Where do we draw the line on what we expose children to on social media?
Allow Me to Introduce Myself forces us to confront difficult questions. When does sharing become too much? When is too much really too much? When do we stop? With the rise of child models and influencers, at what point do we prioritize protecting their innocence over their exposure to the camera?
In Allow Me to Introduce Myself, Anuri's life is turned upside down by her stepmother's hunger to be seen and wanted, who uses Anuri as the poster black girl with a white stepmother who appears to care for her.
But behind the curated image, Olivia strips Anuri of her privacy, robbing her of a normal childhood- friends, playdates, and simple joys like a children's party without cameras.
The bottom line is that Anuri is robbed of the opportunity to be a child. Her pain is palpable, and this book forces us to interrogate the role of parents in safeguarding their children from the harmful effects of social media exposure.
Anuri's story reminds me of Michael Jackson and his attempt to reclaim the childhood he never had. From school to studio and back, his life left no room for play or friendships.
He recalled how much he hated it to the point of sometimes hiding under tables so he didn't have to go to the studio. The frustration of that loss drove him to build a space where he could relive the childhood he missed.
Similarly, Anuri's childhood is hijacked by Olivia's need for validation, leaving her angry and wounded.
Anuri's anger also extends to her father, who fails to protect her. Olivia's manipulation benefits him financially, and he allows her to control every aspect of Anuri's life.
However, as Anuri grows older, she is determined to erase her stepmother's legacy, from wiping her photos off the internet to fighting for custody of her baby sister.
Also, we need to all come together and give Olivia two slaps because she is the most self-centered person. Her inferiority complex and relentless search for validation leads her to exploit Anuri in the worst way.
Anuri's father needs lashes, too, as he failed to protect her as a father and almost failed to protect her sister.
While his actions were inexcusable, my heart broke for him as his overwhelming grief blinded him to the needs of those around him. It's a lesson showing that grief can isolate you, leaving your loved ones blurred in the background.
I wanted to reach into the pages and reassuringly hold his hand and also hug Anuri's grandparents tightly for losing an only child and still carrying on with life in the way that they did.
I love Anuri's auntie so much. As a voice of reason, she was present for Anuri like a mother would be for her child. That is the essence of family and communalism—the child belongs to all of us, the entire village.
Through Anuri's family, Onyii Nwabineli contrasts African and Western family structures, highlighting their strengths and flaws.
This story isn't just about exploitation—it's about grief, love, parenting in the 21st century, and family resilience. Onyii writes about grief with such depth and empathy.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it (the audiobook is just as good). If you're looking for a book that delves into family, grief, and the impact of social media, Allow Me to Introduce Myself is that book!☺️💕.
