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Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Audiobook (2024), Nominee for Readers' Favorite Memoir (2024)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.”
256 pages, Hardcover
First published May 7, 2024
1,254 people are currently reading
24.5k people want to read
About the author
Whoopi Goldberg
61 books401 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,121 reviews
May 29, 2024
Do yourself a favor and listen to the audio book, which the author does not read, but rather perform herself, as if she would tell you the story of her family over a couple of beers. The text is a fragmented love letter to her late mom Emma and late brother Clyde, highlighting various instances and specific circumstances that shaped Whoopi. And this means that the author celebrates a single Black mom who had a lot of financial and mental struggles, but did everything she could to raise her children with compassion and a love for the arts.
And while this is good and well, it's also sometimes the weakness of the book, because there are factors in there that scream for a more analytical approach, like a nervous breakdown that led Emma to be submitted to electroconvulsive therapy, or the fact that the love of her life, Whoopi's father, was gay. There would also be room for more critical thoughts, like regarding the fact that Emma hit her kids with a belt. It's the messiness and complexity of the people we love that are worth exploring, not to take away from all of their good traits, but to understand them better. I'm also pretty sure that getting a Master's degree while raising two children alone was very hard, but there is not much we hear about the price Emma must have paid for her dedication and achievements. Rather, it's implied in the statements of a (rightfully!) proud daughter to keep the mood light.
So all in all, the book is a little too concerned about the pleasantness of the anecdotes and the general good mood it wants to radiate, but more changes in emotional temperatures and even analytical depth would have added to better understanding both Emma and Clyde (who tends to play a minor role here). Looking at other books about mothers like Combats et métamorphoses d'une femme, the gain for readers can be way more than uplifting entertainment.
And while this is good and well, it's also sometimes the weakness of the book, because there are factors in there that scream for a more analytical approach, like a nervous breakdown that led Emma to be submitted to electroconvulsive therapy, or the fact that the love of her life, Whoopi's father, was gay. There would also be room for more critical thoughts, like regarding the fact that Emma hit her kids with a belt. It's the messiness and complexity of the people we love that are worth exploring, not to take away from all of their good traits, but to understand them better. I'm also pretty sure that getting a Master's degree while raising two children alone was very hard, but there is not much we hear about the price Emma must have paid for her dedication and achievements. Rather, it's implied in the statements of a (rightfully!) proud daughter to keep the mood light.
So all in all, the book is a little too concerned about the pleasantness of the anecdotes and the general good mood it wants to radiate, but more changes in emotional temperatures and even analytical depth would have added to better understanding both Emma and Clyde (who tends to play a minor role here). Looking at other books about mothers like Combats et métamorphoses d'une femme, the gain for readers can be way more than uplifting entertainment.
October 26, 2024
I listened to this gem, Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me on audiobook and it is narrated by Whoopi Goldberg.
Whoopi's mother sounds like she was an amazing woman. She raised Whoopi and her brother and later died unexpectedly from an aneurysm. Five years later, Whoopi's brother died from an aneurysm.
Whoopi's memoir is filled with stories from her childhood, young adulthood and her career in entertainment. It's filled with humor, leadership messages, and humility.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it!
Whoopi's mother sounds like she was an amazing woman. She raised Whoopi and her brother and later died unexpectedly from an aneurysm. Five years later, Whoopi's brother died from an aneurysm.
Whoopi's memoir is filled with stories from her childhood, young adulthood and her career in entertainment. It's filled with humor, leadership messages, and humility.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it!
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.
August 10, 2024
I listened to this autobiography and find it worthwhile and inspiring.
June 6, 2024
There's no one out there like this girl! I've been a fan since Day 1. . .
I listened to this one, like spending the day with her, back with a friend who got me through a lotta stuff with her fiesty, fierce self!
All the stars!
I listened to this one, like spending the day with her, back with a friend who got me through a lotta stuff with her fiesty, fierce self!
All the stars!
January 15, 2025
Bits and Pieces
By Whoopi Goldberg
Mostly, Goldberg talked about her mother and her relationship with her through the years. Same with her brother to a lesser extent. She mentions her daughter briefly. She gives a glimpse into her rise to fame and how she shared the joy with her mother.
By Whoopi Goldberg
Mostly, Goldberg talked about her mother and her relationship with her through the years. Same with her brother to a lesser extent. She mentions her daughter briefly. She gives a glimpse into her rise to fame and how she shared the joy with her mother.
September 30, 2024
Not only is Whoopi a Hollywood icon; she’s a real person with depth and so much heart! After reading this, my respect and admiration for Whoopi have only grown stronger. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves Whoopi.
Reading this book made me feel like I was just having an enjoyable convo with the lady herself! Such great stories are shared!
I learned so much more about her after reading this, and loved learning about her late mother, and the struggles she had with her father and within her own family. Hashtag grandmas are always the best ;)
This book is also for anyone in need of inspiration from a woman who has truly lived life on HER OWN TERMS.
5 stars!
A big thank you to Blackstone publishing for this book won in a Goodreads Giveaway!
Reading this book made me feel like I was just having an enjoyable convo with the lady herself! Such great stories are shared!
I learned so much more about her after reading this, and loved learning about her late mother, and the struggles she had with her father and within her own family. Hashtag grandmas are always the best ;)
This book is also for anyone in need of inspiration from a woman who has truly lived life on HER OWN TERMS.
5 stars!
A big thank you to Blackstone publishing for this book won in a Goodreads Giveaway!
May 25, 2024
I loved every second of this book. I usually struggle with paying attention to audio books, but I was riveted to every word of this one. I've always loved Whoopi. The fact that she put such a beautiful tribute to her family out into this world makes me love her even more!
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 19, 2024
I love Whoopi Goldberg! She is the epitome of what black & beautiful looks like. She is and has always been unapologetically her and didn't allow anyone to change who she is. She shows up as herself and dares anyone to change her. From her skin to her white teeth to her locs, she is herself tried and true. I listened to her audiobook, and it's in her distinct voice. I enjoyed getting to know her, and I am so thankful she shared herself with the world. Her mom was a real MVP, and she gave both her children what they needed to soar high and not look back. She encouraged them to be themselves and make their own choices and show up and face whatever they had to based on their choices. Thanks, Whoopi, for giving us a little snippet of your world. It's beautiful!
June 16, 2024
Excellent memoir. I thought that Whoopi wrote with her heart as she tells the story of her ups and downs and growing up in New York being raised by a single mom. I have to thank her for all the moments she brought something special to the work she has done. Sometimes we cry when it's high drama but more often she brings laughter to our lives. I hope we get more moments enjoying her work.
November 21, 2024
Whoopi’s mother was a legend! The life lessons she shared and the mothering she did (as a single mom no less), was phenomenal.
I listened to the audiobook which was wonderful - read by the author, Goldberg was warm, funny, and open.
Charting her growth into adulthood and her career journey, this wasn’t as intimate or piercing as an autobiography like I’m Glad My Mom Died, but it does feel authentic to the performer, comedian and woman that Goldberg is.
I listened to the audiobook which was wonderful - read by the author, Goldberg was warm, funny, and open.
Charting her growth into adulthood and her career journey, this wasn’t as intimate or piercing as an autobiography like I’m Glad My Mom Died, but it does feel authentic to the performer, comedian and woman that Goldberg is.
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.
June 21, 2024
A Joyride of a Memoir
REVIEW
Bits and Pieces is an enlightening and entertaining autobiography by Whoopi Goldberg, whose real name is Caryn Johnson. I listened to the audiobook, which was narrated by the author and thoroughly enjoyed it. In this life story, she opens up about her close relationships with her wise and encouraging mother, Emma, and her protective, big brother, Clyde.
Goldberg’s writing is not just fluid, it's a joyride. The audio production feels like she's right there, having a lively conversation with us, sharing all the laughter and tears of her life. I often found myself both laughing and crying along with her anecdotes! If you've ever seen her on the big screen, this book is a must-read. Whoopi shares some of her fondest and somberest memories of growing up in the projects in New York City.
My favorite part is hearing Whoopi reminisce about her mother in such a kind, loving, and thoughtful way. Particularly the stories of how she would ask her mom questions about her past and her mom would ask her Why do you need to know that? Or why are you asking that? Her mom gave her the confidence she needed to succeed.
I sincerely thank Whoopi Goldberg, Blackstone Publishing, and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
“Not everybody gets to walk this earth with folks who let you be exactly who you are and give you the confidence to become exactly who you want to be. So, I thought I'd share mine with you.”
Publisher Blackstone Publishing Audio
Published May 7, 2024
Narrated Whoopi Goldberg
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
REVIEW
Bits and Pieces is an enlightening and entertaining autobiography by Whoopi Goldberg, whose real name is Caryn Johnson. I listened to the audiobook, which was narrated by the author and thoroughly enjoyed it. In this life story, she opens up about her close relationships with her wise and encouraging mother, Emma, and her protective, big brother, Clyde.
Goldberg’s writing is not just fluid, it's a joyride. The audio production feels like she's right there, having a lively conversation with us, sharing all the laughter and tears of her life. I often found myself both laughing and crying along with her anecdotes! If you've ever seen her on the big screen, this book is a must-read. Whoopi shares some of her fondest and somberest memories of growing up in the projects in New York City.
My favorite part is hearing Whoopi reminisce about her mother in such a kind, loving, and thoughtful way. Particularly the stories of how she would ask her mom questions about her past and her mom would ask her Why do you need to know that? Or why are you asking that? Her mom gave her the confidence she needed to succeed.
I sincerely thank Whoopi Goldberg, Blackstone Publishing, and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
“Not everybody gets to walk this earth with folks who let you be exactly who you are and give you the confidence to become exactly who you want to be. So, I thought I'd share mine with you.”
Publisher Blackstone Publishing Audio
Published May 7, 2024
Narrated Whoopi Goldberg
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
November 21, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ This book was all over the place in the absolute best way possible!
November 27, 2024
4.5 stars
Whoopi is a great storyteller; it's a really entertaining listen, read by Whoopi herself. It's also quite short.
I really enjoyed hearing about her life growing up and about her mother and brother. Her mother's awful hospitalisation and revelations about this period she only told her children when she was elderly were shaking.
Whoopi is a great storyteller; it's a really entertaining listen, read by Whoopi herself. It's also quite short.
I really enjoyed hearing about her life growing up and about her mother and brother. Her mother's awful hospitalisation and revelations about this period she only told her children when she was elderly were shaking.
May 25, 2024
Memoirs/ Biographies are my favorite and it has been a while since I read one. So glad I dipped back into the genre with this one. Filled with poignant memories, Whoopi shares with us her love for her mother and her brother (and a little bit her daughter). Listened to the audiobook read by Whoopi herself and couldn't have been more delighted with narration.
May 30, 2024
I didn't read this because I'm a massive fan of Whoopi. Because, I'm not. But I do value a lot of what she has done as a dark skinned Black woman with locs in Hollywood. I really appreciated her words here. It's a book that gently unpacks grieving, but it also chronicles the beautiful relationship she had with her family. I enjoyed thoroughly.
November 14, 2024
I listened to the audio book for this one and it was read by Whoopi herself. It was awesome. I enjoyed laughing along with her and found myself smiling to myself while I was outside walking and listening to her tell her story. Whoopi shared so many thoughts and stories about people and events that helped to influence her and shape her life. There are stories from her childhood, young adulthood, her career, and motherhood. It was such an enjoyable experience and it happened to be my first audiobook. Well done Whoopi! I would highly recommend listening to this book.
#WhoopiGoldberg #BlackstonePublishing
#WhoopiGoldberg #BlackstonePublishing
March 10, 2025
i felt like i was sitting down with her as she told me stories
December 27, 2024
4⭐️
Can you believe I kept putting off Bits and Pieces by Whoopi Goldberg? Imagine my disbelief when I realized how good it was! I lost my mom unexpectedly, and I connected so much with Whoopi’s reflections on grief and her advice on navigating life without your best friends. Her words truly resonated with me. The only thing I didn’t love was the suggestion to fix your relationship with your mom no matter what—it felt a bit tone-deaf since some people have parents who don’t deserve grace. Overall, though, a heartfelt and thoughtful read.
Can you believe I kept putting off Bits and Pieces by Whoopi Goldberg? Imagine my disbelief when I realized how good it was! I lost my mom unexpectedly, and I connected so much with Whoopi’s reflections on grief and her advice on navigating life without your best friends. Her words truly resonated with me. The only thing I didn’t love was the suggestion to fix your relationship with your mom no matter what—it felt a bit tone-deaf since some people have parents who don’t deserve grace. Overall, though, a heartfelt and thoughtful read.
August 3, 2024
Un libro que se lee rápido y si te gusta leer biografías es una gran opción para leer.
Whoopi nos habla sobre su niñez, la relación con su madre y su hermano, lo que vivieron juntos.
A biography that you must read, Whoopi writes about her mother and brother, their relationship. It's a great book to read or listen (available on audible)
Me gustó mucho leerlo.
Whoopi nos habla sobre su niñez, la relación con su madre y su hermano, lo que vivieron juntos.
A biography that you must read, Whoopi writes about her mother and brother, their relationship. It's a great book to read or listen (available on audible)
Me gustó mucho leerlo.
June 4, 2024
I love Whoopi Goldberg, so I was excited to listen to this audiobook. She is such an beautiful and authentic person. She is true to who she is unapologetically. This was a beautiful tribute to her mother and brother. I enjoyed getting to hear about her upbringing and stories of her childhood, as well as her life after she became a mom and her journey in Hollywood. Her mother seemed like a wonderful woman. This book had everything in it - advice, humor, and relatability. I love that she wrote this book the way that she thinks, because it felt like I was sitting around chatting with a friend. I found myself laughing at the funny parts and going through the other various emotions she displays in this book. Overall, this book was heartwarming and such a great read!
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing - Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing - Audio for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.
July 7, 2024
Well, what a very short easy read. Just thinking about Barbra Streisand’s memoir, what a difference. Whoopi had to remember a lot of her life from memory as both her mom and brother have passed away now. Many interesting little tidbits about her name, her award show events and most of all the lessons she learned in the last 69 years, and also some wonderful advice on grieving that will help many of her admirers.
September 13, 2024
Imagine if you were eavesdropping on one side of a conversation with someone who rambles and talks with a circuitous stream of consciousness style, but it’s your favorite aunt and her stories are cool so you stick with it. That’s kind of what this book is giving. I listened to the audio, probably wouldn’t have liked reading it nearly as much. Whoopi is a great storyteller, she’s engaging and transparent in the memories she recounts of her mother and brother. The narrative style can be distracting and hard to follow but Whoopi is endearing and honest so you can get through it with a little fortitude. The ending had some good tidbits around grieving the loss of a mom.
May 12, 2024
Lovely tribute to her mom. Perfect to read on Mother’s Day weekend.
September 12, 2024
Whoopie (born Caryn Johnson) and her brother, Clyde Johnson, were raised by their mom, Emma Johnson, who was divorced and didn't have child support in the boroughs of NYC. Life was tough, but she didn't let her kids know they were living so close to poverty. She made their lives educational and fun; she took them to the art galleries, concerts, nights in the park, Coney Island, Central Park, ice skating, and so much more.
Caryn suffered from dyslexia (unknown at the time). Her mom simply told her to "do the best you can". No judgements; unconditional love and support always. Their lives were happy and fulfilled with their homelife, school and neighbors (carefully watched over by Mrs. Johnson).
This book is a tribute to her mom, her MVP, for raising two successful people in an impossible situation. As Caryn's life became famous and the world began to know her as "Whoopie", she shared each event and the people she met with her mother (and often her brother). Whoopie brought them from NYC to LA to live and thrive along with her.
Both her brother and her mother passed in 2005 and 2010 (respectively) leaving Whoopie lost without her family. Like always, she has picked up the pieces and "done the best she can."
I've been a fan of Whoopi Goldberg since she hit "Laugh In" many years ago with her humor. She followed that up with some solid movies by playing dramatic characters successfully and the awards were hers year after year! Her talent is wide-ranging and she was ambitious to try/learn new roles. Often while filming a movie, her mom would help out and take over raising her children.
Yet Whoopi has never let her success go to her head or change who she is. She's still the same outspoken political figure who enjoys her long-time on "The View" bantering with co-hosts.
Recommend this fun, short read.
Caryn suffered from dyslexia (unknown at the time). Her mom simply told her to "do the best you can". No judgements; unconditional love and support always. Their lives were happy and fulfilled with their homelife, school and neighbors (carefully watched over by Mrs. Johnson).
This book is a tribute to her mom, her MVP, for raising two successful people in an impossible situation. As Caryn's life became famous and the world began to know her as "Whoopie", she shared each event and the people she met with her mother (and often her brother). Whoopie brought them from NYC to LA to live and thrive along with her.
Both her brother and her mother passed in 2005 and 2010 (respectively) leaving Whoopie lost without her family. Like always, she has picked up the pieces and "done the best she can."
I've been a fan of Whoopi Goldberg since she hit "Laugh In" many years ago with her humor. She followed that up with some solid movies by playing dramatic characters successfully and the awards were hers year after year! Her talent is wide-ranging and she was ambitious to try/learn new roles. Often while filming a movie, her mom would help out and take over raising her children.
Yet Whoopi has never let her success go to her head or change who she is. She's still the same outspoken political figure who enjoys her long-time on "The View" bantering with co-hosts.
Recommend this fun, short read.
September 9, 2024
Whoopi Goldberg's memoir on the loss of her mother and brother is a beautiful and poignant remembrance of the people who you knew you the best for your entire life. The book deals with grief, making choices and learning to understand your childhood from an adult perspective. This story is a fine accomplishment that touched me deeply since the losses of loved ones who knew us forever happens all too frequently as we age. I am an only child and recently lost two close first cousins a few years apart from each other. As WG so accurately states in the book, she is lonely for the people who knew her from her first breath. That feeling of deep loss will never completely disappear but one has to learn to accept it and keep their memories in your heart. This is a powerful and moving story. 4.5 stars.
February 18, 2025
This was a fun audiobook narrated by Whoopi Goldberg herself. It was definitely just bits and pieces of her life, mostly in relation to her mom and brother, Clyde. I felt more like I was just listening to Whoopi Goldberg chatting than like she was narrating her book. I loved her little chuckle throughout her narration. Not sure what I was expecting, but this was entertaining.
February 4, 2025
Normally, I don’t rate memoirs, but if this isn’t worth five stars, I don’t know what is.
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