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https://blackgirlnerds.com/book-review-black-girls-must-die-exhausted/

Since its original self-published release in 2018, Black Girls Must Die Exhausted has been on the radar of well-read Black girls. The book was originally a trilogy project by author Jayne Allen. Yet after a massively positive independent release, Allen was offered a four-book deal by Harper Collins — a highly unusual feat in the publishing world.

So how good does a book have to be to get published twice? Let’s discuss.

Tabitha Walker has it all — a well-respected job on the local news, an enviable boyfriend, supportive friends, and ample savings to put a down payment on the house of her dreams. As a woman in her early thirties, everything seems right on track for her. That is, until a routine checkup reveals that she also has a dwindling egg supply that’s been diagnosed to run out within the next six months if she doesn’t do something. Fast.

Determined to have the biological family of her dreams, Tabitha must scramble to pull her life together against a ticking clock. This means getting her boyfriend on board with the domestic future she’s aiming for, figuring out how to finance the five-figure expense of egg freezing, supporting her friends in their own spiraling romantic lives, and trying to score a promotion over her cocky coworker.

At its core, Black Girls Must Die Exhausted is about the never-ending series of demands that are constantly placed on Black women and how we are expected to manage them all without breaking a sweat. In Tabitha’s case, these demands show up in family, friends, and work responsibilities. The stress and fast-paced nature of her life are ultimately the cause of her infertility issues in the first place. As the pieces of her life begin to fall apart, her interpersonal relationships become strained, and we see the facade of perfection fall away as she makes increasingly desperate and erratic choices.

All the while, many of the white characters are eager to pile onto her, expecting her to prioritize their issues, as well as relinquish her free time and commitment to her personal life. Even when she’s not being directly asked to take on new burdens, society demands that she go the extra mile to be “presentable” as a Black woman — straight hair, perfectly neat appearance, and always in shape to meet beauty standards.

Affairs, workplace competition, pregnancy bombshells and more abound in this true-to-life story of a Black woman on the edge. And make no mistake about it — Allen knows how to write compelling drama. This novel was definitely a page-turner from start to finish. It’s also clear that when it comes to writing about the inner life of a successful young Black female professional, Allen has plenty of experience to pull from. The author herself is a Harvard Law graduate turned speaker, business executive, and “serial entrepreneur,” in addition to being a writer of clear talent.

All of that being said, I did have a few reservations about the book.

On a personal level, while it was an entertaining read, the narrative didn’t really resonate with me in a number of ways. Allen’s fervent emphasis on the precarity of Tabitha’s “only” shot at a family, coupled with the fairly hostile attitude the book had towards characters who weren’t particularly interested in marriage or children, was off-putting. As a Black woman with my own infertility issues and differing attitudes towards family and relationships, it was often an isolating read. Kudos to Allen’s skill as a writer in making me invest and sympathize with her main character, despite feeling like I almost certainly wouldn’t like Tabitha’s more shallow and classist tendencies if I knew her in real life.

One thing I did love, however, was the beautiful way Allen portrays complex familial relationships. Tabitha and her grandmother of the same name are thick as thieves, and the story does a brilliant job of capturing the depth of their bond and the importance of intergenerational relationships. As someone with a similar relationship to my own grandmother, I thoroughly enjoyed the representation of that. There were also a lot of great illustrations of the complicated dynamics between parents, step-siblings, blended families, etc.

This book is the beginning of what aims to be a series. As such, a lot of threads remain unresolved by the end but offer a good amount of intrigue to keep readers wanting more. The novel is scheduled for release on September 28, 2021.

August 14, 2021

Book Review: ‘Black Girls Must Die Exhausted’

https://blackgirlnerds.com/book-review-black-girls-must-die-exhausted/

So how good does a book have to be to get published twice? Let’s discuss.

All of that being said, I did have a few reservations about the book.

August 12, 2021

Think Trek and Gene Roddenberry’s Centennial: A Conversation with Rod Roddenberry

https://www.thenerdelement.com/2021/08/11/think-trek-and-gene-roddenberrys-centennial-a-conversation-with-rod-roddenberry/

If Gene Roddenberry were still with us, he’d be turning 100 on August 19 and would be seeing his creation, “Star Trek,” spawning more editions as the franchise continues to grow. Both “Star Trek: Picard” and “Star Trek: Lower Decks” are entering their second seasons, for instance, and a new series, “Star Trek: Prodigy,” is set to launch in the Fall. And those are just a few of the Trek-related media currently running!

To celebrate his father Gene’s centennial, Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry, who continues his father’s legacy, launched a campaign on roddenbery.com under the banner “Think Trek.” Components of the campaign include #talkTrek, #seeTrek, #beTrek, and #makeTrek, all of which have the goal of furthering the notions of inclusivity, kindness, and the Vulcan philosophy IDIC — Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations.

The Nerd Element spoke with Rod in the run-up to his father’s centennial about the Think Trek campaign, what message Gene would have for the world today, and what we as fans and as fellow human beings can do to celebrate the man who gifted us with a vision of a world where differences are embraced and diversity is optimal for existence. You can watch the interview here:

The post Think Trek and Gene Roddenberry’s Centennial: A Conversation with Rod Roddenberry appeared first on The Nerd Element.

August 12, 2021

Tiffie’s Treasure Trove: Black Creator Content from Blerdcon

https://blacknerdproblems.com/tiffies-treasure-trove-from-black-creators/

@Tiffie Starchild is unpacking her Blerdcon haul to highlight Black Creators putting out content in comic books, art, novels, and more. You wanted Black content, right? Original stories, Black characters, and other characters of color are being created by Black writers and artists constantly. What better way to show that off then checking out a few of the creators putting that werk in to make sure we see ourselves in the media we consume. We can literally have it all, yall… because we deserve it all! Check out the featured content below.

Tips For Exfoliating — Straight From The Experts

https://www.essence.com/beauty/experts-say-dont-forget-to-exfoliating-your-skin/

Tips For Exfoliating — Straight From The Experts Courtesy of Unsplash By emerald elitou ·August 11, 2021August 11, 2021

As we head into the new season, there’s no better time than now to prepare for the harsh winter months that can wreak havoc on our skin. And no, we’re not talking about moisturizing. According to experts, one of the best ways to enhance our self-care regimens is with exfoliation, a process that helps refresh and renew the skin. Below, learn more about the skincare process that does away with dry, itchy, and ashy skin for good!

While some A-list celebrities are publicly voicing their dislike of a daily bath or shower, we found it a perfect time to dive into more reasons why you should add a washcloth to your hygiene routine and stick to a daily skincare routine. Let’s get into exfoliation.

According to Dr. Sunitha Posnia (also known as the “Beauty Internist”), exfoliation has more benefits than just removing dead or dry flaky skin. It also plays a significant part in keeping your skin naturally glowing. “Exfoliating helps to penetrate serums or moisturizers into your skin more deeply and effectively,” she informs us. “It also helps to unclog pores and therefore reduces acne, which provides a more even skin tone and overall texture.”

Encouraging readers to exfoliate at least 1-2 times a week, Dr. Posnia insists that consistency can really pay off. “Long-term exfoliating will help to make the skin appear more uniform and also increase collagen production,” she explains.

So, how should we go about exfoliating? The “Beauty Internist” suggests prepping the skin before gently applying the product in small circular motions with your fingers—this goes for both the face and the body. “If you use a brush, make light and small strokes,” she informs us. “Be sure that you rinse off with cool or lukewarm water.”

While there are many benefits to exfoliating, overdoing it can be damaging to the skin. “If you notice your skin is red, inflamed, peeling, or irritated, then your skin might be begging for a break,” Dr. Posnia advises. “To combat small breakouts or rough patches in your skin, use a cold compress or aloe gel to soothe the skin. You can also add Vitamin C to your regimen to help expedite the healing process.”

So what are some of the best products on the market to exfoliate the skin?

We got you covered, sis! Keep scrolling as we share a few of our favorite exfoliators that you will definitely want to add to your skincare routine.

01Glass Lizzard Deep CleanDeep Clean is your exfoliator replacement. Skip the seed/nut exfoliators which are still microscopically sharp even after grinding down to a powder. We went with a softer exfoliating texture inspired by French gommage techniques. Activated by soft plant fibers and with a mix of chemical exfoliants, this scrub was made to do the job of an exfoliator, but gently.

available at Glass Lizzard $9.50 02Cleanlogic Sustainable Exfoliating Bath PoufBENEFITS OF EXFOLIATION: Exfoliating regularly can help increase circulation, assist with lymphatic drainage and promote smoother skin.

available at Cleanlogic $10 03Glam Body Peppermint Body ScrubHey Best Friend! Meet the Peppermint Coffee Scrub; The perfect minty fresh skin treat for post workouts or to relax. This minty treat gives you flawless, soft and smooth skin everyday. Filled with Vitamins, Minerals and Anti-oxidants it will take your skin from dry to fly.What’s Inside?It’s made with a blend of skin-loving ingredients such as Arabica Coffee, Sweet Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, Sugar, Peppermint Essential Oil and Vitamin E to Scrub away dry skin, Moisturise, Cleanse, Tone, Tighten and Brighten Skin – 10 minutes in the shower…that’s it! Ps – Some of our other customers say these scrubs also help with common skin conditions such as Eczema, Psoriasis, Cellulite, Stretch Marks, Acne, and Scarring.

available at Glam Body $17.95 04Face Halo Original Reusable Makeup RemoverFace Halo quickly and easily removes makeup, using our amazing HaloTech fibers with water only. Non-toxic and reusable, Face Halo replaces up to 500 single-use makeup wipes. No need to rub or scrub, Face Halo gently removes makeup and impurities, perfect for any skin type or sensitivity

available at Face Halo $22 05Naturally London Cleansing Enzyme Scrub w/ Adzuki BeansCleanse and exfoliate your hands + feet with our water-activated exfoliant. Powered with banana and papaya enzyme paired with adzuki beans to slough off unwanted dead skin. Adzuki beans are an excellent exfoliator. They contain saponin, which provides a natural foaminess while removing dead skin. Adzuki beans promote circulation as well as draws out unwanted bacteria.

available at Naturally London $27 06+ Lux Unfiltered No. 28 Exfoliating Body PolishStep into the most luxurious shower you’ll ever take!N°28 is gentle, hydrating, and leaves your skin feeling baby soft. Our polish is a blend of crushed sugar, passion fruit oil, shea butter, and Vitamin E for the silky smooth skin we all crave in real life. Exfoliation is the first and last step in your tanning routine. It begins as a primer – scrubbing away dead skin cells, evening skin tone, and eliminating dullness – and completes the process by helping slough off any remaining self-tanner. Are you ready for smoother skin IRL than online?!

available at +Lux Unfiltered $34 07natureofthings Cleansing Body & Scalp PolishOur Cleansing Body and Scalp Polish is a multi-benefit formula that ensures clean, smooth, and nourished skin from head to toe. Use it on the scalp to stimulate circulation and promote healthy conditions for hair growth. MADE WITH…Moroccan Lava Clay, Fuller’s Earth, Ceylon Cinnamon OilMADE FOR…Exfoliating & Cleansing Skin and Scalp

available at natureofthings $55 08C & The Moom Malibu Made Body ScrubAll-natural vanilla brown sugar body exfoliator that gently removes dead skin cells and replenishes the skin with hydrating organic oils and food-grade vanilla.

available at C & The Moon $64 09Keys Soulcare Skin + Soul Starter SetSKINCARE BENEFIT: Bakuchiol exfoliates and resurfaces for improved skin tone, texture, and radiance. Antioxidant-rich Hojicha powder provides non-stripping exfoliation for a softer, smoother-looking texture. Manuka honey draws moisture into the skin for long-lasting hydration and a radiant glow.

available at Keys Soulcare $65 10meejee Silicone Facial Cleansing MassagerThe meejee silicone facial cleansing massager is an award-winning skincare device that uses sonic pulses and soft silicone bristles to purify pores, revitalize skin, and reduce signs of aging.Featuring a massage basin on the backside for facial toning, lymphatic drainage, and massaging in serums, oils, and moisturizers to improve their effectiveness.

available at meejee $79.99 11Blue Mercury 111SKIN Microbiome Blemish MaskA gentle exfoliator that simultaneously clears and calms the complexion, the Clarity Mask works to regulate bacteria within our skin’s natural microbiome to facilitate a fortified and balanced barrier. The result is a significant reduction in visible blemishes.

available at Blue Mercury $135

TOPICS: Black Skin Brown Skin clean skincare

The post Tips For Exfoliating — Straight From The Experts appeared first on Essence.