Review: The Mother of Black Hollywood – Jenifer Lewis

I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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 ...

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.”

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Jenifer Lewis.

I started this review with Jenifer’s name in the space of its own because Ms. Jenifer Lewis is in a league of her, and no one compares to her. Period.

I have been a fan of Jenifer Lewis for as long as I can remember. Her voice is distinctive, and when you hear it – it demands your attention. My husband laughs because no matter what I’m doing when I hear Jenifer’s voice, everything comes to a complete stop.

I listened to The Mother of Black Hollywood on Audible when it was first released, and it became my #1 book of 2017.

The Mother of Black Hollywood is a memoir that I recommend you read a few times. This time around, it felt good holding the paperback in my hand and digesting her words. The paperback includes colorful pictures of Jenifer and her family and friends. I enjoyed putting a face to the names she mentioned in the book.

When I’m reading a memoir, there’s a part of me that expects the author, especially a celebrity, not to be as forthcoming. Jenifer Lewis holds nothing back in this memoir. She shares stories from her childhood, her relationship with her mother, dealing with bipolar disorder, her adventurous love life, her theatre background, working in Hollywood, and so much more.

What I wrote in 2017, still rings true to this day.

This book defines what a Memoir should be. No candy-coated life stories here!

I laughed
I cried
I sighed
Then I laughed some more
Then I cried again
But most of all – I feel rejuvenated. (In these streets)

Ms. Jenifer Lewis is THE example of living your life out loud and living your best life.

Reviewed by: Orsayor

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