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Therapy Isn't Just For White People
Therapy Isn't Just For White People is a brilliant debut memoir chronicling Imani's compelling journey to understand the racial trauma experienced by many Black people in America and the underlying effect it has on Black mental health. Through therapy, Imani was introduced to the concept of racial trauma, and discovered how her own unrecognized racial trauma affected her mental health, self-image, and worldview.
Spanning more than twenty years, Imani weaves together a multigenerational family portrait of her experiences growing up in the south to her career as a young Black professional, where she was often one of the few Black people in the room. Grounded in truth and reality, in a series of insightful and deeply affecting essays on race, gender, and identity, Imani writes about career, money, religion, food, health, dating, friendships, body image and beauty, and ultimately, through therapy, her mental health and well-being.
Sincere and inspiring, soulful and uplifting, Therapy Isn't Just For White People is a timely reminder of why the telling and sharing of untold Black stories are central to understanding the pervasive race issues in America. "Hold your head high and wear your Black skin with pride," Imani writes, embarking on a journey of understanding, healing, empathy, self-love, and taking control of her personal narrative about what it means to be Black in America in the 21st century.
Spanning more than twenty years, Imani weaves together a multigenerational family portrait of her experiences growing up in the south to her career as a young Black professional, where she was often one of the few Black people in the room. Grounded in truth and reality, in a series of insightful and deeply affecting essays on race, gender, and identity, Imani writes about career, money, religion, food, health, dating, friendships, body image and beauty, and ultimately, through therapy, her mental health and well-being.
Sincere and inspiring, soulful and uplifting, Therapy Isn't Just For White People is a timely reminder of why the telling and sharing of untold Black stories are central to understanding the pervasive race issues in America. "Hold your head high and wear your Black skin with pride," Imani writes, embarking on a journey of understanding, healing, empathy, self-love, and taking control of her personal narrative about what it means to be Black in America in the 21st century.
290 pages, Paperback
Published August 9, 2022
47 people are currently reading
647 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 9, 2022
This book as an absolute must read! ESPECIALLY if you like non-fiction and memoirs. I'm usually more of a fiction person, but I'm so happy I picked up this book. The storytelling is super captivating, and I love that while the message was deep and thoughtful, it never felt too dense to read. I definitely suggest this book to anyone who wants to learn more about growing up as a person of color, or who is just interested in hearing different perspectives. It's definitely a book I'll be re-reading on a cozy day :)
February 21, 2023
I thought the book was great. I could relate to so much of the authors pain, and i commend her for being so honest and vulnerable. I felt seen and reinforced that I’m not alone in these struggles. I wanted to give this book 5 stars for that alone, but there are 3 reasons i couldn’t.
1 being the tile. I dislike the title because it resonates with how blackness is often described by how it relates to whiteness. Maybe that was for marketing reasons or supposed to be some form of irony, but in a memoir about the challenges we face as black Americans, it felt wrong to me.
2 is that the book barely even mentioned therapy. I thought it was going to relate more to how therapy helped the author conquer her trauma, but it was only brought up sporadically.
3 i felt that it was rushed at parts. Obviously, there is a lot of ground to cover and subjects to discuss, but in a lot of sections i wanted the author to go deeper. I actually went to a book signing in the authors hometown and heard her speak about the book and some of the topics with a panel, and there’s no doubt in my mind she could have.
At her book signing i even told her that this is exactly the kind of book i would write if I could. It feels good to be seen and not feel alone when you’re often the “other” in most rooms you walk into. It brought up a lot of memories from my childhood of trying to navigate white spaces. Moments I’ve since come to terms with, but this book has inspired me to be that force for the next generation. Going to try to be more involved in my community and be a role model for black kids that are like I was.
I’d recommend this book to literally anyone in America. Anyone who even remotely cares about social justice and racism should read this. This is the best representation of what growing up black in white spaces is.
1 being the tile. I dislike the title because it resonates with how blackness is often described by how it relates to whiteness. Maybe that was for marketing reasons or supposed to be some form of irony, but in a memoir about the challenges we face as black Americans, it felt wrong to me.
2 is that the book barely even mentioned therapy. I thought it was going to relate more to how therapy helped the author conquer her trauma, but it was only brought up sporadically.
3 i felt that it was rushed at parts. Obviously, there is a lot of ground to cover and subjects to discuss, but in a lot of sections i wanted the author to go deeper. I actually went to a book signing in the authors hometown and heard her speak about the book and some of the topics with a panel, and there’s no doubt in my mind she could have.
At her book signing i even told her that this is exactly the kind of book i would write if I could. It feels good to be seen and not feel alone when you’re often the “other” in most rooms you walk into. It brought up a lot of memories from my childhood of trying to navigate white spaces. Moments I’ve since come to terms with, but this book has inspired me to be that force for the next generation. Going to try to be more involved in my community and be a role model for black kids that are like I was.
I’d recommend this book to literally anyone in America. Anyone who even remotely cares about social justice and racism should read this. This is the best representation of what growing up black in white spaces is.
July 27, 2022
Ms. Imani speaks her unapologetic truth in this forthcoming coming of age recount of growing up Black in a world centered by whiteness. Her perspective, written her way. I love reading about everyday women who finally have a chance to allow us a look into their worlds. I look forward to watching her evolve more and more as she continues to navigate life.
August 23, 2022
This is relatable af.
Kiara Imani share countless examples of the daily life of a Black woman and how to understand our psyche.
This was such a fun and meaningful read. Kiara Imani breaks down more than race: she breaks down micro-aggressions, interracial friendships, religion, education, the Black Lives Matter movement and more.
As a Black woman, I was often bullied for my hair, the way I the way I talk, and for being educated. My favorite quote from her debut novel is “there is no such thing as not being Black enough.” Growing up, I experienced numerous situations where I did not feel Black enough.
This memoir isn’t just a typical memoir. This is for those that want to dive more into the thoughts of a Black woman. This is for White teachers that have Black kids in their class. This is for White girls that have Black friends. This is those that aren’t sure which lives matter. This is a love letter to all Black girls and Black women. Thank you, Kiara for the beautiful read.
Kiara Imani share countless examples of the daily life of a Black woman and how to understand our psyche.
This was such a fun and meaningful read. Kiara Imani breaks down more than race: she breaks down micro-aggressions, interracial friendships, religion, education, the Black Lives Matter movement and more.
As a Black woman, I was often bullied for my hair, the way I the way I talk, and for being educated. My favorite quote from her debut novel is “there is no such thing as not being Black enough.” Growing up, I experienced numerous situations where I did not feel Black enough.
This memoir isn’t just a typical memoir. This is for those that want to dive more into the thoughts of a Black woman. This is for White teachers that have Black kids in their class. This is for White girls that have Black friends. This is those that aren’t sure which lives matter. This is a love letter to all Black girls and Black women. Thank you, Kiara for the beautiful read.
September 8, 2022
I found this to be a really engaging read, and it reminded me of why I used to enjoy reading memoirs and bibliographies. Imani tells a collection of personal stories in short chapters to highlight the ways in which our values, hopes, dreams, and fears are shaped by our experiences. There were so many important reminders in this book about the everyday inequalities and indignities that BIPOC folks face, in particular Black women. This book is a reminder for me, of the importance of taking time to educate yourself on the experiences of marginalized groups instead of expecting to be educated by someone. Google is free. Libraries are free. Great work like this is being written.
September 1, 2022
I knew nothing of this book or the author until I came across it in an IG ad. The title grabbed my attention so I bought it without reading what it was about. I expected to hear about how therapy has helped her as a Black woman, but what I got instead were essays about the Black experience…and because I should’ve read the synopsis first (lol), I was ok with that. Every single chapter had me “mmm hmm-ing” and “Amen-ing” because it was all so relatable. So despite it not being what I expected, it was still a good read. I highly recommend it for EVERYONE, not just Black people.
August 1, 2022
I enjoy reading about other people’s experiences. I thought Imani made some good points in her essays. She did emphasize the same themes constantly, which could be a deterrent. I didn’t agree with all of her assertions and rationalizations. I did identify with her love of Ramen noodles as a major staple of her diet because I was eating those long before college.
Thanks to Lit Riot Press and Edelweiss for the early read.
Thanks to Lit Riot Press and Edelweiss for the early read.
January 8, 2023
This book was great! An honest & powerful memoir.
I thought it was actually going to be about her time in therapy, given the title, but it really wasn’t. It was more of an inner exploration of things based on her time in therapy. Which is great! But I did think it was going to be a more in-depth look at the therapeutic process itself. Again, it was just that the title was misleading perhaps.
I thought it was actually going to be about her time in therapy, given the title, but it really wasn’t. It was more of an inner exploration of things based on her time in therapy. Which is great! But I did think it was going to be a more in-depth look at the therapeutic process itself. Again, it was just that the title was misleading perhaps.
February 13, 2023
This recently caught my eye at the library and I assumed that because it was softcover, it must have been around for a while and was probably pretty popular. I logged into Goodreads and was shocked that it only had around 35 ratings! Despite being a fairly quick read, it was very powerful and I highly recommend it. I hope that it gets more of the attention it deserves!
March 14, 2023
Absolutely loved the book. It spoke to so many things that I have experienced in my life that I didn’t have the words for. As someone new to their own therapy journey as an Afro-Latino, I was hoping to hear more about her experience with therapy. I recognize that this book is likely possible because of her experience with therapy but I just wish we got more of a glimpse into that journey.
August 18, 2022
Throughly enjoyed this book, love that she weaved in history and did not shy away from the current issues. I do wish she delve deeper at times. A wonderful debut and amazing voice for this generation.
January 8, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. She tells the story of her life and the evolution of her attitudes about being black through short and engaging vignettes.
I took it out from the library, but plan to purchase it later so that I can go back and read it again. Thank you for writing this, Kiara!
I took it out from the library, but plan to purchase it later so that I can go back and read it again. Thank you for writing this, Kiara!
March 18, 2025
This was therapeutic!
I’ve never been to therapy and I’ve contemplated it but this book felt like therapy for my soul! A must read for African American women.
I’ve never been to therapy and I’ve contemplated it but this book felt like therapy for my soul! A must read for African American women.
August 9, 2022
𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲 𝐈𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 by Kiara Imani delivered exactly what I love in a great memoir. Her enlightening moments in life kept me totally engaged from the first short story to the last.
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Each chapter of this memoir took me on a unpredictable journey and I loved every moment of it. While reading, I was consumed with the emotionally engaging, beautifully written essays. I never knew what the next story was going to consist of. Therefore, I eagerly anticipated each new chapter as Kiara described her experiences growing up as a black girl in a white world. Her struggles were relatable. Her stories, both thought provoking and concise.
⠀
There’s a wide range of topics discussed in the book. For example, she shares how she felt hearing her white friend Tina use the word, “nigga” for the first time during a conversation. There’s a story of how Kiara learned that she couldn’t wear the same shorts as her white friends without being seen as a sexually enticing. She writes about the healthcare system, as well as deconstructing her idea of Eurocentric beauty standards. She even touches on how the foods we eat affects our lives. But there’s one story in particular that really pulled at my heartstrings. In it, she details her experience being detained by customs at a Houston, Texas airport while returning from Nicaragua. I couldn’t help thinking of Brittney Griner while reading this story. I felt anger and pain for what Kiara went through. Reading about her experience was a reminder of how unnerving and down right scary it can be to travel as a black woman. However, on a lighter note, there is a wig story that had me laughing out loud.
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In fifty personal stories, Kiara delivers her truth in a way that is both profound yet easy to digest. I recommend this book to all memoir lovers. It was a great journey.
⠀
Thank you Lit Riot Press and Kiara Imani for gifting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
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⠀
Each chapter of this memoir took me on a unpredictable journey and I loved every moment of it. While reading, I was consumed with the emotionally engaging, beautifully written essays. I never knew what the next story was going to consist of. Therefore, I eagerly anticipated each new chapter as Kiara described her experiences growing up as a black girl in a white world. Her struggles were relatable. Her stories, both thought provoking and concise.
⠀
There’s a wide range of topics discussed in the book. For example, she shares how she felt hearing her white friend Tina use the word, “nigga” for the first time during a conversation. There’s a story of how Kiara learned that she couldn’t wear the same shorts as her white friends without being seen as a sexually enticing. She writes about the healthcare system, as well as deconstructing her idea of Eurocentric beauty standards. She even touches on how the foods we eat affects our lives. But there’s one story in particular that really pulled at my heartstrings. In it, she details her experience being detained by customs at a Houston, Texas airport while returning from Nicaragua. I couldn’t help thinking of Brittney Griner while reading this story. I felt anger and pain for what Kiara went through. Reading about her experience was a reminder of how unnerving and down right scary it can be to travel as a black woman. However, on a lighter note, there is a wig story that had me laughing out loud.
⠀
In fifty personal stories, Kiara delivers her truth in a way that is both profound yet easy to digest. I recommend this book to all memoir lovers. It was a great journey.
⠀
Thank you Lit Riot Press and Kiara Imani for gifting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
⠀
January 23, 2023
Not enough exploration of therapy
August 21, 2022
A very good read. :)
When ever I read a book, I have found that the ones I most enjoy speak to the relationships (familial, friendships, etc.) that have defined our human connections. Through the therapeutic process, Imani unpacks key moments and experiences that have shaped her identity and the path that has brought her to where she is today.
What I enjoyed the most from Ms. Imani’s narration was the lessons her family provided and reflections on being raised by some of the most exceptional parents. It was interesting to learn about her family, particularly her mother, a pediatrician from a Haitian family. As someone who had worked in healthcare for over half a decade and now as a graduate nursing student, I think the experiences of BIPOC in the field as well as patients, should be highlighted and improved on for better access and stronger relationships based on mutual respect and trust.
When ever I read a book, I have found that the ones I most enjoy speak to the relationships (familial, friendships, etc.) that have defined our human connections. Through the therapeutic process, Imani unpacks key moments and experiences that have shaped her identity and the path that has brought her to where she is today.
What I enjoyed the most from Ms. Imani’s narration was the lessons her family provided and reflections on being raised by some of the most exceptional parents. It was interesting to learn about her family, particularly her mother, a pediatrician from a Haitian family. As someone who had worked in healthcare for over half a decade and now as a graduate nursing student, I think the experiences of BIPOC in the field as well as patients, should be highlighted and improved on for better access and stronger relationships based on mutual respect and trust.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews