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Just Sayin'

By: Malorie Blackman
Narrated by: Malorie Blackman
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Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

Malorie Blackman OBE is one of Britain's best loved and most widely read writers, and this is her long-awaited autobiography.

For more than 30 years, her books have helped to shape British culture and inspired generations of younger readers and writers. The Noughts and Crosses series, started in 2000, sparked a new and necessary conversation about race and identity in the UK and are already undisputed classics of 21st-century children's literature.

She is also a writer whose own life has been shaped by books, from her childhood in South London, the daughter of parents who moved to Britain from Barbados as part of the Windrush Generation, and who experienced a childhood that was both wonderful and marred by the everyday racism and bigotry of the era. She was told she could not apply to study her first love, literature, at university, in spite of her academic potential, but found a way to books and to a life in writing against a number of obstacles.

This book is an account of that journey, from a childhood surrounded by words, to the 83 rejection letters she received in response to sending out her first project, to the children's laureateship. It is an illuminating, inspiring and empowering account of the power of words to change lives, and the extraordinary life story of one of the world's greatest writers.

©2022 Malorie Blackman (P)2022 Penguin Audio
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What listeners say about Just Sayin'

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Great listen

so much resonated with me and my life experiences even our professions differ, we aren't of a similar age or health. Malorie 's story was told in such a pure and honest way that its essence really spoke to me. thank you

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On being your cheerleader

loved Malorie's memoir mainly for hearing how she's refused to fit into anyone else's box or definition of what she should be ("hell no squared!"). Also for how unapologetically -with every ounce of her being- she has shown up for herself and her dreams. She has an utter acceptance of all she is including any perceived "faults": '...the cracks are the interesting bits, the cracks in my pavement are filled with gold.'. There is also great insight into how she has succeeded in business especially in standing her ground when she's been asked to compromise her integrity/values. It's a great morale booster of a read with lots of inspiration, and it provides a great personification of what I suspect being your own cheerleader might look like. Strangely I've never read any of her books so I plan to do that when I can.

Great quote by Ovid 'Be patient and tough; someday this pain will be useful to you'.

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Just Sayin!

Absolutely loved hearing about Malorie's continuous drive and determination to achieve her dreams. Never letting the colour of her skin, the negative doubters or the sickle cell diagnosis stop her. She diverted, stumbled and held her own via a longer route but she arrived!I listened to what she was "Just Sayin" with intent, her story made me angry, sad, smile, laugh but mostly it made me proud. Proud to be a black women in a very uneven playing field. Thank you for your time, your honesty and for sharing you story Malorie.

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Just wow!!!

I finished the entire book within 2 seating, between a busy work life and parenting. I went on the journey with Mallory, laughing and crying as I went along. Truly inspirational, an author my daughter and I both love.

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Great story which I could relate to.

A very real and unapologetic insight into her life. So inspiring to read and reveal the strength in her character.

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Fantastic review of her life

Well worth listening to, and I particularly liked the fact that she reads it herself. It is lovely to read a story by such a strong woman.

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Great listen

Loved this as so relatable. So nice to hear Malorie telling her own story. Thoroughly recommend.

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SO INSPIRING

I really enjoyed this audio book. I admire Malorie’s determination and persistence to never give up, and she proved the neigh sayer’s and hater’s wrong.

I felt that as a woman living with Sickle Cell Disorder, our stories were so similar. I too was told at 17 years old that I would probably be dead at 21, and now here I am at 63.

Well done and congratulations on all your accomplishments.

Brilliant book. “Just saying”

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so inspiring

I loved this book. I feel like I've met Mallorie, and she's now one of my friends. We have had similar upbringing, and are the same age.

We also share some similar experiences; which have made us resilient and steadfast. She is a light to this world. Her story is inspirational, and filled with hope.

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Loved this book

Read Naughts and Crosses years ago and the story of Callum and Sephy always stayed with me. Was very curious about Malorie's story. This book is an absolute must read!

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