BET ON BLACK is part memoir, part self-help, and part essay that offers a refreshing take on being black in America today.

Williams breaks down the typical tropes of Black women on screens as a caretaker (Mammy) or a seductress (Jezebel). She calls out the harmful and limiting stereotypes in the everyday lives of Black women. It's inspiring to read about her personal journey and how Williams overcame these stereotypes while working in the entertainment industry, including Fox News and The Real Housewives of New York.

I also greatly appreciated how Williams outlines steps to center on Black history and excellence in a fun & approachable way, especially for those with children. While BET ON BLACK focuses on Black Americans, her suggestions of starting with a topic you're interested in and finding contributors of color often forgotten in history can be applied to other minorities to celebrate their uniqueness, heritage, and identity.

Williams also suggests we assemble our personal boards—people who can see things through our lens but can offer honest advice with their experience—and lean on them for important life decisions.

Finally, I appreciate how Williams delves into Blackness and patriotism and challenges the notion that Black Americans can't be both proud of their heritage and love their country. Her concept of redefining what it means to be proud of America while keeping the momentum to fight for justice is fascinating and thought-provoking.

BET ON BLACK is a celebration of Black America. It's easy to read, casual in tone, and packed with practical advice and inspiration.

Thank you Hachette Book Group for the gifted copy.