In the Company of My Sisters by Julia A. Boyd

by Julia A. Boyd

The first book of its kind, In the Company of My Sisters has tapped into a wellspring of interest, need, and excitement in the African-American community and turned Julia Boyd into a national figure. Drawing on Boyd's work as a therapist and an educator, this empowering book provides "practical, hilarious, and common-sense advice for self-care and self-recovery" (Common Boundary).

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, African American

Paperback

First published November 1, 1993

Reviews

[Chelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anything that preaches about the awareness and rediscovery of healthy self-esteem, I am guaranteed to be a devoted audience. This book was an easy read, but reassured a lot of concepts that are easily buried due to our everyday struggles as black woman. I loved the conversational style and tone of this book; truly written for and by a woman of the 90s. It’s always nice to get some good advice from a literary “big sister.”

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, very short pocket guide for self esteem. Though aimed at Black women, any reader could benefit. It is basically some brief touch points and real life examples to help the reader develop (or refine) some comprehension and perspective. It felt a little dated in the examples or lack there of (In all fairness I purchased the book almost 20 years ago. There are so many wonderful, high profile examples of women and Black women who have emerged in the last 15 years). The content of the book is accessible and useful regardless of the passage of time. I bought this book when I was in a different place emotionally. Back then it might have been more transformative for me. Today it was more of a validation that my (entrenched) perspective is something bordering healthy. Not a very deep book, nor was it trying to be. I found it a very worthwhile read.

[Keisha Adinkra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Like the title I felt as if I was in the company of these sisters each time the author included an excerpt/statement from one of them. This is a nice guide and it’s empowering without being too self help-ish. It’s safe to say that many black women deal with lower self esteem brought on by our upbringing. I like that the author didn’t direct a lot of blame or anger at anyone. Most (not all) of our parents did the best they could with what they knew. We have to be the ones to now break these cycles of generational bondage.

[C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the Company of My Sisters is a welcoming and encouraging growth journey. It reads like a weekend with your best girlfriends sharing personal thoughts, old hurts, future hope and leaving their pain and shame behind.

The information is told through vignettes of various friends, clients, and family members sharing their world, answering questions, and uplifting each other in positivity and love. Even though some of the stories had moments of sadness, family drama, health scares, divorce stories, grief and many topics usually push down and buried deep in a sister’s soul, the book is primarily upbeat, informative, important, and meaningful to women seeking to break down barriers, heal and not repeat prior generational mistakes.

The book covers A few “taboo” subjects, so I wouldn't give it to anyone under 16.

[Shalley Derissaint · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sisterhood! Wow wow! Amazing work and such a great dialogue on what being an African American woman is!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book at the cusp of developing my Tea business in 1995.It was very motivational,inspirational,and practical and still today worthy of a Re-Read.A much needed book that speaks to the heart of African-American women But applicable to any race,creed or color.

[Tonya Mangum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent for African-American woman that is still trying to figure out her place in this world. Highly recommended, though it is somewhat dated😊

[Gia · Rating 4 out of 5]

For understanding identity with strength and purpose