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bookph1le's review
4.0
4.5 stars
This was such a good read. I think her voice is frank and engaging, and oftentimes funny. She brings up some extremely meaty issues, and this book has left me with so many things to think about. Reading it was uncomfortable at times, but it was a critically important kind of discomfort that made me think about how little empathy the country as a whole has for people of color, how awful it is that women are often reduced to their fertility status by people who think they're well-meaning but are inflicting pain by delving into such private territory, how challenging it is to be a person of color in a country that refuses to reckon with the effects of generations of racism--amongst other things.
I'm dismayed by a lot of what's happening in the U.S. right now, and I think books like this are important. It's not the job of marginalized people to explain to privileged people how systems of oppression work. It's on those of us with privilege to take a good, hard look at our institutions, legal systems, and social structures and question whether they offer a level playing field for all, and it really bothers me that the U.S. is so bent on refusing to do this. People like Gabrielle Union are so brave for speaking truth to power, and I'm grateful they're willing to write books like this, even though they shouldn't have to.
This was such a good read. I think her voice is frank and engaging, and oftentimes funny. She brings up some extremely meaty issues, and this book has left me with so many things to think about. Reading it was uncomfortable at times, but it was a critically important kind of discomfort that made me think about how little empathy the country as a whole has for people of color, how awful it is that women are often reduced to their fertility status by people who think they're well-meaning but are inflicting pain by delving into such private territory, how challenging it is to be a person of color in a country that refuses to reckon with the effects of generations of racism--amongst other things.
I'm dismayed by a lot of what's happening in the U.S. right now, and I think books like this are important. It's not the job of marginalized people to explain to privileged people how systems of oppression work. It's on those of us with privilege to take a good, hard look at our institutions, legal systems, and social structures and question whether they offer a level playing field for all, and it really bothers me that the U.S. is so bent on refusing to do this. People like Gabrielle Union are so brave for speaking truth to power, and I'm grateful they're willing to write books like this, even though they shouldn't have to.
seymone's review
5.0
She spoke to the nuances of my life.
I loved this memoir!!! Will reread and take my time with her words.
I loved this memoir!!! Will reread and take my time with her words.
readingafrica's review
3.0
I liked the stories overall. I think I would've enjoyed this more as an audiobook
nickscoby's review
4.0
A friend recommended this, otherwise I wouldn't have read it. While there are many things that I do not have in common with Gabrielle "Nicky" Union, I must say that she is incredibly storyteller and writer. In fact, I actually researched what her college major was because she has a great sense of narrative and timing. I was listening while riding my stationary bike and laughed out loud many many times. Standout chapters include the ones about Jason Kidd, going to Prince's house, and of course, about her sexual assault. Heartbreaking.
alicebme's review
5.0
This is a damn good book! Gabrielle’s voice remains constant throughout, and she is fantastic. Kind, funny, honest, wise, passionate. Read it.
allena_inwonderland's review
5.0
I really enjoyed this book.
It was my first memoir I’ve read & I’ve always enjoyed Gabrielle Union’s work in acting.
I think she really talked about tough subjects that NEED to be brought to light, in a “tough love” style.
She made me laugh and I love how open and truthful she was about her own life experience including her own ignorance.
It was my first memoir I’ve read & I’ve always enjoyed Gabrielle Union’s work in acting.
I think she really talked about tough subjects that NEED to be brought to light, in a “tough love” style.
She made me laugh and I love how open and truthful she was about her own life experience including her own ignorance.