Woman behind "Who (TF) Did I Marry?" TikTok series writes new book
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Tareasa "Reesa Teesa" Johnson speaks at the 2026 Essence Fest in New Orleans. Photo: Courtesy of Peter Forest/Getty Images for Essence
It's been more than two years since Tareasa "Reesa Teesa" Johnson broke the internet with her TikTok series detailing how she discovered her ex-husband's dishonesty.
Why it matters: Johnson, who lives in metro Atlanta, has written a new book that goes beyond the social media retelling filled with twists and turns a Hollywood screenwriter couldn't dream up.
The latest: Johnson's book, "What (TF) Do I Do Now?: Reclaiming Myself One Piece at a Time,” was released Tuesday.
- In the book, Johnson reflects on the void in her life that kept her in the relationship with her ex, whom she called Legion throughout the series.
- She also details how she rediscovered herself and found the strength to move on to a new chapter in her life.
What they’re saying: Johnson, 41, told Axios she hopes her memoir reaches people “exactly where they need it.”
- For the cynics who “were done dirty in a relationship,” Johnson said she hopes they'll read her story and consider possibly loving and trusting someone again.
- Regarding the people who view her as a caricature or a social media hashtag, Johnson hopes the book will bring her humanity to life.
- “I understand that all 14 chapters may not be everyone's cup of tea," she said, "but I hope that something in those 14 chapters touches them."
Catch up quick: Axios Atlanta summarized the TikTok series here.
State of play: Johnson said her life has been a whirlwind since going viral. She’s maintained her nine-to-five job while dealing with the newfound fame.
- “It can feel like you're in a bit of a wonderful tornado, but at some point, you are going to have to kind of come back down to reality,” she said. “So I have tried my best to stay as grounded as I can.”
- She said her job, family and core group of friends have helped her keep in touch with reality.
Context: Johnson is also mindful of not letting social media turn “me into someone I’m not.” Internet fame can be fleeting, meaning someone can go viral one day and then be forgotten in a matter of months.
- To keep that momentum going, users may feel like they need to “do things to be hot, to stay hot, to stay trending, to still be in the conversation,” Johnson said.
- That can lead to users making rage-baiting content to try to maintain momentum rather than being authentic.
- "You don't always have to say relevant," she said.
- Johnson also said she takes the time to properly greet people when she’s out in public because she doesn’t want anyone to feel slighted.
What’s next: A television adaptation of the TikTok series was announced in 2024, with actress Natasha Rothwell set to portray Johnson.