I give the book 4.25 stars. I have been involved with the Women's March. I remember some of the controversy. However, I don't remember the author's name. I was very interested in reading the book.

It took me longer to read this book than usual. I don't know if it was me or the book. The book was very interesting but I didn't want to know what happened next. Maybe it is because the book is what is currently going on in the world. I can't say.

The writing of the book is very good. The author is honest and raw. I love when I feel like I get to know the character, author, or who the book is about. You can truly feel Tamika's pain ( and joy).

The chapters are a little long for me. The writing is real. The book talks about so MUCH recent history. It takes you a little back. Again, we are facing the same pain.

I am so glad that I was given the opportunity to read this book. I am very thankful to the author and Netgalley. I look forward to reading more from the author.

A powerful story of strength and resilience. Tamika pulled back the curtain and allowed us to see her at her most vulnerable moments. Everyone should read this.

Tamika's story was inspiring, vulnerable, gripping and very raw. The way she told her her story made you feel her pain, suffering, and losses. So many to count. The murder of her child's father, the growing pains and missteps of being a hard headed teenager, and her drug addiction showed us that no matter where your story started its absolutely never too to rewrite it. Tamika's story is one that I feel like everyone teenagers and adults can gain insights from to use on their journey's. This was truly one of the best, realistic memoirs I've ever read. I was so inspired by her journey and proud of her strength to fight for those who can't fight for themselves through her activism. She has been the voice for so many, Sean Bell, our very own Breona Taylor in KY. That case broke my heart since it happened in my town and knowing all that she and so many others did on her behalf and her family, made us so proud. Even though the battles still continues our voices matter and Tamika helped to make us been seen. I am truly in awe our her courage and efforts to make this world a better place.

Thank you Netgalley and Atria Black Privilege Publishing for the eArc of this book for my honest review.

WOW. prior to receiving this ARC, I didn’t know who Tamika Mallory was, but I’m SO happy to have read this.
Incredible writing. This kept my attention the entire time. Thank you so much for the ARC! I will be recommending this for our book club!

I Lived to Tell the Story is half memoir, half historical recount of author Tamika D Mallory's part in The Movement (an overarching term for Black empowerment with regard to civil rights and heard voices) from her days as a child being brought to gatherings by her activist parents to her more wild "hood rat" teen years in New York City, and her return on her own as an adult and a teen mom into finding her voice and bringing power into the community with her ceaseless, relentless work. It's a story of personal pain, but also a story of how the community that you make and build can be there to lift you up and fight for you even when too much (including yourself) is bringing you down.

I ended up checking this out of the library as an audiobook despite having been sent the widget for the digital eARC on NetGalley because I do love a self-read memoir! For a 224 page book, the audio is over 13 hours, which is wild, but informative and gripping from top to bottom. It's read in her very strong, sure voice, and the sections entitled "as told through (someone other than Mallory's) eyes" are read by the people that gave their thoughts to the book.

You don't need to be familiar with Mallory to pick up this book, but you will be familiar with the causes she's been on the ground fighting for - not only the Women's March (of which she was co-founder and leader) but the community work and protests she's done for Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Trayvon Martin, and many others whose names will not be forgotten.

Thank you to Atria Books | Atria/Black Privilege Publishing for reaching out and sending over the invite to read, and NetGalley for hosting.

the one word to describe this is straight RAW!!!!!! So relatable and funny. A powerful story that will pull some emotions out of you.

Unbelievable. Indeed, Ms. Mallory has survived to share the story, and it's a breathtaking one. First of all, the candor is amazing. I mean, damn, she went all the way. From now on, the word that will undoubtedly spring to mind whenever I see Ms. Tamika Mallory on film is resilience. She has overcome many obstacles, many of which she created herself, and the beauty and significance of her narrative is that she is the sole owner. With unwavering honesty, she fully accepts every part of her past.She was a nasty girl, and her story sometimes reads like a gritty street novel. Additionally, the streets had a bigger impact on her than her house, despite the fact that she had two strong, devoted parents. Even if you do everything correctly, the streets may still prevail. The fascinating aspect about her path, however, is that she consistently returned to resilience and firm ground.Since I'm the first reviewer here, I won't reveal the bad choices that were made because that would detract from the reading experience, but believe me when I say that there are some moments that make your head swim. Kudos to Ms. Mallory for persevering and sharing her life story with the world. Both men and women, as well as young and old children, can learn a lot from her. This is a really moving narrative that has the power to motivate us all to make changes.

I didn't know who Tamika D. Mallory was prior to reading her memoir. I now want to consume anything she'll write. I really enjoyed her writing style. She was very raw in her writing, which you don't always get from memoirs. She owns everything that's happened flaws and all. I do wish that some of her younger life sections in the beginning were shorter. While it highlighted her upbringing not all of it necessarily helped to move her story forward with what she's accomplished in her career.

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria (via Black Privilege Publishing) for a copy in exchange for review consideration.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advance copy of this book.

What a powerful story Mallory has to tell. I appreciated having the chance to learn about her upbringing and what led her to taking a role in activism and social justice. I would highly recommend this book!

Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books | Atria/Black Privilege Publishing for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed reading her story and really felt for her. I would recommend this book.

It was nice to learn more about Tamika and see where she intends to go. This is a very inspiring book and one all should slowly read to gain bits of wisdom.

::round of applause:: Yes black womam, do that! The editing in this book is superb!! I absolutely loved the story telling in this memoir. It reads like I’m there. I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

"A thought-provoking, honest, and truly powerful story of a black woman in America."

Tamika D. Mallory's memoir is one that should be on the shelves of all high school libraries. In this honest, heartfelt memoir, Mallory does not hold back. She shares her story and does not spare us any details. She shares the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Mallory grew up in the movement. As a child, she was taught to fight against racial injustice and for equality. Her favorite quote was "Power to the People!"

Mallory excelled in her classes and participated in the civil rights movement, putting her all into everything she did. Even though she expressed a hunger for information and did well in her classes, she was faced with racial prejudice and sexism.

Later on, as a teenager, Mallory began facing many battles. Her thirst for unlimited freedom and exploration lured her into street life, which she ultimately paid the price for. She made many mistakes that had terrible consequences, yet she describes this period of her life in precise detail, not shying away from judgment. This part of the book should be read with an open mind and a heart of understanding, as it delves into some very traumatic events.

Throughout the memoir, Mallory continues to share her experiences as a black woman in America, telling readers about the political violence and extreme discrimination she faced and continues to face throughout as a black woman who is an activist.

Mallory's memoir is a story of everything she's been through and how her experiences have brought her to where she is today. As she shares her experiences, she reflects on what's she's learned and how these lessons have influenced her.

This story is one that everyone should read, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, age, or gender. It's a lesson to all of us. I have a form opposition to politics and I'm distrustful of world governments in general (for historical and personal reasons), but I still found this memoir very thought-provoking, powerful, and empowering. I hope Mallory continues to lead a successful life and I wish her the best.

I thought this book was so well written. I often get bored with memoirs along the way but this one is one of the best I have read in a while. Painfully honest and thought provoking. I am now a fan.

Triumph over tragedy is the theme of a new powerful memoir from Tamika D. Mallory, social justice leader and co-founder of the Women's March. She is a trailblazing force from the early days of protesting with Black civil rights activist parents in Harlem to present-day work in America.

The beginning of Tamika's story reads like an urban novel reminiscent of The Coldest Winter Ever. She grew up in a solid two-parent household with doting overprotective parents that did their absolute best to raise her and not let the streets have an influence. As we know, sometimes it is the sheltered children that lash out. Her teen years were a product of that and led to rebellion. Tamika was the girl from a good home making bad decisions.

In a writing style that commands readers' attention, Tamika takes us through the details of her upbringing, consequences to decisions, young motherhood, addiction, romantic and professional relationships, faith in God, and journey to becoming the admirable woman we know today. One thing is abundantly clear: she was always fighting for the people, making her voice heard, organizing movements and an activist at heart.

Wow! Just wow! Tamika D. Mallory is unflinching in telling her life story. She bares it all with no apology, head rightfully held high, acknowledging missteps and celebrating achievements. She shares pain and blessings in great detail. It truly is a memoir of love, legacy and resilience. I Lived to Tell the Story is my best recommendation for nonfiction to read this Black History Month and beyond. Readers will feel inspired, motivated, heard, understood and called to action. Power to the people!

Happy Early Pub Day, Tamika D. Mallory! I Lived to Tell the Story is available on February 11. MasterClass is in session.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

I was not familiar with Tamika D. Mallory’s story prior to picking up this book, but I had heard of the Women’s March. Given what the rhetoric around it eventually became, I was intrigued to read not only about the intersectional activism for Mallory intended the March, but also how her own struggles as a teenager, as a single mother, and grappling with addiction, ended up shaping her. She’s also not without controversy, as while she’s politically progressive and predictably has drawn controversy from the right, she also has some perspectives that don’t necessarily align with the left either. But while I don’t agree with everything she espouses, I respect what she has to say, and would recommend this to readers interested in activism.

Young Tamika had me stressed and I’m sure her guardian angel worked overtime. Because, gurl what?
The title is appropriate, she has lived. What I will say is I was not expecting this level of truth, yes it’s a memoir but she doesn’t omit the things that doesn’t show her in favorable light and that’s commendable. She came from a good home and had a penchant for the streets. It didn’t need to be that way, but she fully owns it. And she names, names! I don’t want to give any spoilers, but I do need to talk about this book! This would make a great Bookclub pick. When this publishes on February 11th, run to get it so we can talk!
Thank you Simon & Schuster for the Advance reader proof.

A powerful thoughtful and thought provoking memoir. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This couldn't be more topical or timely.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for a honest review.

I had high expectations for this book. I lived in Louisville during the time of the Breonna Taylor protest and had the honor of meeting Tamika Mallory in person. This book was such a great read. I can see what has fueled her to do all of the work that she is doing in the fight for justice. I loved the candor in this read. So glad I had a chance to read it.

I usually don’t rate Memoirs because to me you can’t rate a persons life and their story, but for the sake of this review, I will. It was such a good story, the upbringing of the author was definitely a sight to see (or read). This is the perfect memoir to pick up and read during these trying times. I highly recommend. Especially to black women.