The Invisible Ache

Black Men Identifying Their Pain and Reclaiming Their Power

De: Courtney B. Vance, Robin L. Smith

Narrado por: Courtney B. Vance, Robin L. Smith

From an award-winning actor and a #1 bestselling author, a unique combination of moving memoir and practical tools that offers guidance for Black men seeking to reclaim their mental well-being–and, ultimately, to live wholeheartedly.

In America, we teach that strength means holding back tears and shaming your own feelings. In the Black community, these pressures are especially poignant. Poor mental health outcomes-- including diagnoses of depression and anxiety, reliance on prescription drugs, and suicide–have skyrocketed in the past decade.

In this book, actor Courtney B. Vance seeks to change this trajectory. Along with professional expertise from famed psychologist Dr. Robin L. Smith (popularly known as “Dr. Robin”), Courtney B. Vance explores issues of grief, relationships, identity, and race through the telling of his own most formative experiences. Together, they provide a guide for Black men navigating life’s ups and downs, reclaiming mental well-being, and examining broken pieces to find whole, full-hearted living.

Self-care is an act of revolution. It’s time to revolutionize mental health in the Black community.

"A thoughtful, wise, empathetic book that has the capacity to save lives. " (Kirkus)

"...an inspiring story of what [Black men] can achieve personally and professionally when they have the tools and support necessary to examine their pain and find their joy." (New York Journal of Books)

Reseñas de la Crítica

“The Invisible Ache is one more example of all the reasons that I came to love Courtney B. Vance. What drew me to him is his willingness to be a servant, to help and be there for others. What greater gift can one receive than the message that you are not alone and that there is support. You just have to be open to receiving and welcoming it. What Dr. Robin and Courtney offer in these pages are comfort, answers, personal stories, and a lot of love for Black boys and men. My hope is that The Invisible Ache will become a cherished book on countless reading lists and the many lives that are blessed will span the distance from the Earth to the rainbow.”—Angela Bassett, Award-winning Actress, Director & Producer

"Brother Vance’s spirit of compassion and generosity is an emotional house built on the foundations of love, faith, humility, and courage. Where others may hide, Courtney stands bravely in the light, telling his story as a means to help others. In The Invisible Ache, Courtney and Dr. Robin selflessly extend hands and hearts to those seeking a place to receive a welcome balm for the soul."

—Presiding Bishop Emeritus Bishop Charles E. Blake, Sr., West Angeles Church of God in Christ and Lady Mae Blake

"Mental health in the Black community has not been embraced but is extremely important and should be discussed. For Black men, there is no better voice of compassion and understanding than Courtney B. Vance to help initiate this healing journey. Together, with Dr. Robin, Courtney shares his own journey to illustrate that vulnerability, truth, and faith are direct pathways to a happier, more fulfilling life. The Invisible Ache is for males of all ages, and the women who love them, to help them overcome their struggles and live a life of sustained purpose and worth."

—Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Businessman & Philanthropist

“Mental health has become an epidemic among the Black male community, but they are so often left out of the conversation. Dr. Robin and Courtney B. Vance are tackling this issue head on in a compassionate, educational and actionable way that will positively impact the lives of so many. Silent suffering doesn't have to be the status quo and The Invisible Ache will provide solace and healing to those who seek healing and understanding.”
—Debra Lee, former CEO of BET, founder of Leading Women Defined

The careful wording and expression of feelings and concerns by both Courtney and Ms. Smith.

Outstanding book. A long time coming and needed! Thank you for helping me understand myself as a black man who struggles daily with thoughts of hopelessness and at the same time thoughts of love!

It’s about time

I enjoyed this collaboration and all that came with it. Thank you Mr. Vance and Dr. Smith for helping our fathers, sons, brothers, and all other male relations that need our support. I’m recommending it to everyone who is loving healing men. I think it’s time for a book club for my guys.

enjoyable listen

I'd like for a lot of our brothers read or listened to this book. After this election our people are in more trouble now then ever , our people have to get together before our black people perish !

I found that Mr. Vance was very open about his feelings regarding his family dynamics, as well as his perspective on society.

Very relatable and impactful...a great read and I would recommend it for all black men to get.

Transparency & Culnerability with Empowerment

I will read it again and our three sons have the information, one of which is currently reading the book. It has generated more dialogue and story telling in our family. I especially love the title. The words, Invisible Ache, resonates in my entire being and speaks to each of us Black folk individually and collectively!