Imani Perry

I know the classic response is coming from some. People want to come here from all over the world. The American dream is universal. I think that dream is of a castle of security that exists inside the palace gates. I come from inside the territory, but outside the gates, so I know better. But I have one take. There are many others. We are no monolith. This is my blues.

I know the classic response is coming from some. People want to come here from all over the world. The American dream is universal. I think that dream is of a castle of security that exists inside the palace gates. I come from inside the territory, but outside the gates, so I know better. But I have one take. There are many others. We are no monolith. This is my blues.

Oh, you know, on the one hand, I will say I am endlessly sort of grateful and in disbelief that I get to do this thing, writing books, because books are so important to me. I feel so fortunate to be able to write books. And this book was hard and painful at moments, but also an absolute joy to be able to offer to the world.

Oh, you know, on the one hand, I will say I am endlessly sort of grateful and in disbelief that I get to do this thing, writing books, because books are so important to me. I feel so fortunate to be able to write books. And this book was hard and painful at moments, but also an absolute joy to be able to offer to the world.

Oh, you know, on the one hand, I will say I am endlessly sort of grateful and in disbelief that I get to do this thing, writing books, because books are so important to me. I feel so fortunate to be able to write books. And this book was hard and painful at moments, but also an absolute joy to be able to offer to the world.

But part of what it did for me and writing does for me in general is it helps me make sense of the world. It helps me make sense of my place in the world. It helps me develop a confidence that there is possibility. You know, there's something very hopeful about the act of writing because it's a thing that you hope to leave behind. on the earth when you're no longer here in physical form.

But part of what it did for me and writing does for me in general is it helps me make sense of the world. It helps me make sense of my place in the world. It helps me develop a confidence that there is possibility. You know, there's something very hopeful about the act of writing because it's a thing that you hope to leave behind. on the earth when you're no longer here in physical form.

But part of what it did for me and writing does for me in general is it helps me make sense of the world. It helps me make sense of my place in the world. It helps me develop a confidence that there is possibility. You know, there's something very hopeful about the act of writing because it's a thing that you hope to leave behind. on the earth when you're no longer here in physical form.

And because this book was so spiritually inflected and so dependent on ancestors and the past, I felt really in tune with this journey that will end for me but will continue after my life. Maya Angelou says that said that thing that was so profound in an interview where she said, I didn't come here to stay. And that orientation, I think, is helpful as we try to figure out ways to tell the truth.

And because this book was so spiritually inflected and so dependent on ancestors and the past, I felt really in tune with this journey that will end for me but will continue after my life. Maya Angelou says that said that thing that was so profound in an interview where she said, I didn't come here to stay. And that orientation, I think, is helpful as we try to figure out ways to tell the truth.

And because this book was so spiritually inflected and so dependent on ancestors and the past, I felt really in tune with this journey that will end for me but will continue after my life. Maya Angelou says that said that thing that was so profound in an interview where she said, I didn't come here to stay. And that orientation, I think, is helpful as we try to figure out ways to tell the truth.

And so writing the book has really been a personal gift, and I'm just deeply hoping that it feels that way to my readers as well.

And so writing the book has really been a personal gift, and I'm just deeply hoping that it feels that way to my readers as well.

And so writing the book has really been a personal gift, and I'm just deeply hoping that it feels that way to my readers as well.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.