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Love, Me: A Letter to Black Women in a Toxic Country, Career, and Relationship
From a former MSNBC host and NAACP award-winning podcaster, a deeply personal narrative for Black women about their well-being and place in a failing democracy.
Not only are Black women not being centered, we’re being silenced. There are fewer conscious Black women on TV and in leadership roles across all industries because a MAGA invented culture war has made Black women the face of the enemy. As a result, our history is being whitewashed and our contribution downplayed. Efforts persist to erase our experiences entirely. We are fighting for love, our lives, and livelihoods while a burning America continues to stand on our shoulders as it has throughout time.
In Love Me Black , journalist Tiffany D. Cross brings to life the souls of Black women today. This is the story of how we, women of accomplishment and endurance, in the face of a failing Republic, dwindling opportunity, and elusive love relentlessly use our humanity to preserve ourselves, our culture, and civilization.
In a hard-hitting cultural analysis and penetrating prose, Cross takes you on an intimate journey of the internal and external battles we are all collectively facing. With a pithy blend of humor and pathos, she illuminates the personhood and critiques the politics of being a Black woman. From a break-up where she cried the entire flight from Miami to New York, to her tumultuous exit from MSNBC, and a call from her hospital sickbed that put her health and career on the line, Cross narrates not just her story, but our story.
Bold and provocative, Cross invites Black women to go from hopeless to hopeful as we fight to achieve our dreams, secure the love we deserve, and preserve the home we built. We must repair our personhood and society, and that starts with giving ourselves something to believe in.
Not only are Black women not being centered, we’re being silenced. There are fewer conscious Black women on TV and in leadership roles across all industries because a MAGA invented culture war has made Black women the face of the enemy. As a result, our history is being whitewashed and our contribution downplayed. Efforts persist to erase our experiences entirely. We are fighting for love, our lives, and livelihoods while a burning America continues to stand on our shoulders as it has throughout time.
In Love Me Black , journalist Tiffany D. Cross brings to life the souls of Black women today. This is the story of how we, women of accomplishment and endurance, in the face of a failing Republic, dwindling opportunity, and elusive love relentlessly use our humanity to preserve ourselves, our culture, and civilization.
In a hard-hitting cultural analysis and penetrating prose, Cross takes you on an intimate journey of the internal and external battles we are all collectively facing. With a pithy blend of humor and pathos, she illuminates the personhood and critiques the politics of being a Black woman. From a break-up where she cried the entire flight from Miami to New York, to her tumultuous exit from MSNBC, and a call from her hospital sickbed that put her health and career on the line, Cross narrates not just her story, but our story.
Bold and provocative, Cross invites Black women to go from hopeless to hopeful as we fight to achieve our dreams, secure the love we deserve, and preserve the home we built. We must repair our personhood and society, and that starts with giving ourselves something to believe in.
384 pages, Hardcover
Published May 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 27, 2026
4✨ I always say that I struggle with writing reviews for memoirs as people are brave for sharing their own stories. This book is no different. Journalist, Tiffany Cross was fired from MSNBC in a horrible and unjust way. The first half of the book covers her experience in the media as a Black woman and the second half examines a relationship she is in after her firing. Intertwined in her stories are statistics and facts related to the disparities that Black women face due to the impact of racism and white supremacy in America. She also insets beautiful little letters of encouragement to Black women.
This book was written not just by but also FOR Black women. It reminds us to stay strong and yet still keep our softness. It’s precious when we remember that strongest among us also needs encouragement. Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for this advanced listener copy. All opinions are my own.
Version: 🎧
This book was written not just by but also FOR Black women. It reminds us to stay strong and yet still keep our softness. It’s precious when we remember that strongest among us also needs encouragement. Thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for this advanced listener copy. All opinions are my own.
Version: 🎧
April 23, 2026
As a black woman, strong is just a part of who I am. It’s almost expected of me. But this book highlights all the way this country, our history, and even our own thought have shaped us. It showed me that being strong doesn’t also mean I can’t be loved, protected, and provided for. Thank you Tiffany for sharing your ups and downs as I process my own!
May 3, 2026
Love, Me: A Letter to Black Women in a Toxic Country, Career, and Relationship by Tiffany D. Cross is phenomenal. Every page of this incredibly powerful book is highlight-worthy!
Love, Me is a testament to the strength and resilience of Black women. This book resonated so deeply and evoked every single emotion within me. A huge thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC of the book.
A fiercely evocative, timely, and necessary read for all Black women. But also for anyone who wants an accurate version of how Black women have long been underappreciated, unrecognized, and undervalued in America since its inception. In Love, Me Tiffany D. Cross champions every Black woman. She sees, hears, feels, and understands us because she is us. More times than not, Black women face injustices, inequities, betrayal, abuse, and heartbreak in our careers, relationships, politics, healthcare, and throughout society at large on a daily basis. Cross puts a spotlight on all of these challenges and brings them completely to the forefront. But she also offers up validation, empowerment, self-love, hope, and a path toward healing.
Love, Me is a brilliantly written, well-researched, highly affirming book. I absolutely loved reading it. Honestly, this book will stay with me for a long time. Black women have always had to fight for everything that we have wanted to accomplish and achieve. Not only have we learned to navigate and survive for centuries, but we have endured and thrived. Tiffany D. Cross honors that, she uplifts it, and gives all of us the confidence to keep moving forward. A book that should be on every reading list.
Love, Me is a testament to the strength and resilience of Black women. This book resonated so deeply and evoked every single emotion within me. A huge thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC of the book.
A fiercely evocative, timely, and necessary read for all Black women. But also for anyone who wants an accurate version of how Black women have long been underappreciated, unrecognized, and undervalued in America since its inception. In Love, Me Tiffany D. Cross champions every Black woman. She sees, hears, feels, and understands us because she is us. More times than not, Black women face injustices, inequities, betrayal, abuse, and heartbreak in our careers, relationships, politics, healthcare, and throughout society at large on a daily basis. Cross puts a spotlight on all of these challenges and brings them completely to the forefront. But she also offers up validation, empowerment, self-love, hope, and a path toward healing.
Love, Me is a brilliantly written, well-researched, highly affirming book. I absolutely loved reading it. Honestly, this book will stay with me for a long time. Black women have always had to fight for everything that we have wanted to accomplish and achieve. Not only have we learned to navigate and survive for centuries, but we have endured and thrived. Tiffany D. Cross honors that, she uplifts it, and gives all of us the confidence to keep moving forward. A book that should be on every reading list.
July 19, 2026
5+. Tiffany Cross is a beautiful writer.
August 28, 2026
🖤 Audience focus: Written for Black girls reflecting on challenges and rewards in relationships, careers, and life in a country that still resists fully embracing them.
🖤 Content style: Filled with anecdotes, personal stories, and thoughtful reflections.
🖤 Listening experience: Enjoyed hearing the author narrate the book.
🖤 Connection to Tiffany: Familiar with her from TV and podcasts; found her deeply committed to truth-telling and challenging perspectives.
🖤 Impact on reader: Reading prompted reflection on personal experiences as she explored these topics.
🖤 Content style: Filled with anecdotes, personal stories, and thoughtful reflections.
🖤 Listening experience: Enjoyed hearing the author narrate the book.
🖤 Connection to Tiffany: Familiar with her from TV and podcasts; found her deeply committed to truth-telling and challenging perspectives.
🖤 Impact on reader: Reading prompted reflection on personal experiences as she explored these topics.
August 9, 2026
Wow! Absolutely phenomenal read! I picked this up not knowing who Tiffany Cross is. The title simply drew me in. I know it's not technically a memoir but it definitely reads like one to me. This book speaks directly to black women in such a real and raw way. It speaks to the shared childhoods we had, the relationships to our mothers and black men. It speaks truths to the way we have to navigate in white spaces and in our career aspirations. I've never felt more seen than while reading this book. Tiffany is an amazing writer, although considering she is a journalist I should have expected nothing less. The audiobook was easy to listen to and I would recommend. I tandem read with a library book but I definitely need to go buy my own copy as there were so many gems that deserve to be re-read.
September 17, 2026
Geez!! Career. Politics. Love. Growth. Navigating childhood experiences and how they influence future decisions. The words written in this book made me feel seen.
I shared the book with my daughter because I hope that she can find the courage to keep going when tough times come. I have not shared all of my stories or how I’m feeling but this book touches all the places I want her to be aware of navigating life as a Black woman in America.
I shared the book with my daughter because I hope that she can find the courage to keep going when tough times come. I have not shared all of my stories or how I’m feeling but this book touches all the places I want her to be aware of navigating life as a Black woman in America.
June 22, 2026
Raw and unfiltered. Best read on my summer list.
As much as I loved watching Tiffany Cross on Saturday mornings, "Crossfire", I feel the same way about her book. Never one to shy away from the difficult topics, she shares her personal and professional journey in a raw, unfiltered, brutally honest and vulnerable way that the readerwill find connection professionally, personally and spiritually.
The book explores the balancing act between our own desires and society's reality. Our fears and strengths. Of unrequited love and broken dreams. It draws you in, captures your attention and causes a deeper self-reflection. We can all see ourselves woven throughout the pages of this book, whether its painful childhoods, careers denied, or devastating heartbreak. It is a great "comeback story" from a real fighter. I have been recommending it as a summer reading to everyone in my circle. There's a great deal to learn about our personal journey in this one.
As much as I loved watching Tiffany Cross on Saturday mornings, "Crossfire", I feel the same way about her book. Never one to shy away from the difficult topics, she shares her personal and professional journey in a raw, unfiltered, brutally honest and vulnerable way that the readerwill find connection professionally, personally and spiritually.
The book explores the balancing act between our own desires and society's reality. Our fears and strengths. Of unrequited love and broken dreams. It draws you in, captures your attention and causes a deeper self-reflection. We can all see ourselves woven throughout the pages of this book, whether its painful childhoods, careers denied, or devastating heartbreak. It is a great "comeback story" from a real fighter. I have been recommending it as a summer reading to everyone in my circle. There's a great deal to learn about our personal journey in this one.
May 20, 2026
This book was really good. She was raw, unapologetic and emotional with her journey, her stories, her life and at the same time affirming to black women, that she sees us and we are going thru this and so many things together. I had no idea about how the ending of her show all went down , BTS, wow just wow. Being blindsided and backstabbed in your career by your own people is one hell of a hand to play. I look forward to what’s next for Tiffany Cross because whatever she does it will be amazing to witness.
April 27, 2026
Loved this! I was able to download an early release audio from NetGalley. I really enjoyed listening. As an African American woman I found so much familiarity in what Tiffany had to say. I didn't know who Tiffany Cross was before reading this book, but I was impressed by her stream of conscious thoughts around work, family, belonging, and so much more. This reminded me alot of Austin Channing Brown's Full of Myself.
May 20, 2026
I am a fan of Tiffany’s from the CrossConnection and her many political commentary appearances. I know her to be an “in your face” truth-teller. But I was taken aback by how much I enjoyed and needed to read her book right now! There were times when I couldn't put it down. It is exceptionally written. It’s raw, revealing, relatable and substantiated by facts and history. I LOVED it!
June 8, 2026
I finished Tiffany Cross’s book. She claims it’s not a memoir or about trauma which it definitely is. What it is NOT is a love letter to black women. Because if this is love letter, then return to sender.
May 26, 2026
I felt so seen by this one.
August 6, 2026
I loved, loved, LOVED this book.
There were so many moments while listening to Love Me by Tiffany Cross when I felt like she was speaking directly to me and sometimes, speaking for me. Parts of her story felt so relatable that it was almost like I was listening to pieces of my own story being told through someone else’s voice.
This book is about strength, courage, resilience, and facing the things that scare you or try to break you head-on. Tiffany’s transparency about her experiences, her struggles, her fears, and the obstacles she has faced made this book incredibly powerful for me. But what touched me most was the strength and tenacity she showed through it all. There is something special about seeing another woman walk through difficult things, stand back up, and continue moving forward. Her strength somehow reminded me of my own.
I especially appreciated this book as a letter to Black women. There were moments that made me feel seen, understood, encouraged, and even a little braver. Sometimes you don’t realize how much you need to hear someone else’s story until you recognize yourself in it.
And having Tiffany narrate the audiobook herself made the experience even better. Hearing the emotion, humor, pain, strength, and conviction in her own voice added something that I don’t think another narrator could have given it.
I am so glad I checked this out. Now I need to purchase the hardcover for my library. I finished it feeling encouraged, empowered, and grateful that Tiffany Cross was willing to be vulnerable enough to share her story with us.
Five stars. No hesitation. ❤️
There were so many moments while listening to Love Me by Tiffany Cross when I felt like she was speaking directly to me and sometimes, speaking for me. Parts of her story felt so relatable that it was almost like I was listening to pieces of my own story being told through someone else’s voice.
This book is about strength, courage, resilience, and facing the things that scare you or try to break you head-on. Tiffany’s transparency about her experiences, her struggles, her fears, and the obstacles she has faced made this book incredibly powerful for me. But what touched me most was the strength and tenacity she showed through it all. There is something special about seeing another woman walk through difficult things, stand back up, and continue moving forward. Her strength somehow reminded me of my own.
I especially appreciated this book as a letter to Black women. There were moments that made me feel seen, understood, encouraged, and even a little braver. Sometimes you don’t realize how much you need to hear someone else’s story until you recognize yourself in it.
And having Tiffany narrate the audiobook herself made the experience even better. Hearing the emotion, humor, pain, strength, and conviction in her own voice added something that I don’t think another narrator could have given it.
I am so glad I checked this out. Now I need to purchase the hardcover for my library. I finished it feeling encouraged, empowered, and grateful that Tiffany Cross was willing to be vulnerable enough to share her story with us.
Five stars. No hesitation. ❤️
June 7, 2026
This book was not for me. I mean that literally: it's addressed to Black women (in the States). This is a memoir; someone telling their truth.
I feel that the synopsis doesn't quite match the reality. The book is a bit scattered; it's more of an autobiography with some commentary and hot takes throughout. There's also some odd suggestions about DNA near the end. We don't have to draw on pseudoscience to make our points.
I think this will be engaging for the readership and others, too. While Cross centres the female Black American experience, a lot of the material transcends race and possibly gender. We've all known a few of the guys she's dated. I'm also cautious about anchoring so much of one person's experience on an entire group. These are case examples that certain folks can empathize or sympathize with.
If you're looking for a takedown of American culture at the intersection of gender and race and specifically about Black woman, this isn't quite it, but you'll come away with a few stories that will help make understanding these intersections easier.
I loved that Cross herself narrates the text. You can feel the authenticity and the passion and the truth coming through.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio | Legacy Lit for the advance copy of the audiobook.
I feel that the synopsis doesn't quite match the reality. The book is a bit scattered; it's more of an autobiography with some commentary and hot takes throughout. There's also some odd suggestions about DNA near the end. We don't have to draw on pseudoscience to make our points.
I think this will be engaging for the readership and others, too. While Cross centres the female Black American experience, a lot of the material transcends race and possibly gender. We've all known a few of the guys she's dated. I'm also cautious about anchoring so much of one person's experience on an entire group. These are case examples that certain folks can empathize or sympathize with.
If you're looking for a takedown of American culture at the intersection of gender and race and specifically about Black woman, this isn't quite it, but you'll come away with a few stories that will help make understanding these intersections easier.
I loved that Cross herself narrates the text. You can feel the authenticity and the passion and the truth coming through.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio | Legacy Lit for the advance copy of the audiobook.
May 24, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tiffany Cross is a powerhouse and her letter to Black women was truly what I needed as I navigate this current administration, in grad school while I try to collect myself politically to do something. Cross does an amazing job of uplifting Black women and lovingly gets us together. It's a nice change in the realm of political books. I have read many political books by non Black women. We needed someone to speak for us, about us and to us. Cross does an amazing job of that. Thank you Cross, for the gentle nudge to keep it pushin'.
The Gray story line was a bit much, it's my only dislike of the book. I kept wanting Gray to pack up his krimson and never be heard from again.
All in all one of my favorite reads of 2026!
Tiffany Cross is a powerhouse and her letter to Black women was truly what I needed as I navigate this current administration, in grad school while I try to collect myself politically to do something. Cross does an amazing job of uplifting Black women and lovingly gets us together. It's a nice change in the realm of political books. I have read many political books by non Black women. We needed someone to speak for us, about us and to us. Cross does an amazing job of that. Thank you Cross, for the gentle nudge to keep it pushin'.
The Gray story line was a bit much, it's my only dislike of the book. I kept wanting Gray to pack up his krimson and never be heard from again.
All in all one of my favorite reads of 2026!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 5, 2026
I listened to this today and babyyyy… thank you, Tiffany! Hearing these letters read in her voice was truly an experience. The stories she shared, the truths she uncovered, and the love woven into every word it all hit deep.
As Black women, we carry so much, often without pause, so to feel seen, understood, and embraced like this meant everything. Tiffany opened the door to both her personal and professional life, allowing us to see the world through her lens a perspective that reflects so many of our own.
This was more than just an audiobook; it was a moment. The production was flawless, the delivery was powerful, and honestly… no notes.
As Black women, we carry so much, often without pause, so to feel seen, understood, and embraced like this meant everything. Tiffany opened the door to both her personal and professional life, allowing us to see the world through her lens a perspective that reflects so many of our own.
This was more than just an audiobook; it was a moment. The production was flawless, the delivery was powerful, and honestly… no notes.
June 22, 2026
4 🌟 Audiobook review
Not exactly marketed as a memoir but definitely gives memoir vibes. Tiffany explores her time as MSNBC, friendship, romantic relationships, expectations, struggles and triumphs. Connecting those stories with experiences shared by many Black women while sprinkling in facts and stats. I found myself nodding along during parts of the book and looking back on my own lived experiences.
Overall a solid audiobook, read by the author btw. My only gripe, hence the 4 star vs 5 star, is the emphasis on Tiffany's past situationship. I just think it was given too much real estate in the book.
Not exactly marketed as a memoir but definitely gives memoir vibes. Tiffany explores her time as MSNBC, friendship, romantic relationships, expectations, struggles and triumphs. Connecting those stories with experiences shared by many Black women while sprinkling in facts and stats. I found myself nodding along during parts of the book and looking back on my own lived experiences.
Overall a solid audiobook, read by the author btw. My only gripe, hence the 4 star vs 5 star, is the emphasis on Tiffany's past situationship. I just think it was given too much real estate in the book.
July 19, 2026
I really enjoyed this book Tiffany truth telling about her experiences as a black woman at msnbc was eye opening and sad . I use to love her show and to see how she was treated made me so sad for sure learning that it was brought on by another black woman.
Recently I have thought about moving out of the country and thought about Africa her perspective gave me a lot to think about. Would we become the colonizers in Africa? I don’t want that either.
What I really enjoyed the most how she weaved in her amazing black women friends and mentors who have been there for her throughout her journey.
Recently I have thought about moving out of the country and thought about Africa her perspective gave me a lot to think about. Would we become the colonizers in Africa? I don’t want that either.
What I really enjoyed the most how she weaved in her amazing black women friends and mentors who have been there for her throughout her journey.
August 20, 2026
Tiffany D. Cross is such a smart, insightful journalist who has shown again and again--and again--she is not afraid to ask hard questions, whether they are of someone she's interviewing or whether she is asking rhetorically. The same insightfulness and fearless questioning is in her latest book LOVE, ME. What makes this book even more remarkable is that Cross allows herself to be vulnerable on the page, which feels especially risky these days. I appreciate Cross being willing to share how personal history has shaped her as well as how the history of this country has shaped her and Black women (and continues to do so).
May 18, 2026
WHEW I saw myself in this book all through out its pages. Tiffany opens up and bears her soul and scars to us other Black women. Describing how she felt navigating her career, I felt it, but I mostly felt when she talked about a man she fell deeply in love with and he didn't feel that same. I stopped reading and I begin to weep. Why was this our universal experience? Maybe there really was something wrong with me? But no, I know who I am, the value I bring to the table. This was a much needed love letter.
May 23, 2026
I listened to "Love, Me: A Letter to Black Women in a Toxic Country, Career, and Relationship" by Tiffany D. Cross, self-narrated. Thank you Tiffany for letting everyone know how Black Women are currently feeling in these not so United States. For you to express your true health issues, emotions, failed relationships, and therapy experiences, takes courage and I love and appreciate you. I loved how you broke your letter into three sections: 1. Our Labor 2. Our Land 3. Our Love. Thank you for giving a voice to our feelings. ✊🏾🇺🇲✊🏾
September 30, 2026
Tiffany powerfully stands in her truth, taking accountability for her mishaps in corporate America and relationships, while providing powerful testimonials and guidance on how to stand in our own truths with our complicated journeys, navigate living in a hate-driving country, which continually attacks and diminishes us, and illuminate together through the darkness through unbreakable sisterhood.
And she kept it real on all fronts, while offering entertaining moments that had me laughing and celebrating the gift of being a Black woman.
I highly recommend!
And she kept it real on all fronts, while offering entertaining moments that had me laughing and celebrating the gift of being a Black woman.
I highly recommend!
August 21, 2026
this definitely reads more like a true memoir than a “letter” or a self-help book. but regardless of genre semantics, this was so well done. a must read for all Black women who are sick and tired of being sick and tired.
also. there is a special place in hell for Black women who have the position and resources to uplift and advocate for other Black women and still choose to be a bootlicker. that one lady deserves no peace. iykyk.
also. there is a special place in hell for Black women who have the position and resources to uplift and advocate for other Black women and still choose to be a bootlicker. that one lady deserves no peace. iykyk.
May 10, 2026
4.5⭐️ of 5⭐️
Oddly came at a very timely moment as I have been dealing with certain things. I think many of us Black Women have felt these things / experienced them in some way. Truly can be exhausting dealing, but i wouldn’t trade being a Black Woman for anything because really, nothing like it and I am super lucky i get to live it, even when it all makes my ass tired.
Oddly came at a very timely moment as I have been dealing with certain things. I think many of us Black Women have felt these things / experienced them in some way. Truly can be exhausting dealing, but i wouldn’t trade being a Black Woman for anything because really, nothing like it and I am super lucky i get to live it, even when it all makes my ass tired.
July 28, 2026
This was such a personal and warm read. Ms. Tiffany Cross is one of the most intelligent voices of our time. This book is destined for the New York Best Sellers list. If you are a black woman, held professional positions, and participate in politics, you do not want to miss reading this book. Kudos to Ms. Cross, we hope to see you on TV or on another podcast soon!
July 28, 2026
THEE book of 2026!!!! I’ve always loved Tiffany Cross so I knew I would not be disappointed reading this. She is the TRUTH. So many moments reading this book where I wanted to scream and cry but I also reminded myself that being a Black woman is my superpower. My strength. To be a Black woman 🙌🏾 Make me Black in every lifetime.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a powerful memoir. As a white woman, I’m not the target audience, but these stories are so important to listen to, take in, understand, and use this information to advocate for the Black women around us.
Thank you Netgalley and Hatchette Audio for the review ALC.
Thank you Netgalley and Hatchette Audio for the review ALC.
August 5, 2026
Listened to the audible and it was well done. Very relevant to being a black women in America right now and gives a good amount of insight into the attack on black journalism, and her story about being a very successful journalist who was fired from MSNBC.
May 31, 2026
Excellent. I've never felt so seen and identified.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews