Che-Michelle Tales

Where do I begin? I wanted to write several blogs this month that focused on Mother’s since Mother’s Day is May 14^th. Over the past four months, I have read numerous books written by Women who are Mothers or women who discussed their mothers in most books. However, one of the books is not really about a mother per se. Instead, this author meets the criteria; she has played several mothers in Hollywood (wink, wink) and discusses her mother in her book. Well, I realized that the review was only a paragraph with one book I read. So, I decided to combine all the reviews into one post. Listed below are a few impactful memoirs I have read and enjoyed.  I enjoyed these books for all distinct reasons; some for their charisma, others for their positivity, and a few for the life lessons taught and learning about each of these people’s lives through their own words.

My all-time favorite Memoir is “The Mother of Black Hollywood” by Jenifer Lewis. I read this book in 2017/2018; her story stands out to me even today. I love Ms. Lewis’ storytelling; she draws you in using her charisma, then captivates you with her high energy. As the story builds, she highlights when she was the problem in a relationship (not just romantic but platonic and work) and her learning that she has bipolar. In her first memoir, Ms. Lewis is vulnerable, honest, and vibrant with her story while holding her actions and reactions accountable. I loved every moment of this book. I suggested it to everyone with ears and even offered to buy it (and did) for those I believed would find value in her story. This is one of the books that helped me enjoy reading memoirs cause of the path less traveled and the resilience Ms. Lewis highlighted each battle she endured, whether it was childhood assault, dealing with undiagnosed Bipolar, or just toxic relationships.

If you want a happy-go-lucky Memoir with only a tiny amount of drama or sadness, “You Should Sit Down for This” by Tamera Mowry-Housley. This book is a pallet cleanser after reading heavy or emotionally intense books. Mrs. Housley is a breath of fresh air, with optimism and wit. In the book’s first part, Housley sets the mood that reading her book should be like conversing with a friend about life and reminiscing. I appreciated that Tamera embraced her quirky nature and not being the “cool” sister. That she lived her life authentically for herself, and that she has found a semblance of peace in her life. I say all this to tell you that the reader will see her life has not been all roses, but she has a grace and spirit for visiting the positive aspect and for keeping what is essential for herself and her family at the center of her focus. She loves good red wines. While I was reading this book ; I was drinking a semi-sweet red wine. When you read this book try South Africa Jam Jar Sweer Red. Her book is the sweetest memoir I have ever read, and South Africa Jam Jar Sweer Red is perfect for 80% of the book.

If you like complete memoirs, read Michelle Obama “Becoming.”  I have owned it for years, and it was collecting digital dust on my bookshelf. I challenged myself to read all the books on my digital bookshelf for 2023. I started reading Becoming in February 2023 and finished this book at the end of March 2023. “Becoming” is a very Capricorn book; you can tell Michelle Obama is a Capricorn. The book is incredibly detailed and thorough. At a few points, the book drags. I was committed to Mrs. Obama’s book because she addressed nuanced subjects that need a certain finesse to explain. Mrs. Obama addresses breaking up with partners for no reason other than those who do not fit into your new life as your transformation—dealing with losing people you love early in life and juggling life’s journey. Overall, I think everyone should read this book and complete the journal that comes with it. You can purchase the Journal, get the text from the library or Amazon Kindle, and do the prompts. It is quite cathartic, and I enjoyed the prompts within the journal, helping to cultivate my thoughts. It was on sale at Target… depending on when I post this blog entry, it might be the total price. P.S. I drank Cabernet Sauvignon during a few chapters of this book.

An amazing but emotionally draining book is Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner. I love this book; the author bears her soul and life on the pages in a way that I can describe as no less than heroic. She talks about what it is like to have a mixed heritage, her mother is Korean, and her father is American. Along with growing up in the Pacific Northwest, with limited cultural influence from her Korean heritage. As the book continues, you enter Michelle’s world, dealing with a culture she knows little about and the tragic event she was dealing with. I am sad to say I am still at the 75% bookmark in the book. I cried a lot while reading this book. I still love her writing and lesson in this book. The moment within the book, but be ready with eye drops, with eyes red wine bottle of wine. I enjoyed an old-world Zinfandel while reading this book.

A memoir to inspire you to “A Beautiful Work in Progress” by Mirna Valerio. I read this book when I   was heavily into running. One of the Running Coaches from Black Girls Run suggested this book to me. Reading the book was quick; I finished the book within about a week. I would need to go back and read this book because I read this book back in 2017. I remember her determination to get up at 4 am and train for an Ultra Marathon. I remember her saying in the book DNQ which means Do Not Quit. Her book renewed my faith that resilience can be a motivator to push forward. The book has other lessons, but these two stand at the forefront if my mind.

I hope you enjoyed this non-traditional list of Memoirs that focus on Mothers, women who are viewed as mothers. Although, next time, I will talk about Single women’s memoirs because I have read a few autobiographies; I wanted to share the ones I enjoyed with you this Mother’s Day. As always, have a glass while you read; it makes the dramatic moments more enthusiastic, the humor funnier, and relaxes the spirit as you unwind.

Until Next Time,

Che Michelle

P.S. in the first image I include Jennette McCurdy book “I’m Glad my Mom Died”, that review will be posted Thursday. I didn’t include her book on today’s post. Through it would fit in with the theme.