An extraordinary life, shared in an extraordinary way. A beautiful and poignant memoir that should be on everyone's reading list.

Gabby has a strong voice, and her personality shines out on every page frequently causing me to literally laugh out loud. The book was maybe a little unstructured but recommended if you want a snarky, no fucks given trip through Gabby's life.

It’s been quite a long time since I have read a memoir, mostly because there hasn’t been anyone that has written one that I have been hugely eager to read about. I’d be lying if I said I was sitting around waiting for Gabourey Sidibe to write one (complete discolosure, I didn’t know who she was by name, only face) but I am pleased I gave this one a go.

Turns out, girl can write! She uses this book as an outlet for sharing her stories; both happy and not so happy and I couldn’t help but be drawn into each and every one. Her writing style captures her personality so well, there were times it made me feel like we were sat down and having a chat, rather than her relaying her lives tales through words on a page (or an iPad in my case).

Gabourey has led what seems like such a full life for someone only a few years older than myself. I don’t want to give too much away for anyone that hasn’t already read but the whole Tola situation and the foster care?! What?! Really?! That said, Gabourey tells these personal and sometimes really serious stories with such dry humour, you can’t help but laugh. She’s been through some pretty tough stuff and I admire her for sharing it all with the world whilst being able to make us laugh, yet not making any of it distasteful.

I have ONE gripe about this read; and it has nothing to do with Gabourey. The version of the book that was sent to me from the publisher is awful and made reading so very difficult. The formatting of the book is horrendous! Whole paragraphs and sometimes pages are repeated straight after each other and there are parts where odd sentences from one paragraph are just thrown into another. I very nearly gave up at the start just because it was such hard work, but I decided to persist and I’m glad that I did.

I’m giving this book a well deserved 4 stars. It was brilliantly written (which I have found isn’t common in a memoir) and I feel appreciative to have learned more about a person I probably wouldn’t have done if it wasn’t for picking up this book. I appreciate how successful Gabourey Sidibe has become and I’m sure the world will be seeing plenty more from her in the future!

I thought this was a really interesting book because it gave you great insight into Gabourey's upbringing. She didn't have the typical childhood of a Hollywood actress and she comes across really well. The book is very well written and keeps the reader hooked throughout.

Unfortunately, I could not finish this book as the formatting was so poor. Sentences would cut off half way through, and then continue a few paragraphs later.
I gave it a good shot, but unfortunately it was just too frustrating to read. A real shame, because from what I could read, Gabourey Sidibe is sharp, funny and witty. I'd really love to read some more from her, so if the publishers can fix the formatting issues, I would gladly pick up this delightful woman's book.