Life, I Swear: Intimate Stories from Black Women on Identity, Healing, and Self-Trust – Visual Essays on Trauma, Resilience, and Grace

by Chloe Dulce Louvouezo

Foreword by Elaine Welteroth In this stunningly illustrated essay collection inspired by the popular podcast Life, I Swear, prominent Black women reflect on self-love and healing, sharing stories of the trials and tribulations they’ve faced and what has helped them confront pain, heal wounds, and find connection. 

With essays by Eniafebiafe Isis Adewale • Lauren Ash • Gabrielle Williams • Lindsey Farrar • Nneke Julia • Elaine Welteroth • Meryanne Loum-Martin • Lili Lopez • Deun Ivory • Morgan Ashley • Dydine Umunyana • Adriana Parrish • Orixa Jones • Offeibea Obubah • Alex Elle • Kalkidan Gebreyohannes • Esther Boykin • Brooke Hall • Qimmah Saafir • Josefina H. Sanders • Julee Wilson • Shay Jiles • Danasia Fantastic A mixture of poignant essays, gorgeous photography, and sophisticated design elements, Life, I Swear is a chronicle of transformation and growth by and for modern-day Black women. Some of today’s most influential Black female voices chronicle their private journeys, offering testimonies of living through pain and joy with raw honesty and unapologetic self-love. In each episode of her podcast, Life, I Swear, emotive storyteller Chloe Dulce Louvouezo explores the nuances of our diverse experiences. In one-on-one interviews and personal prose, the podcast centers on personal stories that offer universal insights into topics relevant to modern women’s lives, from identity and family to trauma and motherhood, told through the lens of Black women. A catalyst for change, this revelatory book builds on the premise of the podcast by diving deeper into themes of mental health, identity and resilience. Life, I Swear is sure to spark lively, thought-provoking, and necessary conversations that encourage Black women to return home to themselves through self-examination and grace.           Life, I Swear features 100-125 full-color photographs throughout.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Essays, Anthologies, Audiobook, Feminism

192 pages, Hardcover

Published November 2, 2021

Reviews

[Kameel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Amount of healing that had to take place for the transparency throughout this book is definitely inspiring…This really is a well written collection of stories and life lessons.

[Sheronda H · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some good stories.

[Isha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed several of the stories, but ultimately even the ones I enjoyed felt like they scratched the surface of something that was never revealed. The “something” being perhaps connectedness or intimacy—windows into the contributors’ souls.

[Wendelle]

Chloe Dulce Louvouezo, a producer for the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, along with a collective of women, penned these series of autobiographical essays that reveal and explore tales of their trials and tribulations as women-- physical abuse from intimate partners, codependency, survivorship of war-torn areas, stillbirths, imposter syndrome in high-powered jobs-- to foreground and elevate the sisterly bond of Black women, their resilience and fortitude, and the importance of muting abrasive voices and negative influences and affirming their joy. Features nice portrait photos

[Nique Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was truly beautiful. It was beautiful to hear black women share their stories of Pain, trauma, joy, grief, and healing. I had no idea how timely I need to read this book. Everything about this book is beautiful from the words that are spoken to the beautiful photography. Thank you Chloe for this beautiful work of art ❤️

[Alexis Rivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please read this. You need to know these stories. I promise you’ll find a jewel that resonates with you.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a humbling and gentle reminder of the importance of learning and unlearning who we are. This book is beautiful... Such a gentle reminder of what we as women go through and knowing we are not alone. Whether we are healing, grieving, loving, existing or literary just breathing. I do not want to finish it because it has me all full of amazing feelings I want to hold on to.. This is a gift and a reminder of what love is in so many different ways. Ladies this book reminds us to honor who we are... She talked about the femine energy and masculine energy. We need to embrace feminine energy. The feminine energy is when we mother and take care of ourselves. The male energy is the need to do everything and get things done. We have to find that balance and never forget to mother ourselves.

Be gentle take care of yourself and literally hold on to you.. It is a beautiful book. I never thought about peaceful break ups.. We think of heartbreak and hurt. Imagine reimagining heart break. The break up brought you peace. Focus on the gifts and good things that come with ending things. Not just relationships but all things.. Life is about change and reinventing ourselves.. This book is just full of life and softness. It is like cocoa butter on a page.. Smells so good, so soft, good for the skin and soul.. Apply it slowly and hydrate yourself.

[Jalisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book to keep on your nightstand and read a few stories a night. Part 3: Piecing It Together was EXACTLY what I needed right now and I swear I highlighted about half of that section. We really do heal through each other’s stories.

[Asuka · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Life, I Swear: Intimate Stories from Black Women on Identity, Healing, and Self-Trust" by Chloe Dulce Louvouezo is a powerful and heartfelt collection that delves into the experiences of Black women with grace, authenticity, and resilience. Through a tapestry of intimate stories, Louvouezo creates a space for these women to share their triumphs, struggles, and journeys towards self-discovery and self-trust. The book not only sheds light on the complexities of Black female identity but also offers a profound exploration of healing and empowerment. Louvouezo's storytelling prowess and her ability to amplify diverse voices make this an essential read, resonating long after the final page. "Life, I Swear" is a beautiful testament to the strength and wisdom of Black women and a book that will leave a lasting impact on its readers.

[LaKetha Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, this book....oh my goodness. How can 1 book be everything that your soul never knew it needed? that's what I felt from beginning to end. Louvouezo perfectly tells the tale of us...women, growing, learning and wading through life from beginning to end. As a person who often feels displaced, she captured the essence of my nomadic heart and spirit with the offerings within this collection and gently reminded me that it is ok to still be on my journey each and every day. Finding this collection has made me believe in the power and collective necessity of a circle of women. I purchased this book for a few women warriors in my circle as a gift so that they too could soak in this wisdom. Grateful for this work!

This book has poured into my soul infinitely. I immediately ordered copies and sent to my sister village...because EVERY black, brown, woman of color should also have their spirit lifted and share in the experience of this great work!

Amazing, Amazing!

[Ashleigh Vaughn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started this book months ago and finally sat down to finish. It’s beautifully printed, the colors and photos are amazing, and they include truly beautiful stories. But, it left a bit to be desired. Some of the stores seemed to just serve as an outline or summary for what could’ve been a great story instead of actually telling it.

I’d love a version that encouraged more vulnerability within the pages to truly start conversations we need to be having within our communities.

[Nyasha Tarlia · Rating 4 out of 5]

When reading please acknowledge my grammar is not the best as I am dyslexic.

This is such a beautiful book, it wasn’t what I expected but nevertheless it was beautiful, educational and inspiring. Deun Ivory was my favourite essay, that one just really touched me.

Every essay ain’t for everyone, but every black women can read this book and leave with something.

[Phobean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully designed with lovely photos of the essayists. I found some of the writing a little impenetrable, but appreciated the overall concept and breaking down of the 'strong Black woman' ethos in a thoughtful and positive way.

[Briana Cleary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kudos to this author and the other beautiful women involved who were courageous enough to tell their stories to the world. I felt so empathetic to them because I felt so SEEN. Black women really are the superheroes. Many blessings to you all. Loved this book.

[Sajda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so moving, inspiring, and truly filled my soul.

[Y.Poston]

A beautiful collection of life as a black woman.
I will return many times to these real stories.

[Ashley J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful & collection of stories about love, loss, & growth from black women from all walks of life.

[Muthoni Ngocho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw, rich and unfiltered

[Orsayor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended Reading!!

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated the full color images of each author along with their passages.

[Fatima · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A complication of powerful stories told by Black women. Helped me realize we are all trying to make it through heartache, career shifts, and life in general.

[Vanessa Beavers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes we need permission to not be in service to others, to rest, to heal, to be still, to just be. This book is that permission to seek what will allow us grow & thrive.

[Ricki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Empowering collection of short essays from Black women about their lives.

[CKE387 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting stories from black women - young, old and in-between; triumphing over tragedy and hardships.

[Tasheika B.]

Encouraging-Truth Telling Book

I really enjoyed reading this book it came at the right time for me. I did not know about this book until I stumbled across it at my library so glad I did. I recommend this one!