Black Girls Must Die Exhausted: A Novel

Jayne Allen

Sep 2021 · Black Girls Must Die Exhausted Book 1 · Sold by HarperCollins

About this ebook

“It’s a good thing that this is only the first book of a trilogy, because after getting to know Tabitha, you won’t want to leave her at the end. . . . Written intimately as if you’re peering into the mind of a close friend, this book is a true testament to the stresses on women today and how great girlfriends (and grandmothers) are often the key to our sanity.”  — Good Morning America

The first novel in a captivating three-book series about modern womanhood, in which a young Black woman must rely on courage, laughter, and love—and the support of her two longtime friends—to overcome an unexpected setback that threatens the most precious thing she’s ever wanted.

Tabitha Walker is a black woman with a plan to “have it all.” At 33 years old, the checklist for the life of her dreams is well underway. Education? Check. Good job? Check. Down payment for a nice house? Check. Dating marriage material? Check, check, and check. With a coveted position as a local news reporter, a "paper-perfect" boyfriend, and even a standing Saturday morning appointment with a reliable hairstylist, everything seems to be falling into place.

Then Tabby receives an unexpected diagnosis that brings her picture-perfect life crashing down, jeopardizing the keystone she took for granted: having children. With her dreams at risk of falling through the cracks of her checklist, suddenly she is faced with an impossible choice between her career, her dream home, and a family of her own.

 With the help of her best friends, the irreverent and headstrong Laila and Alexis, the mom jeans-wearing former "Sexy Lexi," and the generational wisdom of her grandmother and the nonagenarian firebrand Ms. Gretchen, Tabby explores the reaches of modern medicine and tests the limits of her relationships, hoping to salvage the future she always dreamed of. But the fight is all consuming, demanding a steep price that forces an honest reckoning for nearly everyone in her life. As Tabby soon learns, her grandmother's age-old adage just might still be true: Black girls must die exhausted.

Ratings and reviews

Well written, engaging, current, and the characters really came to life! I recommend this book to ALL, but it will definitely resonate with women of African ('black') descent. Truly enjoyable read.

This beautiful book is about friendship, love and the courage to keep pursuing your dreams and what you believe in. I laughed, I cried, I was frightened and inspired. It was impossible to put down and I have already purchased the rest of the trilogy.

This book was absolutely amazing. I loved it so much and I'm happy that Tabitha got her happy ending 🩷

About the author

Jayne Allen is a writer, producer, entrepreneur, and forever recovering lawyer. She is a proud native of Detroit and graduate of Duke University and Harvard Law School. Purposeful in centering and celebrating black women's societal contributions, Allen crafts transcultural stories exploring contemporary issues such as modern relationships, workplace and career dynamics, and the complexities of race. Her common themes include mental and physical health and highlight the importance of self-love and self-care—all with a healthy dose of warmth and humor. Allen is the author of the bestselling Black Girls Must Die Exhausted trilogy, currently being adapted for television, and The Most Wonderful Time. She is also a collaborator with Malcolm Lee on The Best Man: Unfinished Business. She lives in Los Angeles.