Black girls are magical and powerful beings. They exude strength, resilience, and grace in everything they do. From the way they carry themselves to the way they overcome various obstacles, black girls are truly awe-inspiring. Their magic lies in their ability to rise above adversity. Despite facing numerous challenges such as systemic racism and sexism, black girls continue to shine and succeed in various fields. They break barriers and defy societal expectations, showing the world what they're made of.
“Even now, I still have to clear another round of screenings and tests, just to make sure that everything is progressing well. Timing forced a decision and I didn’t have a second to waste or wait—not on you and not on anybody else.”
Ironically, the whole selection process contained way more information and analysis than most married couples probably go through school grades by subject, entire family medical histories going back two generations, plus detailed STI and genetic disorder tests. We see a very different Laila in this book, from her noticeable absence as she builds her startup company to her assertion of boundaries for self-care.
They break barriers and defy societal expectations, showing the world what they're made of. Black girls are not only powerful individually but also collectively. They build strong communities, supporting and uplifting each other.
BLACK GIRLS MUST BE MAGIC
In this highly anticipated second installment in the Black Girls Must Die Exhausted series, Tabitha Walker copes with more of life’s challenges and a happy surprise—a baby—with a little help and lots of love from friends old and new.
For Tabitha Walker, her grandmother’s old adage, “Black girls must die exhausted” is becoming all too true. Discovering she’s pregnant—after she was told she may not be able to have biological children— Tabitha throws herself headfirst into the world of “single mothers by choice.” Between her job, doctor’s appointments, and preparing for the baby, she’s worn out.
In this highly anticipated second installment in the Black Girls Must Die Exhausted series, Tabitha Walker copes with more of life’s challenges and a happy surprise—a baby—with a little help and lots of love from friends old and new.
For Tabitha Walker, her grandmother’s old adage, “Black girls must die exhausted” is becoming all too true. Discovering she’s pregnant—after she was told she may not be able to have biological children— Tabitha throws herself headfirst into the world of “single mothers by choice.” Between her job, doctor’s appointments, and preparing for the baby, she’s worn out. And that’s before her boss at the local news station starts getting complaints from viewers about Tabitha’s natural hair.
When an unexpected turn of events draws Marc—her on and off-again ex-boyfriend—back into her world with surprising demands, and the situation at work begins to threaten her livelihood and her identity, Tabitha must make some tough decisions about her and her baby’s future. It takes a village to raise a child, and Tabitha turns to the women who have always been there for her.
Bolstered by the fierce support of Ms. Gretchen, her grandmother’s best friend, the counsel of her closest friends Laila and Alexis, and the calming presence of her doula Andouele, Tabitha must find a way to navigate motherhood on her own terms. Will she harness the bravery, strength, and self-love she’ll need to keep “the village” together, find her voice at work, and settle things with Marc before the baby arrives?
- Harper Perennial
- Paperback
- February 2022
- 272 Pages
- 9780063137929
Buy the Book
$16.99
About Jayne Allen
Jayne Allen is the pen name of Jaunique Sealey, a graduate of Duke University and Harvard Law School. An avid traveler, she speaks three languages and has visited five continents. Drawing from her unique experiences as an attorney and entrepreneur, she crafts transcultural stories that touch upon contemporary women’s issues such as workplace and career dynamics, race, fertility, modern relationships and mental health awareness. Her writing echoes her desire to bring both multiculturalism and multidimensionality to a rich and colorful cast of characters inspired by the magic uncovered in everyday life. She calls the Black Girls Must Die Exhausted series “the epitaph of my 30s.” A proud native of Detroit, she currently lives in Los Angeles.
Praise
“Sign me up for the trilogy!”— Tia Williams, New York Times bestselling author of Seven Days in June on Black Girls Must Die Exhausted
Discussion Questions
1. In the beginning of Black Girls Must Be Magic, Tabby is grappling with her decision to become a single mother. Did you agree with her decision? Why or why not?
2. Just as she’d started to get comfortable with her self-expression, Tabby has to deal with comments from viewers about her choice of hairstyle. Can you relate? How have you navigated the perceptions of others in your workplace or school environments? Has the desire to advance influenced your decisions?
3. Andouele gives Tabby her personal view on motherhood and single motherhood in particular. Do you feel like society imposes a perspective on single motherhood?
4. What did you think about Marc’s initial reaction to the news from Tabby’s doctor visit? Should Tabby trust the “new” Marc?
5. We see a very different Laila in this book, from her noticeable absence as she builds her startup company to her assertion of boundaries for self-care. In the context of their friendship, Tabby struggles with the disappointments that come with Laila finding herself. Can you relate to this? What advice would you give Tabby? What would you say to Laila if you were in Tabby’s position?
6. Just as it seems like she’s going to get the “fairy tale,” Tabby starts to evaluate what it is that she really wants – life beyond the story of what she feels she’s supposed to want. What do you think Tabby should do?
7. Alexis has her reasons for considering a return to her marriage. Do you think she should go back to Rob? Do you think Alexis has changed? Do you think Rob has changed? What would you do?
8. Ms. Gretchen gives Tabby encouragement and an idea to find courage on the outside when she can’t quite find it on the inside. Do you have a special item or routine that you use when you need a little extra courage? What is it?
9. Tabby’s mom has a particular view of how Tabby should present herself and what’s “supposed” to be, likely similar to most parents. What do you think of her views and what conversation would you want to have with her if you were Tabby?
10. In this book, Tabby’s getting closer to finding her “magic.” What do you think that means for her? What’s your “magic”? Do you think any of the other characters are getting closer to finding their magic as well?
11. As the characters evolve, whom do you most closely relate to in Black Girls Must Be Magic? Tabby, Laila, Alexis, Ms. Gretchen, Mrs. Walker-Williams, or Lisa Sinclair? Someone else?
Excerpt
They celebrate their shared experiences, culture, and heritage, creating a unity that is unbreakable. Their magic extends beyond what meets the eye. It stems from their resilience and determination to create a better future. Black girls are trailblazers in the arts, politics, business, and many other spheres. They are at the forefront of movements advocating for social justice and equality. Furthermore, black girls have a unique style and presence that is unmatched. They have embraced their natural hair, showcasing its versatility and beauty. Their fashion choices reflect their individuality and confidence. Black girls set trends and create their own standards of beauty. In a world that often tries to diminish their worth, black girls persist. They rise above stereotypes and demand to be seen and heard. Their voices are powerful, and their stories are important. Black girls are changing the narrative and rewriting history. It is important to recognize and celebrate black girls' magic. By doing so, we acknowledge their contributions, amplify their voices, and inspire future generations. Black girls are not just magical; they are essential to shaping a more inclusive and equitable world for all..
Reviews for "Black Girls in Music: Creating Melodies and Spreading Magic"
1. John - 2 stars
I was really hoping to enjoy "Black Girls Must Be Magic" as I had heard so many positive reviews about it. However, I found the book to be quite underwhelming. The stories lacked depth and complexity, and the characters felt one-dimensional. I was expecting to be inspired and empowered by the stories, but unfortunately, they fell flat for me. I believe that the intention of the book was admirable, but it failed to deliver a truly engaging and impactful reading experience.
2. Sarah - 3 stars
While I appreciate the message behind "Black Girls Must Be Magic" and the importance of highlighting the experiences and achievements of black women, I found the execution of the book to be lacking. The stories felt disjointed and I struggled to connect with the characters on a deeper level. Additionally, some of the writing felt awkward and forced, which hindered my overall enjoyment of the book. I think with some refining and further development, this book could have had a stronger impact and resonated with readers more effectively.
3. Michael - 2.5 stars
"Black Girls Must Be Magic" had the potential to be a powerful collection of stories celebrating the strength and resilience of black women. However, I found the writing to be lackluster and the narratives to be formulaic. The stories lacked the emotional depth and nuance that I had hoped for, and as a result, I found it difficult to fully connect with the characters. I appreciate the efforts made in bringing black women's stories to the forefront, but I feel that the execution fell short in delivering a truly impactful reading experience.