Genesis Begins Again

By: Alicia D. Williams

Narrated by: Alicia D. Williams

“Reminiscent of Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye.” (The New York Times)

“One of the best books I have ever read…will live in the hearts of readers for the rest of their lives.” (Colby Sharp, founder of Nerdy Book Club)

“An emotional, painful, yet still hopeful adolescent journey…one that needed telling.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

“I really loved this.” (Sharon M. Draper, author of the New York Times bestseller Out of My Mind)

This deeply sensitive and “compelling” (BCCB) debut novel tells the story of a 13-year-old who must overcome internalized racism and a verbally abusive family to finally learn to love herself.

There are 96 reasons why 13-year-old Genesis dislikes herself. She knows the exact number because she keeps a list:

• Because her family is always being put out of their house.
• Because her dad has a gambling problem. And maybe a drinking problem, too.
• Because Genesis knows this is all her fault.
• Because she wasn’t born looking like Mama.
• Because she is too Black.

Genesis is determined to fix her family, and she’s willing to try anything to do so...even if it means harming herself in the process. But when Genesis starts to find a thing or two she actually likes about herself, she discovers that changing her own attitude is the first step in helping change others.

©2020 Alicia D. Williams (P)2020 Simon & Schuster Audio

Heartfelt and moving!

My teenage niece picked this for our book club. I wasn't expecting to see myself in Genesis or for the depth of her story. Thank you. I can't wait to discuss this book with my niece.

Fantastic

I listened to this with my grand daughters and my husband during the girl’s summer break. It opened up conversations about our history, relationships with friends and even their own struggles with their father. Thank you for this wonderful book for little brown girls!

great young adult fiction

good pace, strong story line, race issue discussion for adolescent and adults. Read with great enthusiasm by the author.

Every Young Person Should Read This

Genesis' struggles are so genuine and insightful. I wish this book had been around when I was a teenager. But even as an old lady I loved sharing this journey with her. I rarely give 5 stars, so you know this is a rare gem. And the author's voice gave it authenticity.

very close to home

loved it. it was a little much for my 8 year old daughter. But as soon as she's mature enough she will be reading this. this story is so familiar to so many young girls. the trials and troubles that Genesis faces are a real struggle in the community. young and old can relate to this story. This is one to add to my personal library and share it with all the young ladies that I care about.

Great Read

I’m glad I chose this book! Wow! Extremely raw and powerful. Not just for black girls but for everyone out there that has low self esteem or has things that they wish they could change about themselves. This book is the beginning of learning to love the things that you cannot change about yourself but also while working on the things that you can change.

I feel seen!

This book is a heartbreaking yet lovable account of internalized oppression at its worst and what it takes to overcome it. Thank you!

powerful themes

This book had me examining some of my own experiences growing up in South Carolina. I heard comments about my hair texture, length, color, etc... There were parts that had I not been driving I would have cried, like when Genesis and her grandmother were talking and the apparent realities of not just the family history but the family present... My own parents are different shades, as are my two brothers and I; these comments are said in the present day, sometimes as whispers other times right in your face.... I think this book is important because colorism is alive and well. But why? Do people not understand that that lighter complexion and thinner hair was given to you through the literal pain of your foremothers who had zero choice in the matter? Why is it so important to resemble a group that hates you, because God dared to bless you with a darker hew? Questions we all need to ask ourselves, in my opinion.

Fantastic, lyrical, inspiring, emotional

I adored Genesis, as a character, a person, a narrator,- this novel pulled me in, held onto my heart, & never let go. Truly awesome read, & auther Alicia D. Williams narration on Audible is brilliant. Fantastic, inspiring, lyrical, 1sr person voice Highly recommended.

Touching!

What a roller-coaster it has been to accompany Genesis in her journey through high school! Beautifully written book, and I highly recommend it middle school and early high school students.