I really recommend this book - Travis does such a good job portraying a Black woman's lived experience and her path to advancement in her career. I've read a lot of books starring journalists, and I felt like this one was the most interesting and accurate.

Meh. There were good parts, but this one fell short for me.

Gen, I would loved to see her take action about her situation more. She complained and complained about the racist things that were happening to her, but never did anything about it. That was frustrating. She, as a character, frustrated me very much. To know that you’re being mistreated, almost everyday, and just accept it? Why?

I thought that there was a ton of redundant memories and info in the book. I find myself skipping over quite Few parts.

I appreciated how the author highlighted how women and black women are misrepresented in workplaces.

Jude was cool. His character development was probably the best in the story.

I really enjoyed this book. It’s a slow burn, second chance romance, two tropes which I love. The book touches on quite a few different topics, like interracial dating, micro-aggressions, racism and being a black woman in the workplace. The characters felt very real, I loved some and hated others.

I loved seeing Gen develop as a character throughout the whole book and I found myself rooting for her from the start. She’s a great example of showing strength in the face of adversity. I’d definitely recommend this book to others, it’s a very easy read and I found myself flying through it.

The Only Black Girl in the Room: A Novel by Alex Travis is a complex delve into love, race relations, microaggression and the often “invisibility” of minorities in the workplace. At the start of the book, Ms. Travis immediately captures our attention as readers witness both a burial and a proposal. Genevieve Francis and Jude Landon have been high school and college sweethearts for six years; even though their circumstances and social status are completely different they can see themselves together for the long haul. Their relationship implodes and they spend four years avoiding each other. The story is told solely from Genevieve’s perspective, so we get her reaction to the breakup and subsequent reconnection. Genevieve is working at her dream job as a journalist; however, she is underutilized, marginalized, and unappreciated! When Jude contacts her editor with the request that Genevieve write an authorized profile on him, will this be an opportunity to bring some closure to their past or will it be the gateway to a new beginning? Ms. Travis has crafted a tastefully rendered second-chance love story while giving authentic social commentary on race relations in the workplace. Jude was not the narrator of this story, but he is a finely drawn character and his sweetness and growth were evident. Genevieve is likable, and readers will root for her success in both her professional and personal life! I would like to thank NetGalley and Alcove Press for this digital arc; all opinions and impressions are my own.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

This is black girl magic at its best. It's for all of us who have been overlooked. The book follows Genevieve who is an overlooked journalist at her newspaper job. She is tasked with menial tasks while her colleagues are thriving. She
Is then tasked with covering a prominent CEO who happens to be her ex. It's a story of second chances, thriving as a black girl and community.

Rating:3.8

Oh to be the only black girl in the room 🥹 I enjoyed reading this book so much. It definitely is a realistic representation of the struggles black women have in the first place. It’s real while still being entertaining. I was rooting for Genevieve the whole time.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this pre-publication.

Wow, what a fantastic book!
I loved (most) characters and really appreciated the character development.
I adored the writing style, felt really immersed in the story and it was difficult to put down (read 70% in one day)!
The ending was really wholesome and realistic <3

One thing that I found a bit annoying at moments was the amount of repetition of Jude’s past behaviour compared to now Gen kept focussing on, other than that - I will highly recommend this book and will definitely want a physical copy once available.

I realllllyyyyy wanted to love this book, and there are themes that I loved, but it fell flat for me.

Genevieve is working as a journalist for a local newspaper and battling racism daily within the publication. She’s constantly being called wrong name, is never given an opportunity for a story, and is routinely asked to copy edit and sensitivity read the stories her white peers have written. Her big break comes when she’s told she is to write a high profile article for a CEO, who specifically requested Gen. When she learns who it is, she must face a past decision she thought she left behind.

The best thing, for me, about this story is definitely its relatability, especially for black journalists and black women in general.
I also appreciated how the romance was an underlying part of Gen’s story and her self love was the main character.
Unfortunately I couldn’t get into the story. There were numerous parts where I was beyond bored and didn’t really know or care where the story was going. It also felt hard to follow a lot of the time.

Overall, this was still a great piece of fiction and one that I think will go far for many people!

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for an eARC of this story! All opinions are my own!

Alex Travis’s debut novel, “The Only Black Girl in the Room,” is a compelling exploration of workplace challenges, microaggressions, and the complexities of interracial relationships. Genevieve Francis, a 25-year-old Black reporter, finds herself relegated to diversity checks for her white colleagues, a stark portrayal of the racial disparities within the workplace. Travis skillfully weaves a narrative that delves into the nuanced experiences of being the only Black woman in a predominantly white environment.

When Genevieve gets the chance to cover a prominent CEO’s gala, she discovers that the CEO is her ex, Jude Landon, setting the stage for a journey filled with personal and professional challenges. Travis addresses issues such as racism and microaggressions, offering a timely and thought-provoking examination of the struggles faced by Black women striving to advance in their careers. The character development is a highlight, with Genevieve’s relatable complexities and flaws anchoring the narrative. The novel expertly navigates the intricacies of workplace dynamics, portraying the racial backlash Genevieve encounters and her conflicted feelings towards her ex. The second-chance romance between Genevieve and Jude adds authenticity to the story, capturing the messiness of real relationships.

Travis’s debut confronts themes of interracial dating and racism, providing readers with a glimpse into the challenges Black women encounter in predominantly white workplaces. The book underscores the importance of diversity, representation, and the need for change in corporate settings. While the pacing may feel slow in certain parts, the overall impact of “The Only Black Girl in the Room” is substantial. Alex Travis introduces a fresh voice in contemporary fiction, offering a compelling blend of women’s fiction and romance that resonates with authenticity. This thought-provoking novel is a must-read for those seeking a nuanced exploration of race, relationships, and workplace dynamics.

This book dealt with both interracial dating, the difference in wealth, racism in a prominent white working environment and the importance of friendships.
High school lovers relationship came to uni abrupt end. In the four years that had passed, Jude has become a young CEO, whilst journalist Gen is struggling to get the opportunity to write a heading line piece for the local paper, due to the undercurrent racism that flows through the office.
After finally meeting again, can these ex friends iron out their issues and reignite their friendship?
I enjoyed how this book dealt with the racism in work, the interracial relationship, the blinkered beliefs of people when it comes to unbelievable wealth in a relationship.

An entertaining yet thoughtful book that highlights racism in the workplace. You root for the main characters to find their way back to each other and for the Fates to stumble in this story of the only black woman in a news organization that is marginalized until she has her day

Genevieve Francis loves Jude Landon but the timing for them to be a couple or move forward in the relationship always seems a little off. In addition, Gen is a victim of a toxic workplace culture riddled with blatant racism. She thought life would be different.
While I greatly enjoyed this story, I felt there was a lot of repetition through her thoughts, words and actions. Round and round in circles she goes and I feel that made the novel longer than it needed to be. For instance, she says she didn't want his help or a job through that connection (many times), much repetition to emphasize the kind of work she is assigned rather than her own story to write, she needs another job (but doesn't look for one). Her whole I love him, is it enough, can we do it together, he's changed, has he changed enough got a bit repetitive also. I think a tighter edit might have helped this.
The ending related to Gen's workplace dilemma was satisfying but not her personal relationship with Jude and his family, "his orbit".
The writing, for the most part, is good and very relatable. I thoroughly enjoyed it and finished in just 4 days of reading at lunch and in the evenings. I wanted to keep reading! I do recommend. I went back and forth between 3 and 4 stars but decided on 4 as more people should read this novel!

THE ONLY BLACK GIRL IN THE ROOM is a novel that has the best of intentions in exploring the daily microagressions that Black people (especially women) face, both in the workplace and without. It wants to highlight both overt and undercover instances of discrimination and the trials of being in a biracial relationship and shed light on the consequences of systemic racism and all of this is commendable and utterly necessary. Unfortunately, it just doesn't do any of that very well. The plot is slow-moving and predictable, the narration is repetitive (the novel seems to rely on a loop of "someone says or does something racist to main character, main character ponders her career prospects, main character has discussion with one of two best friends about the same subject, main character interacts with ex-boyfriend and questions their past, present and future, rinse, repeat), and it can sometimes feel that the author is referencing a checklist of every racial justice term and making sure her characters mention them all at least once. There is a lack of subtlety and finesse that we see in other novels exploring similar themes (Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid) or tongue-in-cheek satire (Yellowface by RF Kuong) that would truly make this work. I also just didn't buy the second chance romance at all! Why would this woman choose to return to a past toxic relationship and forever have to be involved with his racist family members? Make it make sense! I'm sad this just didn't work for me, but I know there are so many readers for whom it will be a good read.

“The Only Black Girl in the Room" by Alex Travis is a timely and thought-provoking debut novel that delves into the challenges faced by a young Black reporter in a predominantly white workplace. Through the eyes of Genevieve Francis, the protagonist, the book explores themes of racial inequality, personal growth, and the pursuit of one's dreams.

Genevieve, a talented and ambitious 25-year-old reporter, finds herself stuck in a role that does not reflect her abilities and aspirations. Instead of being given the opportunity to cover significant stories, she is assigned menial tasks such as copy edits and sensitivity reads for her white colleagues. However, when she is offered the chance to write a profile on her ex-boyfriend and prominent CEO, Jude, she sees it as an opportunity to prove herself and elevate her career.

Travis skillfully captures the complexities of Gen's situation, highlighting the racial biases and microaggressions she faces in her workplace. The author explores the challenges of being the only Black person in a predominantly white environment, shedding light on the daily struggles and pressures that come with it. Gen's internal conflict between wanting to succeed and the fear of exposing her past with Jude adds an extra layer of tension to the story.

The character development in "The Only Black Girl in the Room" is exceptional. Gen's journey of self-discovery and empowerment is inspiring, as she learns to navigate the obstacles in her path and find her voice. Travis portrays her with authenticity and vulnerability, allowing readers to connect with her on a deep level. The supporting characters, particularly Gen's white colleagues and Jude, are well-developed and contribute to the exploration of racial dynamics and personal growth.

The pacing of the novel is consistent, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish. Travis's writing style is energetic and compelling, effectively conveying Gen's emotions and the challenges she faces. The author's attention to detail and ability to tackle sensitive topics with sensitivity and nuance is commendable.

Overall, "The Only Black Girl in the Room" is a powerful and thought-provoking debut that addresses important issues of race, identity, and ambition. Alex Travis's storytelling is captivating, and the book serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength required to overcome systemic barriers. This novel is a must-read for anyone seeking a compelling story that explores the complexities of racial inequality in contemporary society. I really enjoyed it and I would love a paperback copy 😉

Jude and Gen come from different backgrounds and try to have a dating life. Her partner comes fro a wealthy background, and of course they don't agree with him dating her. This resonates with me growing up with parents that were in an inter racial marriage.
She suffers from micro agressions in the workplace, as well, which happens all too often.
This was a great debut read and I wish it didn't have to hit home with me as an African American woman that's been in similar work scenarios.

Thank you to #netgalley for this #arc

The Only black Girl in the Room is a very nice debut. 
I relate to the main character all too well. From the microaggressions and racism in the workplace, as well as interracial dating. I did enjoy the romance and I also felt that this was extremely realistic. The writing flowed so well which made me eat this up!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Only Black Girl in the Room by Alex Travis is an outstanding and thought-provoking debut.
I was totally invested in this book right from the beginning.
This was well written and relevant in every sense of the word.
I loved that the writing is so charming, accessible and appealing.

Thank You NetGalley and Alcove Press for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Well written, well told, a delightful coming of age story with a sweet second chance romance subplot. Loved the witty writing style , the close first person, and the relatable MC.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It started out with a bang and touched on a lot of different subjects. Interracial dating, micro aggressions , racism and what it’s like being a black woman in the workplace. This story revolves are Gen and Jude young lovers with a complicated dating life. I don’t want to ruin the storyline but Gen and Jude come from two different background, Jude is a white male apart of the Landon’s history a very wealthy family and Gen is just a normal black girl. Their storyline is far from perfect but this book was such a good read.

Gave insightful commentary about what black women got through in the work force. How they have to do twice as much work without have the recognition. I love the MFC and can’t wait to read more from this author.