What do you think?
Rate this book
Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me
From multi-award winner Whoopi Goldberg comes a new and unique memoir of her family and their influence on her early life.
If it weren’t for Emma Johnson, Caryn Johnson would have never become Whoopi Goldberg. Emma gave her children the loving care and wisdom they needed to succeed in life, always encouraging them to be true to themselves. When Whoopi lost her mother in 2010—and then her older brother, Clyde, five years later—she felt deeply alone; the only people who truly knew her were gone.
Emma raised her children not just to survive, but to thrive. In this intimate and heartfelt memoir, Whoopi shares many of the deeply personal stories of their lives together for the first time. Growing up in the projects in New York City, there were trips to Coney Island, the Ice Capades, and museums, and every Christmas was a magical experience. To this day, she doesn’t know how her mother was able to give them such an enriching childhood, despite the struggles they faced—and it wasn’t until she was well into adulthood that Whoopi learned just how traumatic some of those struggles were.
Fans of personal memoirs such as Finding Me by Viola Davis and In Pieces by Sally Field will be touched by Bits and a moving tribute from a daughter to her mother, and beautiful portrait of three people who loved each other deeply. Whoopi writes, “Not everybody gets to walk this earth with folks who let you be exactly who you are and who give you the confidence to become exactly who you want to be. So, I thought I’d share mine with you.”
If it weren’t for Emma Johnson, Caryn Johnson would have never become Whoopi Goldberg. Emma gave her children the loving care and wisdom they needed to succeed in life, always encouraging them to be true to themselves. When Whoopi lost her mother in 2010—and then her older brother, Clyde, five years later—she felt deeply alone; the only people who truly knew her were gone.
Emma raised her children not just to survive, but to thrive. In this intimate and heartfelt memoir, Whoopi shares many of the deeply personal stories of their lives together for the first time. Growing up in the projects in New York City, there were trips to Coney Island, the Ice Capades, and museums, and every Christmas was a magical experience. To this day, she doesn’t know how her mother was able to give them such an enriching childhood, despite the struggles they faced—and it wasn’t until she was well into adulthood that Whoopi learned just how traumatic some of those struggles were.
Fans of personal memoirs such as Finding Me by Viola Davis and In Pieces by Sally Field will be touched by Bits and a moving tribute from a daughter to her mother, and beautiful portrait of three people who loved each other deeply. Whoopi writes, “Not everybody gets to walk this earth with folks who let you be exactly who you are and who give you the confidence to become exactly who you want to be. So, I thought I’d share mine with you.”
258 pages, Hardcover
First published May 7, 2024
About the author
Whoopi Goldberg
55 books302 followersWhoopi Goldberg is one of an elite group of artists who have won the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards) and is the bestselling author of the Sugar Plum Ballerina series, Book, and Is It Just Me? While performing in the Bay Area she created the characters that became The Spook Show and evolved into her hit Broadway show, Grammy Award–winning album, and the HBO special that helped launch her career. Spanning decades, Whoopi’s credits include roles in the well-known films The Color Purple, Ghosts of Mississippi, Sister Act, and Ghost. She produced the documentary Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley, and she appeared in and was one of the producers of the critically acclaimed 2022 feature film Till. She loves VW Bugs, working casinos, and comfortable clothing; is a passionate supporter of the audio arts and dedicated collector of audiobooks; and heads the Whoopfam Group, makers of Emma & Clyde, Whoopi & Maya, and other recreational and medicinal marijuana products.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
April 17, 2024
This book is a love story to Whoopi's mother and brother. They both passed away unexpectedly in 2010 and 2015 and left her lost. The three of them did everything together. She was now alone. This book is short and a quick read. I have watched Whoopi in so many things so I was very excited to get this ARC. Her mother was a very mysterious person. She would never answer Whoopi's questions which was very interesting and frustrating. Her mother seemed like an incredible and wise person. This book was a great way to remember Whoopi's mother and brother. I highly recommend it.
-She did not believe in self-pity. Her attitude was simple, and one of the big things she put in my head was this: "You've got two choices. You can waste a lot of time complaining, or you can get up and figure out how to fix it."
-I looked at her and started laughing. She looked back at me and laughed. That's how we did life, right up to the day she died.
-She thought the most important opinion was what you thought of yourself and how you lived your life.
-She never forced a choice on me. She always made me choose for myself and live with the good or bad consequences.
-"When you do stuff like this with other people, they are undoubtedly going to leave you in the lurch. You'll be the one left to answer for it. When you make choices, you have to be ready to deal with it all alone."
-She really wanted me to understand that I had to be able to count on myself. And do for myself.
-She would tell me quite often that it was important to make my own money and that I couldn't count om somebody else to take care of me.
-This is why my mother told me to be forgiving of what people don't know and help them understand instead of walking away mad. The thing is, when you're looking at something like a television show and you always see someone who looks like you, then you don't notice what else is missing. You only notice when what's always missing is you.
-I didn't have to fear punishment from God. I only had to think about whether I could live with myself and my choices.
-They were my home base, my reality check, because they both knew me from the start.
-The way I was raised is that you pull yourself together. And if you can't, then you need to ask for help. You have to talk to someone about it. It has happened a couple of times for me since she died.
-My best advice to anybody who has lost their mom is to find a way to celebrate her life. Regardless of what your relationship was with her, figure out how to find some humor in who she was and your life with her. The best way to honor your mom is to laugh.
-She did not believe in self-pity. Her attitude was simple, and one of the big things she put in my head was this: "You've got two choices. You can waste a lot of time complaining, or you can get up and figure out how to fix it."
-I looked at her and started laughing. She looked back at me and laughed. That's how we did life, right up to the day she died.
-She thought the most important opinion was what you thought of yourself and how you lived your life.
-She never forced a choice on me. She always made me choose for myself and live with the good or bad consequences.
-"When you do stuff like this with other people, they are undoubtedly going to leave you in the lurch. You'll be the one left to answer for it. When you make choices, you have to be ready to deal with it all alone."
-She really wanted me to understand that I had to be able to count on myself. And do for myself.
-She would tell me quite often that it was important to make my own money and that I couldn't count om somebody else to take care of me.
-This is why my mother told me to be forgiving of what people don't know and help them understand instead of walking away mad. The thing is, when you're looking at something like a television show and you always see someone who looks like you, then you don't notice what else is missing. You only notice when what's always missing is you.
-I didn't have to fear punishment from God. I only had to think about whether I could live with myself and my choices.
-They were my home base, my reality check, because they both knew me from the start.
-The way I was raised is that you pull yourself together. And if you can't, then you need to ask for help. You have to talk to someone about it. It has happened a couple of times for me since she died.
-My best advice to anybody who has lost their mom is to find a way to celebrate her life. Regardless of what your relationship was with her, figure out how to find some humor in who she was and your life with her. The best way to honor your mom is to laugh.
May 9, 2024
I listened to the audiobook and mostly enjoyed Whoopi’s narration although there were times it sounded a bit over the top as if she was auditioning for a part in a movie. I didn’t feel as though this was a memoir. It mostly focused on her mom. Those stories I loved. Her mom was inspiring and strong and loving. I didn’t enjoy the other stories Whoopi told. It was as if she was trying to justify things she did and needed to convince others. I loved Whoopi in “Ghost” and “Sister Act” but was so totally turned off after listening to her on the view.
May 9, 2024
Thanks to Blackstone Publishing for the gifted eARC in exchange of an honest review.
This memoir is a precious love letter from Whoopi to her mother. It truly touched my heart and resonated with me on so many levels.
Whoopi begins the book writing about fond childhood memories with her mother and her brother. Life was fun for them. A lot of laughs and love. However, there was one moment in her childhood that I didn’t see coming. Reading about the life changing experience was a shocker. But the family of three made it out of that experience just as close as they were before.
What I enjoyed most about this book was reading how Whoopi’s mom handled Whoopi rise to fame. I loved all the stories of how her mom was able to meet her favorite celebrities, attend awards shows, and move from NYC to LA.
As a woman that has experienced the loss of my mom, this story deeply resonated with me. There was so much I could relate to. For example, Whoopi shares how she had a sense of relief knowing her mother didn’t have to experience the madness this country experienced when the 45th president was elected. This shocked me to read because I felt the same way. I had a huge sense of peace knowing my mother didn’t have to experience the craziness of that election including covid.
Whoopi also gives phenomenal advice for handling the passing of a parent. She explains that one of the most difficult things to do when your mom transitions is to dismantle her life. And I completely agree with Whoopi! Having to decide who gets what, what items to keep, and what to throw away, is a painful task. But, Whoopi gave excellent advice by stating that all siblings should go to the house together. Do not leave this heartbreaking task for just one person to handle alone. This way everyone has a voice and can get whatever they want. This is exactly what my sisters and I did after our mom’s passing and it worked out very well for the three of us.
Overall, there is so much I love about this book. It’s filled with so many wonderful stories, it’s very well written. Fast paced and touching, I got to see a softer side of Whoopi. And I loved every word of it!
This memoir is a precious love letter from Whoopi to her mother. It truly touched my heart and resonated with me on so many levels.
Whoopi begins the book writing about fond childhood memories with her mother and her brother. Life was fun for them. A lot of laughs and love. However, there was one moment in her childhood that I didn’t see coming. Reading about the life changing experience was a shocker. But the family of three made it out of that experience just as close as they were before.
What I enjoyed most about this book was reading how Whoopi’s mom handled Whoopi rise to fame. I loved all the stories of how her mom was able to meet her favorite celebrities, attend awards shows, and move from NYC to LA.
As a woman that has experienced the loss of my mom, this story deeply resonated with me. There was so much I could relate to. For example, Whoopi shares how she had a sense of relief knowing her mother didn’t have to experience the madness this country experienced when the 45th president was elected. This shocked me to read because I felt the same way. I had a huge sense of peace knowing my mother didn’t have to experience the craziness of that election including covid.
Whoopi also gives phenomenal advice for handling the passing of a parent. She explains that one of the most difficult things to do when your mom transitions is to dismantle her life. And I completely agree with Whoopi! Having to decide who gets what, what items to keep, and what to throw away, is a painful task. But, Whoopi gave excellent advice by stating that all siblings should go to the house together. Do not leave this heartbreaking task for just one person to handle alone. This way everyone has a voice and can get whatever they want. This is exactly what my sisters and I did after our mom’s passing and it worked out very well for the three of us.
Overall, there is so much I love about this book. It’s filled with so many wonderful stories, it’s very well written. Fast paced and touching, I got to see a softer side of Whoopi. And I loved every word of it!
May 12, 2024
Lovely tribute to her mom. Perfect to read on Mother’s Day weekend.
May 17, 2024
Whoopi’s voice rings clearly through the telling of this book about her mom (mostly) and her brother ( a bit). Her mom was private and strong, raising her two children on her own. She also shares the things she learned about her mother later in life, which helped her understand many of the things that happened (where WAS she for two years?! And HOW did Whoopi and her brother live during that time?) in her life. It felt a bit incomplete. Since it’s more of a love letter to her mother, other things get less detail (Whoopi’s drug use, the men she was involved with) making for a shorter book.
May 13, 2024
Great read did not know her real name is Karen lol glad to know she was close to her mom and brother she came from a family of love really enjoyed knowing more abt Whoopi the person
May 9, 2024
This is not only a warm and funny book, but it's a wise piece on the loss of two of her beloved family members, namely her mother and brother. It was like spending a few hours quietly sitting with her as she shares her thoughts on her extraordinary family and life. Very enjoyable read!
May 15, 2024
This read like a love letter to Whoopi’s family. Especially her mother. ❤️
April 9, 2024
More of an homage to Whoopi’s mother than a memoir of her own life, although it does include milestone periods of her career.
Whoopi’s description of all that her mother provided for both her and her brother is remarkable as she was a single parent living in the tenements.
Well worth reading!
Whoopi’s description of all that her mother provided for both her and her brother is remarkable as she was a single parent living in the tenements.
Well worth reading!
May 9, 2024
Oh how I loved this audio! It's not your typical structured memoir, no linear retelling of Whoopi Goldberg's entire life from start to finish. But after reading it, it makes complete sense. It's exactly how Goldberg is, how she rolls to the beat of her own drum. The title is fitting, Bits and Pieces, how she tells her story, in bits and pieces from what she can remember.
This was ultimately an endearing love story to her deceased mother and brother, the central theme threaded throughout her life and each chapter, particularly her mom. You hear the wisdom of how her mother raised her, all the questions Whoopi asked her, and the questions her mother always answered back with, never an answer, only a question. Her mother's answers and the way she let Whoopi come to her own conclusion made for such memorable life lessons to Goldberg and in turn, the reader. They told so much about the person her mother was. Goldberg did an amazing job bringing her mother to life on the page. Her personality and essence really shined through. There were some stories she told that made me grin widely, hanging on her every word or truly laughing out loud.
At the end, she tackles the subject of grief, especially for the grief over losing your mother, which really struck a nerve with me.
Over all, this memoir was both heartwarming and funny. It felt like less of a book and more of a conversation, like a great friend you're sitting down with who tells you memorable stories, complete with her laughs and acting out of voices or showing of emotions with her animated style.
What a beautiful homage to her mother and brother.
This was ultimately an endearing love story to her deceased mother and brother, the central theme threaded throughout her life and each chapter, particularly her mom. You hear the wisdom of how her mother raised her, all the questions Whoopi asked her, and the questions her mother always answered back with, never an answer, only a question. Her mother's answers and the way she let Whoopi come to her own conclusion made for such memorable life lessons to Goldberg and in turn, the reader. They told so much about the person her mother was. Goldberg did an amazing job bringing her mother to life on the page. Her personality and essence really shined through. There were some stories she told that made me grin widely, hanging on her every word or truly laughing out loud.
At the end, she tackles the subject of grief, especially for the grief over losing your mother, which really struck a nerve with me.
Over all, this memoir was both heartwarming and funny. It felt like less of a book and more of a conversation, like a great friend you're sitting down with who tells you memorable stories, complete with her laughs and acting out of voices or showing of emotions with her animated style.
What a beautiful homage to her mother and brother.
May 17, 2024
I remember watching Whoopi Goldberg in The Color Purple, Ghost, and Jumping Jack Flash. Nowadays we see her on The View and most of the commentary she presents comes from a seriously place. So getting a chance to read this and share in her stories about her childhood with her mother and brother shed a lot of light on “who” she is and why she is so funny. I laughed so hard during certain moments in the book. I wholeheartedly agree with her regarding marriage but I didn’t have to do it to know that ain’t my thing.
I encourage everyone to read this book, there’s good advice, funny times and things I took and asked my mom about that I had never heard of…it’s a great read, time & adventure into Whoopi’s World.
I encourage everyone to read this book, there’s good advice, funny times and things I took and asked my mom about that I had never heard of…it’s a great read, time & adventure into Whoopi’s World.
May 17, 2024
I hate books that make me cry. Don’t get me wrong. I loved the book. It made me laugh. It made me think. But mostly, it made be cry. I had to get the audio because I needed to hear Whoopi tell her story in her voice. She went off script a few times but that only gave her story more color. It made me think about my relationship with my mother and my brother and how it was the three of us against the world and my mother struggling to give us more than what she had growing up. This book made me appreciate my mom more and treasure the time I have with her.
May 17, 2024
I have appreciated and admired Whoopi Goldberg for decades and, if it’s even possible, I love her even more since devouring this memoir! What a lovely look back on her upbringing — I especially appreciate how she shares her mother’s part in her story. It’s truly a love letter to her family of origin.
May 11, 2024
How can you give less than 5 stars when someone intimately speaks their truth? My eyes were leaking at the last chapter or so. Give me a minute to get myself together. In sum, I truly felt that book.
May 15, 2024
I just loved this audiobook! I could listen to Whoopi talk all day about her life and her relationship with her mother and her brother, Clyde. It was like sitting and having a conversation with your best friend. Very highly recommended!
May 10, 2024
If you have lost your mom and your brother, please don't start reading during your commute to work lol, get past the introduction and you are good to go. Because whoopi is who she is, there is a lightness to the book that is refreshing.
May 12, 2024
Revealing
I loved this book. We never know what someone else has gone thru. Whoopi was rich from the beginning of her life in all the ways that matter.
I loved this book. We never know what someone else has gone thru. Whoopi was rich from the beginning of her life in all the ways that matter.
May 14, 2024
Freeing
Absolutely a book about what freedom looks like. How to think,act and be yourself. She presents a path to a lost art.
Absolutely a book about what freedom looks like. How to think,act and be yourself. She presents a path to a lost art.
May 15, 2024
Listened to the audio book. It was a nice tribute to her mother and brother. They way Whoopi told the story was as if she was sitting on my porch telling me about her life. 🙂 It is worth the listen.
May 19, 2024
I loved listening to Whoopi giggle. This would not have been the same if I read it on paper. Definitely recommend listening to the audiobook. Fun to get to know Karen.
May 10, 2024
I listened to this, read by Whoopi… really enjoyed it, not sure what I expected, but enjoyed hearing about her family and their relationships…
May 10, 2024
This was amazing. Whoopi has such a signature voice, and she is a phenomenal storyteller. I’ve listened to another of her books before and I enjoyed it, but this one was really special. Her love for her mother and brother is so palpable, and all of her memories are shared with such honor and admiration. She certainly has made me reflect on the few and precious years we have with our loved ones. I truly wish she had had more with hers.
May 15, 2024
Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me by Whoopi Goldberg
challenging, emotional, funny, hopeful,
informative, inspiring, lighthearted, and relaxing.
Medium-paced
4.0 Stars
Whoopi Goldberg, AKA Caryn Johnson. I never knew her real name. That was a revalation. Everyone knew that Whoopi Goldberg wasn't her real name, but no one knew her real name, at least in my circles.
I've been in the mood for Memoirs, it seems...having just read Tom Selleck's, I immediately picked up Whoopi's too.
They are different, for Tom's was more chronological, while Whoopi's is exactly what the title says, "Bits and Pieces", and it was enjoyable from start to finish.
I cannot say that I've agreed with every choice she's made, nor believes in, but that's ALWAYS been okay with me.
I take her, at where she is...and enjoy the bits of wisdom that she spouts (and honestly, I really do love her humour, and also the whiplash, which is her wisdom and wit).
I've often quoted her on one thing, especially to our kids, "If someone has a problem with you, that's THEIR problem, not yours." It has been something I heard a LONG time agon (not in this book), but have never forgotten. I appreciate the truth in that statement...and so have the many people I've repeated to. Thank you, Whoopi.
Over the years, I've heard her speak on many subjects, and you don't have to listen long, to hear the influence that her mother has/had made on her life. On the contrary, I hadn't known about her brother, but to hear that see gathered them around her (when she was able), makes me like/love her...even more.
Another thing, that I didn't know about...was that she had/has a child (now grown woman). It will be interesting to read, some day...what Alex thought about her mother's life...after it is all said and done. Working moms have a hard road...and it wasn't easy for Alex, from what we learn in this memoir (from her POV).
I'm going to look for another book to read, from/about Whoopi Goldberg. She has a way of cutting through the BS in life, and shooting straight with whomever she's talking to.
Also, being a Star Trek fan, having her part of THAT universe has always been wonderful. Her character of Gainan was always wonderful to see. AND seeing her in Picard, was next level.
We don't always watch The View, but when we do...we usually appreciate the sanity that she brings to the chaos of what is going on in this world at this moment.
I'm glad I read this book.
challenging, emotional, funny, hopeful,
informative, inspiring, lighthearted, and relaxing.
Medium-paced
4.0 Stars
Whoopi Goldberg, AKA Caryn Johnson. I never knew her real name. That was a revalation. Everyone knew that Whoopi Goldberg wasn't her real name, but no one knew her real name, at least in my circles.
I've been in the mood for Memoirs, it seems...having just read Tom Selleck's, I immediately picked up Whoopi's too.
They are different, for Tom's was more chronological, while Whoopi's is exactly what the title says, "Bits and Pieces", and it was enjoyable from start to finish.
I cannot say that I've agreed with every choice she's made, nor believes in, but that's ALWAYS been okay with me.
I take her, at where she is...and enjoy the bits of wisdom that she spouts (and honestly, I really do love her humour, and also the whiplash, which is her wisdom and wit).
I've often quoted her on one thing, especially to our kids, "If someone has a problem with you, that's THEIR problem, not yours." It has been something I heard a LONG time agon (not in this book), but have never forgotten. I appreciate the truth in that statement...and so have the many people I've repeated to. Thank you, Whoopi.
Over the years, I've heard her speak on many subjects, and you don't have to listen long, to hear the influence that her mother has/had made on her life. On the contrary, I hadn't known about her brother, but to hear that see gathered them around her (when she was able), makes me like/love her...even more.
Another thing, that I didn't know about...was that she had/has a child (now grown woman). It will be interesting to read, some day...what Alex thought about her mother's life...after it is all said and done. Working moms have a hard road...and it wasn't easy for Alex, from what we learn in this memoir (from her POV).
I'm going to look for another book to read, from/about Whoopi Goldberg. She has a way of cutting through the BS in life, and shooting straight with whomever she's talking to.
Also, being a Star Trek fan, having her part of THAT universe has always been wonderful. Her character of Gainan was always wonderful to see. AND seeing her in Picard, was next level.
We don't always watch The View, but when we do...we usually appreciate the sanity that she brings to the chaos of what is going on in this world at this moment.
I'm glad I read this book.
May 11, 2024
Wow! What a great memoir this was. I listened to it for two days (while driving, sitting in bed with my cat, eating meals, and on the treadmill). Whoopi herself reads it, and I have to say that it was a joy to hear. The book focuses on, well, what the subtitle states: her mother, brother, and her. And the focus is truly that. From her early childhood, Whoopi's mother kept the family afloat (how is still a mystery), made her children feel safe (in the time of civil rights), and gave her children a sense of power in the world, that they could do and be whatever they want to in life, and Whoopi herself is proof of that. A lot of personal stories that led Whoopi to become Whoopi are here.
The second part was even better than the first. I especially enjoyed listening to chapter 12. I loved hearing her views on classic horror films, Geraldine Page, Elizabeth Taylor, Mick Nichols, Billy Wilder, Marlon Brando, Sidney Poitier, etc. She doesn't brag about them. It's more about the disbelief of coming up from the Projects and being true to yourself, taking the good with the bad, and still somehow managing to, in the end, have Marlon Brando playing "Stardust" on your piano, and meeting President Clinton!
This was a personal memoir and I could tell Whoopi was trying to remember everything about her mother. I felt a lot of the same things about my dad, who died when I was 19. The more time passes, the more I forget a lot about him. This book was a heartfelt love story of the two people Whoopi knew from her beginnings, and those people are sometimes the most special, even if they don't remember everything the same way you remember them.
I understand Whoopi is controversial and people don't like her (I enjoy her), but there's no politics here. No stepping in poo. It's a well-written memoir about daughters, mothers, siblings, and life. I enjoyed listening to it. If you've lost a parent you loved, have suffered from drug addiction, or just trying to find yourself in life, I'd highly recommend this book. It's about taking action, being accountable, and listening to those around you who will play an important part in your life after they have left it. My rating - 4/5
The second part was even better than the first. I especially enjoyed listening to chapter 12. I loved hearing her views on classic horror films, Geraldine Page, Elizabeth Taylor, Mick Nichols, Billy Wilder, Marlon Brando, Sidney Poitier, etc. She doesn't brag about them. It's more about the disbelief of coming up from the Projects and being true to yourself, taking the good with the bad, and still somehow managing to, in the end, have Marlon Brando playing "Stardust" on your piano, and meeting President Clinton!
This was a personal memoir and I could tell Whoopi was trying to remember everything about her mother. I felt a lot of the same things about my dad, who died when I was 19. The more time passes, the more I forget a lot about him. This book was a heartfelt love story of the two people Whoopi knew from her beginnings, and those people are sometimes the most special, even if they don't remember everything the same way you remember them.
I understand Whoopi is controversial and people don't like her (I enjoy her), but there's no politics here. No stepping in poo. It's a well-written memoir about daughters, mothers, siblings, and life. I enjoyed listening to it. If you've lost a parent you loved, have suffered from drug addiction, or just trying to find yourself in life, I'd highly recommend this book. It's about taking action, being accountable, and listening to those around you who will play an important part in your life after they have left it. My rating - 4/5
May 15, 2024
I primarily know Whoopi Goldberg from her work as Guinan in 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' but of course know she is an accomplished actress, comedienne, and author, among other roles she has had. So when I saw this book I was very excited to see. I did not know anything about her family, so I was curious to know what her story was.
In stories about her mom, her brother and herself, Goldberg talks about the influences and lives for both. Sometimes it is really funny to see how her mother dealt with Goldberg's rise to fame but also at time sad as well, as there seemed to be pieces of her mother that were inaccessible. But it was also great to read parts of her career (for example, I did not know that she and Maggie Smith seemed to have a more personal friendship that lasted beyond 'Sister Act', I was familiar with her story about Nichelle Nichols and Star Trek but found it more poignant when she also talks about Sidney Poitier, etc.)
That said, this book was also not quite what I thought it would be. I think it had been billed as more of a traditional memoir but it is really more about her mother and a little bit about her brother. The book/text itself was good--I felt like I could really hear her voice in the text but it also was not exactly what was marketed to me (or maybe I did not pay attention.)
I do think it was worth the read and I would read more by Goldberg. It did not change my mind about her, won't necessarily make me watch 'The View' (of which she is still co-hosting as of this review), but I also think that some of the hate she gets for some reason is unwarranted after reading this.
Borrowed from the library and that was best for me.
In stories about her mom, her brother and herself, Goldberg talks about the influences and lives for both. Sometimes it is really funny to see how her mother dealt with Goldberg's rise to fame but also at time sad as well, as there seemed to be pieces of her mother that were inaccessible. But it was also great to read parts of her career (for example, I did not know that she and Maggie Smith seemed to have a more personal friendship that lasted beyond 'Sister Act', I was familiar with her story about Nichelle Nichols and Star Trek but found it more poignant when she also talks about Sidney Poitier, etc.)
That said, this book was also not quite what I thought it would be. I think it had been billed as more of a traditional memoir but it is really more about her mother and a little bit about her brother. The book/text itself was good--I felt like I could really hear her voice in the text but it also was not exactly what was marketed to me (or maybe I did not pay attention.)
I do think it was worth the read and I would read more by Goldberg. It did not change my mind about her, won't necessarily make me watch 'The View' (of which she is still co-hosting as of this review), but I also think that some of the hate she gets for some reason is unwarranted after reading this.
Borrowed from the library and that was best for me.
May 11, 2024
💚💚💚 don’t play yourself like you don’t want to read this cause YOU DO!!!
I loves me some Whoopi G… PERIOD!!! THE LEGEND!!! This book had me laughing with my mouth FULLY OPEN and the actress came THROUGH!!! I can’t imagine losing my mom or any of my brothers; full stop. Overall, I’m glad that Whoopi felt the need to share her story with us because she didn’t have to. I love that her mom was kind because that’s truly what people remember and this story was simply amazing. Thank you Whoopi for sharing your family with us and I would like to give another thank you to your mom, brother & daughter for sharing you with us cause wow— in fact, we still want and need you in this world sharing your talents with us!!! I was not aware that she took on so many roles that were written for white women & I can’t for a second believe that they weren’t solely written her. That is a testament to the amazing woman that KJ aka WG is. I truly truly loved this book 💚 can’t say enough great things about it!!!
I loves me some Whoopi G… PERIOD!!! THE LEGEND!!! This book had me laughing with my mouth FULLY OPEN and the actress came THROUGH!!! I can’t imagine losing my mom or any of my brothers; full stop. Overall, I’m glad that Whoopi felt the need to share her story with us because she didn’t have to. I love that her mom was kind because that’s truly what people remember and this story was simply amazing. Thank you Whoopi for sharing your family with us and I would like to give another thank you to your mom, brother & daughter for sharing you with us cause wow— in fact, we still want and need you in this world sharing your talents with us!!! I was not aware that she took on so many roles that were written for white women & I can’t for a second believe that they weren’t solely written her. That is a testament to the amazing woman that KJ aka WG is. I truly truly loved this book 💚 can’t say enough great things about it!!!
May 15, 2024
5 Stars✨For enjoyment.
I listened to Whoopi read her own memoir and hated to have it end.
It was delightful, moving, funny and insightful but mostly I wished I was one of her friends. (Both then and now.) I kept saying ‘yeah. I get that’ and ‘I can’t believe how much that sounds like my mom!’ And other times, I’d think ‘I wish folks would have talked to me about being my own person like Emma did.’ I identified w Whoopi in so many ways and her life story made me laugh out loud. It was a joy to listen to and I’m glad I listened in little chunks so that I could extend that happy feeling.
I figure I’ll listen to it again whenever I’m low and need some ‘happy’, just like I watch Sister Act for the same reason……plus I like to sing along. Thank you Whoopi.
Totally recommended to all.
Note: If you ever get to watch a video from way back of Whoopi doing her one woman show of her different characters, good on you. I don’t remember how I came to see it, but it absolutely blew me away! I’m serious. Really. I’d love to see it again.
I listened to Whoopi read her own memoir and hated to have it end.
It was delightful, moving, funny and insightful but mostly I wished I was one of her friends. (Both then and now.) I kept saying ‘yeah. I get that’ and ‘I can’t believe how much that sounds like my mom!’ And other times, I’d think ‘I wish folks would have talked to me about being my own person like Emma did.’ I identified w Whoopi in so many ways and her life story made me laugh out loud. It was a joy to listen to and I’m glad I listened in little chunks so that I could extend that happy feeling.
I figure I’ll listen to it again whenever I’m low and need some ‘happy’, just like I watch Sister Act for the same reason……plus I like to sing along. Thank you Whoopi.
Totally recommended to all.
Note: If you ever get to watch a video from way back of Whoopi doing her one woman show of her different characters, good on you. I don’t remember how I came to see it, but it absolutely blew me away! I’m serious. Really. I’d love to see it again.
May 10, 2024
What a delight it was listening to this book. It's like spending an afternoon with Whoopi (I can call her that; we're buds) while she reminisces about her family. I've always had great respect for Whoopi as an actor and enjoy her on The View. Recently, she showed that gossiping about Kate Middleton was inadvisable and the others on the panel eventually apologized for all their suppositions about Middleton's absence. Whoopi learned this from her mother, who showed grace to the neighbors who spoke rudely about her for years. Her mother never responded in kind. She was fortunate to have a mother who was wise enough to let Whoopi be Whoopi (or, Karen be Karen) even when she disagreed (or wasn't sure) about Whoopi's decisions; regardless, she loved, respected, and supported her daughter. (I can only wish I'd had a mother like that. My life would have been vastly different.) This is a love letter from a well-loved daughter to her wonderful mother.
May 12, 2024
Never really was a fan of Whoopi Goldberg in general, didn't really see any of the movies she was in but knew who she was. This book was a light hearted read/listen, I absolutely love her voice so listening to the auto book was heart warming (especially hearing her laugh and the little voices she did when she was giddy about something). Yes it was a memoir and it talked about things that she accomplished but it was definitely a homage to her mother and brother. Definitely took nuggets away: "don't be afraid to go after what you want" "you can waste a lot of time complaining, or you can figure out how to fix it" and my favorite "Karen, do I really need the jackpot when I have you and clyde" tears. Also love the convo about death, although it is a hard topic we should talk about it more because we know we all have to go, and it's better to figure things out beforehand rather than after. Definitely my top 5 read this year.
May 13, 2024
I love memoirs and getting to learn all about peoples lives. Their highs and lows, their secrets and struggles. Celebrity memoirs are always eye opening because you think you know someone by seeing them on the big screen or on social media. Truthfully you see what they want you to see or what they feel comfortable putting out there...but there's always more to discover. I have loved many of Karen,"Whoopi's" movies but didn't know much about her. I didn't know she had a daughter and I must say her chapter about child birth was one of the funniest things I've read in awhile. She is so funny!
What was truly special was reading about Whoopi's mother and how she raised Whoopi and her brother, and later went on to help Whoopie raise her daughter as well. Whoopi talks about her life growing up, how she got started in the business, and all the details of her many marriages and experiences. I was really glad I picked the book up and was actually kinda bummed when it ended!
What was truly special was reading about Whoopi's mother and how she raised Whoopi and her brother, and later went on to help Whoopie raise her daughter as well. Whoopi talks about her life growing up, how she got started in the business, and all the details of her many marriages and experiences. I was really glad I picked the book up and was actually kinda bummed when it ended!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews