La Faye Baker’s You’re Not Listening to… What I Have to Say is a powerful anthology—one that invites readers to witness the profound resilience and vulnerability of young women, while empowering them to own their stories. Across 26 richly told narratives, Baker explores issues like self-esteem, mental health, childhood trauma, and discrimination with unwavering honesty. What truly elevates this book is the seamless blend of storytelling and actionable insight: each story is accompanied by journaling pages, affirmations, and resource listings, ensuring this is more than a read—it’s a tool for healing and growth.
Baker, known for her long and groundbreaking career in Hollywood as a stuntwoman and coordinator—working on major productions like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Introducing Dorothy Dandridge, and Set It Off—brings a rare and compelling perspective to her writing . As one of the first African-American stuntwomen to ascend to the level of stunt coordinator, she has thrived in a space traditionally closed off to women of color . Her work extends beyond the film set—La Faye is also the founder of Diamond in the RAW, a nonprofit empowering underserved teen girls through media, the arts, and creative expression .
This multifaceted background—as a trailblazer in entertainment and an advocate for young women—imbues the book with authenticity. Baker clearly understands the weight of not being heard and the healing that comes from being truly listened to. It’s this lived experience that gives these stories heft and credibility. She doesn’t merely retell these narratives; she creates a safe space for them to be seen, validated, and, crucially, overcome.
The structure is elegant and intentional: each personal story is mirrored by practical journaling prompts and solutions, fostering a dual journey of empathy and self-reflection. Beyond that, the inclusion of mental health and inspirational resources is both generous and strategic. It equips readers—whether they’re teens or adults—with immediate support systems in moments of distress. The full-color, hardcover and paperback editions (172 pages) feel tactile and engaging, reinforcing that this book is meant to be interacted with, not just read .
A standout strength of You’re Not Listening to… What I Have to Say is how it balances the emotional with the actionable. Stories of surviving cancer, navigating parental mental illness, bullying, or suicidal thoughts are deeply sad—but always bound by threads of courage, community, and possibility. Baker’s voice is compassionate but firm, reminding readers repeatedly that their struggles don’t define them—that they can heal, thrive, and help others do the same.
In a culture where young women often feel silenced, Baker’s anthology rings with clarity: “You matter. Your voice matters.” It’s a book that parents, educators, mental health professionals, and young readers themselves can return to again and again—for comfort, inspiration, and a reminder that growth often begins with being heard.
