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If I Ruled the World
A fast-paced, juicy debut novel that peeks behind the curtain at the cutthroat world of hip-hop music and the glamorous magazine scene in the late 1990s, written by the ultimate insider
It’s 1999, and Nikki Rose is the only Black editor on the staff of a prestigious fashion magazine she once thought would be her ticket to becoming a respected editor-in-chief. But after being told one too many times by her boss that “Black girls don’t sell magazines,” she walks away to take over Sugar, a struggling hip-hop music and lifestyle magazine with untapped potential.
Thrown into an entirely new world of wealth, decadence, and debauchery, Nikki has just six months to save Sugar—and her own dreams. As she pulls all-nighters at the office and parties with the era’s most influential bad boys, Nikki must prove she has what it takes to lead. But her most dangerous challenge is evading Alonzo Griffin, her very married, very powerful ex-boyfriend and former boss, who’s determined to destroy both her and Sugar. Along the way, Nikki leans on a circle of loyal friends, and navigates unexpected romances that force her to reckon with what—and who—she truly wants.
If I Ruled the World is a smart, utterly immersive romp through one of the most dynamic eras in pop culture history—a story of ambition, friendship, love, and the journey to finding your own voice.
It’s 1999, and Nikki Rose is the only Black editor on the staff of a prestigious fashion magazine she once thought would be her ticket to becoming a respected editor-in-chief. But after being told one too many times by her boss that “Black girls don’t sell magazines,” she walks away to take over Sugar, a struggling hip-hop music and lifestyle magazine with untapped potential.
Thrown into an entirely new world of wealth, decadence, and debauchery, Nikki has just six months to save Sugar—and her own dreams. As she pulls all-nighters at the office and parties with the era’s most influential bad boys, Nikki must prove she has what it takes to lead. But her most dangerous challenge is evading Alonzo Griffin, her very married, very powerful ex-boyfriend and former boss, who’s determined to destroy both her and Sugar. Along the way, Nikki leans on a circle of loyal friends, and navigates unexpected romances that force her to reckon with what—and who—she truly wants.
If I Ruled the World is a smart, utterly immersive romp through one of the most dynamic eras in pop culture history—a story of ambition, friendship, love, and the journey to finding your own voice.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published January 27, 2026
376 people are currently reading
15371 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 370 reviews
February 5, 2026
I loved everything about this book. The NYC 90s setting, the relationships, the music, ugh. I can’t wait for the Hulu series. Perfect for lovers of The Devil Wears Prada and Brown Sugar.
January 4, 2026
Quick Thoughts:
Just know that the main character, Nikki, is going to get on your nerves! She makes the same mistake over and over again, but by the end of the book, I believe her hardheadness was not a curse. It was actually a blessing!
Read If I Ruled the World if you like:
*Books with 90s pop culture/music references
*Stories that do not hesitate to get to the drama
*Coming of age stories/character growth
Just know that the main character, Nikki, is going to get on your nerves! She makes the same mistake over and over again, but by the end of the book, I believe her hardheadness was not a curse. It was actually a blessing!
Read If I Ruled the World if you like:
*Books with 90s pop culture/music references
*Stories that do not hesitate to get to the drama
*Coming of age stories/character growth
February 6, 2026
This was ok but a little boring with the bad decisions.
I think I would have eaten this book up 20 years ago....
I think I would have eaten this book up 20 years ago....
October 26, 2025
Set in the vibrant, competitive world of late-1990s New York, If I Ruled the World pulls readers behind the scenes of the hip-hop magazine boom and the fashion industry’s glass ceilings. The story follows Nikki Rose, a talented (racially ambiguous) and ambitious editor who, after being told once too often that “Black girls don’t sell magazines,” leaves her prestigious job to take over Sugar, a struggling hip-hop publication on the brink of collapse.
Nikki makes plenty of mistakes along the way but I fell in love with her willingness to keep betting on herself despite setbacks, bad decisions, and the power dynamics working against her. Surrounded by loyal friends and supportive parents, she learns that chasing success doesn’t mean losing herself in the process.
Fast-paced, bold, and layered with heart, If I Ruled the World tells a story about ambition, identity, and the unshakable belief that Black women deserve the corner office without having to play politics to get there.
Nikki makes plenty of mistakes along the way but I fell in love with her willingness to keep betting on herself despite setbacks, bad decisions, and the power dynamics working against her. Surrounded by loyal friends and supportive parents, she learns that chasing success doesn’t mean losing herself in the process.
Fast-paced, bold, and layered with heart, If I Ruled the World tells a story about ambition, identity, and the unshakable belief that Black women deserve the corner office without having to play politics to get there.
Read
February 26, 2026Fun, propulsive look at 90s magazine culture in New York. Drops you right in alongside big names, big magazines, big spots, and served as a walk through memory lane for Black millennials or anyone interested in hip-hop and entertainment culture in NYC, and the ways misogyny bleeds into reactions, reputations, and colors livelihoods. Expansive on how the actions of men can affect women for decades, and how culture protects them from facing consequences if they make money for corporations.
Nikki Rose is a flawed, frustrating protagonist, but it added to the reading experience- she will always make the wrong choice, but you will always root for her. Really enjoyed the scenes of her with her friends as well.
Nikki Rose is a flawed, frustrating protagonist, but it added to the reading experience- she will always make the wrong choice, but you will always root for her. Really enjoyed the scenes of her with her friends as well.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is one of the best debut novels I've read in a while. It's obvious the author took her time writing this story. The plot development shows the depth of the author's research into sensitive issues women face in the entertainment industry, The characters were very well developed. One other thing that is obvious is the editing was on point. I can't wait to see what this author produces next. If the writing stays like this I will be a fan for life.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ALC. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 21, 2026
A wild ride through the industry of Black media and entertainment that I appreciated in several ways.
This book has an insane start as we meet Nikki in a questionable, scandalous situation. But as the story continued, I found myself rooting for her and her growth.
I love how this story balances the value and impact of Black art, music, and fashion with the harmful nature of the hip-hop scene and overall entertainment industry.
Nikki’s love of Black women and her drive for bringing inclusive representation to the industry was meaningful. But her experiences also highlight how women within hip-hop and the entertainment industry as a whole are mistreated, objectified, and abused. It resonates strongly as it ties into issues we witness in real life.
I think Nikki was a complex and compelling character. While she makes bad decisions, the story does a good job of exploring the destructive influences around her. On a surface level, it also made for good drama. I felt her determination, frustrations, and fears, as she navigated the cutthroat business. She also had a level of self awareness and reflection that made me invested in her arc.
The writing was dynamic and immersive as it effectively put me in the middle of the fast paced city and celebrity culture. I appreciated the descriptive writing’s ability to place me in the mind of a magazine editor. But the constant pop culture, celebrity, and fashion references did feel like a bit much at times.
I enjoyed my time experiencing Nikki pave a way for herself and all of the valuable themes that accompanied her journey.
This book has an insane start as we meet Nikki in a questionable, scandalous situation. But as the story continued, I found myself rooting for her and her growth.
I love how this story balances the value and impact of Black art, music, and fashion with the harmful nature of the hip-hop scene and overall entertainment industry.
Nikki’s love of Black women and her drive for bringing inclusive representation to the industry was meaningful. But her experiences also highlight how women within hip-hop and the entertainment industry as a whole are mistreated, objectified, and abused. It resonates strongly as it ties into issues we witness in real life.
I think Nikki was a complex and compelling character. While she makes bad decisions, the story does a good job of exploring the destructive influences around her. On a surface level, it also made for good drama. I felt her determination, frustrations, and fears, as she navigated the cutthroat business. She also had a level of self awareness and reflection that made me invested in her arc.
The writing was dynamic and immersive as it effectively put me in the middle of the fast paced city and celebrity culture. I appreciated the descriptive writing’s ability to place me in the mind of a magazine editor. But the constant pop culture, celebrity, and fashion references did feel like a bit much at times.
I enjoyed my time experiencing Nikki pave a way for herself and all of the valuable themes that accompanied her journey.
January 29, 2026
3.75⭐️
Thank you @macmillan.audio + @flatiron_books for the galley and ALC ♡
my review on bookstagram
A love letter (but also some hate mail: some things are broken) to the media/entertainment/fashion industry.
🎉 Happy pub day to this debut title which brought me back to growing up in the 90s right before the birth of MTV and the internet era.
Women have always had to fight to have a seat at the corporate table and it was doubly difficult for Nikki Rose as a woman of color (Black biracial). Because “Black girls don’t sell magazines”.
💈Loved the use of hair as a metaphor throughout the book and Nikki’s resolve despite failures and setbacks (many of her own making). Look, it may have taken her a few screwups to learn, but her girl crew had her back and called her on her nonsense too.
The men in the book.. oof. “There is no cultural justification for rape [in the entertainment industry].”
Reminded me so much of a quote from Beartown by @backmansk “Religion doesn’t fight, guns don’t kill, and you need to be very fucking clear that hockey has never raped anyone! But do you know who do? Fight and kill and rape?…MEN!”
Mind the trigger warnings. Tackles topics including rape, consent, misogyny, sexism, racism.
👠 Give this one a read if you loved The Devil Wears Prada or similar stories of the cutthroat fashion industry. The audiobook is my recommended format, where Kristolyn Lloyd brought all the characters to life.
Thank you @macmillan.audio + @flatiron_books for the galley and ALC ♡
my review on bookstagram
A love letter (but also some hate mail: some things are broken) to the media/entertainment/fashion industry.
🎉 Happy pub day to this debut title which brought me back to growing up in the 90s right before the birth of MTV and the internet era.
Women have always had to fight to have a seat at the corporate table and it was doubly difficult for Nikki Rose as a woman of color (Black biracial). Because “Black girls don’t sell magazines”.
💈Loved the use of hair as a metaphor throughout the book and Nikki’s resolve despite failures and setbacks (many of her own making). Look, it may have taken her a few screwups to learn, but her girl crew had her back and called her on her nonsense too.
The men in the book.. oof. “There is no cultural justification for rape [in the entertainment industry].”
Reminded me so much of a quote from Beartown by @backmansk “Religion doesn’t fight, guns don’t kill, and you need to be very fucking clear that hockey has never raped anyone! But do you know who do? Fight and kill and rape?…MEN!”
Mind the trigger warnings. Tackles topics including rape, consent, misogyny, sexism, racism.
👠 Give this one a read if you loved The Devil Wears Prada or similar stories of the cutthroat fashion industry. The audiobook is my recommended format, where Kristolyn Lloyd brought all the characters to life.
Want to read
February 13, 2026OH YES!!! Can’t wait to read this one 🥰😍🥰
February 4, 2026
SO good, I hope there’s a sequel!
January 29, 2026
I LOVED EVERY SINGLE MINUTE OF THIS. This book will definitely live on my shelves because wow.
I really can not believe this is a debut. Miss Barnett, you did THAT and have instantly become an autobuy author.
BUT this story is a love letter to all Black women about the importance of fighting back and standing on business. Our main character, Nikki Rose, is living every Black woman's daily life, being the only Black woman in the room. After being told "Black girls don't sell magazine" she leaves this traumatic environment to take over a struggling hip-hop magazine, Sugar. However, once she gets there, she realizes that Sugar and the world that it's intertwined with is equally toxic. After constant missteps (and most of them are frustrating!) Nikki realizes the importance of her role in disrupting the toxic hip hop world.
Despite my frustrations, I saw much of myself in Nikki and found myself rooting for her success and growth with each lesson she learned. One quote that really summed up our journey with Nikki was this:
"I'm just sick of being a pawn. Honestly, I'm sick of how damn near every woman is a pawn in this world. We get judged and cornered and casually discussed." and "Now I want to resist. I am resisting."
This is a must-read for readers who enjoy stories about women taking their power back! Please check the trigger warnings for this one - there are mentions of r***.
Thank you to Netgalley and MacMillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I really can not believe this is a debut. Miss Barnett, you did THAT and have instantly become an autobuy author.
BUT this story is a love letter to all Black women about the importance of fighting back and standing on business. Our main character, Nikki Rose, is living every Black woman's daily life, being the only Black woman in the room. After being told "Black girls don't sell magazine" she leaves this traumatic environment to take over a struggling hip-hop magazine, Sugar. However, once she gets there, she realizes that Sugar and the world that it's intertwined with is equally toxic. After constant missteps (and most of them are frustrating!) Nikki realizes the importance of her role in disrupting the toxic hip hop world.
Despite my frustrations, I saw much of myself in Nikki and found myself rooting for her success and growth with each lesson she learned. One quote that really summed up our journey with Nikki was this:
"I'm just sick of being a pawn. Honestly, I'm sick of how damn near every woman is a pawn in this world. We get judged and cornered and casually discussed." and "Now I want to resist. I am resisting."
This is a must-read for readers who enjoy stories about women taking their power back! Please check the trigger warnings for this one - there are mentions of r***.
Thank you to Netgalley and MacMillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 11, 2026
I loved reading this book as it reminded me of a time when my biggest dream was to be a music blogger. It hit especially hard for me reading Nikki’s journey and seeing her hit adversity, misogyny, and literal harm be done to her & understanding that is truly the harsh reality women in media face.
I really enjoyed Nikki’s journey of empowerment. She went from man to man, job to job and really learned herself in the process. It sucks it took so long to find her true voice and purpose but it be like that sometimes! She fully came into herself at the end and it was a beautiful moment. I loved that there was no redemption for the bad people in this book; some people are just rotten and that’s what it is.
This is a celebration of hip hop, of media, of the 90s, of trailblazing women and all the hard times we go through to finally make our way. This is for all the girls who grew up with copies of Vibe magazine, furry hooded baby phat jackets & watched the 106th & Park countdown everyday. This book spoke directly to me.
I really enjoyed Nikki’s journey of empowerment. She went from man to man, job to job and really learned herself in the process. It sucks it took so long to find her true voice and purpose but it be like that sometimes! She fully came into herself at the end and it was a beautiful moment. I loved that there was no redemption for the bad people in this book; some people are just rotten and that’s what it is.
This is a celebration of hip hop, of media, of the 90s, of trailblazing women and all the hard times we go through to finally make our way. This is for all the girls who grew up with copies of Vibe magazine, furry hooded baby phat jackets & watched the 106th & Park countdown everyday. This book spoke directly to me.
February 23, 2026
This book was AMAZING!!!
February 3, 2026
“Am I a slut or a boss or a bookworm or somebody’s bitch? Honestly, I have no fucking idea. And I don’t know what you all want from me.”
This book was all at once funny, empowering, and deeply sobering. The Devil Wears Prada meets intersectional feminism. I loved it!
Amy Dubois Barnett writes about Black women’s experiences in the music and magazine industry from personal experience which made this authentic. The book addresses racism, sexual assault, proving “blackness,” body size, and misogyny without softening the truth or making it “comfortable” for outsiders.
The metaphor of Black women’s hair woven throughout the book is especially powerful, showing how identity, control, creativity, and resistance are constantly negotiated in public spaces and in positions of power. It’s smart, intentional, and unforgettable.
I also really enjoyed the narration by Kristolyn Lloyd-my favorite part being her Steve Urkel voice.
This isn’t so much a book about ruling the world but about who’s been holding it together while being shut out of power. I laughed, learned, and checked myself more than once.
This book was all at once funny, empowering, and deeply sobering. The Devil Wears Prada meets intersectional feminism. I loved it!
Amy Dubois Barnett writes about Black women’s experiences in the music and magazine industry from personal experience which made this authentic. The book addresses racism, sexual assault, proving “blackness,” body size, and misogyny without softening the truth or making it “comfortable” for outsiders.
The metaphor of Black women’s hair woven throughout the book is especially powerful, showing how identity, control, creativity, and resistance are constantly negotiated in public spaces and in positions of power. It’s smart, intentional, and unforgettable.
I also really enjoyed the narration by Kristolyn Lloyd-my favorite part being her Steve Urkel voice.
This isn’t so much a book about ruling the world but about who’s been holding it together while being shut out of power. I laughed, learned, and checked myself more than once.
February 6, 2026
In her acknowledgments, the author mentions she pictured this book on screen as she was writing it. I think this book will work much better on screen. There was so much endless telling the reader what every character was wearing, what they were listening to, etc in every single scene, and all of that could be cut for TV since you could just see or hear it! I am sure all of that description was done to remind us that the book is set in 1999-2001, but it was so excessive and really bogged down the story.
There were definitely some important issues tackled throughout, but the main character was way too dumbed down for me. I found it hard to believe that this supposedly brilliant, badass editor in chief would continue to make stupid decisions with terrible men who were carbon copies of each other. She got it together at the very end (like literally the last 2 or 3 chapters!), but it was a bit of a slog to get there.
There were definitely some important issues tackled throughout, but the main character was way too dumbed down for me. I found it hard to believe that this supposedly brilliant, badass editor in chief would continue to make stupid decisions with terrible men who were carbon copies of each other. She got it together at the very end (like literally the last 2 or 3 chapters!), but it was a bit of a slog to get there.
February 23, 2026
This was a juicy book, definitely kept me engaged and entertained!
Alonzo got his!
Easy Read!
5 🌟
Alonzo got his!
Easy Read!
5 🌟
Read
February 28, 2026Oh the drama! I can’t wait for this tv show🙂↕️ LOVEEE
February 19, 2026
A debut novel filled to the brim with entertainment industry content from the late 1990s and early 2000s. Juicy couture track suits, restrictive VIP sections at nightclubs, hip hop culture and music, fashion magazines, sexual abuse and rape, and copious amounts of Cristal. The main character, Nikki, seemed to make one terrible decision after another. Midway through the book I thought, thank goodness she doesn’t rule the world! The story had its share of spicy writing but often had a YA feel to it. There wasn’t anything too terrible about this novel…just wasn’t my cup of tea (or should I say Cristal!)
March 5, 2026
Alonzo....you can catch these hands!! This started off really good, juicy and a little messy but around 70% mark started to get boring. Overall it was a good listen and love the late 90s and 2000s references!
March 10, 2026
Title + Author: If I Ruled the World — Amy Dubois Barnett
Format: Audiobook
Why I picked this up:
I loved the cover, the title, and that this debut novel is set in the late 90s, early 2000s with a backdrop of hip hop, friendship, unmet expectations, and the culture.
What it’s really about:
The book reframes coming of age, finding oneself, and curating the life you want. It's also about the love of friendships, the love of family, and true romantic love when the time is right.
What stood out:
The narration, the unique relationship Nikki had with her girlfriends. The hip hop references also stood out and while this book was written recently, it pulled back the curtain of hip hop culture that has been more recently revealed for gen pop.
Who this is for / not for:
Great for anyone who is rooting for someone who has had to make some bad decisions to end up finding themselves.
Bottom line:
A fun, nostalgic listen that rewards patience without rushing to judgment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillion Audio for this advanced reader/listener's copy (ARC).
Format: Audiobook
Why I picked this up:
I loved the cover, the title, and that this debut novel is set in the late 90s, early 2000s with a backdrop of hip hop, friendship, unmet expectations, and the culture.
What it’s really about:
The book reframes coming of age, finding oneself, and curating the life you want. It's also about the love of friendships, the love of family, and true romantic love when the time is right.
What stood out:
The narration, the unique relationship Nikki had with her girlfriends. The hip hop references also stood out and while this book was written recently, it pulled back the curtain of hip hop culture that has been more recently revealed for gen pop.
Who this is for / not for:
Great for anyone who is rooting for someone who has had to make some bad decisions to end up finding themselves.
Bottom line:
A fun, nostalgic listen that rewards patience without rushing to judgment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillion Audio for this advanced reader/listener's copy (ARC).
January 29, 2026
Fresh, energetic and FABULOUS! IIRTW takes us to the highly charged world of the 1990s NYC magazine and hip hop era.
I absolutely loved this story. Nikki was such a complex, melodramatic character with so many things popping off in her personal life and professional career that left me waiting for the next big jolt. She made poor choices, but who hasn't. I loved seeing her grow and evolve, taking charge, unraveling chains, and carving her own path.
When you see pictures from the 90s celeb you get a glimpse into the luxury party lifestyle that commanded the scene. You see the high powered players, the R&B stars, music moguls, slick models, bottles popping and 50 watt smiles. What you don't see are the rumors, blackmail, manipulation and scandals looming beneath the surface.
This books shows us all of that and more! It was such an exciting read that I got lost in, taking me back to the 90s when life was good and I was picking up Essence/Cosmopolitan magazines every month to see the latest celebrity news. I swear I felt like I was weaving through the crowded clubs with Nikki and her friends, sipping bubbly and turning up to the rump shaking beats.
This debut was bold, rich, fun and so real. IMO the author’s style struck me as my favorite author - Tia Williams (not the romance, but the core of the characters). She really spotlighted a lot of the messiness that happened and is now being brought to light!
The narration was magnificent! Kristolyn Lloyd epitomized each character 1000%. Highly skilled in her craft, perfect tones, pitches, “that girl” aura, and magnifying the essence of the character and every emotion felt. SHE was Nikki, you can't tell me otherwise!
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞/𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟗𝟎𝐬? I miss being in school, playing outside with friends - not having any cares
I absolutely loved this story. Nikki was such a complex, melodramatic character with so many things popping off in her personal life and professional career that left me waiting for the next big jolt. She made poor choices, but who hasn't. I loved seeing her grow and evolve, taking charge, unraveling chains, and carving her own path.
When you see pictures from the 90s celeb you get a glimpse into the luxury party lifestyle that commanded the scene. You see the high powered players, the R&B stars, music moguls, slick models, bottles popping and 50 watt smiles. What you don't see are the rumors, blackmail, manipulation and scandals looming beneath the surface.
This books shows us all of that and more! It was such an exciting read that I got lost in, taking me back to the 90s when life was good and I was picking up Essence/Cosmopolitan magazines every month to see the latest celebrity news. I swear I felt like I was weaving through the crowded clubs with Nikki and her friends, sipping bubbly and turning up to the rump shaking beats.
This debut was bold, rich, fun and so real. IMO the author’s style struck me as my favorite author - Tia Williams (not the romance, but the core of the characters). She really spotlighted a lot of the messiness that happened and is now being brought to light!
The narration was magnificent! Kristolyn Lloyd epitomized each character 1000%. Highly skilled in her craft, perfect tones, pitches, “that girl” aura, and magnifying the essence of the character and every emotion felt. SHE was Nikki, you can't tell me otherwise!
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞/𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟗𝟎𝐬? I miss being in school, playing outside with friends - not having any cares
March 11, 2026
I wasn't expecting much going into this since I randomly picked up this book but wow this was a great read. The side characters were fleshed out so well, the friendships and relationships had depth and nuance, the villains were not cartoonish and had comprehensive motives. The main character was so human, and the writing was great. One thing that could detract is that the main character is slightly headstrong and ends up making the same mistake multiple times, but it's so realistic since she's an idealistic and young.
Also I really appreciated the way we examined sexism in the black community, and I personally learned a lot. AND there was a character named TIKA??!?!!??!!?
Also I really appreciated the way we examined sexism in the black community, and I personally learned a lot. AND there was a character named TIKA??!?!!??!!?
February 2, 2026
I read this book based on Oprah's IG recommendations. I really liked this book, and so happy to see that it is getting a TV adaptation and will be watching it when it comes out. I listened to this on audiobook and devoured it down. Looking forward to more work by Amy Dubois Barnett.
March 13, 2026
The reason that I think that many reviewers find the main character, Nikki, annoying is that she is extremely relatable. As a woman in her twenties living in the 1990s, she is trying to figure out what she wants in life regarding friendships, relationships, and her career. In addition to that, she is a biracial woman navigating a field that is still heavily racist and mainly run by influential men. Does she make some poor decisions? Absolutely. But I think it is her imperfections and evolution throughout the story that I appreciated. We all tend to get stuck in patterns, and the only way to get out of them is to recognize them, acknowledge them and make a conscious effort to change.
February 3, 2026
I really enjoyed this read. The pacing was great and it was an easy read. The storyline hooked me throughout and it was messy and imperfect in a way that was relatable for a lot of people's lives in their twenties and early thirties. I liked that friendship was a major part of the book and her friends held her accountable and were also supportive in the way she needed.
The main character Nikki made some questionable choices (as we all do at times) but I really rooted for her throughout and loved how the book progressed and she came into her own. This book felt like it was in conversation with When Chickenheads Come Home To Roost and I loved that Joan Morgan got a shout-out in the book. It felt true to the feelings of the late 90s and early 2000s. Highly recommend and can't wait to see this book brought to screen.
The main character Nikki made some questionable choices (as we all do at times) but I really rooted for her throughout and loved how the book progressed and she came into her own. This book felt like it was in conversation with When Chickenheads Come Home To Roost and I loved that Joan Morgan got a shout-out in the book. It felt true to the feelings of the late 90s and early 2000s. Highly recommend and can't wait to see this book brought to screen.
February 7, 2026
I finished the audiobook a bit ago, as a matter of fact, well before the release date, but I'm just now able to put into words my feelings about this book. It was absolutely amazing and such a joy to read. It took me back to a time in my life where I didn't have adult responsibilities and had no worries. the 90's was such a vibe and it was nice to see it from another's city's point of view. It showcased what a lot of Black women had to do to achieve the dreams and desires they wanted during that era. If you're a fan of the 90's hip hop scene, Black Magazine culture , and stories that highlight misogyny and navigating adult friendships, then this is the read you need. The author wove together a captivating read that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. And it's been said the book is in the works for a tv series, and i hope and pray it gets completed and shown. I will be waiting and watching front and center.
February 14, 2026
I wanted to like this book but it was boring and fell flat for me.
March 17, 2026
2.5 rounded up! the concept of this book is so cool - basically sex and the city with actual diversity! The setting and concept was so fun, and I love a good late 20s / early 30s woman trying to figure her life out story
this started out really strong for me, but it really became obvious to me this is the authors debut novel. There was so, so much telling rather than showing, and I got the feeling I usually get with debut novels that the author was trying her best to shove all the different things she wanted to talk about in one book, leaving it cluttered and repetitive.
I listened to this book, and I accidentally fell asleep for an hour and felt no need to rewind because the second half of the book was so repetitive.
overall, really good in concept, but the execution really hampered my enjoyment
this started out really strong for me, but it really became obvious to me this is the authors debut novel. There was so, so much telling rather than showing, and I got the feeling I usually get with debut novels that the author was trying her best to shove all the different things she wanted to talk about in one book, leaving it cluttered and repetitive.
I listened to this book, and I accidentally fell asleep for an hour and felt no need to rewind because the second half of the book was so repetitive.
overall, really good in concept, but the execution really hampered my enjoyment
January 27, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
I loved the narration; it fit the vibe of this book perfectly. This definitely reads like a coming-of-age story, with Nikki chasing her dream of becoming editor-in-chief while navigating racism, sexism, and corporate nonsense. She’s very naive but determined to climb the ladder and make a difference. The 1990s atmosphere was spot on, and as a Black woman in corporate America, parts of Nikki’s journey hit close to home. Overall, this was an interesting read, and I can see people enjoying it.
I loved the narration; it fit the vibe of this book perfectly. This definitely reads like a coming-of-age story, with Nikki chasing her dream of becoming editor-in-chief while navigating racism, sexism, and corporate nonsense. She’s very naive but determined to climb the ladder and make a difference. The 1990s atmosphere was spot on, and as a Black woman in corporate America, parts of Nikki’s journey hit close to home. Overall, this was an interesting read, and I can see people enjoying it.
March 2, 2026
Nikki is possibly one of the most relatable characters in contemporary fiction. I found Nikki's ambition, passion, and naivete authentic yet frustrating all at once. Reading If I Ruled the World felt as if I were reading my journal, hoping the pages of the cringe-worthy moments were somehow stuck together. I carried the book with me everywhere I went desperate for a moment to dive back into Nikki's life and the hard lessons that would refine her confidence even further.
Here's to Amy DuBois Barnett's debut novel!
Here's to Amy DuBois Barnett's debut novel!
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