Allow Me to Introduce Myself - by Onyi Nwabineli (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Anuri Chinasa has had enough. And really, who can blame her? She was the unwilling star of her stepmother's social media empire before 'momfluencers' were even a thing. For years, Ophelia documented every birthday, every skinned knee, every milestone, and meltdown for millions of strangers to fawn over and pick apart. Now, at twenty-five, Anuri is desperate to put her way-too-public past behind her and start living on her own terms. But it's not going so great. She can barely walk down the street without someone recognizing her, and the fraught relationship with her father has fallen apart. Then there's her PhD application (still unfinished) and her drinking problem (still going strong). When every detail of her childhood was so intensely scrutinized, how can she tell what she really wants? Still, Ophelia is never far away and has made it clear she won't go down without a fight. With Noelle, Anuri's five-year-old half sister now being forced down the same path, Anuri discovers she has a new mission in life: to take back control of the family narrative"--

Book Synopsis

Her life. Her rules. Finally.

Anuri Chinasa has had enough. And really, who can blame her? She was the unwilling star of her stepmother's social media empire before "momfluencers" were even a thing. For years, Ophelia documented every birthday, every skinned knee, every milestone and meltdown for millions of strangers to fawn over and pick apart.

Now, at twenty-five, Anuri is desperate to put her way-too-public past behind her and start living on her own terms. But it's not going so great. She can barely walk down the street without someone recognizing her, and the fraught relationship with her father has fallen apart. Then there's her PhD application (still unfinished) and her drinking problem (still going strong). When every detail of her childhood was so intensely scrutinized, how can she tell what she really wants?

Still, Ophelia is never far away and has made it clear she won't go down without a fight. With Noelle, Anuri's five-year-old half sister now being forced down the same path, Anuri discovers she has a new mission in life...

To take back control of the family narrative.

Through biting wit and heartfelt introspection, this darkly humorous story dives deep into the deceptive allure of a picture-perfect existence, the overexposure of children in social media and the excitement of self-discovery.

Review Quotes

Praise for Allow Me to Introduce Myself:

"Allow Me to Introduce Myself is a sharp, poignant and insightful read."--Oyinkan Braithwaite, international bestselling author of My Sister the Serial Killer

"An unputdownable read! Skilfully and delicately written, Allow Me to Introduce Myself helps us behave more ethically in this age of social media obsessions. Onyi Nwabineli is an immensely talented writer whose pen is sharp and unflinching."--Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai, bestselling author of Dust Child

"In many ways, this novel recalls Zadie Smith's White Teeth. Both novels foreground immigrants and immigrant struggles, including racism and xenophobia; both novels have the same sweeping third-person-omniscient point of view, peppered with wry observations about life and humanity. This novel tells a moving, thought-provoking story that interrogates the toxic and parasocial dynamics associated with influencing."--Kirkus *starred review*

"This timely, gripping novel establishes Nwabineli as a writer with the emotional insight to tackle heavy topics in a skilled and thoughtful manner and will provoke lively discussions for book clubs."--Booklist

"A tack-sharp, beautifully told tale of agency and reclaiming your power. Nwabineli is the queen of flawlessly blending serious topics with witty contemporary prose. Her way with words is an incredible gift."--Lolá Ákínmádé Åkerström, bestselling author of Everything Is Not Enough

"Rich with emotion, heartbreaking, and timely. A fresh and compelling perspective on living online."--Peace Adzo Medie, author of Nightbloom

"I loved everything about this book, from the original portrayal of social media and influencer culture, to the excellent humor. Once again, Onyi Nwabineli tells a story that is wise, captivating and unforgettable."--Ore Agbaje-Williams, author of The Three of Us

Praise for Someday, Maybe:
A Good Morning America Book Club Pick * A Book of the Month Club Pick * LibraryReads Pick

"Nwabineli is magic with words, and manages to be at turns bitingly funny and heart-breakingly gutting. A book that acknowledges despair whilst encouraging hope."--Bolu Babalola, bestselling author of Honey and Spice

"If you are someone who gravitates toward emotional gut punch reads, allow me to introduce you to this spectacular debut..."--BuzzFeed

"Incisive and witty. I couldn't put it down. Each richly developed character leaps off the page with vivid dimension."--Lolá Ákínmádé Åkerström, bestselling author of Everything Is Not Enough

"One of the most powerful novels about grief I've read. It is simultaneously moving, witty and restorative."--Daily Mail

"A heartbreaking exploration of grief that illustrates the power of relationships with those we love."--ESSENCE

"Someday, Maybe is an earnest study on grief that forces you to examine it and not look away."--Associated Press

"Nwabineli's exceptional debut is a heartfelt and moving portrayal of grief and recovery in all its messiness...This is an excellent choice for book clubs and for readers who enjoy thought-provoking, deeply emotional fiction."--Booklist *starred review*

"Reflective and heartrending, Someday, Maybe is also surprisingly witty and compellingly relatable. A powerfully realized debut."--Ms. Magazine