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 thirteen-year-old who must overcome internalized racism and a verbally abusive family to finally learn to love herself.

There are ninety-six reasons why thirteen-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.

Critic reviews

"Author Alicia D. Williams brings authenticity and heart to the narration of her debut audiobook. Life has been hard for 13-year-old Genesis Anderson. Her alcoholic, gambling father never pays the rent, and the family lives with continual evictions and constant uncertainty. Her mother is a beautiful light-skinned black woman, but Genesis herself is dark, and she feels unbearably ugly in comparison. Williams sensitively portrays Genesis's deep hurt and self-harming behavior as she undergoes risky treatments to lighten her skin and soften her hair in the hope that she will someday be beautiful. As the story continues, listeners will feel her agony as she dares to see herself differently, tentatively standing up for herself and believing in her own worth. A powerful listening experience is enhanced by Williams's fluid performance."

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.

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.

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.