The Third Perspective: Brave Expression in the Age of Intolerance

Africa Brooke. Hachette Go, $30 (288p) ISBN 978-0-306-83537-7

Executive coach Brooke debuts with a galvanizing guide to breaking from the “societal pressures [that] have been boxing in your thoughts and opinions.” In 2021, after the author noticed a widespread “aversion to questions” that “brought up psychological discomfort” in online discussions of social justice issues, she realized that she herself had become an “insufferable, self-righteous” manifestation of “the intolerance I claimed to oppose” and posted an open letter online (“Why I’m Leaving the Cult of Wokeness”). In it, she wondered if there was “still room for us as human beings to stumble, fuck up, learn and grow.” Drawing on subsequent observations of society’s “culture of fear,” as well as her coaching experience, Brooke invites readers to examine “limiting beliefs and fears” that impede expression, adopt an “ownership mindset” of their opinions, and cultivate a “do-it-your-own-way attitude” and “bounce-back toughness.” In the process, readers can develop the “maverick mindset” to express themselves more bravely online and in person and calmly receive opinions with which they disagree, whether the topic is personal, political, social, or religious (she mentions as examples vaccines, parenting choices, and immigration). Brooke’s tone is refreshingly candid throughout, and her personal coaching background shines in the varied, pragmatic exercises (readers can investigate their self-policing “inner mob” or perform a risk analysis for bringing up dicey topics). It’s an invigorating invitation to speak one’s mind. (May)