This was an excellent follow up to her first memoir. I absolutely loved this book and found it to be incredibly relatable, inspiring and funny. This one felt more open and vulnerable than the first. She delves into her infertility issues, realizations of mistakes she made in trying to offer good representation as a mother and an actress, and different pitfalls and funny stories. I think audio is the best way to read this book, but each story has a message that is relatable (even if it’s an uncomfortable relation). 

I am so glad that she wrote this follow up!

Oh wow. I laughed, I cried, I learned. I admire Union and feel deeply grateful she has shared so much personal insight with us.

3.5 stars

I liked her first memoir/ set of essays a bit better than this one. I enjoyed Gabrielle expanding on both the funny & the meaningful of book 1. The chapter about her daughter Zaya was my favorite. In this chapter she gives a nearly perfect example of being the parent of a trans child. I also really enjoyed the Isis/ Bring it on chapter. It was a really interesting discussion of how she felt she didn't go far enough, that I had not previously thought of.  The chapter talking about the lasting affects of her SA were really meaningful and I am thankful she felt comfortable discussing. 

There were also chapters I didn't love. I just struggled with referring to herself as failing as a woman and a wife for not being able to have a baby (this coming after being such a trans ally for her daughter was hard). There were also some other little details in this section that just gave me a pause. She again leaves gaps where I wish she would have expanded (Wade having another daughter? being absent for most of his children's school events & basically the whole surrogacy?)

The chapter about her mental health in perimenopause was very interesting. That was something I was unaware of in general and really has given me something to think about and another reason to check in on some of my loved ones. Gabrielle is also a strong supporter of therapy and I appreciate her being so loud about it. 

I loved hearing her stories about being a black woman in Hollywood. These were the moments where her discussion of race really shine. The last chapter felt disconnected from her story. While I agree with the chapter, I started not to feel like her voice, but like a  3rd person scholarly article. 

Overall, I would still recommend this memoir, but maybe as a slower read, not a binge read like I did it.

Really enjoyed this. As good as the first one. Well done. 

I really enjoyed listening to Union's essays. She covers the gamut, from her struggles with IVR and surrogacy to her epic dance battle with Bruno Mars to the appropriation of Black culture, lives, and bodies for entertainment. I especially liked the chapter she did exploring her approach to Isis in Bring It On. There were many moments when I was laughing out loud while walking alone down the street. My eyes were opened to some important topics, like the use of Black Face in current pop culture.