The Black Girl's Guide to Healing Emotional Wounds

by Nijiama Smalls

I wish my father had been present in my life, so I would not have accepted a lot of crap from men…
Growing up, I didn't feel loved by my mother which caused....
It is hard to find and maintain a solid group of trustworthy girlfriends to do life with...
I was devastated by a previous lover and that hurt changed me for the worse...
I avoid family functions like the plague because there is sure to be some tension present...
I often don’t feel loved...
I don’t know what to do with my life and I feel like I’m just going through the motions...
I’m not happy with how my life turned out.

If you have ever said any of the above, then this book is for you, sis. This means there may be emotional wounds that are stopping you from living your best life. Disappointments, rejection, competition, overthinking, and family secrets are some of the emotional wounds that cause inner chaos and damage our sense of self. As black girls, we suffer differently, and our history is complex. Nijiama Smalls is all too familiar with the suffering of black girls and shares her personal journey of uncovering the origin of Black girl trauma while also addressing the ongoing process of healing and recovery from wounds caused by past hurts. The beauty of this book is that it provides a prescription for healing in the form of a soul-cleansing process. Enter this journey so that you can be set free to live the life God has planned for you. Sis, it’s time to heal and end the suffering.

Genres: Self Help, Mental Health, Nonfiction, Personal Development, Psychology

145 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

I'm a southern belle that was raised in South Carolina now residing in Northern Virginia. I am married to Pastor Shamon Smalls and we are raising two school-aged children-- Bliss and Jace. I love home and party decor, sweet iced tea, sweet red wine, entertaining friends in my home, playing with my kiddos, and helping my fellow black girls heal. I believe it is important that black women develop a sisterhood called the black girl code where we uplift, support, and encourage each other instead of tearing each other down. The way that we begin to do this is by healing our emotional trauma. Discover more about me at nijiamasmalls.com. Check out the official site for emotional healing https://theblackgirlsguidetohealingem...

Reviews

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was eye opening and caused me to do some self reflecting. I'm glad I took notes so that I can go back and meditate on them.

[Heather Durick · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a non-Black woman reading this book, I would absolutely recommend it to any woman. Yes, there are places that deal specifically with the emotional trauma that Black women deal with, but the overall themes are helpful for all women. Inspirational, well grounded, self-help. A must read particularly in navigating workplace and friendships.

[Alicia J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative

This book discussed areas that a lot of Black woman experience but a few openly discuss. There were a lot of gems/nuggets/jewels that was dropped that I had to indulge in. I highly recommend this book.

[Shawntay F · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read

For any black woman that has had any kind of emotional trauma in their life this book helps you to get back on track, focus on the positive in life so that you can heal, and show you how to pay it forward to help other women going through the same struggles.

[Stacia McFadden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed this book more than I realized. It made me think back to my childhood and reflect on how I got where I am today. This book, coupled with therapy, has helped me reach a breakthrough. I know I will still need to work on some emotional wounds, but now, I have more tools.

[Kevin Crowder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is BEYOND GREAT!!! Thank you Mrs. Smalls for writing the book. It has helped me gain a better understanding of women. It also helped me with my own healing. After being told about the book, as a heterosexual black male, the knowledge I obtained can only make me a better man. - Kevin

[Kailah Lathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll start off by saying if you’re not a believer of God, this isn’t the guide for you. If you are, then this is definitely aligned with Christian values. I wasn’t anticipating this at all. I enjoyed the input of scripture.
For the first part of the novel, it felt like a lot of telling and telling but if you stick with the novel you will get to the application portion. There were a lot of practical ways to get to healing for yourself. It was a bit one size fits all but if you’re really hurting and need to start somewhere, it’s worth giving it a go. The writing style was very nonjudgmental and perfect for my taste. It was all very down-to-earth. I’d 100% recommend this book and I will definitely reread it in the future.

[Shacarla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read for any woman who has been through anything. I think I was 30 pages in when I went ahead and ordered another copy to be sent to a friend. I read it as a Facebook book club book and the author came in as the host. Very thought provoking. I wrote all in this book as it has questions at the end of each chapter to make you reflect on what you just read and even a little homework to work on yourself. By the end of the book I asked another friend for her mailing address to send to her also.

[Pamellia · Rating 5 out of 5]

common sense book

I’ve read this book for my book club. This book can be read in 2 hours. All women, but especially black girls and women should read this book. Have your Bible handy! Everything she wrote I can relate to. I was fortunate enough to have my parents in my life, but they also had their own drama, trauma, & secrets. Thanks for helping me clarify some of my thoughts on my relationship with families and friends. I’ve already referred this book to my daughters and granddaughters.

[Missy Kareem · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was gifted to me by a good friend and I read it in a weekend. It is beautifully written and every single word feels intentional. The author speaks as if she is speaking directly to me in the most compassionate way possible helping me to become better. It touches on so much that many Black women ponder and experience. The questions at the end made me consider my actions and how I show up in the world and the action items challenged me to do things that bring me healing. Every Black woman should read this. I plan to share with my book club.

[Ty Ramsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book right here ya’ll. Without giving away any gems. This was most definitely an eye opener for real. I honestly believe every black girl should pick up a copy. It will change your life if you’re ready to heal from your emotional wounds. Grab a notebook & your favorite pen because there are journal questions at the end of each chapter. If you are NOT ready to heal & be honest with yourself, don’t pick it up until you are. This book, as small as it is was very powerful & will change your life.

[Chanita Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books promotes self awareness and positive thinking to overcome emotional traumas. I liked that it is an easy and relatable book. Each topic/segment ends with exercises made for reflecting and discussions.

[Vette J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Book

Really nice if you acknowledge your flaws and work to make yourself better. I answered each journal question whether in my journal or out loud. Gathered more knowledge and even found confirmation of things I already knew.

[Lori White · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book helped me to do a lot of self-reflecting and also helped me to understand why I am the way I am in a lot of aspects. Since reading this, I’ve been more conscious of my thoughts and how I operate in my every day life. I loved it.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting. The examples that the author gives resonated with me deeply. She speaks about letting go of hurt, and changing our ways. I really loved it. Perfect for someone who is in a place of growth or major change.

[Kya Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many journaling prompts that I will be working through behind finishing this book. I appreciate how the author includes scripture and states that the Bible is the guide and the example of how to overcome anything that we may be experiencing. I also lied the potato salad analogy used throughout.

[Shera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent read. I read it in one day and will go back to reread it. It was powerful.

[Blessing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Truly made me aware of my emotional trauma & the inner work I need to do so that I can stop projecting onto others.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found so many of my stories in this book.

[Faloni © · Rating 5 out of 5]

🛋 Best Night Ever.