Otoo writes this story from the end to the beginning. My blood boiled multiple times while reading the things I am thinking while smiling politely... The sheer white privilege that would come off in waves from the other characters onto Kareem, even from her own husband (a white man). I found it to be a quick sad yet humorous read. As a reader, you emphasise with Kareem as she steers through her divorce. The look at motherhood in this book shows that it's not all sunshine and butterflies, but it's hard work and misunderstanding. Each chapter starts with different "shrapnel" thought which was very sad but also funny. I would have loved to see one of the characters scream those things at each other, just to feel something. the things I am thinking while smiling politely... is a page-turner that makes you feel for the characters, especially Kareem as she battles life with all its negativity.