The Mother of Black Hollywood: A Memoir

It has been years since I have read a non-work related book and actually finished it. Let alone finished it in 3 days. To say this book was good would be an understatement. Ms.Lewis' (Dr. Lewis) journey through her career, mental illness, love, and just life is one of great strength, determination and conviction. As a LPC (therapist), I appreciate the raw honesty about living with Bipolar Disorder. It is a hard road to travel and her journey is a motivation for many. Her stories of growing up in Kinloch, traveling the world, following her dream, and perfecting her craft ignited every emotion within me. I literally did not want to stop reading. My heart sank as she named all of the loves and people that died in her life. I rejoiced when something good happened or she made another self-discovery. I'm going to stop here before I give away too many details. My point is that this is a book I would recommend (already have) to my friend, family, and clients. To anyone reading my review, don't second guess this purchase. Buy the book. You won't be disappointed.

This book is refreshingly honest and pulls no punches.I don't like watered down biographies. Jenifer doesn't shy away from anything. She's honest,funny, I understand about mental illnesses I have lived with depression,anxiety ,ADHD for years, I'm also manic.abuse of any kind is a major catalyst for mental illness.its how we choose to deal with it and if we seek treatment or not I went through similar situations with being promiscuous.we in the back community keep sexual abuse and mental illness a secret,turning a blunt eye to it.once sexual mental illness and sexual abuse is no longer a secret, then will healing begin and it wouldn't be stigmatized and people wouldn't feel ashamed

Miss Jenifer Lewis is here and can't nobody do a darn thing about it. Refreshing, honest and so very Jenifer Lewis. She will have you giggling right from the get go. Been waiting on this for a while. Loved your mentions of my favorite Dominican foods! Made this Dominican boy smile, Get it mama!

If you’re into the Broadway scene in ANY way, you’ll likely enjoy this very candid, extremely witty, offering by the “Mother of Black Hollywood”.Jenifer Lewis spends a majority of the time detailing the Broadway and off-Broadway plays and shows she’s been blessed to display her talents. And when she’s not doing that, she’s speaking about her personal struggles with her Bipolar Disorder.I am a fan of Ms. Lewis, and would highly recommend enjoying this title via audio, if you have access to it, because listening to this in her voice is a must.

Reading this book is like having a conversation with Jenifer! Her discussion of her bi-polar situation is enlightening for me and would be for any of those who, like most, don't recognize the symptoms in themselves. Aside from that, She is a NATURAL HOOT! She writes like she normally speaks...and that's what I was counting on. Everyone should read this book. Its an enlightening and uplifting read! Thank you Jenifer! The added bonus is that while reading, quite unexpectedly, she mentions a very close friend of mine who was very active in the theater during the timeframe of that particular chapter. He had no idea until I called him up to tell him that he was mentioned in "MISS JENIFER'S book! Lol!

I just started reading this book. I can actually hear her voice in my head as I read every word. I am very intrigued, engaged and loving every word in this book. I don't want to put it down.UPDATE:Finished reading this book. Excellent writing! The ups, the downs, the perseverance is amazing! The breakthroughs and healing. The hurts and loves. The bad relationships and the wonderful relationships. Becoming a surrogate mother! Extraordinary life and there is so much more to live. Can't wait for the movie of "Dr. Jenifer Mothafuxxin Lewis" Autobiography on the big screen or BET or TVone or Lifetime. I will be front and center. Thanks for opening up your life to us! It is appreciated.

What to say?This book is freaking hilarious from beginning to end! There are so many quotes and anecdotes that Jenifer (with one F) shares to count. It will pull at your heart strings and at the same time make you want to cuss somebody out. If you are having as much sex or more than she did you might need to see a (Rachael)... The book is REAL, HEARTFELT & all that other sensitive s***. You will learn expletives (if you aren't familiar) and lessons on life, love, relationships, sex, death, etc...If you are a person who does not like to read then simply order the Amazon Audio Version and be prepared to shed tears of laughter.

Jenifer Lewis' book takes you on a difficult and painful journey of first denying then facing addiction and depression. Always in charge of her own life, Ms Lewis tells you the unfiltered truth about her early beginnings in a small town, her constant struggle to be a Hollywood star while fighting through sex addiction and depression. She takes us through auditions, rejection, rehearsals and her reactions to Hollywood and theater highs and lows. She writes with honesty, lots of cussing and bald humor while laying out some of her deepest heartaches. I read her book in about 3 sittings and admired her grit. This is a courageous and very funny book. You will laugh hard and also feel her sorrow. She wants you to understand where she came from and who she is and if somehow you don't get her...she says outright that she really does not care! You have to say " go girl" to this phenomenal woman. She has earned her place in Hollywood for sure.

This woman is funny as hell. That's all I gotta say. If you wanna be happy and learn something from an ol dawg to teach you new tricks then please read. I love this woman.

Loved this book, it is as if Jenifer Lewis is reading it to me, her voice comes through so strongly.

Great book, would definately recommend this. Jenifer Lewis tells you about her ups and downs in life but with a comical spin

Brilliant read. I love this woman! This book will take you through all kinds of emotions and she doesnt sugarcoat anything.

A well received gift, the recipient was pleased.