Around the Way Girl: A Memoir

"Around the Way Girl" was my book club choice for the month of March. This was my first memoir and I was excited to read it. I love learning about and supporting people who know what they want and actually do what they need to do in order to achieve their goals. I am a firm believer that anyone can achieve their dreams if they believe in themselves and do the work. Some will have to do more work than others to achieve the same dreams and goals, that is just how life works but as long as you don't give up you have that chance. Taraji is the epitome of not giving up and she continues to work hard for what she wants. Very inspirational.

As much as it pains me to be against ANYTHING Taraji does I have to say this. This book was highly disappointing. It's poorly written; it's written EXACTLY the way she speaks. It's not well edited and it's poorly constructed; In one chapter I counted a sentence of ELEVEN lines. That should never happen. It's also a disappointing read because I thought it would be more about her and not her father. I was waiting for the life struggles to appear but unfortunately there weren't many; none that mad me gasp anyway. I would not recommend this book.

Sorry Taraji, I wanted to like your book, I really did....but I just can't. My book club choose this book for last month. Taraji writes about her life growing up, her relationships with her mother and father and friends, how she learned that acting was her niche and life, and how she became the person she is today. She has a very easy to read style of writing and I quickly fell into the book. I guess I was expecting to read about exciting and tragic events that molded and shaped her, but that was not the case. The book just kind of droned on and on and after chapter 4 I found myself getting quite bored. By chapter 6 I noticed that I was fighting myself as I didn't want to read the book anymore but knew that I had to in order to have something meaningful to contribute at my next book club meeting. Then I realized that it's not supposed to be like this. I am supposed to want to read the book and not have to convince myself to do so. When I checked in with the other members of my book club before the meeting, they reported feeling the same. One had opted for the audiobook version and although she stated she enjoyed being able to listen to it versus having to read it, she described the whole ordeal as "painful" and stated she only finished it because of her commitment to our book club. Long story short, I checked out after chapter 7. I simply could not continue to put myself through this. I am an avid book reader and am into all genres, from horror, self help, science, drama, sprituality, documentaries, to how-to, sci fi, and comic books. It is very rare that I walk away from a book without finishing it but this book was quite boring. It was just a long drawn out storyline and although her style of writing was enjoyable, I guess I didn't find her life interesting. Sorry Taraji, love ya but I can't do your book.

I really enjoyed this book. Her rawness, realness and voice in the audio had me going this journey along side her. Now if I could campaign for her to come to the @mochagirlsread book club in Inglewood in April... As this is our book of the month for March 2017, THAT WOULD BE SO AWESOME!

This book was just okay for me! As far as her telling her story there were points in this book where I was asleep! That's how boring it was, she really did not open and discuss anything about herself that was intimate; for example when she discussed her salary for Benjamin Buttons, she did not disclose what her salary ultimately was. The book to me missed the "little details" that would make for a good read; just like she did not disclose how her son's father was killed! If you're going to write a book, but keep everything a secret, then why write a book and title it a memoir when you really didn't disclose anything about yourself. What she did disclose is her mother's and father's relationship and the abuse that her mother endured! But she never discussed who she dated, like Common. So as far as I'm concerned, it was okay! I guess when I've read other people's stories, such as Faith Evans, who really divulged a lot of information on her relationship with Biggie and Lil' Kim or even Carmen Bryan (Nas's baby mama), they really drew you in, so you have to be careful when you say you're telling your story, no, she told her parents story and little about her.

Unapologetic, smart, raw and tender at once, Taraji P. Henson’s AROUND THE WAY GIRL is a fierce and finely wrought read. Perhaps you’ve never heard of her. You will. Maybe you’ve followed her from the early days, recognizing her from Baby Boy and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button --- you might never have guessed just how hard-won those roles were. If you, like me, love her brash, loving, hustling Cookie Lyon in “Empire” and were curious about the woman behind the character, her memoir will leave you thoroughly satisfied, and more absolutely enamored with Cookie than ever.

Let’s get it out there: Taraji P. Henson is so much more than Cookie Lyon. Remember her name, her real name --- Taraji. It means hope, and she’s exemplified hope put into action throughout the ups and downs of her life. Ms. Henson tells us how she worked, fought and earned her way to our screens through her tumultuous childhood, raising a black boy in America on her own, and struggling with the racism, respectability politics and misogyny of the industry. She is far more than Cookie, or any other character she’s ever played. Let’s get this out there, too: this does not mean that Cookie is any less deserving of respect and understanding, nor any woman like her. This is the balance Ms. Henson works excellently throughout her book. Through an unflinching, authentic narrative, she explores how she had to navigate being typecast in racist stereotypes, and how she worked to reclaim those characters, and bring out the authenticity and life in them.

A young pregnant black prostitute --- one of Ms. Henson's early characters --- didn't just happen. She emerged out of and in response to her surroundings, and she is still a full person with hopes, dreams, wants and needs. She inhabits characters who have been neglected or degraded by popular media and, with her work, manifests the potential for understanding and empathy. Never pity, but an awareness of the fullness of their character. After reading this memoir, I'm all the more excited to see her star in the upcoming film Hidden Figures!

She never shies away from the rough edges of her seemingly polished life. She speaks about what it is to be the mother of a black boy in America today, about how the first instance of racism her son faced happened when he was in kindergarten. Her experiences as a woman, a black woman and a black single mother, have all informed how she approaches her career and which characters she chooses to play. Her voice is evocative and prescient as she captures this in her memoir.

Ms. Henson is undeniably smart. This book is a well-put-together piece of art. It reverberates with her distinct voice, but reveals layers of pain, love and complexity that demand and encourage you to listen to what she has to say. She weaves in photographs from her childhood throughout her career, a visual parallel to her narrative. Though the book is mostly linear, it does venture back and forth in time, following an emotional trajectory more than a literal one, and it works. We get a full picture not only of Ms. Henson, but of her mother, father, son and best friends. Her voice is melodic and mesmeric. She reads like she's your best friend, inviting you in to hear a great story or share a poignant truth, and you'll wish this capable inspiration of a woman was your best friend by the end.

The throughline of this book is Taraji P. Henson's perseverance. She came by nothing easy and makes it look effortless. She talks love, beauty, race, business, acting, motherhood, sisterhood and more. She speaks of finding community, holding up your best friends and your support group, and, ultimately, of working hard towards what fills your soul. AROUND THE WAY GIRL opens to reveal her heart and her ferocity at once: it's motivating and unquestionably beautiful.

Reviewed by Maya Gittelman

Oscar nominated actress Taraji P. Henson's AROUND THE WAY GIRL is a rarity among celebrity memoirs: it’s a literate, highly-nuanced and deeply introspective tale told with eloquence, emotion and perspective. Raised by a divorced mother and loving but absentee father in "one of the most troubled areas of a city where poverty and hopelessness made neighbors prey upon neighbor," Henson learned to become fearless. "Fear is a liar. I make a point of calling its bluff," she writes.

Henson was 17 when she met her "forever love" Mark. Six years later (while attending Howard University as an acting major), she gave birth to their son, Marcell. Henson and co-author Millner (who wrote several New York Times bestsellers with Steve Harvey) write with aching tenderness and clarity about the relationship ("Youth, inexperience, environment and the lack of relationship role models made my union with Mark a recipe for disaster.") and raising a black son alone in a still-racist world ("The whole world loves a sweet, little chubby brown boy. Until they don't.").

When her acting career gains momentum (Hustle & Flow, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, TV's Empire), she often grapples with the consequences of choosing financial security for her family's future over her personal relationships. Those interested in how actors create characters get astute and fascinating details from the award-winning actress on finding the character on and off the script's pages. Henson's memoir is an inspiring tale of overcoming adversity and a quest for self-discovery, written with vitality, enthusiasm and fierce intelligence.

Taraji P. Henson's AROUND THE WAY GIRL is a remarkable and fiercely intelligent memoir of single motherhood, overcoming adversity, and forging a successful acting career.

First off I am scared of Cookie so I wouldn’t think of writing a bad review.

Taraji P. Henson, offered an insight not only into her early childhood but her Cinema stardom as well. While her father might not have been the best father, he loved his child and when she spoke of him and even mimicked his tone and attitude, I had to laugh because we all have someone in our lives just like that.

I have enjoyed most of Taraji’s films and television shows, and like Angela Bassett she has a look that can cut you like Japanese katana.
She didn’t sugar coat the fact that she was exactly THE AROUND THE WAY GIRL and how close family relationships helped to form the person she is. Her dedication to prayer and asking guidance from the supreme power in showing her the way just shows that she comes from the right stuff, not always perfect, but perfect for her.

It saddens me but not surprising that there is such a disparagement of the scale of acknowledgement AND payment between actors and actresses (or anywhere for that matter) and especially those of color. Taraji laid it out when she told how she had to pay her own way at a non-five star hotel when she was STARRING and critically acclaimed for in a MAJOR motion picture while other stars enjoyed the perks not afforded to her. I just shook my head. It was par for the course. But she did what she had to do to not only to maintain her integrity and self-respect but to let them all know she is a professional.

Around the Way Girl Book Review

I love to love her.

Around the Way Girl (Black speak for “the girl next door”) is the intimate memoir of a woman I love to love, Taraji P. Henson. It would be untrue to say that this book is a literary masterpiece (ghostwritten in a rather half-hearted way in my opinion especially considering the writer’s illustrious career, I feel this could have been a lot meatier), but it is also true that this book is an undeniable SPIRITUAL MASTERPIECE, thanks entirely due the fact that the subject herself, after all, is an amazing human being. I think she deserved better from her writing partner.

The voice of the actress herself is a special treat of the Audiobook version—although I felt like she was overly dramatic at times and this disrupted my experience. I would have preferred an actual book voice over person read the book because I was not looking for “interpretation help” through shouting and emphasis throughout that Taraji is known for and delivers. I prefer to have a more neutral experience. But again, it’s Taraji, so I was able to overlook this and the writing to stay with her along the journey it totally paid off.

This book reads like a long night of the soul in front of a fireplace with the star herself, and it is a powerfully relevant gift to all women, to women of color, and to those who wish to be actors, and who have ever had a dream. In this short, engaging, read, she chronicles the first 45 years of her life. We see her as a young precocious girl in inner-city Baltimore at the start of the crack epidemic, and as a single mother moving to LA to chase her dream of becoming an actor. She details the making of Hustle and Flow, Benjamin Button and the cult movie Baby Boy, as well as her epic role of Cookie in Empire as homage to the women she grew up with. Along the way she speaks knowledge and insight into our educations system, she advocates for black men, black women, single mothers and the limited views our society holds of Black women and beauty in general.

This book is a celebration of art, passion, and black women. She even discusses her dreams for her life, her requirements for a man, her workout regimen and her increasingly raw vegan diet. Perhaps the most fascinating thing about this book is Taraji's ability to smoothly give props to EVERBODY that made her life what it is today: the hairstylists, and makeup artists, film crews, directors, Howard University Drama school, her fellow divas, her agent, her parents, her child, and even her cousins, proving once and for all that she is the ultimate Around The Way Girl.

Raw honesty. I laughed, I cried, and I was inspired. I was horrified at how she and other students were treated in school and that college vacation. I have experienced racism (I'm multiracial) but not on the level this amazing woman has. I'm raising a light-skinned young man with a few distinctive features and the fact we even have to tell our kids anything like what she discusses is heartbreaking. The fact that she went through her pregnancy while continuing her education and raising her son is inspiring. She worked through the deaths of her father, beloved cousin, and even her son's father. She continuously channeled anger, pain, and fear into energy and focused it on moving forward with faith.

Here is a legacy of triumph. Taraji P. Henson ( Around the Way Girl: A Memoir ) may have started at the bottom but nothing stopped her from getting to where she is and nothing is going to stop her from where she wants to go. As she states, she isn't #SquadGoals. She's #EveryWomanGoals.

I listened to this on audible and being able to hear Taraji, along with her raw emotions made the book all the more better. I loved the relationship she had with her parents, especially her dad because he continued to push her to reach her potential and not settle for something that wasn't her passion. The autobiography provided insight on her life whether it was good or bad. As a black woman she accomplished so much and the things that could've easily broken her only made her go harder. She went in depth on the issues of being raised by a single mother and in turn become one herself. It was trial after trial but the faith she possessed got her through. Definitely was great learning about her life and the fact she's like so many of the black girls growing up who didn't allow her circumstances to dictate her future and the life she wanted for herself. #KNL

Excellent book. She really details how she channels her life experiences into the person she is today. Not only she survived and handled awesomely the mean streets of SE DC (which is also where I am from also), domestic violence, challenges of single parenthood, she has prevailed. Definitely an awesome book for those who think that achieving your dreams and overcoming barriers.

I purchased several audible books a few months ago, one of them was this book. I honestly was interested in Teraji’s story but didn’t think it would be one of my favorites...maybe because I didn’t know much about her life. I was sooo wrong! Not only was it great to hear her read it, I had severa aha moments. She’s one strong lady and very talented. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that when she moved to LA she lived in my neighborhood!!! I must have seen her and didn’t even know she would one day be the bad ass cookie! I recommend this book...it doesn’t have big shockers, but you will love her story.

Taraji Henson comes across as a very real and down to earth person in her autobiography. She holds little back when discussing her childhood and the issues with her father who she loved despite his afflictions. Indeed, she often refers to his guidance, encouragement and many off color comments that continue to inspire her. With her breakout role in Empire, Taraji may seem like an overnight success but, as the book describes, her fame is hard earned. I enjoyed her no nonsense attitude towards building her career and her life as a single mom. Through her stories and reflections, Taraji Henson comes across as a colorful, confident and compassionate individual. I would gladly listen to, and undoubtedly laugh along with any more tales she would like to relate.

I think she's' a great girl and very brave. She has put a positive outlook and a gracious attitude on events most folks would end up bitterly complaining about. I found her writing humbling and reminder as how we need to stay 'gracious'.

Extremely intense and honest - I'm a fan of hers, mostly because of her time as Officer Carter in Person of Interest. She's a killer actress, so I wanted to check out her book.

It's extremely honest and real. I don't know how else I can describe the book. Definitely check out the sample and/or buy the book.

This was a Christmas Gift from my husband and I loved it.
I was soooo excited to read her story because I love all the characters that she has brought to life on the big screen (Queenie in Benjamin Button, Yvette in Baby Boy, Shug in Hustle and Flow and Katherine Johnson in Hidden Figures and who could forget about Cookie from Empire...). In her memoir, she lets you in to her world and the road that she paved to stardom. Like Taraji, I am a daddy’s girl so I was hook lined and sinker from the very first chapter. This was another book that I did not want to put down. She goes on to tell you about growing up or shall I say surviving and thriving as an only child in a single parent household in SE DC (though not from SE, DC is my hometown). Her love for and support from her parents is unequivocally explained as her life unfolds on the pages. I felt like I was having a conversation with one of my home girls because Taraji is unapologetically herself in this book. She covers life in an abusive relationship, having a son out of wedlock while still graduating from Howard, losing her father (I too lost my father in 2006 and it was the WORST time of my life. I thought that my life was over so I can definitely relate to Taraji’s pain) and how she stepped out on faith to live in her reality. Aside from her talking about her roles and the energy that she tunneled when she brought them to life, she also talks about being Black in Hollywood and Raising a Black Son.

Taraji, is EVERY representation of being Fearless!!!

I met Mrs. Henson once and she was so kind and friendly. I love her work. Her memoir is interesting but I felt that she could've shared more about herself. The story goes back and forth in time and I found that distracting. There is no filmography at the end of the book and that makes no sense. I wanted more of an in depth discussion of each of her films and how it affected her. She only discusses a few of her films. This book is a must read for all Henson fans. However, more personal facts would've improved the book.

I rate this book five stars. This book keeps your interest throughout the book because there is so many stories that people can easily relate to. The way everything is detailed makes you feel like you're apart of what's going on. My favorite part about the book was how in debt she went into everything. I am a fan of Taraji and I was surprised about a lot of things, things I had no idea she had struggled with or went through. I enjoyed reading this book because it made you feel so many emotions it was kind of crazy. This book is an easy read, it won't take long to read because you will never want to put the book down. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in true life stories and needs motivation. She does a great job of showing you that when you put your mind to something you can achieve it and to never give up. She is very inspiring. This book is like no other autobiography that I have read it's very different in a good way.

A thoughtful and inspiring memoir from the actress in many memorable films as well as the hit show Empire. While I read through this book in one day it was substantial, emotionally and factually; and it was fast paced as well. Ms. Henson explores her life growing up, her relationships, her success as well as her shortcomings. I would have liked some more at the end of the day. Some of her roles were just touched upon, others weren't mentioned. A good read and very enjoyable.

The book was very interesting. She went into depth about her family and past releationships and what drives her. The book had some parts that failed to keep my interest because she went too long with her story line, but if you can get past those parts and get to the end you will enjoy it.

I don't usually listen to autobiographies or self help books. However, I took a chance on this audiobook and was not disappointed. Taraji is a very talented woman. She captivates you with her narration and lets you into her world through this book. I enjoyed every bit of her narration and the content of her book. Highly recommended!

We love us some Taraji and had the opportunity to meet her at her book signing, she is humble and beautiful BUT this writing thing isn't really for her. She had some excellent points made in the book, but the book didn't really hold our interest. I respect her hustle and struggle to move to the top but the tone of the story was monotonous. Good try Taraji but you missed this mark.

you have to root for her
and you can feel what she been through. growing up and pounding the pavement in hollywood
and you know she done seen it all and thensome. a very honest, straight to the soul
and down home people book. used the Old LL COOL J song
and kept 100% from start to finish. she is the truth and is only just getting really started when you think
about her talents
and how much more she can do. she is One Badd Soul Sister.

I listened to the audiobook. I really enjoyed it. I like that the author read it herself. Taraji Sutton is one of my favorites. She just seems so down to earth. Great job!!! Thanks for sharing your story.

I really enjoyed this one. Taraji is one of my favorite actresses. The book read like she was having a conversation with her readers/fans. What I liked most about this memoir was everything I read was all new to me because her personal life is not all over social media

I enjoyed reading Ms. Henson's story and appreciated her letting us into her world. She gave a good picture of her life, no sugar coating the ups and downs of her life. You can feel her emotions as she explains how she climbed up the ladder of success. I also appreciated learning about her family and her friends. Great story teller!

In Around the Way Girl Taraji P. Henson shares details of her upbringing in a tough part of Washington D.C. From emotional details about her relationship with her father to her first experience auditioning in Los Angeles, she lets it all hang out.
It takes a lot of courage to put all your truths on display for the world to critique. As open as I am, I can't imagine sharing so much of myself with just anyone. I admire Taraji for having that courage. She actually speaks quite a bit about how her relationship with her father led to that fearlessness.
I'm certain there are a lot of "around the way girls" who share similar experiences and will grow from seeing how dedication and hard work can lead to success. Anyone can grow from even the most humble beginnings to achieve whatever dreams they aspire too.
This book is honest, engaging, raw at times, funny, and real. It's everything I imagine Taraji to be. I enjoyed it very much.

I received this book as a gift for my birthday. This book really made me love her even more. This memoir show her strength, mistakes, weakness and persistence, which makes her human. I will continue to support Taraji. I highly recommend her book.

I really enjoyed this memoir. It didn't drag or beat around the bush; it was unapologetically honest and I loved it. I was disappointed that she didn't talk much about how she got her role on "Baby Boy".
I could tell she is a very private person and I respect that. Overall I would recommend the book.

This book was great. It gave me a closer look into the rise of a very talented actress. She seems very driven and passionate about her craft. I am inspired to follow my dreams. Reading this book it was as if I could hear it coming right from her.

Her honesty, transparency, authenticity, and drive makes this book a great read. You get to understand who and why she is and what motivated her to be the woman she has grown to be. Loved it and I recommend it.

This book was well written and a beautiful life of Taraji. She is just so down to earth, sweet, funny and just has a beautiful spirit. I love reading about her experiences and how she overcame. This book is very inspiring and encouraging.

I really enjoyed reading this book.It was as if I really know her and could hear voice doing the reading throughout the book.I admire her strength and determination and holding onto her faith after her losses.The only thing missing for me were updates about her best friend Tracey Jenkins.They were so close while trying to get into the business but nothing is said about her later except for the photo in the end.

Don't get me wrong: I love me some Taraji. But this was disappointing. To be a Howard University graduate there were too many misspellings that if her editor didn't catch SHE SHOULD HAVE!!! "Tenants" instead of "tenets"?? C'mon!! And "accuturements" instead of "accoutrements" in not one but THREE instances??? Shame! I also didn't feel she gave enough input as to her thoughts about her romantic relationships except for the one who broke her heart when she was younger. What's going on NOW with her, you know?

No mention...or very little...about her co-star in HUSTLE and FLOW and EMPIRE, Terrence Howard. I expected more steamy gossip. Yep...I'm THAT kinda girl.

Really good and insightful. I listened to the audible version and I loved how she performed. Loved how she discussed race, pay in Hollywood, as well as, her son's experiences with racism and her experiences as a single parent.

Amazing! Taraji exceeded my expectations for this book! She is candid and the book flows so well. The tone is different from most autobiographies that I have read in the past; it is more conversational like she is sitting in the room with you. Thoroughly enjoyed

This book was so good! Every black woman should read it. She shares her most vulnerable moments along with moments of triumph. She really lets us in! The underlying theme is fearlessness. She demonstrates that through the experiences that were carefully composed on each page.

It was refreshing to hear Taraji’s story. It is also inspiring. I listened to her book on my ride to and from work. It helped me to think about what more I can do to make my passion a reality. I’m glad that Taraji narrated her own store. No one can tell a person’s story better than they can.

Being a single mom entering my forties I can totally relate to some of Tarajis experiences. My parents too were divorced. Most of her personal life I can identify with. This book inspires me to keep going and that even though my life journey is my very own and very unique, people have had hardships similar to mine and have continued to grow and be successful. Taraji is fun and real in this book. I liked it a lot.

I purchased this book on audible. My purpose for reading it was to give myself a break from all the self-improvement/business books that I normally read. I am pleasantly surprised by how much I'm enjoying it. Ms.Taraji is so real, so inspiring, and so funny. Her life and journey is a true testament of how "anything is possible". My biggest takeaway from her memoir (so far) is that you have to believe in your craft and who you are.

I enjoyed the book! I thought it was well written and very insightful. I usually donate my books to the library or swap them on paperbackswap.com but this one is a keeper. I'll definitely recommend it.

What a wonderful and refreshing story. It was so down to earth and heartfelt. I wish you had talked more about your love life and when you first went to LA. This, however, was your story to tell and you did it well. More power to you and keep the faith.

Awesome..my story but not my ending.
Loved this like I knew I would.
Everyday I think about what I could have accomplished had I tried harder. You remind me so much of me. I just never had the support. God bless you my sister keep doing it and keep doing it well like I know you will. One of the best books I've read

What a wonderful and refreshing story. It was so down to earth and heartfelt. I wish you had talked more about your love life and when you first went to LA. This, however, was your story to tell and you did it well. More power to you and keep the faith.