Book Rec: The List by Yomi Adegoke
- jlentz24
- May 9
- 2 min read
In this sensational, page-turning debut novel, The List follows a high-profile female journalist’s world that is upended when her fiancé’s name turns up in a viral social media post. The messy aftermath may not be the ending we expect, but I think the novel prompts a good look at our stereotypes and how social media plays a part. Drop below for the discussion guide to The List for your next book club.
Book Jacket for The List
Ola Olajide, a celebrated journalist at Womxxxn magazine, is set to marry the love of her life. Young, beautiful, and successful, she and her fiancé, Michael, are considered the “couple goals” of their social network and seem to have it all. That is, until one morning when they both wake up to the same message: “Oh my god, have you seen The List?”
It began as a list of anonymous allegations about abusive men. Now it has been published online. Ola would usually be the first to support such a list—she'd call for the men to be fired, write article after article. Except this time, Michael's name is on it.
With one month to the wedding, Ola gives Michael an ultimatum: prove his innocence or the wedding's off. But will the truth of what happened change everything for them both?
Compulsively readable, wildly entertaining, and filled with sharp social insight, The List is a piercing and dazzlingly clear-sighted debut about secrets, lies, and the internet.
Discussion Guide (spoilers ahead!)
This book asks the question, “what if?” How does the novel explore the messy interaction between the virtual world and the real one? How do online relationships impact real-life ones?
While we learn early on that Michael didn’t do what he is accused of, we do learn he is not innocent. Do you think this plot reveal should have been saved for later? Do you think we lose the novel’s tension with its reveal?
Do you think Michael’s pain seems to overwhelm Ola’s pain? What are your thoughts on male toxicity? Have your views changed from reading the book?
How do you think you would have responded to the list? The same as Ola? Do you think your ending would be the same as hers?
What do you think of the dichotomy that Michael wasn’t an abuser and loses his relationship and yet Jackie’s boyfriend is the real culprit of the information and continues to manipulate her in their relationship?
In the end, Ola loses everything through no fault of her own. How does her story parallel abused women today?
If you liked this book, you should check out Yellowface.
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