This is a complex novel about the trauma of racism and prejudice and how these can deeply affect almost every facet of a person's life. I don't often read memoir, but this was both an educational and, at times, uplifting read.

Important book.
Thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book. While I got the book for free it had no bearing on the rating I gave it.

It Takes More Than Love is a coming-of-age story about a young woman finding her voice. The reader is allowed into the deeply personal process of Jenna trying to understand her autonomy, what it means to be in a relationship, and her place in the world. As a result of that intimacy, the reader can easily connect with her experiences and invest in the telling of her story.
Jenna is a curious young woman with an adventurous spirit. A trip abroad finds her in love and beginning to build a life with her soul mate. She quickly realizes that no matter how much love she is given, and no matter however interesting and big the world is, the small mindedness of people causes trauma, especially when those people are family.
Through a process of building a family with her partner she realizes that systemic racism is societal, white privilege creates ignorance to the experience of BIPOC and that just because you are family, does not mean you are safe.
This book is both Jenna’s unique experience and a shared experience about the process of personal learning and discovery.

"If Jenn had known her husband's family before they'd gotten married, there might never have been a wedding at all."

Jenna Winters' "Takes More Than Love" is a raw, honest exploration of the complexities of interracial marriage and the devastating impact of racism. It's a story about love, loss, and the courage to find your voice.

Jenn navigates a minefield of ignorance and prejudice when she marries into a family that holds deeply rooted racist beliefs. Her personal journey of healing from past trauma intersects with the challenges of confronting her husband's family, forcing her to confront her own fears and insecurities.

This book is a gut-wrenching exploration of the insidious nature of racism. Winters doesn't shy away from the ugliness, but she also offers hope and resilience. Her ability to transform pain into power is inspiring. Not only does she survive, she truly thrives.

"Takes More Than Love" isn't just a memoir; it's a powerful call to action. It's a reminder that we all have a role to play in dismantling systemic racism. Winters' courage in sharing her story is a beacon of light in a world that desperately needs it.

If you're looking for a book that will challenge you, inspire you, and break your heart, this is it.

Five stars without a doubt.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an E-ARC of this amazing memoir.

Thank you Netgalley for the gifted copy. This book was real wat and necessary. It was a great read. I recommend it.

This memoir details the author and her partner's individual and relational journeys towards growth and healing from racial trauma. It is an open and accurate picture of what navigating the nuances of an interracial relationship entails, and it is presented in a way that is always kind in spite of the harshness of the racism that she experienced from her new family. This should be mandatory reading for mental health therapists, new and old alike, as well as for anyone who feels alone and "othered" in their families and communities.

Compassionate and eye-opening, this memoir is full of heart and hope. It was so inspiring to follow Jenn on her journey, as she not only found reconciliation within her marriage but shows a great example of how to advocate for others. If everyone read this book, the world would be a better place!

Book overview: This transformative memoir follows Jenn as she confronts her past, mentors her husband throughout his own journey to racial awareness, and also discovers the inner strength to be a champion for others.

This was an incredibly honest and raw memoir, filled with moments that made me the feel the full spectrum of emotions, anger, disgust, shock, sad, happy, hopeful, and inspired. Jenna’s words strike to the heart of the reader. The part where she teaches her children was especially beautiful. In that teaching she was healing her own inner child.

There were many pearls of wisdom too. This author is a wizard with words and spins them into a beautiful web of expertise and enlightenment. There were many life phrases that I highlighted in my kindle. Here’s are a few of my favorites…

-“There should be no comfort in ignorance.”
-“No one gets to be the judge of my experiences.”
-“To explain why these things matter is basically pleading for someone to care about your humanity as much as their own.”
-“But we need love AND action.”
-“I'm going to tell them these things so that they know that an ordinary person can and should be an agent of change within their sphere of influence when something in the world is awry.”

The racism, utter ignorance, and vitriol she experienced had me breathless, it was revolting. Unknowingly, I would pause my reading during these times and just stare off dazed about what I just read.

However, even though it tackles the ugliness of racism and biases it also highlights how we can heal from our traumas, use our voices to help others, and be allies and champions together. Our voices have power and we need to start looking “at the people and places we can influence and ask ourselves where there is room for improvement.”

The author then ends her memoir with a little feel good send off and plan of action. I need everyone to read this when it releases on September 3rd and then talk with me about it!!! 😄😍♥️