You Are Your Best Thing

Vulnerability, Shame Resilience, and the Black Experience

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Tarana Burke and Dr. Brené Brown bring together a dynamic group of Black writers, organizers, artists, academics, and cultural figures to discuss the topics the two have dedicated their lives to understanding and teaching: vulnerability and shame resilience.

Contributions by Kiese Laymon, Imani Perry, Laverne Cox, Jason Reynolds, Austin Channing Brown, and more

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY MARIE CLAIRE AND BOOKRIOT

It started as a text between two friends.

Tarana Burke, founder of the ‘me too.’ Movement, texted researcher and writer Brené Brown to see if she was free to jump on a call. Brené assumed that Tarana wanted to talk about wallpaper. They had been trading home decorating inspiration boards in their last text conversation so Brené started scrolling to find her latest Pinterest pictures when the phone rang.

But it was immediately clear to Brené that the conversation wasn’t going to be about wallpaper. Tarana’s hello was serious and she hesitated for a bit before saying, “Brené, you know your work affected me so deeply, but as a Black woman, I’ve sometimes had to feel like I have to contort myself to fit into some of your words. The core of it rings so true for me, but the application has been harder.”

Brené replied, “I’m so glad we’re talking about this. It makes sense to me. Especially in terms of vulnerability. How do you take the armor off in a country where you’re not physically or emotionally safe?”

Long pause.

“That’s why I’m calling,” said Tarana. “What do you think about working together on a book about the Black experience with vulnerability and shame resilience?”

There was no hesitation.

Burke and Brown are the perfect pair to usher in this stark, potent collection of essays on Black shame and healing. Along with the anthology contributors, they create a space to recognize and process the trauma of white supremacy, a space to be vulnerable and affirm the fullness of Black love and Black life.

I can’t stop playing this audio

Now for the third time I will be playing this for more of me ….. and parts I can share with clients. It was phenomenally read, real truths and with love. I felt so much from each… words would never capture all the elements, thoughts to ponder, emotions to check and or awaken…… I will just wait for the movie and hope I can audition for a part. Seriously
Your Sis Queen

must read!

Such an amazing compilation of stories and people's experiences! Truly a beautiful way to learn, connect, and grow as people and community.

Now that I know I am not the only one!!!

This changes everything! I am so Thankful for these stories. This has opened my eyes to see people from many different perspectives yet they look like me.

Great read

I loved this book. the author is profound! I highly recommend this book for all races to know the struggle black women face, yet, still in America.

We should all read this & hopefully be encouraged

this is a great anthology of relatable experiences around, during, and within the black experience. I feel I have grown just by reading. In addition, I feel more encouraged to share my own experience, so that others may learn... And hopefully not have to repeat the instances of shame and guilt