Cover Image: Black Girls Must Die Exhausted: A Novel for Grown Ups

Black Girls Must Die Exhausted: A Novel for Grown Ups

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Member Reviews

BLACK GIRLS MUST DIE EXHAUSTED chronicles the experiences of most African American women living in America. While the experiences are very real, I found myself having a hard time connecting with Tabitha the main character. While all novels don't have a strong main character, her anxiety is sometimes unwarranted in my opinion. The dysfunctional and back and forth relationship between Marc and Tabby is missing chemistry and substance which had me thinking why she put so much effort in trying to maintain it. Her friendship with Lexi and Laila also seemed felt disconnected.

The book was well-written but failed to drawn me in. I will give the sequel a chance to see if there is better chance to determine if that one engages me.

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In 2018 when this book was initially published, I started it but did not finish. I planned to return to it but kept pushing it to the side. I decided to pick it back up and listen to the audio along with reading the text.

I found the characters and events of the novel very relatable. The author covers a lot of topics: infertility, police brutality, death, divorce, adultery, mental illness, dating, and relationships. With so many topics being explored, there is enough for girls to get exhausted.

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Fun, sassy, smart, and honest. Those are the words that describe this book for me. The author grabs you with her writing and you can easily relate and understand the myriad of emotions the main character goes through - especially if you’re a woman.

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Well told storybut followed a predictable story plot. The characters fell into predictable plot holes as well but there was some growth. Overall, a good read but I’ve seen this story and its characters before.

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I could not appreciate the title more, and I thought the three best friends, Tabitha, Alexis, and Laila were all women that either reminded me of myself or someone I know.

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A great read. I loved the story.A great read. I loved the story.A great read. I loved the story.A great read. I loved the story.A great read. I loved the story.A great read. I loved the story.A great read. I loved the story.A great read. I loved the story.A great read. I loved the story.A great read. I loved the story.A great read. I loved the story.A great read. I loved the story.A great read. I loved the story.A great read. I loved the story.A great read. I loved the story.A great read. I loved the story.

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I started reading this one but didn't hold my interest. I though the concept was good but I wish I could have connected with the characters more.

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Strong African American female characters that are very well presented in this book, The strength of sistherhood is visible in this book. This book should be read by many and they will not be disappointed. Thank you to the author for writing this, the publisher for publishing it and NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this outstanding book. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on my thoughts or rating.

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I'm so glad I took the time out to finish this book! The title is what really got me. I cannot lie. The tone is very modern and relevant to what's going on today. So much truth to this book. I love the women empowerment tones, I love the fact that Jayne brought up the relationship between people of color and the police. I love how she speaks on fertility. and the truth! That it's hard for a black woman to get the recognition she deserves in the work place. She must work harder than anyone to be seen.

I can completely sympathize and relate with the character Tabitha. I feel for her as she battles what life has tossed at her. The pressure of having kids now, and getting married. Doing well in her career. Many things that women battle everyday.

And yes, I can def. hear the Terri McMillan tones in the book.
Great read, will purchase one for my mom!

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I didn't know what to expect when I chose to request this book. I'd never heard of this book before seeing it on NetGalley. The author, Jayne Allen, is a debut author with this, surprisingly, being her first book. It's a rather surprisingly relatable story with depth, interesting characters, and it very well written. I can't wait for her future books.

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Although we loved the premise of this book, we were not able to add it to our subscription box. This is not a reflection on the book, but it just didn't work out for us.

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I had expected the book to be more about a women and her quest for starting a family but this book surprised me by having much more depth and layers then I had anticipated.
You are taken into the life of Tabathia Walker, as she deals with life as a strong, modern, woman of color. Helped by her friends and her adorable grand mother.
A nice , feel good book and a good debut. Would definitely keep an eye out for the author's future work.

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I don’t know where to begin with this book. The cover art and title drew me to it, and it certainly did not disappoint! I found the book extremely relatable, which sometimes falls flat in novels that are heavy. I loved that the story gave so many different perspectives, and the writing truly made you want to root for the MC and supporting characters to come out on top. It was a true comfort to me personally. So glad it fell into my life!

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This book started off firmly in the chick lit genre and along the way an adultish novel broke out bringing to life all that’s good about great fiction. Emotion, characters with depth, real life situations that are relatable and empathy inducing. Tabitha Walker is a TV news reporter and is trying to rise through the ranks in that setting, she is also thinking about having children but a hurdle has been discovered. In addition, her current boyfriend is undecided on children and really his future with Tabitha.

So, navigating through all this can at times be absolutely exhausting, but Tabitha manages well through it all, and that’s a testament to the brilliant writing of Jayne Allen. As the book moves more into the adultish realm, we get gems of real life advice like this from Tabitha‘s grandmother,

“‘Two,” she said, following a deep breath, ‘I just learned that life, no matter what kinda bad happens…it’s all about finding some bit of optimism, some kind of hope that the next moment, or even the moment after that…’Granny Tab looked away as her eyes glazed wistfully in the direction of the willow tree, before she continued, ‘is going to be all that you had originally wished for, and that your good is still on the way.’”

Tabitha becomes a character that is easy to root for and become emotionally invested in, to the point of really caring and hoping that things would work out for her. I had to check myself a time or two to remember we are talking about fictional characters, not real people. Overall, just very impressed with this book and the way it delivered emotion, authenticity and timely advice and wisdom. A book two is on the way and I’m certainly going to read that one! Book is available now and thanks to Netgalley, Quality Black Books and Jayne Allen for an advanced DRC.

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Unlike anything I have read before. Very much enjoyed this book and would recommend to anyone looking for a really good read.

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My actual rating for Black Girls Must Die Exhausted is 3.5 Stars

For the most part, I enjoyed the novel. However, I did find quite a few grammatical errors in the finished copy (I bought the book). The plot of the story was enjoyable, but I felt towards the end everything was rushed. I honestly think the book could have been much shorter and felt there was a lot of repetition throughout the novel.

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Jayne Allen developed a plot about Tabitha's story knowing that there was a problem when she would have children. Limited time to get pregnant and the threat of a doctor. The problem relates to naturally developing themes such as relationships with boyfriends, jobs, colleagues, infidelity, racial and family conflicts.
The narrative developed in the story is flat, but runs fast and well. The plot was also developed with prejudices from the main character, so that it seemed complicated. Tabitha's emotional and physical relationships are well explored so readers can easily imagine. Including when it concerns about good friends and boyfriend that make stories mature. Thank you Jayne Allen and Quality Black Books.

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"There is a need for more diverse voices in literature with the freedom and leeway to write undiluted perspectives for more diverse audiences."

This says everything and so, so much more.

Black Girls Must Die Exhausted was my favorite read of 2019 and I am excited to continue reading this series.

Jayne Allen masterfully captured so many important elements of the complexity of being a successful, single black woman in today's world. There were so many moments I had to stop and highlight or write down in my reading journal to look back on.

This book is so special and a beacon of hope that one day, more literature will reflect the realities of women of color.

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Enjoyed the book a lot. Makes you think. I love how the character pulls together with love and laughter. This big will make you a strong person

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Black Girls Must Die Exhausted penned by Jayne Allen is an enjoyable, realistic narrative.
I enjoyed the struggles of Tabitha Walker as a career woman in a loving relationship and who want to start a family.
The characters, settings, diversity, and dialogue was relatable and well defined. I related with the main characters and the struggles of a working woman managing all of life's multiple juggler balls in the air without having them bounce off of one's forehead.
Black Girls Must Die Exhausted is an enjoyable read with laughter, tears, and cheers. I felt that this narrative touched on all aspects of a woman's life in today's climate and I enjoyed seeing the diversity in a chic lit. :-)
I look forward to seeing more books by Jayne Allen.

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