Publishers Weekly
03/11/2024
Executive coach Brooke debuts with a galvanizing guide to breaking from the “societal pressures have been boxing in your thoughts and opinions.” In 2021, after the author noticed a widespread “aversion to questions” that “brought up psychological discomfort” in online discussions of social justice issues, she realized that she herself had become an “insufferable, self-righteous” manifestation of “the intolerance I claimed to oppose” and posted an open letter online (“Why I’m Leaving the Cult of Wokeness”). In it, she wondered if there was “still room for us as human beings to stumble, fuck up, learn and grow.” Drawing on subsequent observations of society’s “culture of fear,” as well as her coaching experience, Brooke invites readers to examine “limiting beliefs and fears” that impede expression, adopt an “ownership mindset” of their opinions, and cultivate a “do-it-your-own-way attitude” and “bounce-back toughness.” In the process, readers can develop the “maverick mindset” to express themselves more bravely online and in person and calmly receive opinions with which they disagree, whether the topic is personal, political, social, or religious (she mentions as examples vaccines, parenting choices, and immigration). Brooke’s tone is refreshingly candid throughout, and her personal coaching background shines in varied, pragmatic exercises (readers can investigate their self-policing “inner mob” or perform a risk analysis for bringing up dicey topics). It’s an invigorating invitation to speak one’s mind. (May)
From the Publisher
"Africa Brooke is a gifted thought leader who offers the medicine much needed in our culture today. She breaks down concepts quickly and eloquently and empowers people to understand their self-censoring habits. With Africa's graceful guidance, we can all learn to own our voice, speak our minds, and to become an authentic version of ourselves."—Nicole LePera, international bestselling author of How to Do the Work: Recognize Your Patterns, Heal From Your Past and Create Yourself
"Africa Brooke is one of the sharpest thinkers on contemporary culture and uses clear-headed compassion and insight to make convincing arguments. She is a thought stimulator of the highest order. A true rising star and a voice that demands attention." —Matt Haig, international bestselling author The Midnight Library
"Africa Brooke is a salve of common sense and compassion—a bridge, a way forward, a healer in this increasingly tribalistic and divided world in which so many of us cling to our beliefs over our shared humanity. She is absolutely singular; we need her, we need this book."—Holly Whitaker, New York Times bestselling author of Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice Not to Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol
“Africa’s approach to common and complex issues is unique, enlightening, and refreshing. She has found a way to see many points of view and perspectives, and use them as a foundation of strength, character, and kindness.”—Mo Gawdat, author of Scary Smart and Solve for Happy
“Challenging, unapologetically honest, and immeasurably wise. Africa is the brave necessary modern antidote, for the unfortunate modern challenges our society faces.”
—Steven Bartlett, author of The Diary of a CEO
"When Africa speaks, I sit up. When she writes, I lean in. She possesses an inimitable voice and a way of communicating that's both accessible yet challenging, humble yet fierce. She’s willing to go places most can’t or won’t go, and does so with grace and compassion, inviting others to join her, as a true teacher and leader. I have no doubt she’s going to change the world; she already is."—Laura McKowen, bestselling author of We Are the Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life
"Africa Brooke has been of incalculable help to me. Her work, which she so generously offers to all, has made me a more effective communicator. Africa has helped me gain faith and courage in my own thoughts and the voice that expresses them."—Michael Imperioli, actor and New York Times bestselling author of Woke Up This Morning
"She discusses the importance of standing one’s ground and taking responsibility for actions, opinions, and behaviors amid phenomenon like cancel culture and online mob mentalities. The harmony achieved through speaking your mind and active listening is precarious, she writes, but it is achievable with mindfulness and practicing the situational exercises she presents throughout the guidebook. ... Empowering self-improvement guidance geared toward active seekers."—Kirkus Reviews
Library Journal
06/21/2024
Consultant and accredited coach Brooke's (host of the podcast Beyond the Self) guide to better communication contains well-researched and cogently analyzed observations about historical, scientific, and psychological factors that affecting people's belief systems, carefully interspersed with clear, actionable prompts that recall her social media posts. She posits that when people become aware of and responsible for how they self-actualize, they can (and should) express themselves in ways that may not conform to the expectations of groups they belong to. Brooke envisions this book as a training space for the mind, where readers will learn how to stop playing it safe and practice being brave. She challenges readers to look at why and how they self-censor and breaks down some of the biological and social roots of conformity, offering new ways of looking at the reasoning behind the choices people make to fit into the discourses, communities, and systems they value. VERDICT A valuable guidebook for navigating discomfort with a sense of safety and strength that defies binary thinking and encourages readers to express themselves in authentic yet circumspect ways.—Emily Bowles
