I Lived to Tell the Story tells of Tamika Mallory's evolution from a young girl with dreams to a powerful voice in the movement for justice is portrayed with depth and authenticity. Mallory offered an unfiltered glimpse into the struggles and triumphs that formed her path. I loved the conversational tone of the narrative with the personal anecdotes that provide offers further relatability. The commentary provided by family members, mentors, and fellow activists, are also well-drawn, providing a comprehensive view of the influences that have shaped her journey. I’m excited for the conversations that dialogue around this book will spark.

Loved this story, can’t wait to buy the physical copy. I’m recommending this to everyone. I felt so connected to this writer and her story.

I Lived to Tell the Story is the kind of memoir that grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go. Tamika D. Mallory’s writing is unapologetically raw, daring you to see the world through her eyes. What really makes this memoir shine is Mallory’s ability to blend her personal journey with the broader fight for justice. She doesn’t just recount events; she invites you into her world and challenges you to confront the uncomfortable truths she’s been battling all her life. Her words feel like an intimate conversation, pulling you in with each page, making you reflect on the intersection of race, activism, and the painful reality of a system designed to silence voices like hers. It is gripping, and serves as a powerful reminder that the journey towards justice and personal growth is never linear, but it’s always worth it.

”I was born fighting for freedom and I will die fighting . . . until freedom.”

Tamika D. Mallory has a powerful story, and it is a gift that she is sharing it with the world now. From humble beginnings in a Harlem housing project, to a string of bad decisions as a teenager, to raising a son alone as a single mother, to eventually becoming a social justice warrior and civil rights icon… Mallory takes the reader on an incredible journey through her own lived experiences, and it is an impactful read.

”Pain, loss, trials and tribulations, and ultimately triumph were the undercurrent of who and what I became.”

Mallory writes with authority on topics as personal as her own failures, addictions, tragedies, and losses; as far-reaching as the daily injustices committed against marginalized communities; and as universal as the desire for freedom & agency. Her words are poignant and transparent—she’s not trying to make anyone look good (including herself); she’s out to inspire us to do good, and she sets an example of activism that is fueled by both humility and passion.

”Goodness is who we are.“

This book won’t be for everyone. Politically left-leaning readers may feel like Mallory is insensitive, with her participation in anti-mask protests in NYC during the early days of COVID, and her name-dropping anecdotes of problematic celebs like Jay-Z and Diddy, in a book that (ironically) discusses her own experience as a victim of sexual assault. Readers on the right of the political spectrum may judge harshly Mallory’s multiple abortions and bold opposition to law enforcement.

Wherever your own lived experiences have taken you, the book will force you out of your comfort zone, as it did for me. I found myself in a place where I had to confront my own biases and examine the level of privilege I was born with. I am grateful that people like Tamika D. Mallory are willing to tell their stories, to raise awareness and fuel change, one reader at a time.

”In spite of everything that has happened in my life, and every decision I have made, good, bad, indifferent, I am worthy. I am worthy of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I am worthy of seeking and experiencing deep, unapologetic joy. Most profoundly, my voice deserves to be heard.”

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A huge thank you to Tamika D. Mallory, Atria, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Was very inspiring and insightful get to see that after everything the people who become activist are just human at the end of the day. Very much a need to read.

a lot of candor and some impressive storytelling in this very cool memoir by an awesome person. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

Tamika D. Mallory’s I Lived to Tell the Story is a raw and unflinching memoir that shines a powerful light on the intersection of personal resilience and social justice activism. With unparalleled honesty, Mallory invites readers into her life—from her upbringing in Harlem as the daughter of civil rights activists to her role as one of the most prominent voices for justice in modern America.

The narrative is both personal and universal, weaving Mallory’s own struggles with systemic injustice into a larger tapestry of America’s history and future. Her recounting of the challenges she faced—both personal and professional—serves as a testament to her unwavering dedication to the fight for equality.

What stands out most is Mallory’s ability to connect deeply with her audience. Her words are not just a recounting of events but a rallying cry, encouraging readers to find strength in their own truths and to take action against oppression.

This memoir is both heartbreaking and inspiring, a vivid reminder that activism is as much about personal sacrifice as it is about collective triumph. For anyone interested in social justice, personal resilience, or the ongoing struggle for equality, I Lived to Tell the Story is an essential read.

Thank you for the opportunity to experience and share this extraordinary book.

Unreal. Ms. Mallory has indeed lived to tell the story, and what a sensational story it is. Firstly, the candor is wowee. She went all the way, I mean, like damn. Resilience is definitely the word that will come to mind whenever I see Ms. Tamika Mallory on the screen from now on. She has come through a lot, much of it her own making, and the beauty and value of her story is she owns all of it. She totally embraces every aspect of her past with unflinching honesty.

At times her story reads like a gritty street novel, she was a bad girl. And although she had two solid loving parents, the streets were a greater influence than her home. Some times you can do everything right, and the streets still win. But the exciting part of her journey is she always found her way back to solid ground, resilience.

As the first reviewer here, I don’t want to say what poor decisions were made, because that would ruin the reading experience, but trust me, there are some head shaking moments, kudos to Ms. Mallory for staying in the fight and giving this brave gift of her life story to the world. She has much to teach us all, men, women, and children young and old. This is a story that resonates deeply and has the ability to inspire change in all of us. A great big thanks to Atria/Black privilege publishing and Netgalley for an advanced DRC. I am truly grateful. You will see this book on shelves February 11, 2025

Tamika D. Mallory’s memoir, I Lived to Tell the Story, is a powerful testament to self honor, activism, and the enduring influence of community and education in shaping a Black woman’s journey. With unflinching honesty (she keeps it all the way real), Mallory reflects on her upbringing in Harlem and the Bronx as the daughter of civil rights activists, her early involvement in social justice, and the personal challenges she overcame to become one of today’s most prominent voices in the fight for equality. I particularly love the way she writes about women's health issues and reproductive rights while sharing her own deeply personal, painful experiences.

Mallory’s memoir is as inspiring as it is candid, celebrating her triumphs while laying bare the sacrifices and missteps that have defined her path. From navigating young motherhood to the complexities of national activism, Mallory paints a vivid portrait of what it means to lead with authenticity and courage. This memoir is not only a celebration of her life but also a call to action for readers to confront injustice and find strength in shared values and personal truth. A must-read for anyone moved by the enduring fight for social justice and any reader seeking encouragement to go after their dreams while figuring out the intersecting roles and responsibilities of being a mother and ambitious professional. Thank you to the author and publisher for the e-arc copy!

A beautiful moving memoir to admire and learn from.Tamika is a strong amazing woman ,I will be recommending her story.#netgalley #atria

Such a beau and inspirational biography. I highly enjoyed Tamika story of courage and empowerment and look forward to bringing it to readers as well

I appreciated getting to read this story from Tamika D. Mallory, it had that element that I was looking for and thought the experience and triumph worked well in keeping the reader engaged. Tamika D. Mallory wrote this perfectly, and glad I got to read this.

I love Tamika Mallory, and was so grateful to get to read her memoir. It tells the story of how she became the woman she is today. Thanks for your openess and candor. I will be recommending this book to everyone I know!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book