Worthy

Very good read surprisingly

I am very picky about autobiographies. This is one that I, 1. finished and 2. actually wanted to finish. Jada is a VERY good storyteller, very honest (almost to a fault due to her celebrity status), and thorough about her life. She has a rich and complicated background and you hear more about that than her celebrity life. She also has some self help bits throughout the book that may be helpful for people moving through life with various internal and external challenges. It was especially resonate for Black female Gen X'ers who experienced hip-hop's first mainstream rise and the Black Hollywood tv & film renaissance of the 90s (which was on the backdrop of 3 epidemics hitting Black communities). Who knew Jada was more 'gangsta' than TuPac?!? Minimal time was spent on the 'Oscar slap' and for good reason. Jada, the mother is also a great read--again her upbringing with her grandmother, parents facing two types of addiction in the 80s, and her communities in Baltimore influenced the diversity of her life outlooks and ideas around parenting. The book seems long/big by the page count but uses larger font print than novels and has little worksheets at the end of each chapter. Good job Jada. She probably still needs to thoroughly break up with Will if one is to lean into the overall theme of 'worth' and feeling 'worthy.' I wouldn't be surprised if she wrote another book reflecting on her single but married apart life and how that now being public impacts their professional children (who already knew before the world did).

I would like to start out by saying that this book was very well written. To be as fair as possible, I made a conscious decision to read from an unbiased perspective. Over many years of Jada and Will's marriage being the subject of many public conversation pieces, I find it necessary to attempt to read the book while eliminating any personal feelings I have as an individual-- a spectator of sorts, when it comes to personal feelings I may have about their marriage and familial relationships. Since we live in a current society where feelings and emotions dominate logic, and interpretations of ones own experiences are considered personal "truths",-- while simultaneously telling actual objective truths are considered "bashing", I would like to lay out an honest take on this manuscript. As an author myself (The Bender of Odds), I found this work to be very well written. It is an informative and entertaining memoir, written of course in 1st person POV, which is customary for this type of literary piece. The manuscript chronicles the early life of Jada, and everything that represents significance in her upbringing. The cadence of the book is casual, yet very interpersonal; the chapters are decorated with sporadic poems which give the overall body of work a hint of juxtaposition that gives a flavorful balance of artistic serenity- then theres the dark side of the streets--and of course Hollywood. I've been a fan of Jada since "A Different World". I've followed her career for many years. I've watched her grow as an actress from "The Inkwell" to "The Nutty Professor", and so on and so forth. This book gives details about interesting things we never knew about; like how 2Pac was in an altercation with the Hughes Brothers but still wanted her to do "Menace 2 Society". (Just a personal note, I think "Set It Off" is her Magnum Opus. Jada IS "Stoney"-and Stoney is Jada). Jada also brings back shared memories, when she mentions seeing fellow black actresses such as Nia Long, Queen Latifah, and Tichina Arnold at auditions. When Jada said she felt when any of them got a role, it wasn't just a win for the individual, it was a win for ALL of them, I remember having that same feeling as an African American many years ago in that same era. This shows that Jada resonates with her audience. This overall, is a very well written work. Even though I'm not a fan of any of the "Red Table Talk" stuff, or any of the drama that may follow that, if Will Smith can forgive his wife for anything she's done that he didnt like,--that's all that's necessary. It's none of my business. But as an author myself, I can say honestly that...this book....itself....is definitely WORTHY.

I found Jada’s memoir to be emotionally and spiritually deep. I did not know much of Jada’s story whatsoever and was surprised time and again as I read. The dangerous environment she grew up in was quite foreign to me, having grown up in Australia. I had no idea her parents were both drug addicts, and she became a drug dealer in her teen years. Her relationship with Tupac was interesting and the many deaths she experienced, including Tupac’s, must have been very painful. She delves into how she suppressed grief, she suppressed her own depression and issues with her self-worth for many years. More than once she experienced suicidal ideation. I wouldn’t have guessed, had I not read about it here. Jada shares blogposts at the end of each chapter that help the reader to identify areas of trauma, pain, issues with their parents and other relationships, nudging the reader toward awareness and greater-wholeness—even greater worthiness as the book is titled. She shares some of her experiences with different religious belief systems, therapists and medicines. She talks about books that have impacted her, spiritual teachers, some of whom she has met, causes like human trafficking, how the red table talk developed, her experiences as an actress and as a musician, and ultimately how she has progressed in her search for meaning and significance. Jada also shares about her marriage with Will. How they have never “cheated” because they always discussed their sexual engagements and had something similar to an “open” marriage. They are none-the-less “ride-or-die” companions. They have lived separately at times but never divorced and as I far as I can tell, have no intention of ever divorcing. They work together and share family for life. Jada even goes into the details around what happened between Will Smith and Chris Rock. That was super interesting—especially Jada’s response to be even more dedicated to her relationship with Will. They are still husband and wife and I hope they will find themselves coming closer together as they both explore their worth, their spirituality, their personalities, their dreams and hopes for the future. I thoroughly enjoyed Jada’s memoir!

While it feels a bit long at the beginning and like she’s sharing maybe too many details… it all comes around full circle and makes total sense in the end

A great gift for my wife. Thank you for writing it.

"Wow, where do I even begin with "Worthy" by Jada Pinkett Smith? This book has truly been a game-changer for me! From the moment I started reading, I felt like Jada was speaking directly to my soul. Her words are so relatable and comforting, reminding me that I am not alone in my struggles. Jada's honesty and vulnerability throughout the book are what make it so powerful. She isn't afraid to share her own insecurities and past mistakes, which instantly made me feel understood and less alone in my own journey. Her experiences serve as a guiding light, offering valuable insights on how to navigate life's challenges and discover our true worth. One of the aspects I loved most about "Worthy" is how it goes beyond just personal growth. Jada also touches upon relationships, whether it's friendships, romantic partnerships, or parenting. She shares her own stories and provides wisdom that I found incredibly valuable. It's like having a best friend by your side, offering advice and encouragement every step of the way. Aside from the content, Jada's writing style is simply beautiful. Her words flow effortlessly, and she has a way of capturing the essence of her voice and authenticity. I found myself underlining passages and jotting down quotes that resonated deeply with me. In conclusion, "Worthy" is a must-read for anyone on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Jada Pinkett Smith's words are empowering, thought-provoking, and filled with love. This book has helped me embrace my uniqueness, challenge societal expectations, and recognize my own worth. I am forever grateful for the wisdom and inspiration it offers. Trust me, you won't regret picking up a copy of "Worthy"."

It's the first time that Jada gets to tell her side of her story. In her own terms. It's a testimony of what Black women have to go through to find peace. Anyone can see themselves in her journey, but I think this memoir will become a reference for Black girls and Black women. The book states how and why they may feel unlovable, but it gives hope that things will get better. "Worthy" shows love as a personal practice and how the process may take a lifetime. Just like bell hooks theorized. The beauty is in embracing the journey.

She 's a unique thinker; a teacher of life, a mentor. A person with a grounded,thorough viewpoint on life. A must read!