finished reading this all at once in my car after reading most of the chapters in bits and pieces (after reading the essay abt drugs and attention span and instant gratification — ahh lol).
almost all of this was a reread but wow i feel like reading ismatu’s essays over the past year have shaped so much of my worldview and beliefs and ideology so owning this collection is very special. and ofc every time i reread i learn something new.
would recommend to everyone but esp everyone i love (yes, you!!!) with a cup of tea (ill make you one and give u my copy of the book come here rn) and a journal and pen (take handwritten notes!!!!!)
“Settling for what’s in front of us is exactly how nothing ever changes.” and “Blooming is uncomfortable! It’s ugly and awkward for a good long while! Community requires space to unravel and be helpless. What happens when we regard one another sweetly in the presence of exhaustion?”
I’ve read ismatu’s essays for a while, some of which made it into this book, and I always find myself surprised by the new ways they get me to think. Thanks for writing ismatu, you are doing profound work.
I want to own a physical copy of this book, and then get a bunch more to give to friends or put in lending libraries so more people can read it. It is so good. Please read this.
Les essais d'ismatu gwendolyn sont exceptionnellement inspirants ! Le genre de lecture qui stimule la réflexion, donne de l'espoir en ouvrant un monde de possibilités insoupçonnées et pousse à l'action révolutionnaire.
Je suis le travail d'ismatu sur ses réseaux sociaux et sa newsletter depuis un bon moment maintenant et je ne peux vous recommander assez de lire ses écrits littéralement life-changing pour moi.
Despite spelling and grammar errors (which are abundant), the author has some extremely insightful things to say and I learned a lot from this book. I felt challenged by some of the views presented and some sections moved me very much.
All of Ismatu's writing is worth reading, but especially after seeing the updated and revised versions of essays I'd read before, this is an extra incredible read. All proceeds go to building a children's library in Sierra Leone. If you miss the print edition of this book, look forward to their upcoming work, "small prophecies"!
Ismatu is a wonderful writer. Thought provoking and clear essays that have helped me to orient myself in the terrain of politics and world making moving forward.
Such a fan of Ismatu's work, what an incredible being. If you want to develop your personal philosophy, her work is for you. Challenging in a way that resonates with beliefs long-held.