If I Ruled the World by Amy DuBois Barnett | Ambition, Culture & Taking Up Space

What happens when a young Black editor walks away from the glossy magazine world to save a struggling hip hop publication? Everything.In this episode, I'm talking about into If I Ruled the World by Amy DuBois Barnett—a novel that took me straight back to 1999 and the era that shaped so much of who we are. This isn't romance, but it's absolutely about Black women finding their voice, claiming their power, and building the culture that the world tries to erase us from.We're talking late-90s NYC media, hip hop journalism, navigating toxic workplaces, and what it costs to be young, Black, brilliant, and ambitious in rooms that weren't built for you.If you were a Vibe or Honey Magazine subscriber, if Nas and Lauryn Hill were your soundtrack, if you've ever had to choose between fitting in and being free—this one's for you.Hit play, and let's talk about what it really takes to rule your own world.Find this and other recommendations at The CultureLit online BookShop and support independent bookstores at Visit my bookshop!Culture Lit is a community celebrating black women and black love, and a reminder that black women deserve joy, love success, second chances, and all the beautiful magic the world has to offer.Subscribe to the Culture Lit Podcast Community here: CultureLitPodcast.comPlease follow the podcast via RSS, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to your podcasts!Let me know what you’re reading, what you’re thinking, and what you’re thinking about what you’re reading.STAY CONNECTEDInstagram: becomingoctaviaThreads: becomingoctaviaFB: BecomingOctaviaMarieMusic credit: Cool Jazz Beat by FASOL PRODA Subito Media productionMentioned in this episode:If you're enjoying the show, join our community at culturelitpodcast.com.Visit my bookshop!You can find all the books I've reviewed in this podcast in my Bookshop! Visit https://bookshop.org/shop/CultureLitPodcast to get your copy!Visit my bookshop!