Black Girls Must Die Exhausted

A Novel (Black Girls Must Die Exhausted, Book 1)

By: Jayne Allen

Narrated by: Marcella Cox

Length: 9 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

"Both timely and enjoyable."—Kirkus Reviews

The first novel in a captivating three-book series about modern womanhood, in which a young Black woman must rely on courage, laughter, and love—and the support of her two longtime friends—to overcome an unexpected setback that threatens the most precious thing she's ever wanted.

Tabitha Walker is a black woman with a plan to "have it all." At 33 years old, the checklist for the life of her dreams is well underway. Education? Check. Good job? Check. Down payment for a nice house? Check. Dating marriage material? Check, check, and check. With a coveted position as a local news reporter, a "paper-perfect" boyfriend, and even a standing Saturday morning appointment with a reliable hairstylist, everything seems to be falling into place.

Then Tabby receives an unexpected diagnosis that brings her picture-perfect life crashing down, jeopardizing the keystone she took for granted: having children. With her dreams at risk of falling through the cracks of her checklist, suddenly she is faced with an impossible choice between her career, her dream home, and a family of her own.

With the help of her best friends, the irreverent and headstrong Laila and Alexis, the mom jeans-wearing former "Sexy Lexi," and the generational wisdom of her grandmother and the nonagenarian firebrand Ms. Gretchen, Tabby explores the reaches of modern medicine and tests the limits of her relationships, hoping to salvage the future she always dreamed of. But the fight is all consuming, demanding a steep price that forces an honest reckoning for nearly everyone in her life. As Tabby soon learns, her grandmother's age-old adage just might still be true: Black girls must die exhausted.

©2021 Jayne Allen (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

Not What I Expected

I expected a story about a Black woman/women who go above and beyond to excel in all that they do for their family and for themselves. The book was presented in this manner but instead there was very little narrative as to these myriad struggles. Not to mention, the story could not firmly set itself on a subject which was disappointing. I also felt as if the central character had a hidden desire to be white. How she goes on about the physical characteristics of her grandmother and step-sisters was exhausting and a bit offensive considering she's Black (confusing but if you read the book, you'll understand). Ironically, the title fit my thoughts as I listened. Black Girls/Women must be exhausted by stories like this, that simplify our struggles within ourselves, in our relationships, our health, our desires and frankly with white women and the Black men that love them or desire to be in proximity to them. This story could have really been an eyeopener for all reading/listening to it. Instead, I felt it took real issues in the Black community, and as women, and made them basic. I encourage the author to really develop her storyline, focus on expanding the characters and delve more into race and relationships if she tries this topic again. If she does, it would truly be a novel worth reading.

I can't

I can't. the voice actor. smh
storyline wasn't strong enough and not at all really what I was expecting.

Life’s Journey

This book revealed a story of a multi-racial young lady that identified herself as being “black,” because of her skin color. The author wrote about every day struggles of being a young black female living in a society that oftentimes discredits one for being as such. This story can truly be appreciated amongst the career, mommy, wife seeking black woman.

Listening to this was… exhausting.

If you want to listen to book that takes you through anxiety, frustration and tons of jumbled words that are border-line hysterical… this is for you. I couldn’t even get past the second chapter. The character was not relatable at all, and it seems like the author tried to cram every BLM struggle into one chapter. We do get it…. Being black in America can be exhausting. But I thought this book was going to show more depth and a lighter, real world aspect instead of just repeating every stereotype and hashtag that exists about being a black woman.

This was painful to listen to

I had super high hopes for this book. The story was shallow and the character development was weak. I wanted so badly to like this book but was let down at every turn. Maybe if there was a different narrator??

Listening to this was exhausting.

I gave it my best shot but this book was terrible. Shallow. Vapid. Felt like a collection of stereotypes and really had nothing to do with the reality of exhausting circumstances brought on by being black. It revolves around whiteness. Bare minimum character development. And the narrator wasn’t great. I wanted to like this. But it’s was aggressively bad. When Daquan and Felicia Jenkins came on the scene I had to call it quits.

Touched My Soul

I saw this book but honestly as a black woman got nervous about the title. We honestly don’t even want to admit we’re exhausted these days. Then, I connected with an old friend. She listed this as one of her all-time favorite books on a FB post introducing herself to her customers. I didn’t waste anymore time and went and used my Audible credit. This book truly touched my heart. Not only did I love the energy of the reader but it honestly felt like I was talking to a Sista myself. This book was witty, therapeutic, honest and made for US. I can’t thank you enough for writing this book. It shows me I have to be better and I seriously have to look out for my girlfriends. We do want it all but it shouldn’t cost us peace or happiness. Most of all, we deserve to walk in OUR truth. Thank you for this beautiful book and for putting your heart into it. I look forward to reading the physical copy as well. 💜 THANK YOU TRULY!

Love this book

It was refreshing to read book that related to the exhaustion of black women . I couldn’t put this book down . ❤️❤️ can’t wait to read more books by the author.

I felt ALL OF THIS

The writer is excellent. She spoke to the many women who feel unheard. She didn’t make this a single issue. Her writing was fair and multi-dimensional.

Boutiques of flowers!

As a man I’m glad I listened to this book so that I could hear the story in a woman’s voice instead of my idea of a woman’s voice, maybe an ex, sister, or other woman relative. As a black man it was so relatable and still distant.

It was extremely powerful. I don’t know for sure how many times…”I got something in my eyes”.

Black excellence!

Great listen

Once you start you will not stop until it ends and it will leave you wanting more

Love love love love thissss

What an absolute book
The emotions
One minute am laughing, next am crying and back to laughing
Oh and the narrator….galllll…..she nailed it ❤️

Brilliant read

I loved this story. The pace was good, I was invested in the characters, I cant wait to start the next book to find out where their stories go. definitely recommend if you are looking for a good but easy read

Powerful story

The book broached important topics weaved into a great story. I was crying at one point. So much heartache but a happy surprise at the end! Loved the narrator, Marcella Cox has such a soothing voice.