February 16, 2017

Around the Way Girl: A Memoir


"I simply put my head down and work hard while I wait for the tides to turn in my favor; that's when my actions and my blessings speak volumes." ~ pg. 124

For the record, every month is Black History Month. Every day is a celebration of my blackness. But this is the perfect month to share my review of a memoir about one of the most talented black actresses of our time: Taraji P. Henson.

An Academy Award nominee, Golden Globe winner, proud daughter and strong single mother are just a few descriptions of Taraji P. Henson. She made it from DC to Hollywood with a dream and a purpose. In her memoir, Around the Way Girl, Taraji talks about her childhood and journey to present-day in candor, humor and honesty.

Taraji was very transparent and open in her memoir. The essays were told like we were friends chilling at a bar sharing life stories and struggles. There were lots of "girl, me too" moments while I was reading it. I had no idea that Taraji was so relatable and very much an authentic around the way girl. Makes me even prouder of her success.

"That's the story of every girl who goes to work every day, punching in at nine in the morning and hustling home at five in the evening. I'm not some fantasy. I'm tangible. And I bring that realness only to the screen, where it deserves to be, but also out into the world." ~ pg. 204

If you want inspiration or if you are a fan, then Around the Way Girl: A Memoir is definitely the book for you. Readers will find that her screen characters—Cookie Lyon (Empire), Katherine Johnson (Hidden Figures), Yvette (Baby Boy), Shug (Hustle & Flow) and Queenie (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) are in some ways like the actress in real life. She draws upon her own experiences to portray these characters on film and television. And as a bonus, there are a few funny parts in this memoir too. So make a point to read about Taraji P. Henson and other amazing black women this February. Why? Because black girls rock!

Title: Around the Way Girl: A Memoir
Author: Taraji P. Henson
Published:
Pages: 256
Edition: Hardcover
Challenge: Popsugar—A Book with Pictures
Rating: ♥♥♥♥

 

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