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You Have No Idea: A Famous Daughter, Her No-nonsense Mother, and How They Survived Pageants, Hollywood, Love, Loss
A candid and inspirational mother-daughter memoir of family, fame, trials, and triumphs by superstar Vanessa Williams and her mother, Helen. Through determination, and with a mom who was always there for her, Vanessa went on to conquer the entertainment world.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published April 17, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
April 20, 2012
I was surprised this book didn't received higher ratings. Vanessa Williams is one of the most famous and semi-private bonafide talented celebrities left. I am of the generation who missed out on the Miss America scandal and frankly didn't care about it when I found out in the mid to late 80's. For most young Black teenage girls, pageants have absolutely no resonance.
The Vanessa I came to know first was the singer. Everyone I knew was jammin' to Dreamin' and I never heard any of my friends disparage her for her skintone or anything else. It was such a surprise to me when she later "began to act". It was nice to discover that she was trained for entertainment from an early age (though her Mom may not have realized this!)
Over the past year or so, I have read a ton of autobiographies and rate this one at the top in terms of allowing me to really get to the person behind all the stardom. Ms. Williams is revealing, honest, and funny about those early years and the years following.
She does not pretend to be perfect. And I applaud her for including her mother, despite their tumultuous relationship. Vanessa shows that life is not perfect, your parents are not perfect and the children they produce are far from perfect, so please read without judging.
The reason I am withholding 1 star is that I feel the book could have been better formatted. This is a problem I have noticed on a number of "celebrity" books, where there is no grammatical, chapter structure, or coherence-just a series of run-on anecdotes. Shame on the publishers/editor for that one. Otherwise, this is a must read for all Vanessa fans.
The Vanessa I came to know first was the singer. Everyone I knew was jammin' to Dreamin' and I never heard any of my friends disparage her for her skintone or anything else. It was such a surprise to me when she later "began to act". It was nice to discover that she was trained for entertainment from an early age (though her Mom may not have realized this!)
Over the past year or so, I have read a ton of autobiographies and rate this one at the top in terms of allowing me to really get to the person behind all the stardom. Ms. Williams is revealing, honest, and funny about those early years and the years following.
She does not pretend to be perfect. And I applaud her for including her mother, despite their tumultuous relationship. Vanessa shows that life is not perfect, your parents are not perfect and the children they produce are far from perfect, so please read without judging.
The reason I am withholding 1 star is that I feel the book could have been better formatted. This is a problem I have noticed on a number of "celebrity" books, where there is no grammatical, chapter structure, or coherence-just a series of run-on anecdotes. Shame on the publishers/editor for that one. Otherwise, this is a must read for all Vanessa fans.
April 19, 2012
"I was upset. I was frustrated. But I didn't want to kill myself, as was reported. I look back at stories and headlines written about me at the time. They'd say things like 'Vanessa's dark days or Vanessa's hit rock bottom.' I knew it would be tough, but I also never doubted I would succeed. When you know this, you don't have dark days, you don't hit rock bottom. You just have days when you want to scream at people: 'You have no idea what I can do!'" I just love this quote by Vanessa no page 66.
Vanessa Williams is an extremely talented American icon. After reading this book, I have no doubt that the reasons she has accomplished all that she has are her determination and confidence, her God-given talent, and her wonderful parents. I really enjoyed this book. I don't follow pop culture very much, but I remember so vividly when our first black Miss America was robbed of her title. I really enjoyed reading Vanessa's side of the story. I also enjoyed reading about all that Vanessa has accomplished including Broadway, TV, and a successful recording career: all while also being a caring and involved mother of 4.
Perhaps the best of this book, the part that really made it unique, was that all the stories were told from the perspective of Vanessa and her mother. This was my favorite part. I loved their dynamics, I truly related to their mother/daughter relationship from page 1. When Vanessa was a girl her mother told her to never ride doubles on a bike, she did, and she was severely hurt. Funny, same thing happened to me. Everyone needs a mother like Helen and everyone should listen to her, and if they don't believe me then they should read this book and learn from Vanessa's mistakes.
Vanessa Williams is an extremely talented American icon. After reading this book, I have no doubt that the reasons she has accomplished all that she has are her determination and confidence, her God-given talent, and her wonderful parents. I really enjoyed this book. I don't follow pop culture very much, but I remember so vividly when our first black Miss America was robbed of her title. I really enjoyed reading Vanessa's side of the story. I also enjoyed reading about all that Vanessa has accomplished including Broadway, TV, and a successful recording career: all while also being a caring and involved mother of 4.
Perhaps the best of this book, the part that really made it unique, was that all the stories were told from the perspective of Vanessa and her mother. This was my favorite part. I loved their dynamics, I truly related to their mother/daughter relationship from page 1. When Vanessa was a girl her mother told her to never ride doubles on a bike, she did, and she was severely hurt. Funny, same thing happened to me. Everyone needs a mother like Helen and everyone should listen to her, and if they don't believe me then they should read this book and learn from Vanessa's mistakes.
May 17, 2012
“A more appropriate title could not have been chosen for this book for me. I won an advance reading copy of "You Have No Idea" through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway. I normally steer clear of biographies about modern-day public figures, as I don’t really want to know the minutiae of their lives. However, I have vowed to read five auto/biographies this year so I signed up for the giveaway based on the subtitle only – without noticing the subject or author. I thought, “Famous daughter equals biography. I’ll take it.” When the book arrived in the mail, I had no idea who it was about. I opened envelope and saw the cover. I did a mental eye roll thinking, ”Not a tell-all about beauty pageants book.”
I am trying to read 150 books this year so I dug into this book based on my #nobookleftbehind policy. I am glad that I did. My first impression was quite wrong. Yeah, I know. Don’t judge a book by its cover. While You Have No Idea addresses the Miss America scandal (how could it not), the book covers the many sides of Vanessa Williams – singer, actress, dancer, wife, mother, daughter – and now author.
What’s really unique (to me) about this book and makes it a worthwhile read is the collaboration with Vanessa’s mother, Helen. They wrote their sections separately so you get to see how events in Vanessa’s life were perceived from each of their sides. (I think that this would be an interesting exercise for others to try with their parents.) Some events Helen knew about and others she didn’t find out about until working on this book. Vanessa was a rebellious teen and, for better or worse, that character trait seemed to follow her into adulthood. Despite the rebellious vs. no-nonsense personality clashing, it is obvious that Helen has been a strong anchor in Vanessa’s life. And Vanessa clearly values and finds strength in her family.
Vanessa Williams is extremely candid about her experiences and the people who have come into (and sometimes out of) her life. I think that readers will be pleasantly suprisedly. Subject matter aside, the book itself is a bit off to me. If Vanessa hadn’t had such an eventful life or had been less candid, the book would have been a tougher read. The writing style is a little blah – almost textbook like at times. The chapter formatting is a bit confusing and sometimes the text rambles into oddly placed anecdotes (like meals).
All in all, it’s an interesting read. If it’s true that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, Vanessa Williams just might be a modern-day Hercules. You have no idea. Get the book and find out for yourself.
Recommended for:
■ Fans of Vanessa Williams
■ Biography readers
■ Readers who like stories about strength through adversity
■ Gossip hounds
Posted at http://aliterarymafia.wordpress.com/2...
I am trying to read 150 books this year so I dug into this book based on my #nobookleftbehind policy. I am glad that I did. My first impression was quite wrong. Yeah, I know. Don’t judge a book by its cover. While You Have No Idea addresses the Miss America scandal (how could it not), the book covers the many sides of Vanessa Williams – singer, actress, dancer, wife, mother, daughter – and now author.
What’s really unique (to me) about this book and makes it a worthwhile read is the collaboration with Vanessa’s mother, Helen. They wrote their sections separately so you get to see how events in Vanessa’s life were perceived from each of their sides. (I think that this would be an interesting exercise for others to try with their parents.) Some events Helen knew about and others she didn’t find out about until working on this book. Vanessa was a rebellious teen and, for better or worse, that character trait seemed to follow her into adulthood. Despite the rebellious vs. no-nonsense personality clashing, it is obvious that Helen has been a strong anchor in Vanessa’s life. And Vanessa clearly values and finds strength in her family.
Vanessa Williams is extremely candid about her experiences and the people who have come into (and sometimes out of) her life. I think that readers will be pleasantly suprisedly. Subject matter aside, the book itself is a bit off to me. If Vanessa hadn’t had such an eventful life or had been less candid, the book would have been a tougher read. The writing style is a little blah – almost textbook like at times. The chapter formatting is a bit confusing and sometimes the text rambles into oddly placed anecdotes (like meals).
All in all, it’s an interesting read. If it’s true that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, Vanessa Williams just might be a modern-day Hercules. You have no idea. Get the book and find out for yourself.
Recommended for:
■ Fans of Vanessa Williams
■ Biography readers
■ Readers who like stories about strength through adversity
■ Gossip hounds
Posted at http://aliterarymafia.wordpress.com/2...
October 24, 2017
I would give this book a 3.5. Vanessa Williams wrote this memoir with her mother Helen Williams. A pretty good and honest memoir from Vanessa. I have known about this actress and singer since she was the first black Miss America. Six weeks before her year was up some pictures she posed for a couple years earlier were sold to Penthouse magazine. The nude photos were supposed to be private and were taken for artistic pictures from the photographer. She went through hell and had to step down as Miss America. Well she went on to s successful career on stage and in tv. good for her. Her mother gives her input as the "MOM" of Vanessa. A nice memoir by a talented lady.
June 6, 2012
The moment I saw Helen on the cover however, I suspected this would be a down-to-earth memoir, projecting much of the same energy I recall coming off screen, but I truly had no idea.
This powerful, and humorous at times memoir touched me deeply; Helen’s story in particular. Many will easily relate to her feelings, and therefore will likewise appreciate Milton (Vanessa’s dad) and how they complimented each other as a couple, and as parents. Milton’s lunchbox comment, ‘dare to be different’, and Helen’s list, along with her swearing she was six-feet prior to Vanessa’s birth had me falling out the chair laughing. Too funny. But what also takes this memoir over the top is the way Vanessa expresses her truth, her relationships, her children, career…chilled me to the core; her words speak volumes, in a very classy, brassy, and upbeat fashion I must add. A very appreciating experience I highly recommend. Until you read it, you will have no idea. Superb storytelling.
This powerful, and humorous at times memoir touched me deeply; Helen’s story in particular. Many will easily relate to her feelings, and therefore will likewise appreciate Milton (Vanessa’s dad) and how they complimented each other as a couple, and as parents. Milton’s lunchbox comment, ‘dare to be different’, and Helen’s list, along with her swearing she was six-feet prior to Vanessa’s birth had me falling out the chair laughing. Too funny. But what also takes this memoir over the top is the way Vanessa expresses her truth, her relationships, her children, career…chilled me to the core; her words speak volumes, in a very classy, brassy, and upbeat fashion I must add. A very appreciating experience I highly recommend. Until you read it, you will have no idea. Superb storytelling.
July 14, 2014
Vanessa Williams is one of my favorite actresses. She has always been a versatile, triple threat as a performer. I was excited to dive into her memoir and learn more about her life. The title for the book is extremely appropriate because, well looking at Vanessa and witnessing her impressive body of work over the years, you would never know the trials, pains and heartaches she has been through. I enjoyed the inclusion of Vanessa's mother, speaking from her perspective on Vanessa growing up and witnessing her daughter's stardom. There are some details in the book that are shocking, and one will feel great sympathy for Vanessa. And I am not speaking of her being in Playboy.
I read the iBook version of the book on my iPad in a day or two. You'll enjoy it in any format. If you're a Vanessa Williams fan, you must purchase this book!
I read the iBook version of the book on my iPad in a day or two. You'll enjoy it in any format. If you're a Vanessa Williams fan, you must purchase this book!
August 12, 2015
This book both hilarious and funny! I like how Vanessa's viewpoint is paralleled with her mother's. Vanesss truly ended much pain and hardship after making a silly decision to take nude pictures as a young naive model. The story proves that we need our parents guidance even as adults. Excellent Read!
December 6, 2015
It was an okay read and enjoyed the pics the most.
June 23, 2016
Very interesting book. It shows the min and heart of Vanessa And Helen. Helen is a wonderful Mother.
January 17, 2024
As a big fan of celebrity memoirs AND a huge fan of Vanessa’s acting and singing career I don’t think I can overstate just how excited I was to pick this up and read it, I was a bit nervous at first because I decided to start reading it just around my (seemingly annual) Christmas/New Years reading rut. But luckily this book pulled me through and kept me reading. It’s incredible to read about just how much Vanessa has accomplished in just one lifetime and the struggles her mother managed to pull through too. Incredible women, the both of them. One thing that really stands out to me is when a book can have me going through a whole range of emotions and that’s something that this read truly doesn’t shy away from, I went from feeling blazing anger to how Vanessa was treated during her experience post Miss America to feeling like my heart was crushed in the chapter about her father. I’m so glad they wrote this book, I truly believe if you’re looking for a good memoir to read, then this is the one for you! Now I think I might go and put The Real Thing on repeat.
May 3, 2012
Originally posted at http://www.readingreality.net/2012/05...
You Have No Idea by Vanessa and Helen Williams may be the perfect book for Mother's Day reading. Why?
As the long, but very accurate subtitle says, it's about "a famous daugher, her no-nonsense mother, and how they survived pageants, Hollywood, love, loss (and each other)"
This story is both autobiography and biography, as Vanessa and Helen take turns writing about their own lives, and then say what they did, and more importantly, how they felt, as they weathered the storms of their life together.
Because there were definitely storms. Some were the typical battles between teenage daughters and their moms. And college-aged young women and their moms.
And then, there's the big, famous one. Which, when you read the Williams' story, actually started because a typical college-aged young woman wanted to prove her independence. And it came back to haunt her at the worst possible time. Doesn't it always?
Reading the events of Vanessa Williams' life pre-Miss America, it's easy to see the events from her perspective. A young woman looking for scholarship money, she entered the contest thinking she didn't have much of a chance against the veterans of the pageant-circuit. Then she won, and her life changed forever. Fame, fortune and notoriety, all embodied in those words, "There she is, Miss America."
The first African-American Miss America. The first Miss America to receive death threats. The first Miss America to resign after nude photographs of her were published in Penthouse.
The autobiography she wrote with her mother Helen is not just about her year as Miss America, and the aftermath. It's about how she pulled herself up afterwards.
Vanessa Williams had always intended to be on Broadway. She never meant to be a pageant queen. The story is about picking herself up, dusting herself off, and getting her dream back. No matter how many detours it takes.
If you detour often enough, the wreckage isn't even in your rear-view mirror any longer.
Reality Rating B+: I read this pretty much straight through, which isn't something I often do for biography, so that's a big plus. The parts where Helen and Vanessa (I can't call them both Ms. Williams, it's just confusing) gave different perspectives on the same events, was absolutely fascinating! Being a daughter and not a mother, I saw Vanessa's side so easily, I wonder more what my mom was thinking about some of the things I did at those same points.
I really felt for both of them at the sudden loss of Mr. Williams. I lost my own dad in similar circumstances, and I teared up in those scenes.
There's a lesson in Vanessa Williams' story, one that made me think. When those photos were taken, she trusted the person who took them, and assumed they'd never come to light. If she hadn't become famous, they would probably have been lost forever. They only had value because she became famous. She (and I) grew up at a time when one's youthful excesses were not recorded. No Facebook, no cellphone cameras. You embarrassed yourself in front of your friends and they would probably remember, but there wouldn't be any actual evidence to haunt you 5 or 25 years later.
Today, with Facebook and cellphone cameras the Wayback Machine, does anything ever really go away? Especially the stuff that you really wish would?
You Have No Idea by Vanessa and Helen Williams may be the perfect book for Mother's Day reading. Why?
As the long, but very accurate subtitle says, it's about "a famous daugher, her no-nonsense mother, and how they survived pageants, Hollywood, love, loss (and each other)"
This story is both autobiography and biography, as Vanessa and Helen take turns writing about their own lives, and then say what they did, and more importantly, how they felt, as they weathered the storms of their life together.
Because there were definitely storms. Some were the typical battles between teenage daughters and their moms. And college-aged young women and their moms.
And then, there's the big, famous one. Which, when you read the Williams' story, actually started because a typical college-aged young woman wanted to prove her independence. And it came back to haunt her at the worst possible time. Doesn't it always?
Reading the events of Vanessa Williams' life pre-Miss America, it's easy to see the events from her perspective. A young woman looking for scholarship money, she entered the contest thinking she didn't have much of a chance against the veterans of the pageant-circuit. Then she won, and her life changed forever. Fame, fortune and notoriety, all embodied in those words, "There she is, Miss America."
The first African-American Miss America. The first Miss America to receive death threats. The first Miss America to resign after nude photographs of her were published in Penthouse.
The autobiography she wrote with her mother Helen is not just about her year as Miss America, and the aftermath. It's about how she pulled herself up afterwards.
Vanessa Williams had always intended to be on Broadway. She never meant to be a pageant queen. The story is about picking herself up, dusting herself off, and getting her dream back. No matter how many detours it takes.
If you detour often enough, the wreckage isn't even in your rear-view mirror any longer.
Reality Rating B+: I read this pretty much straight through, which isn't something I often do for biography, so that's a big plus. The parts where Helen and Vanessa (I can't call them both Ms. Williams, it's just confusing) gave different perspectives on the same events, was absolutely fascinating! Being a daughter and not a mother, I saw Vanessa's side so easily, I wonder more what my mom was thinking about some of the things I did at those same points.
I really felt for both of them at the sudden loss of Mr. Williams. I lost my own dad in similar circumstances, and I teared up in those scenes.
There's a lesson in Vanessa Williams' story, one that made me think. When those photos were taken, she trusted the person who took them, and assumed they'd never come to light. If she hadn't become famous, they would probably have been lost forever. They only had value because she became famous. She (and I) grew up at a time when one's youthful excesses were not recorded. No Facebook, no cellphone cameras. You embarrassed yourself in front of your friends and they would probably remember, but there wouldn't be any actual evidence to haunt you 5 or 25 years later.
Today, with Facebook and cellphone cameras the Wayback Machine, does anything ever really go away? Especially the stuff that you really wish would?
March 5, 2017
This is a fantastic co-autobiography by Vanessa and Helen Williams. This mother-daughter power team delves into their unique relationship and describes the peaks and valleys of their lives (together and separate). It was an easy read and I found myself flagging some pages to refer to later.
May 4, 2016
When people think of Vanessa Williams the first thing that comes to mind are the nude photos in Playboy Magazine that occurred around the same time that she became Miss America but all of that is in the past. What people don't realize is that there is much more to Vanessa Williams. You Have No Idea by Vanessa Williams and Helen Williams gives the inside story into the life of Vanessa, from the woman to the versatile entertainer that she is today. Hear story accounts from her no-nonsense mother, Helen about the challenges of being parents to Vanessa, who grew up rebellious and a risk-taker; about the death threats that Vanessa and her family received when she became the first black Miss America; and how the nude photos of Vanessa were leaked to the steps that Vanessa took to become a well-respected and talented music and entertainment artist.
I enjoyed reading You Have No Idea by Vanessa Williams and Helen Williams because when I saw her dancing in the movie, Dance with Me or see her acting in A Diva's Christmas Carole, sharing a life with basketball player, Rick Fox or singing Save the Best For Last it displays her resiliency and longevity not only in the industry but in life. She did not let any of her past cloud her future. If you're looking for a story about life and overcoming obstacles You Have No Idea by Vanessa Williams and Helen Williams is a good choice.You Have No Idea: A Famous Daughter, Her No-nonsense Mother, and How They Survived Pageants, Holly wood, Love, Loss
I enjoyed reading You Have No Idea by Vanessa Williams and Helen Williams because when I saw her dancing in the movie, Dance with Me or see her acting in A Diva's Christmas Carole, sharing a life with basketball player, Rick Fox or singing Save the Best For Last it displays her resiliency and longevity not only in the industry but in life. She did not let any of her past cloud her future. If you're looking for a story about life and overcoming obstacles You Have No Idea by Vanessa Williams and Helen Williams is a good choice.You Have No Idea: A Famous Daughter, Her No-nonsense Mother, and How They Survived Pageants, Holly wood, Love, Loss
April 10, 2012
I was delighted to receive this book from Goodreads giveaway. I've always felt Vanessa Williams had a interesting story to tell and boy, does she ever!
I was capitivated not so much by the story of the celebrity actress and singer, as by the revelations about how Vanessa Williams catapaulted in a few years from rebellious teenager to the first black Miss America. I remember her grace and the dreadful way she was treated by the press for a youthful indiscretion. I remember feeling she had been betrayed by someone callously looking to make a fast buck at the expense of her reputation. This book takes one behind the scenes to learn how she and her family were affected. They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger and she - and many woman - learned a very hard lesson from her mistake.
Her parents history and stories are of particular interest and I wish that there had been even more from her mother.
To be sure, this book has its weaknesses - the writing is workmanlike at best - and for some reasons includes little blurbs about, for example, their opinions of each other's 'most delicious meals'. But these are mere distractions from two strong voices who have something important to say.
The message from this book is one of strength - the strength of family and how your family will stand by you through the worst of times and how you have within you the strength to go forward even when you think you can't. It is also a message of love. Who cannot admire Helen Williams's List - of those who wronged her loved ones. Who wouldn't want her to have their back!
I was capitivated not so much by the story of the celebrity actress and singer, as by the revelations about how Vanessa Williams catapaulted in a few years from rebellious teenager to the first black Miss America. I remember her grace and the dreadful way she was treated by the press for a youthful indiscretion. I remember feeling she had been betrayed by someone callously looking to make a fast buck at the expense of her reputation. This book takes one behind the scenes to learn how she and her family were affected. They say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger and she - and many woman - learned a very hard lesson from her mistake.
Her parents history and stories are of particular interest and I wish that there had been even more from her mother.
To be sure, this book has its weaknesses - the writing is workmanlike at best - and for some reasons includes little blurbs about, for example, their opinions of each other's 'most delicious meals'. But these are mere distractions from two strong voices who have something important to say.
The message from this book is one of strength - the strength of family and how your family will stand by you through the worst of times and how you have within you the strength to go forward even when you think you can't. It is also a message of love. Who cannot admire Helen Williams's List - of those who wronged her loved ones. Who wouldn't want her to have their back!
June 18, 2012
Calling all Vanessa Williams fans!
I enjoy reading memoirs and biographies particularly of women. Its fun and interesting to learn about them on a deeper level and find out the back stories behind their successes and how they overcame the adversity in their lives. I am a Vanessa Williams fan (Go team V!), I think she is an incredible actress, very talented and of course stunningly beautiful. What's great about this book is that you get two stories for the price of one, that is you learn about Vanessa and her mother, a strong, no-nonsense woman who does not bite her tongue.
It was interesting to hear about Vanessa's mothers upbringing and how that shaped her parenting style. I really enjoyed her parenting tips! I agree that music is a very important gift and exposing your children to the arts has many benefits. As a mother of three children, I am constantly collecting tips and various perspectives on parenting, especially from mothers who have raised well-adjusted and succesful children. I also can relate to Vanessa's philosophy on juggling career and children and that you do the best you can(no mommy guilt).
What I like about this book is Vanessa's honesty. She has, and is continuing to enjoy a full, rich and complex life. Yes she survived that scandal from the 80s but it didn't define her. A great lesson to women out there-even if you make the wrong choice when you are young it doesn't dictate how the rest of your life will be. You can overcome touch times. Plan, execute, keep the faith!
I was so sorry that her father died so suddenly. He sounded like a great man, husband and father.
This was a great book in my Summer of 2012 reading adventures!
I enjoy reading memoirs and biographies particularly of women. Its fun and interesting to learn about them on a deeper level and find out the back stories behind their successes and how they overcame the adversity in their lives. I am a Vanessa Williams fan (Go team V!), I think she is an incredible actress, very talented and of course stunningly beautiful. What's great about this book is that you get two stories for the price of one, that is you learn about Vanessa and her mother, a strong, no-nonsense woman who does not bite her tongue.
It was interesting to hear about Vanessa's mothers upbringing and how that shaped her parenting style. I really enjoyed her parenting tips! I agree that music is a very important gift and exposing your children to the arts has many benefits. As a mother of three children, I am constantly collecting tips and various perspectives on parenting, especially from mothers who have raised well-adjusted and succesful children. I also can relate to Vanessa's philosophy on juggling career and children and that you do the best you can(no mommy guilt).
What I like about this book is Vanessa's honesty. She has, and is continuing to enjoy a full, rich and complex life. Yes she survived that scandal from the 80s but it didn't define her. A great lesson to women out there-even if you make the wrong choice when you are young it doesn't dictate how the rest of your life will be. You can overcome touch times. Plan, execute, keep the faith!
I was so sorry that her father died so suddenly. He sounded like a great man, husband and father.
This was a great book in my Summer of 2012 reading adventures!
July 14, 2012
I truly did not have any idea what kind of life Vanessa Williams 'really' led. It amazes me how the media portrays celebrities in one light, but to get the 'real' facts from the celebrity themself is a totally different experience. She tells everything from the Miss America fiasco to her marriage with Rick Fox. I've always been proud of Vanessa for standing up for what she believes in and I'm glad that she and her mom wrote this book. The reader will feel her pain, her struggles and hopes and aspirations for the future. She is aging beautifully and living the life she's always been so passionate about.
I was fortunate to see her live in 1997 when she and Luther Vandross toured together and it was an awesome concert. She is a talented singer, musician and actress and is on top of the world. Well done and wonderfully written. One thing's for sure, had she taken the advice her mother had given her, she wouldn't be the Vanessa Williams we know today. Seems weird to say that because usually taking our mother's advice saves us from ourselves, but in this case, it helped launch Vanessa's career of sorts. You will not be disappointed with this book.
I was fortunate to see her live in 1997 when she and Luther Vandross toured together and it was an awesome concert. She is a talented singer, musician and actress and is on top of the world. Well done and wonderfully written. One thing's for sure, had she taken the advice her mother had given her, she wouldn't be the Vanessa Williams we know today. Seems weird to say that because usually taking our mother's advice saves us from ourselves, but in this case, it helped launch Vanessa's career of sorts. You will not be disappointed with this book.
April 10, 2012
I've always liked Vanessa Williams so when I won a copy of this book I dove right in and started reading.
I was impressed that she started talking about the Miss America/nude photo scandal right at the beginning of the book and didn't really pull any punches. She admits what she did, why she was naive (and a little rebellious) and what she regrets. But let's face it, she probably wouldn't have had such an extensive career post-pageant without this notoriety. She has tons of talent and this scandal helped make her a household name.
Williams is very open and honest in her book. I love the counterpart of advice from her no-nonsense mother starting the chapters. I think it's great that she tries to keep her blended family happy from two coasts. It's gotta be awkward at times to have two ex-husbands at the dinner table for Christmas.
I was impressed that she started talking about the Miss America/nude photo scandal right at the beginning of the book and didn't really pull any punches. She admits what she did, why she was naive (and a little rebellious) and what she regrets. But let's face it, she probably wouldn't have had such an extensive career post-pageant without this notoriety. She has tons of talent and this scandal helped make her a household name.
Williams is very open and honest in her book. I love the counterpart of advice from her no-nonsense mother starting the chapters. I think it's great that she tries to keep her blended family happy from two coasts. It's gotta be awkward at times to have two ex-husbands at the dinner table for Christmas.
June 7, 2012
Yeah, I am a sucker for celeb autobios. I'll pick nearly every one that I have an interest in. This one was about Vanessa Williams whom I LOVED on Ugly Betty. This book only talked a little about it and it was mainly about her childhood and rise to stardom. She'll be glad to know that most people my age (and then of course, younger) really don't know about her past with the Miss America pageant. And like with everything in Hollywood, years later, no one really cares. In reading this book, I learned that it had a lot to do with her upbringing and childhood. She had a pretty decent one. She worked hard, made mistakes, survived and moved on. There were also parts from her mothers point of view, but they were few and far between and I didn't really care too much one way or the other about them. Definite read for fans, otherwise, just your basic celeb autobio. Not much to write home about.
June 23, 2012
I'm not sure why I picked up this book. I don't necessarily follow Vanessa Williams, but I always have been intrigued by her rise to fame despite the odds. I really truly did not know much about her other than the headlines over the years. I have to say I have a new found respect for her and had no idea how truly talented she was (hah!). I found the book a bit confusing as her mother chimes in on occasion and sometimes I could not figure out who was talking and it seemed at incredibly odd times - however, the thought of it is cute - that mom interjects with wise words for a daughter and that yes, mom's have lives, too - so overall it worked well. I was so impressed with "Nessa" that I actually went out and rented the first season of Ugly Betty - new to me - to see what all the fuss was about. So, Ms. Williams, you managed to hook me. Kudos to you!
April 28, 2012
After receiving this book as a Goodreads giveaway, I was anxious to begin reading. While the book was a pretty fast read it was surprisingly poorly written. A lot of information was shared but it was without emotion, almost as if reading an entire book from Wikipedia. There have been so many fascinating, scandalous, and inspiring aspects in Vanessa's life; it is a shame that it was expressed with such detachment. For the reader who simply wants to know the details of Vanessa William's life, they will not be disappointed. There were many photos and details about her personal as well as her professional life. She is the epitomy of the quote "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger!"
April 12, 2012
Received as a GoodReads giveaway. About what I expected, I guess, nothing too surprising or profound. It's mostly from Vanessa's perspective, with some chapters and boxes from her mother Helen interspersed through the text. The chapters from Helen should have been better marked - the only clue for the perspective shift was a change in font, and I sometimes overlooked that. A name at the beginning of the chapter would have helped. I came away with an image of Vanessa that pretty well matches what I already knew, but I still don't have a good feel for Helen as a person.
May 17, 2012
This book felt like sitting down for a great gossip with a couple of friends. Vanessa was so candid in this book that I felt close to her, and I loved how her mother was invited to interject her viewpoint. It really made for a rich account of a life well-lived. I loved Vanessa before after reading interviews and watching her on Ugly Betty, but after this book? I absolutely adore her. She's a survivor and a badass, and is unashamed of the mistakes she's made (but appears to have tried to learn from them). Totally worth a read.
June 8, 2012
This is an interesting story. I didn't know much about Vanessa Williams except she was a character on Desperate Housewives and the Miss America debacle several years ago. She tells it all I think and some of her life is messy. Her mother also wrote part of the book and I liked getting her views on raising children and how she handled some of the things Vanessa did. She seemed very devoted to her family and I think she must be pretty down to earth and very ambitious. All in all I enjoyed reading about her life and family.
July 17, 2013
I have never really considered myself to be a Vanessa Williams fan. However, I thoroughly enjoyed this book that gives her take on her life as well as her mother Helen's. There were interesting family facts, but most of all it's about her life and how she stayed true to her vision. She has a wonderful career as well as a loving family which is something to be thankful for. I will recommend this book to friends and family it was very easy reading. Sort of like sitting in a chair and speaking with Vanessa and Ms. Helen face to face. Read it and enjoy it.
November 18, 2013
If you remember the Miss America scandal that surrounded Vanessa Williams, and you are curious as to what was going though her mind and life at the time - then this book will be a good read for you. The book starts with that story, but goes into her childhood-to-young woman period to explain her behavior and mindset that led up to her being asked to relinquish her crown. After that, she explains her rise to fame as a singer-actress-broadway star. Alongside of Vanessa's viewpoint of events in her life is her mother's viewpoint - two sides of one life story, so to speak.
January 26, 2014
Good, easy read with a lot of personal information. Even with all the personal info though, I didn't feel as if it was too much (although it was a lot!). It would have been a little easier to read if they had put the name of who was talking at the top of each section (Vanessa and her mom alternated sections; on my ereader there was no font differentiation) but as I went along I could distinguish who was who. Very enjoyable and nice to see that stars lives and relationships with their parents are like everyone else's.
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February 6, 2019This is such a good book! Vanessa begins her book at the end of her reign as Miss America, which of course, I remember. Her personality shines through her writing. Vanessa’s mom, Helen, pops in here and there to give her side of the story. I found Vanessa to be so strong, so brave. Whatever happened, she found a way to hold her head up high and move through it.
I loved how she was such a hopeless romantic. She had dreams, success, failure, fame, and yet at the heart of it all she’s just a real person. Reading her memoir felt like chatting with a good friend.
I loved how she was such a hopeless romantic. She had dreams, success, failure, fame, and yet at the heart of it all she’s just a real person. Reading her memoir felt like chatting with a good friend.
April 14, 2012
I am a big Ugly Betty fan, so I was curious to read about V. Williams. I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway, and I really enjoyed it. I think she is a really admirable person, down-to-earth, hard-working, talented, and a mom to boot. This story shows that's she's also very resilient, having undergone a public scandal that would have sent most people hiding for life. Good for her for reclaiming her life--and you have to like anyone who writes a book with their mom!
April 27, 2012
I've always been a Vanessa Williams fan. She collaborated with her mother, Helen Williams, to write about her life. It's a quick read that chronicles her fall from grace as the first black Miss America and her her ensuing career. We learn that Vanessa was a rebellious teenager and that she and her mother have had a contentious relationship. The book lacks the depth that some may expect, but Vanessa's candor is refreshing.
January 11, 2013
I have always adored Vanessa from the time she was announced as Ms. America! Throughout my years of watching her career grow/change/improve, it was wonderful to be able to read everything she was feeling and experiencing during those moments in her life. This book opens up a new level of respect I have for her. Lesson from this is that NOTHING comes easy, life is a journey and everything is not what it appears to be!!!! Love you Vanessa and Helen! Thanks so much for sharing!!!!
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