The Mother of Black Hollywood: A Memoir
Ratings6
Average rating4.2
15
Ratings6
Average rating4.2
National Book Club Conference ‘Book of the Year’ Award Winner From her more than three hundred appearances for film and television, stage and cabaret, performing comedy or drama, as an unforgettable lead or a scene stealing supporting character, Jenifer Lewis has established herself as one of the most respected, admired, talented, and versatile entertainers working today. This “Mega Diva” and costar of the hit sitcom black-ish bares her soul in this touching and poignant—and at times side-splittingly hilarious—memoir of a Midwestern girl with a dream, whose journey took her from poverty to the big screen, and along the way earned her many accolades. With candor and warmth, Jenifer Lewis reveals the heart of a woman who lives life to the fullest. This multitalented “force of nature” landed her first Broadway role within eleven days of her graduation from college and later earned the title “Reigning Queen of High-Camp Cabaret.” In the audaciously honest voice that her fans adore, Jenifer describes her transition to Hollywood, with guest roles on hits like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Friends. Her movie Jackie’s Back! became a cult favorite, and as the “Mama” to characters portrayed by Whitney Houston, Tupac Shakur, Taraji P. Henson, and many more, Jenifer cemented her status as the “Mother of Black Hollywood.” When an undiagnosed mental illness stymies Jenifer’s career, culminating in a breakdown while filming The Temptations, her quest for wholeness becomes a harrowing and inspiring tale, including revelations of bipolar disorder and sex addiction. Written with no-holds-barred honesty and illustrated with more than forty color photographs, this gripping memoir is filled with insights gained through a unique life that offers a universal message: “Love yourself so that love will not be a stranger when it comes.”
Reviews with the most likes.
The best thing I've done this year is listen to a reviewer who said listen to the audio book as opposed to reading the book. I've never been into audiobooks in the past. I've tried and it just didn't work. And I realize it's the narrator not the story. I also realized that I could listen to Jenifer Lewis talk all day.
She's very blunt and real..but not cruel..and very extra. So so extra and theatrical. And I love it. It's a memoir so it's her life story, so far anyways, and some of it is hilarious, some sad and everything else in between. It doesn't seem like she held back. This is her. The good, the bad and the ugly. Being bipolar, her sex addiction but also all the fantastic people she's worked with ( she named dropped A LOT. But I feel like maybe she meant it more as an appreciation for all the talent she's gotten to work with over her very long career. But it can be a bit too much). MAYBE I'd have rated it on star lower if i had read the book instead of listening to it.. All I know is that I do not regret at all finally sitting through an audiobook this time.
