One of the most talked about books of 2021, Zakiya Dalila Harris’ debut novel is a genre-bending, searing look at race, office politics, and the micro-aggressions that people of color endure when working in a predominantly white industry. Harris’ “The Other Black Girl” is the story of Nella, a publishing assistant who is used to being the only black voice in the room. When Hazel arrives, dynamics change dramatically, but not at all in ways Nella would expect or desire. 

A thriller that is full of surprises, “The Other Black Girl” gives a dramatic look at how easily a young professional can lose her footing when she’s the target of gaslighting. Harris talks to Olivia about writing a debut novel that earned so much buzz, the Spotify playlist she crafted to accompany the book, and working on the adaptation for Hulu.

Margaret and Olivia discuss other books they’ve recently read and loved, including “We Are the Brennans” by Tracy Lange, and “Fault Lines” by Emily Itami.