Audiobook Sample

Listen to the sample to experience the story.

Please wait while we verify your browser...

  • Title: Mother of Black Hollywood: A Memoir
  • Author: Jenifer Lewis
  • Narrator: Jenifer Lewis
  • Length: 10:48:00
  • Version: Abridged
  • Release Date: 14/11/2017
  • Publisher: HarperAudio
  • Genre: Biography & Memoir, Arts & Entertainment, Memoir
  • ISBN13: 9.78E+12
Hey there, fellow story seekers and wanderers of the heart, it’s Marcus Rivera, your companion on this journey through tales and trails. I’m thrilled to share a listening experience that hit me like a warm breeze off a Caribbean shore – let’s dive into the vibrant world of ‘Mother of Black Hollywood: A Memoir’ by Jenifer Lewis, narrated by the diva herself.

There’s something magical about an audiobook that unfolds like a late-night conversation with an old friend, especially when it’s a memoir as raw and real as ‘Mother of Black Hollywood: A Memoir.’ Jenifer Lewis, the iconic star of ‘Black-ish’ and a treasure of stage and screen, pours her soul into this narrative, and hearing it in her own voice through the audiobook experience is like sitting at her kitchen table, coffee in hand, as she spills every triumph and tear. From the moment I pressed play, I was transported – her audacious tone, that unmistakable sass, and the deep well of emotion pulled me into her journey from a small-town Midwest girl to a Hollywood legend.

This audiobook experience reminds me of a time when I was staying with a family in Oaxaca, listening to their grandmother weave stories under a starlit sky. Her voice carried the weight of every joy and sorrow, much like Jenifer’s does here. There’s an intimacy in oral storytelling that written words can’t always capture, and Jenifer’s narration is a masterclass in that art. I could almost feel the heat of the St. Louis summers she describes, taste the bittersweet tang of her early struggles, and hear the roar of applause from her first stage performance at age five. It’s a sensory feast, one that connects deeply with my love for human stories and hidden histories.

The content of this memoir is as bold as Jenifer herself. She takes us through a life marked by poverty, ambition, and the kind of resilience that could move mountains. Her path to fame wasn’t paved with gold – it was treacherous, shadowed by dysfunction, undiagnosed mental illness, and personal battles like sex addiction. Yet, there’s an unyielding light in her story, carried by the ‘inner soldiers’ she credits for her strength and the loving friends who buoyed her. As someone who’s traveled the world seeking tales of personal transformation, I found her honesty gripping. She doesn’t shy away from the breakdowns – like the one during the filming of ‘The Temptations’ – or the search for healing that followed. Her universal message, ‘Love yourself so that love will not be a stranger when it comes,’ resonates like a mantra I’ve heard echoed in villages from Peru to Portugal.

Jenifer’s rise to icon status, playing those sassy, loveable mama and auntie roles, is a thread woven with humor and a few regrets, but mostly unbridled joy. Her achievements – from Broadway to global concert halls – are staggering, and in this memoir, categorized under Biography & Memoir and Arts & Entertainment, she lays bare the heart behind the star. It’s a story of creating and entertaining no matter the odds, a theme that speaks to my own passion for cultural storytelling and the arts.

Now, let’s talk about the listening experience itself. Jenifer Lewis narrating her own memoir is nothing short of revelatory. Her voice is a force – rich, dynamic, and dripping with personality. Every laugh feels like it’s meant just for you; every sob cuts deep. The audio quality from HarperAudio is pristine, ensuring that every inflection, every pause, lands with impact. There’s a rhythm to her delivery that mirrors the cadence of a seasoned performer – she knows when to speed up for the comedic bits and when to slow down for the gut punches. It’s as if she’s performing directly to your soul, a quality that elevates this audiobook into something truly special. I’ve listened to countless audiobooks on my travels, from the Atacama Desert to bustling city streets, and few narrators match the personal connection Jenifer creates here.

That said, I must offer a balanced perspective. While the memoir is a powerhouse of emotion and insight, there are moments where the pacing feels uneven. Some anecdotes linger longer than necessary, and I occasionally found myself wishing for tighter editing in the narrative. Additionally, while Jenifer’s voice is a gift, there are instances where her emotional intensity might overwhelm listeners seeking a more subdued tone. But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise captivating audiobook experience. Her story’s strengths – its candor, its humor, and its inspiration – far outweigh any limitations.

For those who love memoirs in the Biography & Memoir genre, this audiobook stands tall alongside other powerful narratives like Maya Angelou’s ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,’ though Jenifer’s tale is distinctly flavored by Hollywood’s glitz and grit. It’s a perfect pick for fans of Arts & Entertainment stories, offering a backstage pass to the life of a true diva. If you’re drawn to personal tales of overcoming adversity with a dose of sass, this listening experience will not disappoint.

I’d recommend this audiobook to anyone who craves a story that’s as vibrant and unapologetic as life itself – think theater buffs, fans of ‘Black-ish,’ or anyone who’s ever fought to carve their own path. It’s ideal for long drives, quiet evenings, or moments when you need a reminder of the power of self-love and resilience. While I don’t have information on whether this audiobook is free, I can say the digital price of $27.99 feels like a steal for the hours of heart and humor you’ll get. Check platforms like Audiobooks.com for potential deals or free audiobook trials to dive into this gem.

Reflecting on this memoir, I’m struck by how Jenifer’s journey mirrors the stories I’ve collected from around the world – tales of struggle, yes, but also of unbreakable spirit. It’s made me think about my own battles and the ‘inner soldiers’ I’ve leaned on during solo treks through unfamiliar lands. Her voice, her truth, lingers like the echo of a powerful song, reminding me why I’m so drawn to memoirs and the human connections they forge.

Until our next adventure through pages or paths, this is Marcus Rivera signing off with a heart full of Jenifer Lewis’s fierce wisdom. Keep wandering, keep listening, and let’s meet again soon over another story that moves us. Adiós, amigos!