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  • The Mother of Black Hollywood

  • A Memoir
  • Written by: Jenifer Lewis
  • Narrated by: Jenifer Lewis
  • Length: 10 hrs and 47 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (78 ratings)

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The Mother of Black Hollywood

Written by: Jenifer Lewis
Narrated by: Jenifer Lewis
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Publisher's Summary

AudioFile Magazine Earphones Award Winner

The "Mega Diva" and legendary star of Black-ish looks back on her memorable journey to fame and the unforgettable life lessons she learned along the way.

Jenifer Lewis keeps it real in this provocative and touching memoir by a Midwestern girl with a dream whose journey from poverty to Hollywood will move, shock, and inspire listeners.

Told in the audacious voice her fans adore, Jenifer describes a road to fame made treacherous by dysfunction and undiagnosed mental illness, including a sex addiction. Yet, supported by loving friends and strengthened by "inner soldiers", Jenifer never stopped entertaining and creating.

We watch as Jenifer develops icon status stemming from a series of legendary screen roles as the sassy yet loveable mama or auntie. And we watch as her emotional disturbances, culminating in a breakdown while filming The Temptations movie, launch her on a continuing search for answers, love, and healing.

Written with no-holds-barred honesty, this gripping memoir is filled with insights gained through a unique life that offers a universal message: "Love yourself so that love will not be a stranger when it comes."

From her first taste of applause at five years old to landing on Broadway within 11 days of graduation and ultimately achieving success in movies, television, and global concert halls, Jenifer reveals her outrageous life story with lots of humor, a few regrets, and, most importantly, unbridled joy. Candid, warm, and wonderfully inspiring, The Mother of Black Hollywood intimately reveals the heart of a woman who lives life to the fullest.

©2017 Jenifer Lewis (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers

What the critics say

"Jenifer Lewis, star of the TV show 'Black-ish,' holds nothing back in delivering her audacious, outrageous memoir.... Bursting into song, exploding with over-the-top hilarity, Lewis confides some of her best-kept secrets to fans as if they were her new BFFs. Wonderfully honest, intelligent, and brave, Lewis delivers a tour-de-force performance not to be missed." (AudioFile)

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What listeners say about The Mother of Black Hollywood

Average Customer Ratings
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This Was Fantastic

Listening to Jenifer Lewis perform the hell out of this book definitely heightened the experience, but I can't stress enough how much I loved this book. It was hilarious and vulnerable and beautiful, and I would still recommend it if it was narrated by the. charismaless voice of a speak and spell or Rob Schneider.

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Wow

I have always loved Ms.Jenifer Lewis. Her life story is just as incredible as she is ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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10 stars

I've always loved Ms. Lewis and to hear her tell me her story was an amazing experience. Thank you sharing Ms. Lewis💕

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Jenifer Lewis is amazing, per usual

I’ve read this book more than once. Something about Black Mama Lewis feels like sitting in my aunt’s sewing room, listening to her tell me stories . Dame Lewis shares some stuff that is scary telling a friend, let alone the world, and it makes it that much more relatable. I would recommend this book.

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    5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely Authentic

Loved it! This book was awesome. True to the title. I love her more now.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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Long winded

This book is very detailed with a flare for the dramatics. It also speaks of a long list of men she slept with and I mean LONG. You will need many breaks to get through it. It’s basically like sitting next to your grandma as she tells your long and detailed stories of the best times of her life but they are back to back and you don’t get a break. Some parts are interesting but she should have has a ghostwriter.

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Naughty, Nice and Necessary!

I have always loved her as an actress, but love her more as a human being! I appreciate hearing her true story. She doesnt know it, but she will help me with my relationship with my daughter.
Jenifer has done so much for humanity with this book! Thank you for sharing.

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Entertaining, Honest, & Engaging.

Everything you would expect and more. I laughed...as expected and cried, unexpected. Enjoyed ever minute of this memoir.

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Dr. Jenifer Muthaf@(\^’ Lewis

I clapped every time she sang! Finished listening @ 2:27 AM, thank you very much!

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Must listen

I really enjoyed going down memories lane but I will be forever grateful for your journey. Thank you for sharing. It helped me accept what was always hard for me to accept.

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