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This Will Be My Undoing
This Will Be My Undoing: Living at the Intersection of Black, Female, and Feminist in (White) America | Morgan Jerkins
From one of the fiercest critics writing today, Morgan Jerkins highly-anticipated collection of linked essays interweaves her incisive commentary on pop culture, feminism, black history, misogyny, and racism with her own experiences to confront the very real challenges of being a black woman todayperfect for fans of Roxane Gays Bad Feminist, Rebecca Solnits Men Explain Things to Me, and Chimamanda Ngozie Adichies We Should All Be Feminists. Morgan Jerkins is only in her twenties, but she has already established herself as an insightful, brutally honest writer who isnt afraid of tackling tough, controversial subjects. In This Will Be My Undoing, she takes on perhaps one of the most provocative contemporary topics: What does it mean to beto live as, to exist asa black woman today? This is a book about black women, but its necessary reading for all Americans. Doubly disenfranchised by race and gender, often deprived of a place within the mostly white mainstream feminist movement, black women are objectified, silenced, and marginalized with devastating consequences, in ways both obvious and subtle, that are rarely acknowledged in our countrys larger discussion about inequality. In This Will Be My Undoing, Jerkins becomes both narrator and subject to expose the social, cultural, and historical story of black female oppression that influences the black community as well as the white, male-dominated world at large. Whether shes writing about Sailor Moon; Rachel Dolezal; the stigma of therapy; her complex relationship with her own physical body; the pain of dating when men say they dont see color; being a black visitor in Russia; the specter of the fast-tailed girl and the paradox of black female sexuality; or disabled black women in the context of the Black Girl Magic movement, Jerkins is compelling and revelatory.
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ShananigansReads
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#Bookspin

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Augustdana
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I just finished my 40th book of the year!! I crushed my goal of 32 and now I‘m wondering if I can make it to 41. I‘ve had this on my library list since AUGUST!!!!

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TheBookDream
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Pickpick

Definitely worth your time. Pick this up of you haven‘t already.

1 for #teamslaughter #scarathalon

@Clwojick

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sarahlandis
Pickpick

“We were alive, and that is resistance in and of itself.”

I love this collection of essays. I marked this to read over two years ago and cannot believe I ever put it off. This is a vulnerable and raw book narrating black childhood and lessons about how to exist in an unforgiving world for black women. A personal take on black womanhood in the all too common white spaces that America has to offer. Essay topics included Michelle Obama, Beyoncé,

sarahlandis slave dances, Trayvon Martin, church, traveling abroad while black, dementia, and Ivy League schools. I recommend ten times over.

A personal note from this book. The first story Jerkins tells is about wanting to be a cheerleader. About how tv always showed white, blonde, cheerleaders as this amazing thing and that‘s how she wanted to be. Barbies didn‘t look like her and cheerleaders didn‘t look like her, but if she was a cheerleader, maybe she‘d
4y
sarahlandis look like them and be popular and loved too. I was taken back to my childhood. I was fortunate enough to go to a pretty diverse public school system my entire life and played and studied along many black friends even though my home life has always been far from unproblematic when it comes to diversity and inclusion. However, for a few short years my dad worked alongside a black woman whom I ADORED. I saw her as this beautiful, successful, business 4y
sarahlandis woman that got to work by my dad everyday and had the most beautiful clothes. When I‘d visit my dad at work or send drawings for his desk I‘d always have to see her or make her a pretty picture too. One day she gave me a present. She gave me the very first Barbie doll I ever had and it was a black cheerleader. I was obsessed. And I wouldn‘t let anyone else play with her. I continued to collect barbies and other types of dolls and I remember always 4y
sarahlandis having black and white dolls. Looking back, I can‘t really remember how my parents reacted to my desire for black toys or how my white friends played with my black toys with me.. I don‘t even know what to make of this really?? Honestly, I hate that it isn‘t just fucking standard to have dolls of all backgrounds.. but I‘m thankful that one woman all those years ago in the mid 1990‘s did that for me. I wish Jerkins had been able to have the same exp 4y
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jmofo
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Pickpick

Morgan Jerkins is strong and vulnerable in this work, transparent in her self-reflection and direct and honest. I hadn‘t read anything by her before listening to this. I admire her. It took a bit for me to get into her reading style, as it feels almost as though she‘s racing to the end. Admittedly not for everyone, explicit sexual content. I am glad this book exists.

Megabooks I can‘t wait for her new book later this year! 4y
26 likes1 comment
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Carolyn11215
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Pickpick

A powerful book of essays. Morgan Jerkins holds no punches and takes no prisoners. #bookspin @TheAromaofBooks #mounttbr2020

TheAromaofBooks Great review!! 4y
17 likes1 comment
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Carolyn11215
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Such a powerful book! So glad it‘s my #bookspin for March. Gulping it down.

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Carolyn11215
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My #bookspin and #doublespin books for the month of March. Gonna try to fit them both in. @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Look like good ones! 4y
25 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Soubhiville
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Pickpick

This book gave me a lot of feelings. It wasn‘t a comfortable read, but it‘s important. I‘m glad I read it.

keepingupwiththepenguins That's the best kind of challenging read! Love it! 🤓 ❤ 5y
Soubhiville I used this for my adult nonfiction in #BBRC. @LibrarianRyan 5y
73 likes2 comments
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arianaag
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Pickpick

This was an amazing book. It was like a “you are not alone in these struggles” type book.

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saguarosally
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About a year ago I took pictures of about a dozen books in front of a saguaro. It has come in handy since then! PS: It‘s the author‘s birthday. #succulentsaturday @ReadosaurusText

ReadosaurusText That is a beautiful saguaro!!! 5y
saguarosally @ReadosaurusText They all are! 💚🌵 5y
ReadosaurusText @saguarosally I can‘t argue with that!!! 5y
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GondorGirl
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Pickpick

I've been challenging myself a lot lately to read books by authors outside my own narrow narrative. I want to better understand the experiences of other cultures, races, lifestyles so that I can be a better ally. There is something both unsettling and thrilling in reading a book that makes you so drastically uncomfortable that you have to sit back and reorder your way of thinking.

I highly recommend this collection of essays.

Chelleo Glad you‘re challenging yourself. It‘s hard but necessary, and I don‘t exempt myself from this...there‘s room for EVERYONE to grow. Looking forward to reading this soon. 5y
Eyelit My book club is reading this later this summer. Really looking forward to it! 5y
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GondorGirl
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EmmaMae
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Pickpick

Morgan Jerkins wrote a compelling book of essays on the realities of her life. It was powerfully convicting on my whiteness and what expectations of whiteness I have on others. #bookclubreads

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MsLeah8417

When there is no equality there can be no equivalency

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AmyG
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Thank you so much @rjsthumbelina ...I look forward to reading this!!! Am I right to assume this is for the #justabookswap?
@TheBookKeepers

rjsthumbelina Hahaha, yes it is! Not sure how I forgot to put that in the note... 5y
AmyG @rjsthumbelina Ha! Just wanted to be sure. Thank you again! 😘 5y
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Carolyn11215
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Kindle version available on Amazon for $1.99. I just snapped one up as I‘ve been meaning to read for awhile.

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MelodySchreiber
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Merry Christmas to me! Jack planned a date that involved sushi and all the books I wanted 😍 What a perfect way to end the year!

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CoffeeK8
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#nonfiction2018 is the only challenge I finished this year, it that‘s okay with me!

GondorGirl You had some good reads! I think I'm going to have to make a similar post. 😀 5y
CouronneDhiver Nice work! 5y
45 likes2 comments
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CoffeeK8
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Pickpick

What an amazing book. An important read for everyone.

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CoffeeK8
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Current #audiobook

JSW So good! 5y
Megabooks Loved this one! 5y
CoffeeK8 @JSW @Megabooks good to know! 5y
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KS1805
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Pickpick

Before you read this book, you need to know that if you‘re white, it‘s not written for you. As she states, you will get something out of it but it is not a book that you should read at the beginning of your journey into understanding systemic racism. #audiobook

She is frank, honest, and provocative. Be ready to be challenged.

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Caterina
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This sweet dog loves to sleep on my legs and trap me with a good book 💕 #dogsoflitsy #bostonterriersoflitsy #Pippin
He was under the blanket on my lap, but he overheated and had to poke his head out 😂

JSW This book is brilliant 5y
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Megabooks
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Pickpick

This book was fantastic! Morgan is so thoughtful. It is apparent that she has considered each word, each sentence in this book.

So many women her age write essay collections trying to be hip, cool or funny, and I‘ve really started to hate those. #nonfictionNovember #nonfiction #feminism

If you want a serious, reflective look at being young, black, and female in America, check this out.

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Megabooks
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I thought I‘d want to escape tonight, but as you can see I‘m doubling down on some intersectional feminism.

I am proud to say that locally my choice for state house won by (for real) one vote, which may as well be mine! 🎉🎉🎉👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🍾🍾🍾

Cinfhen Every vote really does matter❣️❣️❣️❣️ 5y
Megabooks @Cinfhen Totally! 😁😁😁👍🏻 5y
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razmanda
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Pickpick

A very personal memoir and treatise on race and gender in America. Some chapters are stronger than others but definitely worth the time. Jerkins blends the personal, theory and sociological observations into a cogent argument for intersectionality and how to survive it as a black woman.

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TheBookbabeblog84
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....I don‘t think I need to explain this. #unapologeticstatements #morganjerkins #books #blackfeministreading

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TheBookbabeblog84
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I can not tell you how many endless conversations I have had to have about this....about the impact of my blackness on my womanhood. And how this experience has shaped my views on everything from race, to education, criminal justice to politics. My experience can not be boxed in....#blackwomanhood #womanism

BellaBookNook Preach!! 6y
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TheBookbabeblog84
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I feel this on a cosmic damn level. #quotes #blackwomanhood #blackgirlhood

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TheBookbabeblog84
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Wrapped up in my prayer shawl and enjoying this book. Already I‘m hooked. #SeptemberHitList

Pearrr Come on #prayershawl !! ☺️😊 6y
TheBookbabeblog84 @Pearrr ♥️♥️♥️ 6y
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TheBookbabeblog84
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Day 1) Sept TBR
I honestly think I have a pretty diverse list of reads. I can not wait to dive into Times Convert by Deborah Harkness and This Will be my Undoing. #books #allthebookssept18

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DyAnne
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“ . . . what a blessing it was to see you [Michelle Obama] shine. You are not an animal or a man. You may be a terror. But their terror is our delight.”

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shaynarae
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Pickpick

I loved listening to this book! Open, honest, thoughtful, and thought-provoking. I appreciate that Jerkins addresses the complexity of perspective (sometimes more overtly than others) through her own experience. This is a book I think everyone should read and talk about.

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Megabooks
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“Or attention-getting”

#embarrassed My aunt taught at this school through a lot of the 80s and early 90s. My aunt who used the n-word until around 1990. Then she must have gotten some sensitivity training because she stopped until the past year when my mom has heard her use it a couple of times 😡🤦🏻‍♀️

It‘s so frustrating and upsetting that she is backsliding into racism.

HKGirl 😭😬😤 6y
cherinium Did you see the video of the 6 year old who was sent home on the first day of school for violating the school's hair policy? (I didn't catch where that occurred.) Absolutely disgusting! 6y
Megabooks @cherinium No, but that‘s ridiculous! 6y
60 likes1 stack add3 comments
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DyAnne
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At the airport. Needed some non-fiction to go with the fiction already in my travel bag.

Christine Loved this book! 💛 6y
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Lupita.Reads
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Pickpick

Loved this book so much I bought a physical copy after listening to the audiobook. These essays are so incredibly powerful! Jerkins is a voice to be heard and read.

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saguarosally
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This book starts out fascinating and becomes more fascinating. Is it a set of critiques on intersectionality or a memoir? Is the author really so wise at such a young age? Keep reading, friends.

47 likes1 stack add
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saguarosally
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1. Y‘all.
2. Three in the West, two in the Midwest.
3. Litsy, Goodreads, Overdrive, Kindle. I use other social media apps also for bookish purposes.
4. Bingo at a small town festival. I need some suburbia at least.
5. @Angela66

#friyayintro @jesshowbooks

Bklover Quilt Bingo!!!! 6y
saguarosally @Bklover I wish, just small town bingo. 6y
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saguarosally
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I like this as another book bag. 👍#bookbag

ns510reads Pretty! 6y
saguarosally @ns510reads Thanks! I thought so too! 6y
60 likes2 comments
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razmanda
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Library hold avalanche!

JSW I had one of those yesterday! 😂 6y
TheBookKeepers Score!!! Two of these are on my TBR 6y
33 likes2 comments
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daniwithtea
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Pickpick

This was *so* good.

Jeannie I just finished the first chapter of this - so good. 6y
daniwithtea @Jeannie it only gets better from there! 6y
27 likes2 stack adds2 comments
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daniwithtea
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June reading recap: 35 done, 1 DNF, a handful more started. Wrapped up two reading challenges this month (#litsyatoz and #readharder) and passed my original goodreads goal of 100 to land at 122 for the year. The tagged book is one I started this month but haven‘t yet finished.

Traci1 Very impressive! Wow! 6y
Scientist Well done! 6y
24 likes3 comments
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daniwithtea
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Road tripping to PA for my nephew‘s birthday; I dig out my Kindle at every rest stop.

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rmaclean4
Pickpick

I read this to fulfill one of the #readingwomenschallenge. I was happy to hear this young writers voice.

KateFulfordAuthor If you need another recommendation, may I point you to my People‘s Book Prize nominated debut? Sassy female narrative, laugh out dialogue and a pacy plot. Check the link in the bio for 2 free chapters, reviews and more. 6y
rmaclean4 @KateFulfordAuthor thank you for the reccomendation! I will check it out. 6y
KateFulfordAuthor You are most welcome Rebecca 6y
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spierrel

"Surprise. You should have known I was coming."

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spierrel
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My favorite chapter so far has been Human, Not Black.

Jerkins chronicals her experiences growing into Black womanhood, and the painful truths that I could relate to in some instances. This is a great read for someone being introduced to the idea of black feminism, or what's it's like growing up black + woman + educated +....

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Weaponxgirl
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Next month @spinesvines is hosting a #diversespines challenge running from the 19th-30th. Thought this looked great and am sharing to get the word out further.

spinesvines Thank you!! 💖 6y
Weaponxgirl @spinesvines I'm looking forward to it 😀 6y
25 likes2 comments
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mdemanatee
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This helped the workday go faster today.

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pamelac.xo
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So excited for the new audiobooks I bought during Audible‘s most recent sale! I may have gone overboard considering I already owned 349 audiobooks before I bought these 6... Whoops 🤷🏻‍♀️ #audiobooks #audible

emilyhaldi Wow 349?! 👏🏻😱 6y
pamelac.xo @emilyhaldi now it‘s 355 lol. I‘ve had my audible account for like five years now, and I always go overboard every time there is a sale. 6y
Mdargusch You need to take a looonnngg road trip so you can listen to a bunch! 6y
pamelac.xo @Mdargusch haha yeah I do. I commute to school, so I usually get through a lot each year. 6y
19 likes4 comments