
The Jamaican American author Charmaine Wilkerson wrote her 2022 debut novel “Black Cake” to highlight the importance of food in storytelling and heritage. The book became a “New York Times” bestseller, earning acclaim for its thoughtful, multigenerational exploration of family, identity, and cultural legacy. This quote from the novel appears when the character Eleanor Bennett encourages her daughter, Benny, to trust herself — even when she’s uncertain about her choices. Eleanor’s advice is a reminder that while it’s natural to second-guess our decisions and actions, it’s crucial to have confidence in our instincts and abilities. In the context of our own lives, this insight encourages us to be introspective and self-aware, without losing faith in who we are and what we’re capable of.
