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jwartts's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
4.75
Easy to read first-hand account. Simply addresses rumors while deeply exploring the Author’s foundation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Confinement, Death, Drug abuse, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Trafficking, and Pregnancy
mari1532's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.0
#20booksby20blackWomen hosted by @melanatedreader
I listened to the audiobook through my library.
I have been a fan of Pinkett-Smith's acting for a while. I particularly enjoyed her in Gotham and The Women. So, I would have likely chosen to read her book anyway, but this book was all over the internet before its release and that heightened my interest. Living through the 2010s when the media tore women apart I suspected that the sensationalization of her book was just that. For instance, the comments that she made about her relationship with Tupac. I just wanted to read the book and form my own opinion.
It is clear from her writing that Pinkett-Smith has done a lot of therapeutic and healing work on herself. The vulnerability it took to open her book with her thoughts of suicide is truly inspiring. I also appreciated how she discussed the many ways that she worked on her mental health throughout her lifetime.
I also appreciate that she discussed her relationship with Sheree Zampino. All too often women, especially in Hollywood are pitted against each other. And it was beautiful to hear about how Pinkett-Smith and Zampino were able to come to an understanding with each other and form a familial bond for their children.
I did feel that this memoir was a bit long. Pinkett-Smith did a really thorough job discussing her life and highlighting the relationships and stories that shaped her outlook and life today. It did feel like a tribute to Tupac in some ways as he was a large figure throughout the book. However, it appears clear that he was one of Pinkett-Smith's closest friends and that their time together and his murder had a large impact on her life and career.
The one thing that I did not like about this book is that at the end of every chapter, she posed questions and ways for the reader to reflect on their own life. These just felt a little out of place because they felt more self-help-oriented than memoir-focused.
If you are a fan of Pinkett-Smith's acting, singing, or producing (seriously watch Netflix's Queen Cleopatra) I would recommend this book. Additionally, if you love learning about other people's journey through life this is a book that you will enjoy.
I listened to the audiobook through my library.
I have been a fan of Pinkett-Smith's acting for a while. I particularly enjoyed her in Gotham and The Women. So, I would have likely chosen to read her book anyway, but this book was all over the internet before its release and that heightened my interest. Living through the 2010s when the media tore women apart I suspected that the sensationalization of her book was just that. For instance, the comments that she made about her relationship with Tupac. I just wanted to read the book and form my own opinion.
It is clear from her writing that Pinkett-Smith has done a lot of therapeutic and healing work on herself. The vulnerability it took to open her book with her thoughts of suicide is truly inspiring. I also appreciated how she discussed the many ways that she worked on her mental health throughout her lifetime.
I also appreciate that she discussed her relationship with Sheree Zampino. All too often women, especially in Hollywood are pitted against each other. And it was beautiful to hear about how Pinkett-Smith and Zampino were able to come to an understanding with each other and form a familial bond for their children.
I did feel that this memoir was a bit long. Pinkett-Smith did a really thorough job discussing her life and highlighting the relationships and stories that shaped her outlook and life today. It did feel like a tribute to Tupac in some ways as he was a large figure throughout the book. However, it appears clear that he was one of Pinkett-Smith's closest friends and that their time together and his murder had a large impact on her life and career.
The one thing that I did not like about this book is that at the end of every chapter, she posed questions and ways for the reader to reflect on their own life. These just felt a little out of place because they felt more self-help-oriented than memoir-focused.
If you are a fan of Pinkett-Smith's acting, singing, or producing (seriously watch Netflix's Queen Cleopatra) I would recommend this book. Additionally, if you love learning about other people's journey through life this is a book that you will enjoy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Infidelity, Mental illness, Racial slurs, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Pregnancy, and Classism
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Gun violence
Minor: Police brutality and Murder
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