Amy DuBois Barnett talks “If I Ruled the World” book- is it her story?

Jan. 24, 2026 – 03:51 – In clip from our conversation with author Amy DuBois Barnett, she opens up to theGrio’s Natasha S. Alford about her debut novel ‘If I Ruled the World’—and whether the story is more personal than readers might expect. Blending 90s hip-hop nostalgia, magazine culture, and themes of ambition, identity, and power, ‘If I Ruled the World’ takes us back in the best way. Barnett shares what inspired the book, how much of herself is reflected in the characters, and why stories centered on Black women’s interior lives still matter. Watch the full interview on theGrio.com.

TheGrio Weekly with Natasha Alford

TheGrio Weekly with Natasha Alford

Amy DuBois Barnett talks “If I Ruled the World” book- is it her story?

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Natasha S. Alford is an award-winning journalist, filmmaker and media executive driven by the power of storytelling. TheGrio Weekly with Natasha S. Alford reports the latest in news, culture and entertainment.