The Mother of Black Hollywood: A Memoir

Please read and watch ANYTHING this woman does.

I love this book and after reading this I’ve her. It was a book club book of the month and i loved it

This is truly a heart filled read. I loved the truth and unapologetic life experiences shared. The relationship between you and your mum I felt it was me. I did not stop reading till the end. Thank you greatly. Continued love and strength to you born Queen.

In Jenifer Lewis’s memoir, The Mother of Black Hollywood, she says that Black-ish has made her a household name. But for me, the name Jenifer Lewis was looming large in my household twenty-five years ago when I learned I had been nominated for a NAACP theater award for best actress along with Jenifer and three other actresses. I remember vividly wondering who she was when it was announced that she had won. Little did I know that in 1993, she already had an impressive number of theater credits and awards under her belt. Little did I know that she would go on to have an illustrious film and tv career and if I had known that after auditioning for John Singleton’s film Poetic Justice, she would look at him and say, “Little boy, just give me the f***ing part, will ya?” I would have dismissed all thoughts about nabbing that NAACP award because Jenifer is a woman who is unstoppable, who is determined to win, and her page-turning memoir speaks volumes to the aforementioned.If you’re looking for a tell-all about Hollywood—a book revealing dirty secrets about Hollywood’s A-list stars, this is not the book for you. If you’re looking for a book that will give you an unabashed, in your face, take no prisoners, birds-eye view of the life of one of Hollywood’s most beloved actresses, get this book. Jenifer holds nothing back, as she takes us on a rollercoaster journey of her life starting in St. Louis where she was born. If you’ve ever wondered if the loud-mouthed and brassy characters, she’s known for are anything like her in real life, the answer is no—according to her, these characters are tone-downed compared to the real Jenifer Lewis.After years of striking out at the people she loved, causing scenes, bullying others and being miserable even after achieving a great deal, she reveals that she finally acquiesced to getting therapy and it was there she found a name for what ailed her—she was bipolar. It was also in therapy that she came to realize that her promiscuity was a result of being molested by her pastor as a young girl and her need to medicate her feelings of depression. Sex had become an addiction, like alcohol, drugs, and gambling for others. And Jenifer leaves no stone unturned as she lists all of her dalliances. She even writes a poem about them.I love how the book unfolds and moves with fire and energy, much like the actress herself. I love how she outlines her process of healing, a process that was far from perfect. I admire her for having the courage to face her demons and to not give up. In spite of losing countless friends to AIDS, she never gave up, but put her money and notoriety to work to help fight this insidious disease. Jenifer says that she hopes her book will help others who suffer from depression and I believe it will.Now, 61, Jennifer is comfortable in her own skin and no longer needs to medicate with destructive behavior. She’s truly happy and living her best life—a life where she pays it forward, a life that truly has not been lived in vain. I look forward to what’s coming next for this amazing and talented woman.

Love me some Jennifer Lewis. This book was entertaining and educational. Glad she wrote it, and yes she is the mother of Black Hollywood!

I really loved Jenifer's transparency. I'm really glad she broke every bit of her soul down for us. I really have a better understanding of her personality. She's helped me not to prejudge people, or have preconceived notions without first taking the time to learn about people. Patience is key. Thank you Ms. Lewis four such a great read.

This book was an excellent read. I learned so much about her, that I didn’t previously know. I’m happy she shared a part of herself with the world. Get this book. You won’t regret it.

This book was nothing short of amazing. Jennifer, "The Black Mother of Hollywood", gave us everything we anticipate her to give. She spoke of her childhood: being abused by her mother, being molested by her childhood pastor, every needing to over achieve etc. I also love how she spoke of her mental illness and her ups and downs of her treatment. My jaw literally dropped after reading of all the men she has slept with. She talks of how she started Im the business and knew that she wanted to be a star at a very young age. She may be outspoken and over the top but it is evident that she is an amazing actress and it is evident with her list of plays, movies etc that she has done in her career. I also loved how she is an activist when it came to HIV/AIDS as she lost so many friends to the disease. I definitely recommend this book to everyone as a must read. 5/5 stars🌻🌻🌻🌻

Fantastic reading. Couldn't put it down. Belly laugh every page.

Lewis is always funny on blackish. This is why I bought this book. So far, it's the same. Some real soul wrenching stories with one of a kind Lewis humour.

Loved, loved every part of this book. It was uncut and real. Would recommend it to everyone. Thank you Jenifer Lewis!

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.