These are just a few of the words I use to describe Vanessa Williams after reading the novel she & her mother wrote. I have always loved her, followed her career, & silently cursed her for becoming more & more glamorous as time inched on. I mean really, does she have magic potions hidden away somewhere? Okay, back on topic! She has been asked to write her story so many times but always declined. I love that she wrote this with her mother, it gives it such depth & their dynamic is phenomenal.

So let’s get this straight right now: This isn’t a happy go-lucky book written by a pretty girl. This is a story of struggle, triumph, & mother-daughter love that will leave you laughing, crying, & hopefully you end up satisfied like me in the end. This isn’t an easy read sometimes though, some of the topics are absolutely heart-wrenching.

 I’m really close with my own mom so to see Helen’s point of view & Vanessa’s was oh so familiar. My mom wanted to protect me from everything while my dad tried to give me freedom to make mistakes. They were a great balance. Like Vanessa, I often did exactly what my mom advised me not to do just because…well…she’s my mother.

My mom & I right after I graduated high school.

For every piece of advice, there’s also a laugh or two. If you’re close with your mom, you’re bound to relate. Heck, even if you’re not, you can’t help but find yourself in the story somewhere. There is a lot of laughter but I also cried. A lot. What can I say? I miss my mom!

To find out more about this book or to discuss it with us on BlogHer, go to our main post & then each week there will be a new topic to check out! Our first discussion is labeled “Do you listen to your mother?”

This is a paid review for BlogHer Book Club but the opinions expressed are my own.