NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Tarana Burke and Dr. Brené Brown carry collectively a dynamic group of Black writers, organizers, artists, lecturers, and cultural figures to debate the matters the 2 have devoted their lives to understanding and instructing: vulnerability and disgrace resilience.
Contributions by Kiese Laymon, Imani Perry, Laverne Cox, Jason Reynolds, Austin Channing Brown, and extra
NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY MARIE CLAIRE AND BOOKRIOT
It began as a textual content between two pals.
Tarana Burke, founding father of the ‘me too.’ Motion, texted researcher and author Brené Brown to see if she was free to leap on a name. Brené assumed that Tarana needed to speak about wallpaper. That they had been buying and selling residence adorning inspiration boards of their final textual content dialog so Brené began scrolling to search out her newest Pinterest photos when the telephone rang.
However it was instantly clear to Brené that the dialog wasn’t going to be about wallpaper. Tarana’s howdy was critical and he or she hesitated for a bit earlier than saying, “Brené, you realize your work affected me so deeply, however as a Black girl, I’ve typically needed to really feel like I’ve to contort myself to suit into a few of your phrases. The core of it rings so true for me, however the utility has been tougher.”
Brené replied, “I’m so glad we’re speaking about this. It is smart to me. Particularly by way of vulnerability. How do you’re taking the armor off in a rustic the place you’re not bodily or emotionally protected?”
Lengthy pause.
“That’s why I’m calling,” mentioned Tarana. “What do you concentrate on working collectively on a guide in regards to the Black expertise with vulnerability and disgrace resilience?”
There was no hesitation.
Burke and Brown are the right pair to usher on this stark, potent assortment of essays on Black disgrace and therapeutic. Together with the anthology contributors, they create an area to acknowledge and course of the trauma of white supremacy, an area to be weak and affirm the fullness of Black love and Black life.
Ms. Rita –
This book is everything. The depiction of the Black experience really gave me some perspective I’ve never thought of, and I’m a Black woman. I’m also a therapist and I love Brene Brown, so I knew this was going to be intuitive.
Dina –
A lot of the books I have been reading about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion have been consumed in an effort to learn, grow, and improve. Where are my blind spots? How can I do better? Reading this book challenged me to honor vulnerability, to bear witness, and to just listen. Hearing and seeing and respecting and accepting and mourning and celebrating.
JES –
I am a black woman who just celebrated 70 years on this planet in this so-called United States of America. This book touched me in such a visceral way, I knew something was amiss but never realized it was called trauma that I was experiencing. I was feeling the exhaustion of being not speaking my truth. Thank you for this gift.
L Wong –
Vital learning to deepen empathy and motivate small everyday actions to dismantle white supremacy, end racism and uplift all humanity. When Black Lives Matter, then will all lives matter. Thank you to all the courageous writers who shared out loud
Melvin L. Ingram, Jr. –
This work was incredibly moving. It unearthed some painful places, but offered peace that this personal experience is a shared experience. I highly suggest this book.
Walteen Grady Truely –
This book was so clearly a labor of love and trust. I listened to most of the essays on Audible. After listening (twice) to Jessica J. Williams, I decided that I needed to have her words to go back to. I just ordered the Kindle version as well. I am grateful to everyone associated with this publication. Essayists, thank you for opening your hearts and your willingness to be vulnerable. I felt seen through your efforts.
TravelWhites –
I’ve loved Brene Brown’s books and Tarana Burke’s, so I had to read this. What smacks me in the face is that we need voices of people of color to understand how they’ve experienced shame and how they build resilience to it.I love the essay format and the variety of perspectives
KSWard –
I read this collection of essays with slow intentionality because of the many heavy points that needed time to marinate.
Katina Horton –
Finally have a book that speaks on the black experience as a whole. Although each of us have had different experiences, our culture and ancestral history, struggle and sins against us as a people remain the same. The stories in this book will leave you breathless, yet wanting to read more.
S Wickerson –
This is indeed what I needed at this moment in my journey; every contributors’ piece pierced my soul and validated my existence. Feeling the genuine spiritual connection to these individuals, simply from them sharing their truth, helped to confirm my beliefs. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Molly Koeneman (she / her) –
With Brene Brown’s research of shame in mind, Black American engage the topic of Blackness and how they feel about the structural identity that feel forces upon them as individuals. A beautiful collection of painful stories and horrifying realities that reveal a collective strength.
Callie –
Amazing reading. This book allows you a very intimate look at vulnerability in the Black community and it is incredible to see the resilience. It was very relatable and a book I think everyone should read.
Sharon Gumm –
You have always been worthy though the world sees you througheyes of prejudice.I want to thank each person who contributed to this deeply touchingbook. You shared your truth when all seemed lost, you found the wayback. You emptied your soul to a world unworthy. I feel privileged toread your stories of pain and triumph.Unlearning shame and remembering Love, giving to yourself whenthe cup is empty. The Black experience of never giving up in a worldthat deemed you unworthy. From the moment of birth until thismoment the world has punished you for being who you are.Each essay in this book reveals the truth of being black in aworld that says you are never enough.Tarana Burke: “What is the Black experience with shame resilience?”Because White supremacy has added another layer to the kind ofshame we have to deal with, and the kind of resilience to build,andthe kind of vulnerability that we are constantly subjected to whetherwe choose it or not.”Brene: But here’s the painful piece – it’s not like if you are Black, youdon’t need vulnerability to experience joy, belonging, intimacy, andlove. It’s that we have created a culture that makes it unsafe for youto be vulnerable.Tarana: Exactly. And this is why I feel like this book is critical. Ourhumanity, our individual and collective vulnerability, needs anddeserves some breathing room.Brene: That’s beautiful!!Every Essay that follows is an important to understand the truth ofwho we are in a world that must find the truth of equality in thename of Love and Peace.Buy this important book. It is a treasure you won’t regret buying.A portion of money will be donated where needed.
Karl-MaxwellKarl-Maxwell –
The book arrived in immaculate condition and I could have finished it with a few days.True to its description, it is an anthology of the experiences of Black Americans which as a Black Brit I couldn’t wholly relate to but there were definite parallels. Reading other people’s experiences of race is so eye opening.
Amazon Customer –
These essays were so powerful and relatable. It was amazing to hear most of the author’s read their own words.
Amazon Customer –
Great read. Will cause you to be introspective and reflective about your lived experiences. I appreciate Brene’s work as intersected with race and the stories reflected wide array of Blackness.
CdavisCdavis –
Oh my. This was not what I was expecting but so what I needed. The essays written in this book are written from places of vulnerability, strength, courage, and transparency. Wow. Highly recommend!
Aidan Kinsella –
The potent writings in this anthology do two powerful things at once. They create a space inside these pages to see oneself in the universal experiences of vulnerability and shame. And they place a giant, devastatingly intimate, flashlight on the vast disparity and nuance of the Black experience and the impact of compounded intergenerational trauma and systemic oppression on an individual’s healing and growth.Ultimately to transform and actualize, an individual must at some point challenge their belonging so as to reshape it and participate in the world from a place of grounded wholeness and authenticity. While this risk is uncomfortable for all, the gut-wrenching and triumphant stories shared in this book illuminate the danger for Black folx of disrupting, even temporarily, tenuous belonging. I am absolutely humbled and inspired by the stories in these pages, and by these leaders. I am reminded both of the importance of the work I’m doing and the work to be done to make space for those who’s healing and wholeness is essential to our shared humanity.
ObamaFan –
BrilliantMakes you feel sad and full of joyA must read to understand the Black experience in the USA
John G. Orton –
I love Brene’s books and saw this thinking I have to listen to it. The Audible version is awesome as it makes each story more personal and meaningful. I know my experiences are different from these writers yet can sense shame in my own life and how it has impacted me. Personal stories are a window to see life from someone else’s eyes and are a gift. Thank you.
Kiara –
I’ve connected to this immensely. I feel like I met every author of each essay! Truly amazing!
Ja’del –
a must read for those seeking to live a fuller life, in black bodies. I finished craving more as it affirmed tensions and uplifted my spirit to continue the journey
A.M. L.R. –
Wonderful book to make you feel like a African American feels living in this racist country. Great to really understand our brothers and sisters and how much they have suffered and still are #nohate they’re people like us they breathe and bleed just like everyone else.
Tyree Barley –
Great book with great delivery
Amazon Customer –
Beautiful co-creation.
Rapid Reader –
I struggle to put into words how much I appreciated this book. I typically am not a huge fan of anthologies because I tend to like certain stories and dislike others, but that wasn’t the case here. Each story was an experience to learn from. The wide variety of identities, communities and stories reminds us there is always more to learn about who we are. Overall it offers the importance of vulnerability and unlearning shame that keeps us quiet when we need our community the most. I cannot recommend this book enough.
louids –
The best book. The various stories speak to my heart and my trauma, yet offer up words of healing to soothe the sin-sick soul. If you are a black person living in these United States of America, this is a book that fully acknowledges your existence, your experiences – pain, sorrow, joy and resilience – and your humanity. It’s therapy because it forces us to acknowledge the things we choose or have conditioned ourselves to suppress, and offers us a way to heal collectively and individually.
Kellee C. Kelly –
Deep, raw, real account of shame and resilience. A must read for everyone.
John H Underwood –
These writings leave me breathless! I want to know more. There is so much to learn. There is healing to do.
Ruth T –
I got this on Audible. I loved hearing the Editors (Tarana Burke & Brene Brown) talk about the purpose of the collaboration and their own internal struggles. Also hearing the authors read their narratives about their experiences of shame and how those experiences have impacted all of who they know themselves to be was profound. I was compelled to be curious about the ways I’ve internalized shame and have been complicit in shaming. I highly recommend this especially to other People of Color.
Mystic Elf –
This book is written to give voice to the experiences of Black people. Too often, they may be only be seen at those who are impacted most directly by racism. That is a part of their identity, and they also live lives of blessing and strength and challenge.This book is a collection of essays from writers, artists, educators, activists and others. They speak in the first person, in Tarana Burke’s words, to “give our humanity breathing room.”You Are Your Best Thing: Vulnerability, Shame Resilience, and the Black Experience, edited by Tarana Burke and Brene Brown.From the introduction by the editors:Brene: I kept thinking about bell hook’s concept of lovelessness and how she talks about lovelessness as the root of white supremacy and the patriarchy and all forms of oppression. And that the answer to lovelessness is love. I’ve read bell hooks for thirty years, but these essays and the process of co-creating with you taught me what love in the face of lovelessness really feels like. The marrow of it. When you say, “I don’t trust any antiracism work that doesn’t embrace and see our humanity,” I can feel the call for love. I get it so fully right now. It’s like you’re telling us that if you don’t see the heart and the love and the humanity and the joy of the Black experience — of Black humanity — then the anti-racism work is bankrupt.Tarana: Exactly. It’s just like knowing something intellectually but not feeling it, and this is feeling work. It’s heart work as much as it is head work. Those two things have to be in tandem. And I love that we have the ability to make this offering to Black folks who have felt stifled in this moment and overwhelmed and have not had space.This is not a book to be rushed through. It is a book to breathe into, to weep with, to celebrate. I invite you to savor it, even if, like me, a white woman, you feel a bit like a peeping tom.
za dood –
I was compelled to read “You Are The Best Thing: vulnerability, shame, resilience, and the Black experience”, because as a white person, and as a social justice and healthcare enthusiast I wanted to deepen my understanding of the Black experience in the United States, and also because I have a ton of respect for the work of both these editor/authors, Tarana Burke and Brene Brown, and I knew that this book had a lot of promise.I found that the most profound aspect of these amazing essays was how well the authors were able to communicate their experiences into such universal truths, in such a way that it would be really difficult not to relate to these intimate experiences and narratives – a powerful empathy generating body of work. Furthermore, the wisdom and strategies regarding how to manage being othered, exploited, targeted, on top of learning how to deal with the general stress of surviving in our current socio-economic culture was nothing more than paradigm-shifting. These are things I’m actively trying to cultivate in own my life too.We have so much to learn from each other – I believe that together we can get through these hard times, utilizing this type of learning and connection; we can be vulnerable, we can manage our shame, and we can support each other as we grow ourselves and evolve our society.So grateful for having had the opportunity to read this amazing anthology! Highly recommend!
Erin Cato –
I could not put this book down. Everyone was vulnerable and you get the heart of black experience in America. It helps you connect with each other.
ny jones –
This was a gift
Amazon Customer –
It educated.
ocean –
Thank you, brilliant!
Tasnim McCormick Benhalim –
Generous truth-telling, beauty – compelling relevance. Don’t miss this one. A very important read for all of us – now – and as we move forward. A gift of a book, a rare gift.
NStephens –
FIRST! Having the most authentic people write authentically is the best way to curate an anthology. I am so excited for this book.
C. Winward –
I love Brene Brown. Her work has transformed the way I think about myself and others. This collaboration with Tarana Burke was like an invitation into the pain, joy and experience of all my Black brothers and sisters. I feel like I finally understand at least a taste of the real inequality that still exists in our “free” country. I’m so grateful for the essay contributors and their willingness to be vulnerable so we can SEE them and walk with them and do our best to help instead of judge. I especially recommend the essay about Black mothers.
Rayla –
This book isn’t for everyone, but it’s medicinal for the people who are meant to feel its impact.
Sarina Behling-Graf –
Tarana Burke and Brene Brown do an amazing job at curating the stories we need to hear.
lisa bennett –
Amazing!!! This book is puts a name to everything black, vulnerable and shame resilience!!!
Ashley & Aaron –
A must read. Thankful for all these brave voices sharing their stories. Wonderful collection from a wide range of lived experiences.
Philip Miller –
We used this for a discussion group on interracial relations and empathy and found the essays to be a useful resource for that purpose.
Karina –
This book is to be revered.
E A F –
Not yet finished but so interesting, inspiring and thought provoking
Natural chick –
The collection of stories are beautifully woven together. Each morning, over the festive season, I have read one story a day, which has been both an insightful and reflective way to start my day. A worthy read
Minnie Sota –
I’m so grateful to those who contributed chapters to this book, and to the editors who put it all together. As a POC who is not Black, this is still very helpful for me. Similar approaches from white authors don’t get at the ways that racism affect us daily and over time. To any white folks who read this book, I hope it inspires some empathy and self-examination, and reduces judgement toward POC dealing with stuff you and your white friends and family don’t have to.
Karie L. Alton –
Tarana and Brene offer up a cadre of black lives and who provide us an intimate peak at the horror and glory that make up this beautiful diaspora. As a white person I appreciate this glimpse into the powerful nuances of real people who have been damaged and strengthened; who have endured, overcome and excelled despite centuries of daily micro and macro oppression and abuse.
John Shinavier –
This is “the” book for any white person who is wondering “What all the fuss is about?” Deeply personal stories written by those who are living through racism.
Camellia –
I loved this book for it’s honesty and love throughout
Donald –
great read.. should be in every household
Cee Cee –
Wonderful book of essays
Arlene –
I absolutely loved this book. The stories were refreshingly real, raw and triumphant! I couldn’t stop reading! The courage, vulnerability and compassion expressed here brings great hope and inspiration. Thank you authors and editors for leading the way towards healing and hope in our hearts and in our nation.
Paul –
I am an avid reader of the work of Brené Brown, yet I did not see the connection between how I was armouring myself to live and lead as a black man in a white world. You Are Your Best Thing gives voice to people like me who feel vulnerable and exposed every day and yet are accused of “playing the race card” when we dare to speak our real truth. Tarana and Brené and all the other contributors, thank you so much for the words to express my experience.
Tammicia –
Get the book!!
N. Doebert –
This book is so powerful. It’s raw, it’s moving. I am a white person seeking to be a better ally and increase my understanding of the lived experience within the Black community. This book was an incredible piece of my learning journey.
CR –
This collection of essays on vulnerability of and for Black women is touching, insightful and wise. I studied it in a book club of men and women, Black and White. Each author bared some of her soul and hardest lessons learned about shame and resilience. I came away feeling it is part of life to be shamed and feel vulnerable, especially in ways inbred in society. I also feel I have new tools to live through those emotions and handle life well. I highly recommend this book for book clubs. Ours read 2-3 essays per meeting and it generated great discussions.
Misty C –
Such an amazing Anthology edited by two powerful and empowering women, showing us that, once again, the lived experiences of Black women & men will lay the foundation for healing for all of us. Shame is at the root of so much of our suffering and while sitting in it feels impossibly hard, these narratives show us how to do it. Thank you for knocking me on my ass to get down to the next layer of healing and work to dismantle oppressive systems in this country and the world (and for an introduction to the discussion of respectability politics- shout out to Tanya Denise Fields for that!).