Book Review: It’s Me They Follow by Jeannine Cook
When I first laid eyes on Jeannine Cook’s It’s Me They Follow, I could sense that I was in for something deeply resonant. A manifesto disguised as memoir? As a book blogger, I’m always on the lookout for journeys that intertwine the personal with the political, and Cook’s narrative promised a rich tapestry of reflections on leadership and community that felt both urgent and essential. Known as the founder of Harriett’s Bookshop, Cook writes with a clarity that makes her insights accessible and powerful, particularly for those of us grappling with what it means to lead and to follow in our own lives.
Cook’s book unfolds like a conversation around a warmly lit table, each chapter weaving narratives of Black women’s leadership alongside the legacies of towering figures like Harriet Tubman and Audre Lorde. She doesn’t present herself as a solitary hero, and that’s where I found the book both provocative and refreshing. The title itself invites introspection: What does it mean to be followed? Cook explores this by framing leadership as an intricate tapestry of collective responsibility and service, emphasizing that being followed means being accountable to those who place their trust in you—a concept that struck a chord in my heart.
One of the standout features of Cook’s prose is its lyrical quality. Her voice dances between memoir, essay, and poetry, rich with repetition and rhythm that echoes the oral traditions shaping her narrative. The effect is electrifying; I often felt as though I were not just reading but participating in a communal storytelling session. This melding of styles made for an engaging reading experience, where every word felt laden with implication and every reflection served as an invitation to consider our connections to each other.
Cook’s vulnerability shines through as she candidly discusses the emotional labor of being “the one they follow.” Her honest account of exhaustion, doubt, and the weight of leadership invites readers to break down the myth of invulnerability that often cloaks leaders. In her world, leadership is not about dominance but rather radical transparency, an insistence that self-care is as crucial for leaders as it is for those they serve. This perspective made me reflect on my own expectations of leaders and the narratives I had constructed around heroism and strength.
A particularly memorable passage highlights this radical potential of storytelling: “We are not isolated stars; we are constellations.” This simple yet profound idea resonated deeply with me, urging me to envision leadership not as a lonely climb, but as a web of shared experiences and reciprocal care. It reminded me of adrienne maree brown’s Emergent Strategy, yet Cook’s unique voice and experiences make it distinctly hers.
I believe It’s Me They Follow will resonate with activists, community builders, and anyone committed to exploring the dynamics of leadership in a collective context. Cook’s work serves both as a mirror reflecting our shared struggles and as a guide to nurturing relationships within our communities. Personally, reading this book felt transformative; it challenged me to reconsider what leadership means in my life and reminded me of the importance of community care—not just for others, but for oneself.
In a world so often driven by competition and individualism, Cook reminds us that the power of storytelling can indeed be a tool for liberation. If you’re looking for a book that inspires reflection, compassion, and a reimagining of leadership, then It’s Me They Follow is one you’ll want on your shelf.
Discover more about It’s Me They Follow on GoodReads >>