The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris
The Other Black Girl is an electrifying debut about the tension that develops when two young Black women encounter one another against the strikingly white backdrop of New York City book publishing. It is urgent, prodigious, and as sharp as a dagger.
Nella Rogers, a 26-year-old editing assistant, is sick of being Wagner Books’ sole Black employee. She is happy when Harlem-born and raised Hazel begins working at the cubicle next to hers since she is tired of the loneliness and small-mindedness. But when they’re just beginning to compare natural hair care routines, a series of awkward occurrences propel Hazel to Office Darling, leaving Nella behind.
The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris
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Then, letters stating to LEAVE WAGNER. NOW. start to show up on Nella’s desk. It is unlikely that Hazel is sending these threatening communications. Nella soon understands that there is a lot more at risk than simply her job, though, as she begins to spiral and become fixated on the evil powers at work. The Other Black Girl is a razor-sharp, fast-paced thriller and cunning social commentary that is ideal for anyone who has ever felt used, threatened, or disregarded in the workplace. It will keep you guessing until the very last turn.
This book is unsettling. The fact that Nella, the protagonist, is so relatable contributes to this. She is insecure and anxious to be accepted and succeed, and she is mentally unstable. You are therefore present when she begins to doubt everything around her. Since Nella is the only Black woman employed by her publishing company, her initial emotion is one of excitement when Hazel joins the team! Finally, there is someone who will empathize with her and support her whenever a fresh round of microaggressions occurs. But Hazel isn’t quite what Nella anticipated. In addition to being significantly “better” at being cool and Black than Nella herself, Hazel has quickly gained the respect of everyone at the company and is doing far more than Nella has in the past two years. Nella wonders if Hazel is asking her to, you know, get out when the notes start to arrive telling her to leave.
