Ally is a powerful and prophetic author.
I was so grateful to have a chance to read an advance copy and interview her for my podcast.
This is a vulnerable glimpse into what it's like to be a woman of color in a white world, particularly white evangelicalism.

I ended up finishing this book after it was released, and did a combination of the kindle and audiobook. I loved both mediums: the e-book because I could highlight the paragraphs that were impactful and the audiobook because it was read by the author herself, whose voice was perfect.

This book is a must-read for those wanting to do the work of racial justice. It covers important themes like respectability politics, constellation of harms, racism within the church, and the misogynoir that black women experience in this country. Ally is an incredible writer. I found myself engaged in every story she told. She defined words and concepts in detail, while providing a nuanced perspective on complex topics.

I found myself especially relating to her experience of racism within the church. Many of the stories are about her experience being a leader in her predominately white, small-town Missouri church. Unfortunately, so many of her stories were identical to what me and my friends have experienced in the white church. These stories were unfortunately not surprising to me, but awful nonetheless.

This is a book written for any audience, really. BIPOC or white, religious or non-religious, male or female or nonbinary. Her stories are so important to raise awareness on the terrible reality of systemic racism in this country. There is so much more work left to do. I’m so grateful for Ally taking the time to carefully share her stories and words with me. What a beautiful book!

P.S. I liked this book so much, I asked my husband to read it. I felt I couldn’t share everything I wanted him to hear unless he read the whole book himself.

I'm not really sure what to do with this one.

First, I follow Ally Henny on Facebook, and she often keeps me sane. Having grown up in St Louis and being all too familiar with the crazy stupid racist variety Missouri can grow. Teaching American history in an as anti-racist way as Missouri will let me and in "underprivileged" areas, many things she says hit home in good ways. I have to find my community in different ways. Therefore, I spent much of this book yelling omg what are you thinking here? Why are you abusing yourself?

Second, I'm not necessarily the intended audience. I'm not Black. I'm not Christain. But in some ways I am the intended audience. I am female. I am loud and end up living my own intersectional hells that I recognize in hers. No, that doesn't mean that I experience racism. Yes, I do experience the fighting that those who uphold white supremacy do when confronted. Yes, I have my own wounds and scars from these battles. Still not the same. I get it. I can't always get others to get it. Also, I could be any of the white women who show up here. I try not to be, but we're all weak humans sometimes.

Third, what is this book wanting to be? It's part memoir. Part do this other people. Chapters seem to (incongruously) end on those notes. It was in those moments that any understanding crashed in the face of racial difference. As I'm sure happens often to people of color in white spaces.

Henny does admirably with dealing with intersectionality and encouraging support across oppressed identities!! Many books in this genre really fall short on that front. I would love to see more of this though! I am still sad about the church-goer who was against the Black Panthers....

Overall, I'm left with the feeling that I would love to have a cup of coffee with Henny, although she doesn't drink coffee and I had that feeling before I read this. There's some refining and focus to be done here to make it feel more universal to fit into the "you should do this" section, but works well as a memoir and a reminder that no one is really fighting all this alone.

I’ve followed Ally for years on social media and this book was everything that I was hoping for and more. Don;t miss out on this book that you absolutely need to read once in your life.

Ally is very articulate. Her writing style draws you in and keeps you engaged. I wish I had half the talent for story telling she does. This book is a must read for anyone willing to take on the work of anti-racism. I hope she writes more books in the future.

“An Unvarnished Perspective on Racism That Calls Black Women to Find Their Voice.”

This book is stunning. From the cover, to the personal stories, to the calls to action, every page contains prophetic wisdom.

As a white woman, I did “catch some big feelings” hearing her talk about people with which I share a decided lack of melanin, but I survived, and you will too.

9.5/10

Thanks to NetGalley, Baker Books, and Ally Henny for this gristly (but, like, in a good way) ARC.

It seems appropriate to share a book about liberation the week of what Ally Henny calls “fake Juneteenth.” Ally Henny is one of the first antiracism/justice advocates I started learning from when my antiracism journey began around 2017. I have long appreciated her voice and have learned so much from her, so I was eager to read her new book. It did not disappoint!
 
Ally speaks with a unique clarity, wisdom, and thoughtfulness. I read this book as a grateful guest, as it centers Black folks and particularly, Black women. She tells vulnerable stories about her own journey of discovering her voice after realizing the myriad ways she had been silenced by white supremacy and misogynoir. She is deeply reflective and shares the wisdom gained from her own experiences.

Henny describes her concept of a “constellation of harms” and how difficult it can be to begin to name your own oppression, the reasons she lost her voice, facing racism in predominantly white spaces, finding her voice, dealing with grief and burnout, and the importance of an intersectional approach to justice. I especially appreciated the section about all of the loss tied up in the pursuit of justice and how to acknowledge and process grief on the journey toward liberation. Henny is a sage guide, offering insightful questions for consideration when working through some of the difficult crossroads one faces on the road to liberation.
 
This is an honest, hopeful read that I imagine would be validating for those experiencing misogynoir specifically or other forms of oppression. It is illuminating for those of us who hold multiple privileged identities. For everyone, it can lead to greater compassion for self and others and ultimately, individual and collective liberation.

This book is loud and unapologetic in all the right ways. Ally takes us on a journey of what it is like being a Black woman in America, and what a journey it is. What I love most about this book was the writing, it flows with purpose and draws you in. Pushing back and speaking up is something that is not easy to do as a Black woman, I know this firsthand. I related to much of the content because I’ve worked in predominantly white spaces for most of my career, finding and using my voice was very much a journey and a tool I had to sharpen by learning, feeling empowered, and reading books like this one. A powerful, necessary read!

This book was not written for me, a white woman, yet I cannot recommend it enough. For the people it was written for, please read it and take Ally's messages to heart-do not be silenced. Though, easy for me to say, right?

I have followed Ally on Facebook for years. I don't know her personally, but I do know that she is smart and kind. As I mentioned, this book was written for black women, but everyone should read it. We all may have experienced misogyny, homophobia, ageism, etc. but white people could never understand what it is like to fear for your life and safety solely based on your skin color. White people, please read this, and let's do better.

Seriousness aside for a moment, you should also read this because it has so much heart and some truly laugh-out-loud moments. Ms. Henny is an engaging and talented writer whose honest narration, draws you in and lifts you up. I hope Ally Henny keeps writing and never, ever shuts up!

I Won't Shut Up is a welcome addition to first-person accounts of the racism that, unfortunately, still exists in majority-white spaces. Henny has written a powerful account of what she has experienced in white christian spaces and how she found her voice despite having to deal with the subtle acts of exclusion that were continually thrown her way.

I have followed her on social media for several years, and am so glad that she hasn't shut up. I also appreciated her discussion of feeling "unpretty" as there are parallels with anti-fatness.

Definitely a book you need to concentrate on. A bit wordy in parts but great reference points sharing real life experiences.