You Are Your Best Thing: Vulnerability, Shame Resilience, and the Black Experience

nNEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - Tarana Burke and Dr. Bren� Brown bring together a dynamic group of Black writers, organizers, artists, academics, and cultural figures to discuss the topics the two have dedicated their lives to understanding and teaching: vulnerability and shame resilience. nContributions by Kiese Laymon, Imani Perry, Laverne Cox, Jason Reynolds, Austin Channing Brown, and more n nIt started as a text between two friends. n nTarana Burke, founder of the 'me too.' Movement, texted researcher and writer Bren� Brown to see if she was free to jump on a call. Bren� assumed that Tarana wanted to talk about wallpaper. They had been trading home decorating inspiration boards in their last text conversation so Bren� started scrolling to find her latest Pinterest pictures when the phone rang. n nBut it was immediately clear to Bren� that the conversation wasn't going to be about wallpaper. Tarana's hello was serious and she hesitated for a bit before saying, Bren�, you know your work affected me so deeply, but as a Black woman, I've sometimes had to feel like I have to contort myself to fit into some of your words. The core of it rings so true for me, but the application has been harder. n nBren� replied, I'm so glad we're talking about this. It makes sense to me. Especially in terms of vulnerability. How do you take the armor off in a country where you're not physically or emotionally safe? n nLong pause. n nThat's why I'm calling, said Tarana. What do you think about working together on a book about the Black experience with vulnerability and shame resilience? n nThere was no hesitation. n nBurke and Brown are the perfect pair to usher in this stark, potent collection of essays on Black shame and healing. Along with the anthology contributors, they create a space to recognize and process the trauma of white supremacy, a space to be vulnerable and affirm the fullness of Black love and Black life.n