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.

I was blessed with an ARC copy of Black Woman Grief by Natasha Smith. I felt as if my story was being told; This was a reflectiom of my life.
ard and seen in this book. I had to stop and think about the times I never took, or had the time to grieve; the times I had to keep going because if I didn't make things happen, who would.
A Must Read!!

This book was only ok. It felt like a pep talk of sorts but I’m not sure I got that much out of it. Maybe it was too short? There were a few practical tips given and scripture sprinkled with life examples. Overall it didn’t give me much in the way of application. I wouldn’t read it again.

Review of Black Woman Grief by Natasha Smith

Black Woman Grief is a deeply moving and insightful exploration of grief, resilience, and healing. Natasha Smith takes a compassionate and honest approach, acknowledging the unique burdens that Black women carry when facing loss. Her writing is both personal and universal, making space for readers to see themselves and their experiences reflected on the page.
What stands out most is how Smith challenges the expectation of constant strength, instead encouraging vulnerability and self-compassion. She weaves together faith, history, and psychology to provide not just understanding but also tangible steps toward healing. Each chapter feels like a conversation with a trusted friend—one who understands the weight of grief and offers a guiding hand through it.
This book is more than just a discussion of sorrow; it’s a testament to the power of honoring grief while still moving forward. Smith’s words provide validation, hope, and a path toward wholeness. It’s a must-read for anyone navigating loss, especially Black women who may feel unseen in their pain.

I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK.

If you’re a Black woman, know a Black woman, love a Black woman, or want to support a Black woman—this book is for you. It speaks to the heart of our struggles, our resilience, and the grief we’ve been conditioned to carry without question.

Through the lens of Christian faith, this book gives language to the grief we’ve normalized, the wounds we’ve ignored, and the healing we deserve. It doesn’t just name the pain—it offers a way through it.

Black woman, what made you so afraid of rest?

This question lingers, demanding reflection. We’ve been taught to push through, to endure, to be strong at all costs. But what if rest isn’t weakness? What if it’s a form of resistance?

Because let’s be real—what doesn’t kill us doesn’t always make us stronger. Sometimes, it just gives us trauma. And overcoming isn’t just something we do; it’s in our bones, our bloodline, our birthright.

This book is a must-read. It’s a love letter, a challenge, and a call to healing all in one.

Black Woman Grief a book I didn’t realise I needed but so glad I came upon.

Beautifully written , felt like a love letter to black woman. I love that faith in God was evidenced throughout. The bible scriptures used were excellent and the ideas given are straight forward to achieve if we make time to do the work on ourselves.

I will get a copy for myself and a copy to share with other when going through grief.

Would make a great Bible study or Christian women's book club pick!

Beautiful cover.

Given the tough topic, this is not the type of book that one "enjoys" per se, but the target demographic should appreciate this, and other ethnicities can learn a lot from the stories and general and poignant information included.

My main challenge with this book is that I think the author could have prioritized the grief and self-help pieces (hope, self-care, etc.) more, which is the main pull of the title. Instead, it felt like a recap of the causes of black grief in society and the author's personal grief with the self-help parts sprinkled in. The Bible scriptures were aptly placed and timely.

I don't think the majority of this book was "A Guide to Hope and Wellness," maybe about ~50%? Grief and its forms don't get defined until ~30% in. Nonetheless, the ending had activities that could make this a good reference book. 👌

I will be honest and say that I picked up this book thinking that it would just be beneficial to my grieving process in regards to the loss of loved ones. This book touches on that and so much more! There is so much pain and strife that comes with being a black woman that others simply cannot understand. Out stress and complaints are often dismissed and written off as “not that bad.”

Our being strong often is not the result of a positive character trait. Most times it is a defense mechanism. We have to be strong so that we are not taken advantage of, used or mistreated. We have to be strong because experience has showed us that we cannot depend on others to help, or keep our confidence. We are strong because we have to be to survive.

This is a must read!!

Although I am not a black woman (mixed fil-am), the author invites all readers to partake in this exploration of deep, faithful admissions of grief and managing what is passed down generation over generation. I found God’s word throughout so deeply meaningful relative to her perspective and I feel I’ve gain a great deal of knowledge of how others may feel and how my own mother must feel at times due to her own background and experiences.

A deeply insightful novel for anyone struggling.

This is a great guide on grief that addresses issues specific to Black women while incorporating Christian values. The author is informative without being preachy.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It discusses various events in the world that have caused grief for many people, particularly for Black women, including the incidents involving Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. The book explores the different ways grief affects Black women as a whole, even in the workplace.

I especially appreciated the scriptures shared throughout the book, which reference moments in the Bible when others faced grief and hardship. The narrator was easy to listen to, and I would definitely recommend this book. Overall, what I took away from it was a sense of connection; I no longer felt alone in my experiences with grief as described in the book. Often, we simply power through our struggles because we have to.

This is the book I didn’t know I needed. Normally, I’m the first to say I’m not reading self-help, but this book was different. It felt like a refreshing reminder of life’s lessons—both past and present—without being preachy or overly philosophical. While it weaves biblical teachings into everyday living, it does so in a way that feels natural and applicable rather than overwhelming. This book offered wisdom, encouragement, and a bit of perspective.

This book truly spoke to me. Natasha Smith creates a space where Black women can feel seen and validated in their grief, while also offering hope and reassurance through faith. I appreciated how she acknowledged the weight we carry without minimizing it, and the way she tied in biblical truths felt thoughtful and intentional.

Black Woman Grief: A Guide to Hope and Wholeness would be ideal for Christian women on a similar spiritual journey as the author. If would be difficult for non-Black women or perhaps non-African American womento appreciate this messages shares in the book. If it is not your lived or shared experience than it will be hard for you to relate.
Part memoir, part self-help guide Black Woman Grief explores the different stages and types of grief Black women experience throughout their lives whether it is loss or trauma. I see this guide evolving into a workbook or devotional and being used either in Black women's bible study or religious based [grief] counseling.

A beautiful self-help book aimed at black women in order to help them with their personal struggles. Author's advise is consistently supported by their personal experiences and the relationship with God.

First, the cover of the book is beautiful!

This book is centered about Christianity which teaches the biblical principle of Jesus The Christ.
I love how she narrated the book and lined it up with scripture, it is an important key factor when teaching or sharing the word of God that you back up your knowledge and believe with scripture. The book touched on political and cultural and personal beliefs that shed light on the experiences of black women. God sees me and He loves me!

Natasha showed empathy and love as she shared some hard truths about the gospel and what all God's love entails. I really enjoyed this book, as a believer she reaffirmed several things for me, scriptures were aligned with the author's notes. The book brought some insight and touched on many subjects for me. The book was very encouraging and inspiring. We are seen by God and that is the most important element in our lives.

This book was more than just talking about the death of a loved one, but grief growing and being an unapologetically black women int today's society where we as black women, are treated unfairly in relationships, the workplace, and in community.

This is a book for all season of life, whether you're going through a loss of a loved one, feeling stuck in a mental place, needing solace, or reassurance, this book is highly recommended.

Thank you Netgalley, Natasha Smith, and InterVarsity Press for such a lovely book full of truths in exchange for my honest review!

Many thanks to InterVarsity Press for the honor of reviewing this audiobook. I found this book to be a beautiful love letter to Black women speaking to the collective experience of pain and suffering while ushering them toward hope and healing. I love that the author narrates the book. It shows points within the text she desires to emphasize or prompt the listener to reflect. I found her voice to be very soothing which further illuminates the text.