I am not sure how or when I found this book. Either way, I am so glad I did. While I tend to read more non-fiction books, I like to alternate with light fiction books as well. This book tells the story of so many career-back women who strive to do their best and work twice as hard in the workplace. The title itself is a bit jarring and had me contemplating if I was setting myself up for a life that is exhausting. I had to read it while on sabbatical.
Here are the vitals on the book: Fiction Book, African American Fiction
Summary of the book
The book narrates the life of the main character, Tabitha Walker, as she navigates being successful at work, friendships, and relationships with friends and family. Through the stories of the characters, you realize how complicated life is and that we truly don’t have control. Tabitha is thrown so many different curveballs that she must evaluate all of her beliefs and how she lives.
From the perspective of a black woman, this book resonated with me on so many levels. A black woman with goals of success most likely believes that she has to work twice as hard as everyone else. While I am striving to not be exhausted all of the time, I imagine many women may feel the same way as they navigate work, family, and their personal needs. The most powerful part of the story is her transformation, accepting her life circumstances, and pivoting her actions to reflect her growth.
Best part of the book
Tabitha received a promotion that seemed conditional. She felt as though she was still working as hard as possible, but her boss felt that she needed more growth. As a journalist, she was working on stories that did not excite her. Her hairdresser was always pitching stories to her. One day, her hairdresser told her a story about a local shooting. Tabitha decided to follow through and it gave her national recognition. I loved this aspect of the book because our moments of inspiration can come from most unexpected situations.
Best Quotes
I see you. I love you. I acknowledge your struggle. I think you’re beautiful.
“ And that you, Tabitha, don’t have to take up every battle,”
“You learn that life isn’t really about the checklist type problems. And that’s when you have to find out who you really are, because one minute you had all of he answers, and the next you’ve got none at all.”
“ I am Tabitha Abigail Walker, a black girl in contemporary. America, and I am personally and emotionally spent. It’snot even eleven a.m. and I already feel as exhausted as my egg supply.“
Overall Rating
Overall, the book is a great read if you are a black woman who is exhausted. We all have our own curveballs that are thrown at us. And yet how we choose to swerve and dodge the curveballs will always lead us to a better place in life.
Would I recommend this read: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
