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Well, That Escalated Quickly: Memoirs and Mistakes of an Accidental Activist (Grand Central Publishing)
In this sharp, funny, and timely collection of personal essays, veteran video blogger and star of MTV's Decoded Franchesca Ramsey explores race, identity, online activism, and the downfall of real communication in the age of social media rants, trolls, and call-out wars.
Franchesca Ramsey didn't set out to be an activist. Or a comedian. Or a commentator on identity, race, and culture, really. But then her YouTube video "What White Girls Say...to Black Girls" went viral. Twelve million views viral. Faced with an avalanche of media requests, fan letters, and hate mail, she had two choices: Jump in and make her voice heard or step back and let others frame the conversation. After a crash course in social justice and more than a few foot-in-mouth moments, she realized she had a unique talent and passion for breaking down injustice in America in ways that could make people listen and engage.
In her first book, Ramsey uses her own experiences as an accidental activist to explore the many ways we communicate with each other--from the highs of bridging gaps and making connections to the many pitfalls that accompany talking about race, power, sexuality, and gender in an unpredictable public space . . . the internet.
Well, That Escalated Quickly includes Ramsey's advice on dealing with internet trolls and low-key racists, confessions about being a former online hater herself, and her personal hits and misses in activist debates with everyone from bigoted Facebook friends and misguided relatives to mainstream celebrities and YouTube influencers. With sharp humor and her trademark candor, Ramsey shows readers we can have tough conversations that move the dialogue forward, rather than backward, if we just approach them in the right way.
NOTE: As with all Skylight Books in-store events, this reading is free and open to the public (first come, first served). But because we're expecting a large crowd at this event, we'll be giving out numbered tickets to the signing line to keep things organized.
- To get a ticket to the signing line, you must purchase a copy of Well That Escalated Quickly here at Skylight Books. Tickets and books will be available for pick up beginning May 22, 2018.
- For all website orders for this event, be sure to leave a note in the Order Comments field that you would like a ticket and plan to attend the event.
- Can't attend? If you would like a signed book but will not be able to attend, click Signed Copy after adding the book to your cart and we'll do our best to get it signed for you. You may pick up this book in the store after the event, or have it shipped to you.
- Skylight's Friends with Benefits members get priority signing line tickets (and 20% off this and all other event books each month), so be sure to mention your membership (or join) when you order the book.
Praise for Well, That Escalated Quickly
“Franchesca Ramsey shows that one viral success doesn't a star—or activist—make. With wit and transparency, she shares the years of secret side-hustling, unglamorous tasks and sacrifice it took for her to earn her moment. Franchesca put in the work—educating, unlearning, listening and showing by example that the only way to make one's mark on the world is to bring everyone in with you as you rise.”—Janet Mock, New York Times bestselling author of Redefining Realness and Surpassing Certainty
“Well, That Escalated Quickly is witty, relatable, unflinching and refreshingly honest. Franchesca is my favorite voice of reason, quick to shine a light on her own f*ck ups for the good of all of us.”—Issa Rae, New York Times bestselling author of The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl and the creator and star of Insecure
“Francesca Ramsey has written a roaringly funny, nuanced, and truly profound look at the opportunities and perils of contemporary life on the social Internet.”—John Green, New York Times bestselling author of The Fault in Our Stars and Turtles All the Way Down
“Franchesca is funny as hell, strong, vulnerable, and REAL. Well, That Escalated Quickly is a glimpse inside the mind of a mogul in a new, democratized era of entertainment. She sneaks in to your mind with entertainment and lingers in your thoughts as a woman of the revolution, all by being herself.”—Ilana Glazer, co-creator and co-star of Broad City
“Well, That Escalated Quickly is the perfect phrase to explain Franchesca Ramsey's rise as a unique comedic voice. And like Franchesca, this book is fierce, funny, fearless and further proof that her escalation to stardom is undeniable.”—Larry Wilmore, Emmy-winning writer, producer and former host of The Nightly Show
“Well, That Escalated Quickly highlights how much we can accomplish when we have the boldness to disagree, but not the indecency to disrespect. With this honest, personal take Franchesca Ramsey has crafted an important read for a generation doing big things online in ways we’d never imagined only a few years ago.”—Van Jones, New York Times bestselling author, CNN political commentator, and founder of Dream Corps
“Funny, cringe-inducing, and very raw, Well, That Escalated Quickly is an eye-opening journey through the minefield of social media and the obstacle course of race and gender in America. An engaging read by a vital voice, for anyone, including my fellow square suburban dad types.”—Jake Tapper, CNN anchor and New York Times bestselling author of The Outpost
Franchesca Ramsey is a social justice advocate, comedian, actress, writer, video blogger, sought-after speaker, and the host of the award-winning web series Decoded on MTV. With videos topping 12 million views, she has been featured on NPR,Anderson Cooper, CNN, MTV, the BBC, and in the New York Times. A former writer and correspondent for The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore, she now has a major late-night television show in development with Comedy Central. She lives in New York City and this is her first book.www.franchesca.net
Photo by Erin Patrice O'Brien
Marie Forleo was named by Oprah as a thought leader for the next generation and one of Inc’s 500 fastest growing companies. Her mission is to help you realize your greatest potential and use your gifts to change the world. She’s the creator of the award-winning online show MarieTV with over 35 million views and an audience in 195 countries. She’s the founder of B-School, an online business school for modern entrepreneurs. Through her Change Your Life, Change The World initiative, every product purchased helps support a person in need. www.marieforleo.com
Possibly out of print. Email or call to check availability and price.