I Should Be Smarter By Now

Stories of Persistence, Delusion, and Occasional Success

De: Issa Rae

Narrado por: Issa Rae

In this comically insightful collection, Issa Rae charts her journey from digital storyteller to cultural force, redefining modern success. Through refreshingly candid essays, she takes readers behind the scenes of building her creative empire, sharing hard-won wisdom about staying true to your vision while navigating Hollywood’s ups and downs. It’s a master class in turning authenticity into achievement.

The Business of Being Me

In this funny and inspiring essay about ambition, persistence, self-discovery, and the thrilling—if unpredictable—business of creativity, Issa Rae charts her aspirational journey of finding her voice and shaping it into a groundbreaking career.

Playing Well with Others

Independent spirit Issa Rae explores the superpower of collaboration while remaining unapologetically herself in this refreshingly candid essay about artistic integrity and maintaining creative authorship.

The Geography of Creativity

In this reflective essay, New York Times bestselling author Issa Rae chronicles her journey as a West Coast girl with an East Coast vibe, exploring creative inspiration from Potomac to Harlem before discovering that her true artistic voice and vibrant community were waiting in her sun-soaked Los Angeles roots all along.

I See You Seeing Me

From mortifying teenage moments to Hollywood stardom, award-winning creator Issa Rae pens a witty essay on identity, fame, and unwavering authenticity in a world that’s always watching.

The Art of Strategic Procrastination

With her trademark humor and unflinching honesty, Issa Rae delivers an insightful essay on finding balance in Hollywood’s high-stakes hustle culture, exploring everything from “workations” to the surprising benefits of her own creative delays.

I Almost Know What I’m Doing

Issa Rae pulls back the curtain on the ultimate Hollywood gamble—betting on yourself—as she reflects on her evolution from struggling writer to media mogul, revealing how trusting her own vision became her best investment.

©2025 by Issa Rae. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Honest, authentic, and relatable! 5 stars!

An amazing story of the ups and downs of success, failures, struggle, and the creative journey towards living in your purpose. The honesty that shined through the words delivered was exactly what I needed to hear as I navigate the daily tug-of-war towards living my purpose.

The passion

I liked Issa’s story. How her journey impacted her worldview. It was very much inspirational.

Issa!!!

My hero and inspiration to continue forth with my authenticity and storytelling! Thank you for your inspiration

Honest and transparent testimony

I liked all things. While this book may be more for a younger generation I appreciate and learned from her core values. I am about to 50 years old and we need reminders never tooold.

I Love Issa - Period!

This book was written specifically for me. I always appreciate Issa’s honesty and the way she discusses her experiences is incredibly inspiring. Sometimes, I wonder if she’s in my head when she says something, but the truth is, Issa is just that relatable. I’m delighted to see her growth and excited for whatever the future holds for her.

awesome!

Issa Rae is a great storyteller and I was so excited to listen to this second book. Her self discovery is always filled with humor and thoughts that are so relatable.

I Should Be Smarter By Now

I really enjoyed it! I wish it was longer. It made me feel less alone and more secure that things will work out in my late 20s

Issa nails it again! Such a truth teller!

I loved the honesty and transparency in this book. As visionaries, creatives, entrepreneurs, and leaders, we often walk similar paths and it’s refreshing to see your own journey mirrored in someone else’s story. Reading this reminded me to give myself more grace. The wisdom shared through her mistakes, offered so graciously, is invaluable. It leaves you with hope that whatever your dreams and aspirations may be, with self-trust, discipline, people willing to give you a helping hand, and the right team, you truly can achieve them. A great reminder to never give up and to keep pushing forward.

-Maisha P.

Her honesty

Short stories. Easy listening. True honesty with grit. Loved the way she presented her material.

Hearing her journey

Love this it’s good to know that we are all human and everyone has to do the work.