Preview
  • The Mother of Black Hollywood

  • A Memoir
  • By: Jenifer Lewis
  • Narrated by: Jenifer Lewis
  • Length: 10 hrs and 47 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (11,244 ratings)

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The Mother of Black Hollywood

By: Jenifer Lewis
Narrated by: Jenifer Lewis
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Publisher's summary

AudioFile Magazine Earphones Award Winner

The "Mega Diva" and legendary star of Black-ish looks back on her memorable journey to fame and the unforgettable life lessons she learned along the way.

Jenifer Lewis keeps it real in this provocative and touching memoir by a Midwestern girl with a dream whose journey from poverty to Hollywood will move, shock, and inspire listeners.

Told in the audacious voice her fans adore, Jenifer describes a road to fame made treacherous by dysfunction and undiagnosed mental illness, including a sex addiction. Yet, supported by loving friends and strengthened by "inner soldiers", Jenifer never stopped entertaining and creating.

We watch as Jenifer develops icon status stemming from a series of legendary screen roles as the sassy yet loveable mama or auntie. And we watch as her emotional disturbances, culminating in a breakdown while filming The Temptations movie, launch her on a continuing search for answers, love, and healing.

Written with no-holds-barred honesty, this gripping memoir is filled with insights gained through a unique life that offers a universal message: "Love yourself so that love will not be a stranger when it comes."

From her first taste of applause at five years old to landing on Broadway within 11 days of graduation and ultimately achieving success in movies, television, and global concert halls, Jenifer reveals her outrageous life story with lots of humor, a few regrets, and, most importantly, unbridled joy. Candid, warm, and wonderfully inspiring, The Mother of Black Hollywood intimately reveals the heart of a woman who lives life to the fullest.

©2017 Jenifer Lewis (P)2017 HarperCollins Publishers
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Critic reviews

"Jenifer Lewis, star of the TV show 'Black-ish,' holds nothing back in delivering her audacious, outrageous memoir.... Bursting into song, exploding with over-the-top hilarity, Lewis confides some of her best-kept secrets to fans as if they were her new BFFs. Wonderfully honest, intelligent, and brave, Lewis delivers a tour-de-force performance not to be missed." (AudioFile)

Featured Article: The top 100 celebrity memoirs of all time


The best celebrity memoir audiobooks are in a league of their own—there is no greater listening experience than a memoir performed by the celebrity behind the title. Their charisma and authenticity greatly enhance the experience, making it all the more engaging. Many listeners who would never think to read a celebrity memoir in print gravitate to the genre in audio. There’s something magical about hearing, in their own voice, the nitty-gritty of a star’s path.

What listeners say about The Mother of Black Hollywood

Average customer ratings
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Great Story about Her Life but Lots of Cursing

I really enjoyed the book but could have done without all of the cursing. It is true to her character as the beloved grandmother on Blackish and other roles she has played. From listening to the book, I just felt like we could be good friends.

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4 people found this helpful

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I am in awe and inspired

This by far is the nest book I’ve read(heard) in my life. She has inspired me to look at my own relationship with my mother, although she now suffers from dementia.

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1 person found this helpful

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"Truth"

I Loved it completely!
Uncut reality delivered sincerely
and Egot life without the awards !!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Intriguing, captivating and humorous! Great buy!

Intriguing, captivating and humorous! Great buy! Jennifer is a Diva with FABULOUS sense of humor. I wanted more!

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This book is JUUUUUUUUUUICY!!!

Her reading drew me in... it was like I was there experiences her life with her! Excellent Excelllent Book!!!

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FAN-TASTIC!

Jenifer Lewis should receive all the flowers. This was an extraordinary story by an extraordinary woman.

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Jenifer "Muthafuggin" Lewis

I absolutely loved Ms. Lewis already, which made me buy her audio book. After hearing her retell her story it made me love her more. I found myself in her stories.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Unapologetically raw, honest, and inspiring.

Jenifer's story is refreshing at a time we seem to have lost touch with our humanity in this country. She takes the taboo and makes it real as reflected in so many of our lives. Much respect to her.

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Loved

Loved it!! Amazing!! Insightful!! Hilarious!! Very real, encouraging and a really good listen. I would listen again!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Fabulous narration

Ms. Lewis has led a marvelous, fun filled life despite her humble beginnings. She really took the cards dealt and played the fuck out of them. I laughed, sighed and “umph!’ed along with her, and I truly believe that audible is the only way to take in this story. Magnificent!

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