I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual

I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual written by Luvvie Ajayi is a book of humorous essays that address politics, relationships, online and popular culture. I became familiar with Ajayi when she frequently appeared on This Week in Blackness podcast episodes and began to follow her on Facebook. The book is basically an extension of her online and virtual persona. If you are familiar with her and like her, then definitely read her book, but if you are not, continue reading to decide whether or not to take the plunge.
I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual is another creation by a thankfully emerging demographic: progressive women of color who do not adhere to respectability politics, but will tell you to get it together if your breath is stank. It is a tricky balance, but Ajayi hits it. Individually the essays are hilarious and relatable. If you are unfamiliar with progressive sensibilities or this particular demographic, you may get whiplash as she talks about her faith, sexuality and socioeconomic issues. There are two passages that really resonated with me, which will give you a sense of what I mean when I write that Ajayi is comfortable with having fun and being serious at any moment. The first passage is “Sometimes I also think really delicious chicken is God’s way of saying He hasn’t given up on us yet.” The second is “Black trauma is never given space to heal because we have to make sure that white people who hurt us don’t feel too bad about it. Even as victims, we’re told to care about the feelings of those who harm us.” If you have spent any time online, you should be fine, but if you respond by clutching your pearls and not understanding how a Christian woman could profess her love for Jesus Christ with humor then denounce homophobia while also criticizing her liberal counterparts for their role in enforcing privilege, you may not be ready for this book.
It is easier to read a chapter of I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual and take a break rather than reading it in one sitting. As an overall book, the suddenly serious section of essays felt abrupt, and I was not prepared for the tone shift. If you start too serious, people may not be ready for all the fun and ratchet humor, and if you end too serious, you exit on a downer. I’m really not sure how to fix this transitional issue. Also as I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual unfolds, in the latter sections, Ajayi frequently references a topic in the preceding chapter, which I found slightly jarring and wondered why she didn’t reverse the chapter order so it felt like an organic expansion of an earlier topic rather than repetitive.
I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual is a solid book of essays that will amuse you and cause you to reflect on the state of our world. If Ajayi’s particular brand of humor and approach to politics sounds refreshing, definitely check out I’m Judging You: The Do-Better Manual.