This phrase can mean so much, but this time I’m referring to Vanessa Williams biography co-authored with her mother Helen Williams.
You Have No Idea: A Famous Daughter, Her No-nonsense Mother, and How They Survived Pageants, Hollywood, Love, Loss (and Each Other)
In the scheme of biographies this one may not motivate you like Steve Jobs, but it’s always interesting to learn a little more about the people you see on TV. It helps to better understand that who is portrayed in the media may not be who they truly are..
A lot of biographies start with a story of triumph…they overcame poverty or being abandoned or growing up in the slums. Vanessa’s story starts the same way but with one major difference, she brought most the drama upon herself through poor choices.
A MOTHER’S ADVICE
I respect that she was very open about her person choices and her mother’s view of watching it all happen and wondering what she could do different. I think in this respect many women can relate to the story and understand that sometimes a parent can only do so much…a child must run their own course to become who they should.
My mom has had to put up with my extreme independent streak for years and I respect that she found ways to allow me this independence (an alarm clock in first grade) and ways to still coral me in to smart choices. It’s interesting to see this dynamic manifested in those around us and how for some it drives them apart and other cases the relationship grows because there is an understand that different choices don’t mean a lack of love.
Read more and discuss whether you took your mother’s advice on Blogher.
"This is a paid review for BlogHer Book Club but the opinions expressed are my own."
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Gratitude Journal
May 3
I am grateful for this day being nearly over and having maintained a level of sanity through what could have been some very tense moments. Must be the yoga challenge!
