"Black Girls Breathing" is an accessible guide to addressing trauma, stress, and anxiety through breathwork and other strategies. It is targeted to Black women, who bear the burdens of misogynoir, intergenerational trauma, and the persistent and pernicious "Strong Black Woman" stereotype, but I think all women can benefit from Jasmine Marie's lessons about how to connect more fully with their bodies as a means of facing and healing emotional pain.

What I loved about the book: Jasmine Marie's writing had a approachable, conversational style that immediately put me at ease. Reading the book, I felt like I was receiving advice from a dear friend rather than a complete stranger. Each chapter gave practical tips for putting healing strategies into practice, and the strategies were grounded in the science about the effects of systemic racism and intergenerational trauma on Black women's physical and emotional health, so the book never seemed too fluffy or "woo woo."

What I didn't like about the book: As someone who has read other self-help and wellness books aimed at Black women, I did not learn much new from this one, other than some specific breathwork techniques. That said, I think this book would be a great introductory text for someone younger or who is not as familiar with the genre.

This was such a timely read. I'm so happy I was able to sit and digest the tools expressed in this book. What I appreciated most were the practical exercises at the end of the chapters and the knowledge base from which the author spoke. These tools are easily applicable to real life and can ultimately make a difference in your all-around well-being. I love how concise and to the point this book was. The author gave merit to the impact of real life events and gave helpful tips to comabting not only present day stress but also the latent traumas that we may not even realise are still weighing us down. In a world that is increasingly stress filled as more and more tasks are piled upon us, this book encourages us to be a little "selfish" with our health and serves as a needed reminded of the importance of taking care of oneself. The stress and pain we hold can have long-term detrimental effects on our health and quality of life. My bestie is always reminding me to take that breath sis! And now I have this book and the exercises to help me.do just that. It's okay to do nothing but be for a few minutes. You deserve to rest! And don't feel guilty about it either.

Thank you to the publisher and @netgalley for providing an e-arc

4.5 ⭐️

Black Girls Breathing takes all the lessons from Jasmine Marie's groundbreaking initiative and combines them into the self-help book of self-help books for Black girls. This book truly read me for filth in the best way possible.

I’m not typically a non-fiction girl, but I genuinely enjoyed this from beginning to end. I listened to my ebook using Speechify, and it felt like I was listening to lessons straight from my elders. I could honestly see this entire book working as a podcast—I flew through it so quickly because it’s packed with so many gems. Every chapter saw me completely, and I left with such a deep sense of being seen and cared for.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to read this ARC and cannot thank Grand Central Publishing and Jasmine Marie enough. I’ll be purchasing copies for all the Black women I love because this book is a gift.

CAWPILE
Credibility/Research (C): 8
Authenticity/Uniqueness (A): 9
Writing/Readability (W): 7
Personal Impact (P): 9
Intrigue (I): 9
Logic/Informativeness (L): 8
Enjoyment (E): 9

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. As a therapist, who works with racial trauma in black and POC women, this book is amazing. I found that it really breaks down the complex dynamics of navigating the world as a Black woman and healing.

I don’t think that I’ll ever be able to do this wonderful and life saving book justice by shouting from my rooftop about how much I loved it because I think this book should become a compulsory self-care manual for all my black sisters. It’s a love letter to black women and it’s also a tender invitation for us to take off our super women capes and set them aside so that we can get all the love, care and rest that we definitely deserve. I saw so many of my hyper independent habits reflected back at me while I was reading this book and I felt that it was time that I did something about it because I’m currently living with an autoimmune condition that has been causing endless suffering in my life and it was triggered by years of chronic stress. I’m so glad that I got the opportunity to read this book and apply some of the lessons to my life because I have been learning to rest and listen to my body without feeling the need to always be productive every minute of the day.

A huge thank you to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read this beautiful guide for living my best life.

Jasmine Marie’s Black Girls Breathing is a powerful, compassionate guide that centers on the healing power of breathwork, specifically designed for Black women navigating the weight of intergenerational trauma, chronic stress, and the impacts of systemic racism. Written with deep care and understanding, this book offers not just practical techniques, but also a transformative approach to self-care and inner healing for those of us who have long been taught to carry the world on our shoulders.

As a Black woman herself, Jasmine Marie understands the unique pressures that come with being a Strong Black Woman—the expectation to always push forward, to be resilient, and to perform despite the emotional toll it can take. In Black Girls Breathing, she gives readers permission to pause, to breathe, and to let go of those burdens. What makes this book so special is the way it speaks directly to Black women, honoring our experiences while creating space for healing in a way that feels both personal and empowering.

The core of the book is centered on breathwork, an often overlooked but profoundly effective tool for connecting the mind and body. Jasmine Marie makes breathwork accessible, explaining its benefits and guiding readers through exercises designed to address the stress and trauma stored in our bodies. These exercises aren’t just about relaxation—they’re about deep, intentional healing. The way she weaves together somatic philosophies with the lived experiences of Black women creates a holistic approach to wellness that feels culturally attuned and deeply relevant.

One of the most important aspects of the book is how it encourages us to reconnect with our bodies. For many Black women, the chronic stress of navigating a world built on racism can leave us feeling disconnected from our own physical selves. Jasmine Marie’s guidance on how to inhabit our bodies with intentional breath is a profound act of reclamation. The exercises help break down the armor we’ve had to build over the years and remind us that we deserve to feel safe, whole, and at peace within ourselves.

Marie also tackles the perfectionism and conditional self-worth that many of us internalize. In a world that demands we be exceptional just to survive, Black Girls Breathing offers a counter-narrative: that we are enough as we are, and that healing requires us to give ourselves permission to rest and be imperfect. This is perhaps one of the most revolutionary aspects of the book—its gentle yet firm assertion that we do not need to earn our worth through overperformance or overextension. We can simply be.

The book’s focus on community is another strength. Jasmine Marie doesn’t just view healing as an individual process but recognizes the collective power of Black women coming together to heal. Through her work with black girls breathing®, she has already created a movement, and this book extends that work, offering tools for not just personal restoration but also communal solidarity. The idea that we heal better when we heal together is woven throughout the narrative, reinforcing the importance of support networks.

For those of us who have carried the weight of being "strong" for too long, Black Girls Breathing offers a deeply needed respite. Jasmine Marie’s writing is compassionate and clear, her exercises are approachable, and her insights are profound. She creates a space where we are allowed to feel, to process, and to heal—without guilt or shame.

Final Thoughts:
Black Girls Breathing is more than just a guide to breathwork; it is a call to Black women to reclaim our breath, our bodies, and our freedom. Jasmine Marie provides a practical and heartfelt roadmap for healing the trauma and stress that so many of us carry, empowering us to step into a future of rest, self-compassion, and community care. This book is a must-read for any Black woman ready to break cycles of pain and discover the transformative power of simply breathing. It’s not just a resource—it’s a revolutionary act of self-love.

I think this is a great intro to trauma work for folks who are not in the world of therapy and healing.

Black Girls Breathing by Jasmine Marie is a transformative and empowering book that offers a much-needed space for Black women to heal, reflect, and grow. Jasmine Marie’s words are deeply comforting and inspiring, as she beautifully intertwines personal stories, practical advice, and powerful affirmations. The book is not just a guide but a companion for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of mental health, self-care, and self-love. Every chapter is filled with wisdom and encouragement, making it a truly uplifting read. Black Girls Breathing is an essential book that resonates on a profound level, offering a sense of community and understanding that is both rare and precious—highly recommended for anyone on a journey of healing and self-discovery.