier topics are Luvvie’s sharp wit, down-to-earth style, and fantastic truth bombs. She shines the most in the “Culture” section, and her chapters about racism are must re-reads.

You’ll learn a lot from I’m Judging You, and I look forward to reading Luvvie’s new book when it’s released (honestly, it can’t get here soon enough!).

My big takeaways:

#1: Write like you speak

“Write like you speak” is actually a quote by Seth Godin, and Luvvie is a master at implementing it. I love Luvvie’s approachable, funny writing style. And it’s just like she speaks. I tend to write more stiffly and formerly, instead of embracing my speech style, which is funny and uplifting. As I work on my book, I will remember how Luvvie was authentic in her writing style and will do my best write like I speak, too.

#2: White women must do better

This book was published in 2016, and it’s a shame that many of the racist issues discussed in Luvvie’s book are still a problem. And they are still a problem because white people can’t get their acts together (we are the only ones who can fix racism). As a white woman, I am constantly working on being a better ally. For sure, I’m a work in progress, but it’s essential that I not stop. I must do better.

#3: Do something that matters

This is the title of Luvvie’s last chapter, and it’s a chapter I wish I had written. Luvvie writes: “I am a big believer in the notion that we’ve each got to look outside ourselves and figure out what we’re going to do to make this world a little less terrible.” (page 231)

This is my belief too, and it’s something I feel especially strong for female entrepreneurs with a platform. Even if it’s a small platform, you can make an impact. Think about what causes are important to you and advocate for them. It doesn’t need to be slick or perfect – just do your best. For Heaven’s sake, don’t be silent. The world needs your Meaningful Noise, now more than ever.

How I’m Judging You relates to entrepreneurs:

The last two sections, Social Media and Fame, are important reads for entrepreneurs. Social media is a common way of marketing your business, and the lessons Luvvie teaches us in these chapters are excellent reminders about staying authentic in your social media marketing. The Fame section reminds us that our impact is much more everlasting than a viral video. Don’t be too quick to wish for fame; instead, ask yourself: How can I make a difference? ( )

"I am not asking everyone to be activists. I am not asking everyone to march on the front lines. I am not asking every writer, public figure, or celebrity to lead social movements. I am not asking them to make speeches on how they have a dream. I am, however, challenging people not to stay silent as the world crumbles. You do not have to yell. Even a whisper of truth matters in an echo chamber of lies."

Synopsis (GR): With over 500,000 readers a month at her enormously popular blog, AwesomelyLuvvie.com, Luvvie Ajayi is a go-to source for smart takes on pop culture. I'm Judging You is her debut book of humorous essays that dissects our cultural obsessions and calls out bad behavior in our increasingly digital, connected lives. It passes on lessons and side-eyes on life, social media, culture, and fame, from addressing those terrible friends we all have to serious discussions of race and media representation to what to do about your fool cousin sharing casket pictures from Grandma's wake on Facebook.

With a lighthearted, razor sharp wit and a unique perspective, I'm Judging You is the handbook the world needs, doling out the hard truths and a road map for bringing some "act right" into our lives, social media, and popular culture. It is the Do-Better Manual.

I listened to this one as audiobook and I absolutely loved it. Luvvie tackles hard topics in a raw light hearted, and humrous ways. One minute you will be laughing until you cry and another, you will be deep in thought about today's hot topics in pop culture, media and politics. Some of the issues she covers are racism, feminism, ideas of beauty, generational trauma and so much more. Her unique point of view and quick wit make this is a must read. This book covers a multitude of topics that are relevant for today's social climate. Yet she also makes space to tackles such things as the friend who is always late or never has money to pay for their own things. If you are a fan of laugh out loud funny with a little social commentary mixed in, definitely give this one a try. This is a book that despite being funny will change your perspective. Luvvie as narrator is a bonus. This bookdragon rates it 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 ( )