Morgan Jerkins

Morgan Jerkins is an American author and editor known for her incisive writing on race, gender, and culture. Her debut essay collection "This Will Be My Undoing" (2018) became a New York Times bestseller and established her as a prominent voice in contemporary nonfiction. After earning her BA from Princeton University and MFA from Bennington College, Jerkins has contributed to major publications and written multiple books examining African American identity and history. Her 2020 memoir "Wandering in Strange Lands" explores her family's migration story and Creole heritage through extensive research and personal narrative. As a working writer and educator, Jerkins serves as an adjunct professor at Columbia University while continuing to publish both nonfiction and fiction works. In addition to her essays and books, she maintains an active role in literary culture through her editorial work and teaching. Born in 1992 and raised in New Jersey, Jerkins began writing at age 14 as a response to her experiences growing up in predominantly white spaces. Her work consistently examines the intersections of race, gender, and American society through both personal and historical lenses.

Readers appreciate Jerkins' vulnerable and raw perspective on Black womanhood, particularly in "This Will Be My Undoing." Many reviews note her skill at weaving personal experiences with broader cultural analysis. Readers highlight: - Clear, accessible writing style on complex topics - Thought-provoking discussions of race, class, and gender - Honest examination of internalized prejudices Common criticisms: - Some essays feel uneven or underdeveloped - Writing can be repetitive - Younger perspective limits depth on certain topics Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: "This Will Be My Undoing" - 3.9/5 (17,000+ ratings) "Wandering in Strange Lands" - 3.9/5 (3,000+ ratings) Amazon: "This Will Be My Undoing" - 4.5/5 "Wandering in Strange Lands" - 4.6/5 Several reviewers note they "couldn't put it down," while critics mention the writing "lacks maturity." Many reader reviews emphasize the books work best for those new to discussions of intersectionality.

This Will Be My Undoing: Living at the Intersection of Black, Female, and Feminist in (White) America (2018) A collection of personal essays exploring the author's experiences as a Black woman in America, examining topics of race, gender, pop culture, and identity.

Wandering in Strange Lands: A Daughter of the Great Migration Reclaims Her Roots (2020) A research-based memoir tracing the author's journey through the American South to understand her family's history as part of the Great Migration.

Caul Baby (2021) A novel set in Harlem following a family of Black women known for their healing powers and the mysterious caul that grants them their abilities.

Roxane Gay writes essays and memoir that examine Black womanhood, body politics, and pop culture through personal narrative. Her collections "Bad Feminist" and "Hunger" share similar themes with Jerkins' work about navigating identity and cultural expectations.

Kiese Laymon explores race, family, and the American South through memoir and essays that blend personal history with cultural criticism. His book "Heavy" parallels Jerkins' approach of using personal experience to illuminate broader social issues.

Rebecca Carroll writes about race, adoption, and identity as a Black woman raised in a white family. Her memoir "Surviving the White Gaze" shares similarities with Jerkins' examination of moving through predominantly white spaces.

Brittney Cooper analyzes Black feminism and race relations through both academic and personal lenses. Her book "Eloquent Rage" addresses many of the same intersections of race and gender that appear in Jerkins' work.

Isabel Wilkerson investigates the Great Migration and America's racial hierarchy through extensive research and storytelling. Her books "The Warmth of Other Suns" and "Caste" complement Jerkins' exploration of Black American history and migration in "Wandering in Strange Lands."