Worthy by Jada Pinkett Smith
A Review By: SQ
A gripping, at times painfully honest, and ultimately inspirational memoir from global superstar and creator of the Red Table Talk series Jada Pinkett Smith.
Jada Pinkett Smith was living what many would view as a fairy-tale of Hollywood success. But appearances can be deceiving, and as she felt more and more separated from her sense of self, emotional turmoil took hold. Sparing no detail, Worthy chronicles her life—from a rebellious youth running the Baltimore streets as an observer and participant in the drug trade, to the deep bond she shared with Tupac Shakur from the moment they met, to her move to Los Angeles and the successful career she built on her own terms, to becoming the wife of superstar Will Smith and mother to Jaden, Willow and bonus-mom to Trey. A rollercoaster from the depths of suicidal depression to the heights of self-acceptance and spiritual healing, Worthy is a woman’s journey to finding herself again.
In a media driven landscape that crafts narratives for our celebrities, Smith shares herself in an intimate conversation with readers. She answers questions about her difficult childhood, her marriage, her parenting style, her career choices, and the intense scrutiny that followed “the slap.” An impactful and rare memoir that engages and educates, Worthy shows why adhering to the status quo has never been the plan for Jada Pinkett Smith and why labels and stories crafted by others strip women of their authenticity. Worthy teaches us who Jada is, and how to embrace our most lovable qualities. Complete with thought-provoking writing prompts and meditations on how to discover who we really are and nourish our self-worth.
Review Notes:
Audio Book Publication Year: 2023
An installment in a Series? No
Narrator (s): Jada Pinkett Smith
The truth can usually be found somewhere between perspectives. This is a full-blown autobiography from early childhood into the author’s current circumstances. While still chaotic, there is grace to be found by listening to hear rather than condemn.
This book is really about what makes Jada “tick.” Her narration was given to us as if we are a friend and she’s saying “Listen, I know what’s been said, but can you give me a chance to tell my side before you judge me? Please?” Her life was a lot and a lot was clarified. I loved that the book was so transparent and that Jada was so giving of herself.
There wasn’t much that I disliked about the book. There were moments where I couldn’t help thinking “poor lil’ rich woman” from a commoner’s standpoint. Even in that, I had to remember that just because she’s wealthy does not excuse her from the human experience, complete with emotions.
Reading Recommendation? Yes!
Rating: NORTH STAR RATING
Content Warnings? Human or animal loss, Physical abuse/violence
