Dedicated: Allow Me To Introduce Myself by Onyi Nwabineli (Review by Soni Sharma)

Allow Me To Introduce Myself is a think-piece about the influencer culture and its impact on children. Anuri’s childhood has been chronicled and monetized by her influencer stepmother until she stops cooperating in her teenage years. When her stepmother starts using Anuri’s young half sister for content, Anuri decides she must stop the cycle of abuse. This is a story about family dynamics, both immediate and extended as well as our friends – our chosen family. Anuri’s relationships with her extended family and friends were especially strong and gave her a strong community as she recovered from the pressures and expectations that came from the influencer lifestyle. As a reader, we watch her reclaim her identity and grow as the story progresses. I’ve always been a bit weary about sharing my children’s pictures on the internet and this book shows the worst of what can happen. I’ve also seen influencers in the “wild” trying to get the perfect footage of themselves or their families and felt a bit sorry for them because there are enough societal pressures without everyone watching you through a magnifying glass. The lyrical prose and strong character development, alongside the fast-paced plot kept me reading the whole way through. The writing was eloquent and descriptive without being overwhelming. I recommend reading this book! Buy the book! [af_link rel=”nofollow” title=”Amazon Canada” class=”afflink” id=”94329″]Amazon Canada[/af_link] [af_link rel=”nofollow” title=”Amazon US” class=”afflink” id=”94330″]Amazon US[/af_link] [af_link rel=”nofollow” title=”Waterstones” class=”afflink” id=”94327″]Waterstones[/af_link]