Available:*
Library | Call Number | Status |
|---|---|---|
Searching... Oakdale Library | 155.2 LIF | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... R.H. Stafford Library (Woodbury) | 155.2 LIF | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... Stillwater Public Library | 155.2 LIF | Searching... Unknown |
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Summary
Summary
Foreword by Elaine Welteroth
In this stunningly illustrated essay collection inspired by the popular podcast Life, I Swear, prominent Black women reflect on self-love and healing, sharing stories of the trials and tribulations they've faced and what has helped them confront pain, heal wounds, and find connection.
With essays by Eniafebiafe Isis Adewale * Lauren Ash * Gabrielle Williams * Lindsey Farrar * Nneke Julia * Elaine Welteroth * Meryanne Loum-Martin * Lili Lopez * Deun Ivory * Morgan Ashley * Dydine Umunyana * Adriana Parrish * Orixa Jones * Offeibea Obubah * Alex Elle * Kalkidan Gebreyohannes * Esther Boykin * Brooke Hall * Qimmah Saafir * Josefina H. Sanders * Julee Wilson * Shay Jiles * Danasia Fantastic
A mixture of poignant essays, gorgeous photography, and sophisticated design elements, Life, I Swear is a chronicle of transformation and growth by and for modern-day Black women. Some of today's most influential Black female voices chronicle their private journeys, offering testimonies of living through pain and joy with raw honesty and unapologetic self-love.
In each episode of her podcast, Life, I Swear, emotive storyteller Chloe Dulce Louvouezo explores the nuances of our diverse experiences. In one-on-one interviews and personal prose, the podcast centers on personal stories that offer universal insights into topics relevant to modern women's lives, from identity and family to trauma and motherhood, told through the lens of Black women. A catalyst for change, this revelatory book builds on the premise of the podcast by diving deeper into themes of mental health, identity and resilience. Life, I Swear is sure to spark lively, thought-provoking, and necessary conversations that encourage Black women to return home to themselves through self-examination and grace.
Life, I Swear features 100-125 full-color photographs throughout.
Reviews (1)
Booklist Review
Prominent Black women from around the world open up and divulge some of their most vulnerable moments of healing and life lessons. Inspired by Louvouezo 's podcast, Life, I Swear, this essay collection gives in-depth insight into Black women healing themselves. Each page and photograph celebrates not only how each writer has come to learn the deeper parts of herself, but also how they all hope that their vulnerability and transparency will inspire other women to do the same. The stories detail the pain, grief, and triumph it takes for Black women to do the inner work to reach their highest selves. A buffet of spirituality practices also serves as a common denominator most contributors credit with guiding them on their journeys. The narratives are honest and heartfelt with affection sliding off the page and into the heart of the reader. Hard topics such as divorce, miscarriages, and mental health are addressed with a level of empathy and understanding that only comes from first-hand experience. This thoughtfully produced, illustrated volume encourages Black women to overcome fear and stand firm in their purpose.
Table of Contents
| Foreword | p. 8 |
| The Space We Deserve | p. 10 |
| Coming Home to Ourselves | p. 16 |
| Part I Sum of My Parts | |
| Our Stories Affirm Us | p. 20 |
| Hues of Exposure | p. 23 |
| Some of Me | p. 28 |
| The Sacred Return: On Answering the Ancestors' Call | p. 32 |
| The Loveward Journey | p. 37 |
| Legacy Building | p. 43 |
| Between Worlds | p. 47 |
| Melded from Kin | p. 48 |
| Twice of Everything | p. 55 |
| Beyond the In-Between | p. 58 |
| Manifesting Through Aspiration | p. 62 |
| Saudade | p. 67 |
| Part II Bear Witness | |
| Still I Rise | p. 74 |
| A Pierced Memory Imagined | p. 77 |
| Healing Through Joy | p. 81 |
| Raising My Inner Child Without Fear | p. 86 |
| Butterflies Sat Next to My Heart | p. 91 |
| The Current of Adieu | p. 94 |
| Unhealed Wounds | p. 96 |
| New Beginnings | p. 102 |
| Her Cracked-Open Heart Is Never in Vain | p. 109 |
| My Father's Smell | p. 113 |
| Part III Peace it Together | |
| If the Heart Could Talk | p. 119 |
| Love After Love | p. 120 |
| A Sacred Discovery | p. 125 |
| Triumph of a Broken Heart | p. 129 |
| Loving All the Pieces of My Heart | p. 133 |
| Kin and Kindred Spirits | p. 137 |
| Human Nature | p. 142 |
| Cradled by the Sun | p. 144 |
| Recollecting Me | p. 151 |
| Unlearning Strength | p. 154 |
| Intentional Motherhood, Exceptional Realness | p. 159 |
| Pivoting to Reinvention | p. 162 |
| Go Forth and Be Dope | p. 167 |
| Epilogue A Few Nights Under the Moonlight in Bahia | p. 170 |
| Afterword With Intention | p. 173 |
| Acknowledgments | p. 176 |
| Contributors | p. 180 |
| Photography Credits | p. 192 |
