Life, I Swear: Intimate Stories from Black Women on Identity, Healing, and Self-Trust

Written by Chloe Dulce Louvouezo

Narrated by Joniece Abbott-Pratt

Foreword by Elaine Welteroth

In this stunning 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

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, diversity and inclusion 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.      

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Nov 2, 2021
• ISBN: 9780063139107

Chloe Dulce Louvouezo

Chloe Dulce Louvouezo is a Congolese American writer and advocate for women. As a storyteller, she supports creativity and belonging of underrepresented women and seeks to deepen understanding of and within communities. Rooted in global citizenship, Chloe's fifteen-year career in communications has advanced diverse and inclusive storytelling at domestic and global organizations addressing education, poverty, and mental health, most recently at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. She serves on the Washington, DC, Mayor's Commission for Women and is the executive producer and host of the popular Life, I Swear podcast, through which she explores nuances and insights around identity, mental wellness, and healing, told through the lens of women from the Black diaspora. Chloe is also a founding board member of HURU, which creates sacred spaces for rest experiences that foster emotional wellbeing and wholeness.

Reviews for Life, I Swear

[Monique Luchion · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Simply and amazing read! It’s so textured and full. I’ll be ordering the hard copy for my closest friends. Highly recommend ??

[Kameel Gibson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

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.