I liked the fact that so many of these were from the NYT since I don’t subscribe, and it all was a fascinating mix of thoughts. I wasn’t as much a fan of the book reviews, but I enjoyed all the others. It’s incredibly depressing when you realize how much wretchedness has happened over the past ten years, and the reminders here were rough but good. I think I’m most interested in how these specific essays were chosen over others as they’re such an eclectic mix. ( )

Roxane Gay's writing is thoughtful and incisive. She makes convincing points in these concise essays and opinions. I skipped a few of the pieces from the sections on The Matter of Black Lives, Civic Responsibilities, and For the Culture, and all of Minding Other Folks Business, not because they weren't good but because I was feeling too worn down (I don't want to read about Trump) or am not interested in certain celebrities. Every piece I did read was worthwhile.

Quotes
From the introduction:
...trying to change history by ignoring it.

Understanding when to speak on an issue and when to listen and learn is an invaluable skill I continue to hone. (xix)

...other times I get angry, because anger is an entirely appropriate response to bigotry, systemic bias, and injustice. (xxi)

Writing about race can feel repetitive, but then, racism is repetitive. (xxiii)

The news cycle doesn't allow for memory anymore... (18)

It is curious that time and again, when people create alternate histories, they are largely replicating a history we already know, and intimately. They are replicating histories where whiteness thrives and people of color remain oppressed. (148)

I do not dream of utopia, but I do dare to dream of something better than this world we are currently living in. (191)

Violence is always wrong and solves very little. (206)

The older I get, the more I have to say and the better I am able to express myself. (274) ( )