Allow Me to Introduce Myself

Her life. Her rules. Finally.

Anuri Chinasa has had enough. And really, who can blame her? She was the unwilling star of her stepmother’s social media empire before “momfluencers” were even a thing. For years, Ophelia documented every birthday, every skinned knee, every milestone and meltdown for millions of strangers to fawn over and pick apart.

Now, at twenty-five, Anuri is desperate to put her way-too-public past behind her and start living on her own terms. But it’s not going so great. She can barely walk down the street without someone recognizing her, and the fraught relationship with her father has fallen apart. Then there’s her PhD application (still unfinished) and her drinking problem (still going strong). When every detail of her childhood was so intensely scrutinized, how can she tell what she really wants?

Still, Ophelia is never far away and has made it clear she won’t go down without a fight. With Noelle, Anuri’s five-year-old half sister now being forced down the same path, Anuri discovers she has a new mission in life…

To take back control of the family narrative.

Through biting wit and heartfelt introspection, this darkly humorous story dives deep into the deceptive allure of a picture-perfect existence, the overexposure of children in social media and the excitement of self-discovery.

This discussion guide was shared and sponsored in partnership with Harlequin Enterprises (Graydon House).

Book club questions for Allow Me to Introduce Myself by Onyi Nwabineli

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

After reading Aṅụrị’s story, have your thoughts about social media changed? What do you think about adults documenting their children’s lives on the internet?

The story begins with Aṅụrị having already made the decision to pursue her autonomy via litigation. How do you think this affects Ophelia emotionally?

How do you think the loss of Kainene shapes Nkem’s relationship with first Aṅụrị and then Noelle?

Simi and Loki are important anchors in Aṅụrị’s life. What role do you think Aṅụrị plays in their lives?

Aṅụrị’s focus shifts to her little sister and securing a life for them both free of Ophelia’s desire for ongoing online popularity. Why do you think this becomes so urgent for Aṅụrị?

What significance do Makuo and Arinze have in Aṅụrị’s life? What part do they play in her pursuit of independence?

What are your thoughts on the way in which Aṅụrị interacts with Christian? Is her hesitancy understandable? How do you think her past colors the way she perceives romantic relationships?

Throughout the story, Aṅụrị constantly battles the allure of drinking and binge shopping. Why do you think these are her vices of choice? How do you think her relationship to these dependencies change as the story continues?

Ophelia seems determined to cling to her relevancy and her popularity at all costs. How do you interpret this resolve?

LowlyWorm’s proposal captures Aṅụrị’s attention enough for her to briefly consider accepting it. What do you think led her to even contemplate this? What are your thoughts on Aṅụrị’s decision to practice FinDom?

At the end of the story, Aṅụrị chooses to remain no contact with Ophelia. Do you think their relationship could ever be repaired? What do you think it would take?

Allow Me to Introduce Myself Book Club Questions PDF

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