Book Review | Slay In Your Lane

When I first got my hands on Yomi Adegoke’s and Elizabeth Uviebinené’s Slay In Your Lane, little did I know the fuschia pink and gold number, with its title emblazoned in white on the front  was going to be a game changer for many UK black women, who for a long time have largely gone ignored, silenced, and uncatered for.

The Black Girl Bible?
Slay In Your Lane covers a large spectrum of topics, from career and finances to dating and health, but uniquely from the perspective of black women. Far from just an eloquent expression of the injustices black British women face daily, such as wide salary discrepancies and social media abuse, the aim of this book is to inform and empower. The voices of many black British women from different industries were collated to form the rich text. It provides useful resources the reader can turn to, such as the list of websites provided at the end of the ‘Getting Ahead‘ chapter, to help entrepreneurs get started. But what I love the most is the message of hope that radiates from every chapter.
I was Triggered.
There are many reasons for deciding to pick up a book, from the need for entertainment or escapism to wanting to be informed or motivated. But there was something else that Slay In Your Lane did for me. It triggered me. Reading that black women are more likely to be the most educated in their work departments, and not so long after, learning that UK ethnic families “earn up to £8900 less than their white British counterparts” made the adrenalin jump around my body. Women across the board are less likely to ask for a much-deserved pay rise, and black women even less so as they’re usually preoccupied with dismantling the “aggressive black woman” stereotype.

It made me reflect on my own career and the fact that the bid to just put my head down and get the job done, might have done me a big disservice. I also realised that every time I had to duck to avoid the hand of a colleague who wants to “know what my hair feels like”, or explain how my hair grew inches over the weekend thanks to my fresh braids, or hide my bottle of Supermalt lest I am accused of drinking whilst working,  I have confronted yet another soul-stripping, albeit unintentional microaggression.
Take Your Time
If you’ve been following me on the Gram, you’ll know that it took me quite a while to get through Slay In Your Lane. Almost a month to be more precise! That’s not to say that I found it difficult or too uninteresting to glide through. But aside from the millions of other projects I had, I just wanted to give this piece of work the respect due. Each chapter is divided into subchapters and felt the need to take time to digest each one. Both Adegoke, and Uviebinené, an award-nominated journalist, and brand marketer respectively, clearly wrote the book with care. Eloquent in expression (for example, when Yomi describes “the cliché of millennial navel-gazing and our fervent need to constantly self-identify”), and conscientious enough to back every assertion with fact.

“That book you’ve been reading, haven’t you finished it yet?”, my hubby asked me the other day. Instantly I felt a bit useless because how can something you like so much, take so long to finish? But then again, when something is precious and valuable to you, you take it in carefully and with consideration. You don’t rush it, you appreciate for its every blessed word (That, and the fact I have been mad busy!) But anyway, I say all this to say I’M FINALLY DONE! Book review will be up on the blog in the next couple of weeks. #buildingwomenwithwords #slayinyourlane . . . . . . . . . . #wordsaregolden #conversation #conversationrituals #communication #communicationacademy #blogger #instablog #motivation #bookblogger #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #africanliterature #bookreviews #bookblogs #ontheblog #bb_bloggers #blackbritishblogger #BlackGirlsWhoBlog #womenwriters #femaleentrepreneur #BlackGirlsWhoWrite #copywriter #serviceprovider #hireme #smallbusinesses #tipsforbusinesses

A post shared by Madeline Wilson-Ojo (@madelinewilsonojo) on


I am not necessarily in blind agreement with everything the ladies had to say (my views on dating might differ slightly), but I love the openness,  the intellect and the heart which underlines every paragraph of the text. Having so many viewpoints made it dynamic. I imagine Slay In Your Lane being the basis of, or remodelled as a six-part docuseries.
Have you read Slay In Your Lane yet? What did you think? If not, why not make a purchase now!
368 pages, Published by 4th Estate, RRP is £16.99

You may also want to read:
Book Review |The Smart Money Woman
Book Review |Confessions of a Frustrated Millenial
Book Review |The Aso-Ebi Chronicles

22 Comments

  1. Missy May
    September 11, 2018 / 4:40 pm

    You're reading some interesting books sis. I haven't read this, but surely sounds great. I just finished a full book yesterday and couldn't be more proud. I haven't read a full book in like forever so I'm happy I'm back on it. It was a romantic novel and I think I'll stay on this lane for awhile. Lol!! My next read is 'The 5 Love Languages'https://www.missymayification.co.uk

    • Madeline Wilson-Ojo
      September 13, 2018 / 11:32 am

      I have read some great books! A lot of quality publications came out this year. Well done you! What is the name of the book? 5 Love Languages is a very good read. Thanks for stopping by!

  2. money online
    November 13, 2018 / 1:55 pm

    how to make money online

  3. Unknown
    November 14, 2018 / 2:36 pm

    I love the premise of this book, sounds really fantastic! And I love that JOYFUL pic. =)EarnHoney

  4. Unknown
    November 14, 2018 / 2:38 pm

    I love this post! What a fun and perfect way to celebrate Abby's book! :DEarnHoney

  5. Bachelor Developer
    November 27, 2018 / 1:43 pm

    Software House in Hyderabad

  6. Fortnite
    November 27, 2018 / 2:35 pm

    I love the premise of this book, sounds really fantastic! And I love that JOYFUL pic. =Software House in Hyderabad

  7. William T.Mack
    December 3, 2018 / 6:45 pm

    There is noticeably a bundle to know about this. I assume you made certain nice points in features also.popcorn time download mac

  8. Jonathan Cather
    February 6, 2019 / 9:44 am

    *Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you definitely have the gift. Web Development

  9. printed stickers uk
    April 30, 2019 / 9:02 am

    I'm really impressed about the info you provide in your articles. If you want to invest in suits and be stress-free, then you should shake hands with us. We are providing great clothing in the most reasonable price range that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. Put your trust in us as your supplier since we are the prominent custom stickers printing You can rely on us for the clothing problems we assure you we will never let our customers down.

  10. printed stickers uk
    April 30, 2019 / 9:22 am

    I'm really impressed about the info you provide in your articles. If you want to invest in suits and be stress-free, then you should shake hands with us. We are providing great clothing in the most reasonable price range that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. Put your trust in us as your supplier since we are the prominent printed stickers uk You can rely on us for the clothing problems we assure you we will never let our customers down.

  11. Jenny Rose
    June 15, 2019 / 3:04 pm

    Present your products in the best quality custom printed boxes. Custom boxes make it easy to design and create beautiful custom printed boxes UK. Are you looking for Buy Packaging Boxes with Custom Packaging Boxes at wholesale prices? We offer a huge variety of custom packaging boxes at your doorstep with free shipping.Custom Boxes

  12. Jenny Rose
    June 15, 2019 / 3:04 pm

    Thank you! In our industry, we know that you only get a few crucial seconds to make a good impression and engage potential customers. We aim to help you make the best of it!Custom Stickers

  13. Bachelor Developer Software Company (pvt Ltd)
    June 19, 2019 / 11:44 am

    Online learn Quran

  14. Bachelor Developer Software Company (pvt Ltd)
    June 19, 2019 / 12:03 pm

    Online learn Quran

  15. Bachelor Developer Software Company (pvt Ltd) Our Software Company Software Create,Web development,Web designing ,logo create and seo link building MOB Whatsapp: 03415627372 -03066537463
    July 12, 2019 / 7:33 am

    Nice post, keep up with this interesting work. It really is good to know that this topic is being covered also on this web site so cheers for taking time to discuss this! Healthy lunch Ideas

  16. packagingpapa Boxes
    September 12, 2019 / 1:25 pm

    I am certainly making the most of your site. You unquestionably have some extraordinary knowledge and incredible stories.embossed stickers

  17. packagingpapa Boxes
    September 12, 2019 / 1:25 pm

    Wow! Such an amazing and helpful post this is. I really really love it. It's so good and so awesome. I am just amazed. I hope that you continue to do your work like this in the future alsoTransparent stickers

  18. SP CEO
    September 14, 2019 / 11:58 am

    Hi! Great work. I feel nice to be here reading your authentic work.Custom Sticker

  19. SP CEO
    September 14, 2019 / 11:59 am

    I always appreciate quality content, Thanks to you for sharing such post.Ask Questions Get Answers

  20. home service salon dubai
    September 20, 2019 / 2:22 pm

    home service salon dubai

  21. Akon whick
    November 12, 2019 / 1:07 pm

    Fine information, many thanks to the author. It is puzzling to me now, but in general, the usefulness and importance is overwhelming. Very much thanks again and best of luck!new birthday wishesCustom Packaging Boxes