I originally decided to read this book based off the title and because I recently had a loved one pass away. I had no idea it was going to be about so many types grief that we as Black women through. With that said I really did enjoy this book. And while it is written for Black women I think everyone would benefit from reading this a learning more about how our specific intersectionality places us at the center of the many facets of grief.

I really wanted to like this book but it didn’t give what I thought it was .

I’d definitely recommend to a few friends who’d love it .

Beautiful cover too btw

Black Women Grief is a great read for this current climate. While listening to this audio book, I felt like the author was writing just to me and her voice was soothing like a hug. Her personal feelings were shared but backed up with biblical applications and tips on how to identify, navigate and thrive through the different levels of grief. It was a quick listen, but could very much be lengthen for used as a counseling tool or bible study guide.

Thank you Netgalley, Natasha Smith, and InterVarsity Press for the opportunity to listen to this book.

Natasha Smith's "Black Woman Grief" is not just a book; it's a profound and necessary excavation of an experience often unseen, unheard, and certainly unacknowledged with the depth it deserves. From the very first page, Smith's writing resonates with an unflinching honesty and a lyrical beauty that captures the multifaceted weight of grief as it is uniquely carried by Black women. This is a five-star masterpiece that demands to be read, felt, and internalized.
Smith masterfully weaves together personal narrative, insightful cultural analysis, and poignant reflections on the societal burdens and historical traumas that shape the grief of Black women. She doesn't shy away from the complexities – the layers of racial injustice, the expectations of strength, the silencing of pain – that often compound individual loss. Through her own experiences and the stories she shares, Smith illuminates the ways in which grief for Black women can be both intensely personal and inextricably linked to a collective history of struggle and resilience.
What struck me most powerfully was the vulnerability and courage with which Smith approaches such a tender and often taboo subject. She creates a space for acknowledging the full spectrum of emotions – the anger, the exhaustion, the deep sorrow, but also the enduring strength and the quiet acts of self-care that become lifelines. This book feels like a balm for those who have navigated this specific terrain of grief, offering validation and a sense of not being alone in their experience.
The writing itself is exquisite. Smith's prose is both evocative and accessible, painting vivid pictures of loss while remaining deeply empathetic and understanding. She seamlessly blends memoir with broader cultural commentary, offering new frameworks for understanding grief that are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
"Black Woman Grief" is more than just a book about sadness; it's a testament to the enduring spirit of Black women, their capacity for love and resilience in the face of unimaginable pain. It's a call for greater understanding, empathy, and acknowledgment of the unique ways in which grief manifests within this community. This is a vital contribution to the literature on grief, on Black womanhood, and on the human experience. It is a book that will stay with you long after you turn the final page, prompting reflection, fostering compassion, and ultimately, offering a profound sense of hope and healing. Everyone should read this book.

This is a great book. My first of this Author. Plan to read other books. I am grateful that I was able to read this in advance. This is much needed for now. Many are grieving.

This book was a lifeline. The author's compassionate voice and unflinching honesty about the pain and grief experienced by Black women left me feeling truly seen and understood.
It's a powerful and moving read that offers both solace and hope.

Thank you InterVarsity press and NetGalley for this copy for my honest unbiased review.

As a Black therapist, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside many women who bear the weight of grief—grief that is complex, layered, and often compounded by societal expectations, cultural nuances, and historical trauma. In my years of practice, very few books have resonated with the depth and authenticity that Black Woman Grief does. This is one of those rare texts that feels like it was written just for us, for our experiences, for the grief that is sometimes so hard to name or even articulate.
The audio version of the book was a great read by the author made me feel as though I was sitting in a sacred space, listening to stories that mirror my own journey especially how it intersects with my faith. The author doesn’t shy away from the intersectionality of our grief—the way race, gender, and culture collide in ways that shape our mourning. What really stood out was how the book honored the strength and resilience of Black women through their faith. While I don't think you have to be a believer to read this book it will resonate with many who are.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to have an advanced copy of the audiobook.

This book hit home. It’s honest, heartfelt, and full of truth. I really appreciated that Natasha Smith narrated it herself—her voice brought so much weight and care to the words. You can tell she’s lived what she’s writing about.

Whether you’re grieving now, have grieved before, or know grief will come—as it does—this book is for you. It creates space for Black women to feel seen, understood, and reminded that God is near in the pain. I loved that the foundation of the book is God’s love—it doesn’t shy away from hard things but meets them with faith.

I definitely want a physical copy so I can go back through it, highlight, and sit with it more.
Highly recommend.

WOWWWWWW! This book was something I didn't know I needed. I've lost a lot of family members in recent years and this put into words so many thoughts and validated them. I plan to recommend this to my therapist so she can recommend it to her other clients. Thank you so much for this Natasha!

Beautifully written!

The authors brings light on discrimination, BLM, christianity and support topics.
I know this might be a sensitive topic for some given the religion is highly involved but it gives a sense of hope and strength.

You are stronger than what you think, grief can be very dark but I encourage you to never loose hope!

A subject that the author touched on that a white individual signaled her out because she was being to “exclusive to the black community” is eye opening to some. People do not comprehend the circumstances and obstacles that people of color go through. Ans it’s not to minimize anybody. But it’s bringing to light situations that people tend to give very little importance.

I read this book—requested by the @griefygirlbookclub on NetGalley—because of its powerful exploration of grief. Natasha is a remarkable author: compassionate, patient, and deeply attuned to the complexities of loss. As a white woman, I found this book incredibly eye-opening in the way it highlights how grief manifests differently across genders, races, and cultures—particularly through Natasha’s lens as a Black woman.

She weaves together the intersectionality of religion, culture, history, motherhood, community, trauma, violence, and civil unrest, layering them onto the already heavy and isolating experience of grief. At the end of each chapter, she offers thought exercises grounded in biblical scripture, yet she doesn’t shy away from exploring the nuanced role that religion plays in grief, history, and the lived experience of Black women. I deeply appreciated her honesty and vulnerability.

This book is raw and tender in its portrayal of loss, yet it remains uplifting and hopeful. Whether reading (I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Natasha herself), it felt like sitting with a comforting friend who truly understands. At its heart, this book sees and honors the grief carried by Black women.

For me, it was not only a touching companion in my own grieving process but also a valuable resource for understanding how grief looks different across communities. I finished it feeling both comforted and more equipped to be a better neighbor, ally, and friend. - @kendelr4

Black Woman, Grief felt like Bible study with a big sister; honest, heartfelt, and deeply needed. As someone currently navigating grief, this audiobook came at just the right time. Natasha Smith creates a safe, sacred space for Black women.

The audiobook experience made it even more powerful. The narration felt like a comforting conversation; soothing, reflective, and full of grace. I appreciated how faith, emotional honesty, and sisterhood were seamlessly woven throughout.

This isn’t just a book about grief it’s a companion through it. One I’ll return to when the days feel heavy. I’m so grateful for it.

Loved this book as I’m experiencing grief. This book provides tips and realistic approaches to handling the most difficult moments of a crisis.

Very relatable and informative. The narrator's tone and cadence werent my favorite but it didnt take away from the message and my enjoyment of the book.

Black women often carry a mountain of grief, sometimes without even realizing they're hauling it around. This book is like a warm hug, encouraging you to embrace that grief, tackle it head-on, and let God work some healing magic. Each chapter is sprinkled with practical tips to help process that grief, paired with heartwarming messages to cheer you on in your journey. Trust me, this book is a must-read for all Black women, whether you think you’ve got grief to unpack or not! This book helped me through a really difficult time, and I hope by sharing this it will help someone else too. ❤️❤️❤️

Thank you to Natasha Smith for writing this book and sharing it with the world! Thank you Netgalley for the audio book!

Listening to this book felt like being seen, heard, and gently guided through the emotional storm so many of us know too well—but don’t always have the words for. The author didn’t just touch on grief from losing a loved one; she opened the door to a broader, deeper understanding of what it means to carry grief as a woman of color.

She spoke on racial grief—something we often keep buried, unsure if it’s “okay” to name it. But here, it’s named. It’s honored. And through her personal stories, you begin to feel like maybe… just maybe… it’s safe for you to start unpacking your own.

What made this journey even more powerful was the way she pointed back to God—not in a preachy way, but in a real, raw, and relatable way. Sometimes, when the weight of it all creeps back in, looking up and leaning into faith might just be the thing that steadies you.

This audiobook is not just informative—it’s soul work. It's a companion for those moments when grief feels like too much, especially in the quiet, seasonal waves that sneak in. I’d absolutely recommend listening with a Bible nearby. Let it be a part of your healing rhythm, your coping toolkit, your sacred space to feel and be held.

Hey, hey my favorites 😀 💚 #annieethebookiee |Book Review: Black Woman Grief by Natasha Smith
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)

As a Black woman, Black Woman Grief was a necessary and deeply affirming read. Natasha Smith doesn’t just write about grief—she speaks to the very soul of what it means to carry pain, history, and healing in a world that often tells us to stay strong without ever offering space to break.

This book made me feel seen. It was honest, raw, and beautifully written, offering a language for the emotions we often suppress. Smith doesn’t shy away from the hard truths, and yet there’s a soft grace in her storytelling that makes room for both tears and hope.

I appreciated how she intertwined personal narrative with collective experience. This book is not just about loss; it’s about reclaiming power in vulnerability and understanding that our grief deserves attention, not shame.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.

I requested this audiobook because I am very interested in the ways that people navigate their grief.
The book is narrated by the author, which is enjoyable because you are getting the inflections in the way they intended them to be heard. Listening to this has also encouraged me to incorporate more audiobooks into my reading rotation.

I enjoyed how parts of the book were conversational, as if you were talking with the author versus being instructed.

This book is very focused on Christian principles and while I agree with the author that anyone can benefit from the content, there is ALOT of specifically Christian content included.

However, if you are looking for a book with with coping skills and religious guidance, this might be a good fit to help you move through your grief process.

This is a really interesting book that dives deep into the unique experience of Black women and the challenges and grief that come along with many of their stories. Written as if speaking directly to the readers, the author offers support, strategies and empathy to her readers for the experiences they are going through and have been through in the past. In her note at the beginning of the book she explains that the book can (and should) be read by those who do not identify as Black or female, as it can give insight and understanding into their experiences. That being said, as a White woman, I would say that I didn't get as much out of the book as I would imagine other listeners might. I also found that the many references to the bible and other texts were a bit too in depth for me, perhaps a quote here and there or a reference that is particularly insightful and easily connected to the content of the story is fine, but I felt that there was a lot of references to religious stories and quotes, some of which could possibly have been condensed. The narration was good and it was easy to listen to. I appreciated the author's perspective and think this could be a really great resource for Black women who want to be seen and represented in a text. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to listen to this audiobook!

I can’t give this book more than 5 stars, but I wish I could. Natasha Smith’s Black Woman Grief left me cracked wide open and somehow stitched back together. This book made me feel seen—truly seen—in a way I didn’t even know I needed.

Smith narrating her own work? Phenomenal. Her voice hits every note of pain, healing, frustration, and resilience. It’s irreverent and raw, yet somehow soothing. She dives into stereotypes, child-rearing, corporate America, and how grief threads itself into how we, as Black women, show up to the world and how the world sees us.

We’re expected to be the “strong Black woman”—resilient, unbreakable—while silently carrying grief and burdens most people can’t even fathom. And Natasha gives a name to that weight. She reframed so much of what I’d dismissed as avoidance or frustration, showing me it was really grief.

What I love most is how she provides a perfect guide on how to heal, nurture our souls, and take care of ourselves while pouring into our community. Natasha Smith’s words aren’t just an acknowledgment of our pain; they’re a roadmap to the healing and wholeness we deserve. She weaves in biblical references as affirmations and reminders that God fights for us, even when we feel too worn down to fight for ourselves.

Through her words, she invites us to start a journey of healing, wholeness, and all the good God has for us. It made me realize the weight of what we carry and the importance of caring for ourselves unapologetically.

I was emotional reading this book. Angry. Relieved. Validated. Empowered. It’s rare to find something that acknowledges our grief and shows us a way to transform it into something beautiful and life-affirming. This book is so underhyped, and it deserves all the praise. Natasha Smith created something special here, something that will stay with me for a long time.

If you’re a Black woman, you need to read Black Woman Grief. Period. And if you have a Black friend or want to understand the Black woman’s plight, read this book then check on your “strong Black friends.” Trust me, it’ll open your eyes.