As with many audiobook memoirs read by the author, this one is definitely one of those books that actually might be better listened to than read. Whoopi Goldberg has one of those voices that is very memorable and so listening to her tell her own story feels right. Her memoir is well written and interesting, and gives the reader (or in this case, listener) an insight into her life. I did not know too much about her story, and have really only seen a few of her movies/tv shows, so I think that other readers/listeners who aren't super familiar with her as an actress or celebrity will be interested as well. There is also not a ton of information in the story about politics, so for those that find her views that go against their own, I wouldn't worry too much about that. This book is really about relationships, especially with the author's immediate family. It was nice to listen to and one I would recommend.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to listen to and review this audiobook!

A lovely tribute to her mother and brother. It was very interesting learning more about Whoopi's childhood. The love she has for her family is quite clear, and as someone who has lost a parent, I can appreciate the desire to share these stories. I appreciate her candidness and all I can say is, her mother's life and words of wisdom will stay with me.

Highly recommend the audiobook.

***Thank you to Blackstone Publishing & Whoopi Goldberg for providing me with a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an unbiased review.

Most books are better read than listened to-- but this is one of those rare gems that begs to be heard, performed by Whoopi herself, rather than read on the page. In fact, I struggle to even imagine what this book would look like on the page, because so much of the joy of this book is in Whoopi's little vocal flourishes, her giggles, and her rambling asides. It all feels like a casual conversation with a close friend, rather than anything with real structure. <i>Bits and Pieces</i> is a perfect name for this, as it's not so much a memoir as a collection of experiences, thoughts, and, mostly, an exploration of her relationship with her mother. Anyone who is close with their mother will relate. While there's nothing particularly poetic or profound about this memoir, it's like a warm hug to which you want to return time and again. I found myself wanting to hold off on listening, to savor each moment, but also wanting to devour it fully in a single sitting. Whether you're a fan of Ms. Goldberg or not, I would highly recommend this-- and do yourself a favor and *LISTEN* to it!

So many emotions after finishing this book. I will say I am a huge fan of Whoopi’s movies not the political side of things. There’s very very little of that in this book. (Politics stress me out and I read to escape) I loved the stories about Whoopi’s upbringing and her tight connection with her Mom and brother. I lost my mom and dad when I was younger so this book left me in tears a few times.

Bits and Pieces by Whoopi Goldberg is a stunning memoir, the audiobook read by Whoopi herself and it is clear to see, through the love of her family, how Whoopi came to be the incredible person she is today

Always inspirational, sometimes controversial, but always, always, Whoopi

An essential biography, loved it

Thank you to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks and Whoopi Goldberg for this beautiful ALC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

This is a heartwarming love letter to Whoopi's brother and mother. I really enjoyed hearing about times from her childhood and how much joy, love, and happiness was had between her and her mother and brother. Not surprisingly really loved this one, as someone who enjoys familial fiction. Familial nonfiction is where it's at. As far as memoirs go this is also one of my newest favorites. This is how you write a memoir, just enough details to keep your reader entertained and interested. I also appreciated Whoopi's chapter on dealing with the loss of your mother. This was a very emotional and heartwarming memoir. I've always enjoyed Whoopi in her films and to hear how she was able to really chase her dreams because of the 2 people closest to her was beautiful. Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this ARC copy!!

I love Whoopi Goldberg! This book is even more special because she reads the audiobook herself! It was wonderful to read about her life in conjunction to the loving relationships with her mother and her brother. It is clear how much love they had as a family. A must read memoir!!

I found listening to Whoopi Goldberg share stories of her mother and brother to be incredibly soothing and beautiful. Definitely recommended listen to this.

."The loss of your mom is the loss of the first person who ever looked at you and thought, ' this is my baby..' "

This memoir is primarily focused on Whoopi Goldberg's life with her mother and brother, both of whom passed away during her adulthood, leaving her forever devastated. As Goldberg tells it, her mother, Emma Harris, was an extraordinary woman who served as an incredible role model for her children. Throughout Goldberg's career, it was her mother who served as her backbone and best friend. Goldberg tells us that it took a long time for her grief over her mother to really sink in because she was busy trying to keep her life in order. But she reminds us that grief over a mother is profound and iterative...it never really goes away. She tells her readers to find a way to celebrate your mom once you've lost her...to do whatever works to remember her.. She also offers other commentary about the death of a parent or sibling and how to prepare for it beforehand.

Goldberg tells readers about her career and the way that it evolved; she is honest about her addictions (which somehow had escaped me), Her story is raw and emotional, but also super funny in parts. The way that she reminices about her mother is heartwarming and relatable. I listened to this memoir, narrated by Goldberg, herself, and is almost like sitting and having a conversation with her.

I received a copy of this audiobook from netGalley for a honest review.

My only problem with this book is I needed it 10 years ago when my mom passed away. I totally understand Whoopi's desire to chronicle her mom and brother's lives and they seemed like amazing, wonderful, caring people who made her into who she is today. Whoopi addresses grief and loss openly and honestly. I found myself moved to tears and laughing out loud. This book is a wonderful monument to her family.

Thank you NetGalley, Whoopi Goldberg and Blackstone Publishing for allowing me to read this book.

I went in not knowing much about Whoopi other than having seen a few of her movies/shows and that she’d asked to be on Star Trek:TNG. The grace and poise that she writes with about her upbringing and journey to where she is now is stunning.

Highly recommend this book to anyone as it can fit most wants for someone looking not only for a good memoir, but a good book.

Do yourself a favor and listen to this one as an audiobook. Whoopi “reads” the book, but it’s more like she’s talking to you as a friend.

Whoopi (Caryn Johnson) grew up in the projects with her single mom and brother Clyde. This book is similar to a love letter to them. They didn’t have much, but they had love and laughter and their mother, Emma, gave them a wonderful childhood.

Her mother and brother both passed pretty suddenly. Her mother in 2010 and her brother in 2015. She tells us stories in the book that describe her life growing up. You can feel the love and respect she holds especially for her mother, but also her brother.

We do get little snippets into her career, which was also fun.

I loved the positivity, loyalty, depth of relationships and of course, humor- woven throughout this book. There are a lot of great “little life lessons” sprinkled in as well.

What do you think of first when you think of Whoopi Goldberg?

First, I think of Ghost, followed closely by Sister Act. And now, of course, The View.

Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for an audio copy of this book.

I loved listening to Whoopi (aka Caryn Johnson) talk about her relationship with both her mother and her brother Clyde. It didn’t feel at all like she was reading a written text, but truly that she was telling these stories for the first time. Giggling, self deprecating, Sarcasm- they’re all there. Highly recommend listening to the audio, read by the author.

My thanks to Net Galley and Blackstone publications for this arc of the audio.

I really enjoyed hearing Whopi narrate stories of her childhood and how she became famous. Very enjoyable listen and she engages the listener.

This audiobook is PHENOMENAL! I laughed and cried all within the first 2 chapters! My earliest memories of Whoopi are from her one-woman show, and I loved how she could tell a funny, heartwarming, sad, and endearing story all in one! This audiobook has that same energy from her one-woman show. Books are good when the author reads them, but Whoopi takes reading a book you authored to a new level!
The listener can't but feel an array of emotions while listening to her best memories of her mother and brother. You could feel the love Whoopi has for them both, jumping out of the speakers. I have to admit I am envious of the relationship Whoopi had with her mother, and I admire her mother for showering Whoopi with unconditional love and support. You can't help but want to know her mother yourself.
One of my favorite parts is when Whoopi talks about scary movies, and she mentions Trilogy of Terror, the same movie (the 3rd story), that if you are 50+, may have also left you scarred! See celebrities are just like us!
You don't have to be a fan of Whoopi to appreciate this novel. It is incredibly entertaining, heartwarming, sad, and hits you right in your heart! I can't wait to listen to it again!

A Joyride of a Memoir

Bits and Pieces is an enlightening and entertaining autobiography by Whoopi Goldberg, whose real name is Caryn Johnson. I listened to the audiobook, which was narrated by the author and thoroughly enjoyed it. In this life story, she opens up about her close relationships with her wise and encouraging mother, Emma, and her protective, big brother, Clyde.

Goldberg’s writing is not just fluid, it's a joyride. The audio production feels like she's right there, having a lively conversation with us, sharing all the laughter and tears of her life. I often found myself both laughing and crying along with her anecdotes! If you've ever seen her on the big screen, this book is a must-read. Whoopi shares some of her fondest and somberest memories of growing up in the projects in New York City.

My favorite part is hearing Whoopi reminisce about her mother in such a kind, loving, and thoughtful way. Particularly the stories of how she would ask her mom questions about her past and her mom would ask her Why do you need to know that? Or why are you asking that? Her mom gave her the confidence she needed to succeed.

I sincerely thank Whoopi Goldberg, Blackstone Publishing, and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.



“Not everybody gets to walk this earth with folks who let you be exactly who you are and give you the confidence to become exactly who you want to be. So, I thought I'd share mine with you.”


Publisher Blackstone Publishing Audio
Published May 7, 2024
Narrated Whoopi Goldberg
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com

I love most of the memoirs I read, but I really loved this one! Would absolutely recommend :) I feel so grateful for Whoopi’s vulnerability and telling of her life story. The trials of losing both a mother and brother that were dearly loved are shared. Whoopi shared a lot about being a person of color in a timeline where diversity wasn’t the standard. She also explores her family’s lived experiences with misogyny and how husbands were the ones making healthcare decisions for their wives & answering for them, etc.

I loved the flow of this. It felt like Whoopi was telling me her life story rather than reading a book to me. The audio quality was amazing and this book is read by Whoopi herself. If you enjoy Brené Browns audio style, you will love listening to it in this format. Though I’d recommend it in any format, audio is definitely the way to go!

A quote that really stuck out to me was “It never occurred to me that I was seeing a space that I wasn’t in” when referred to all white groups. This is so true of my lived experience growing up. It wasn’t until college that I was able to put to words the feeling of being the only person of color in the room and that I began to acknowledge what that feeling was. It’s not that I didn’t notice before, but that I didn’t know being the only POC in some of my classes was a feeling I could acknowledge.

This book made me want to watch The Color Purple — but I have to read the book first!

Thank you for telling your story, Whoopi!💗 thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. :)

What a blast! I've always been a fan of Whoopi and her book increased my admiration for her, if that's even possible.
Her book gave me insight into her life. Of course, she accomplished that mission with a balance of humor and sincerity.
No one could have or should have narrated this book other Whoopi. A great audio experience.

As a long time fan of Whoopi's, I couldn't wait to listen to this book. Her story is mesmerizing, and I loved hearing about her life in front of and behind the cameras. She's such an amazing storyteller and her voice as the narrator just made the audiobook even more special

This book elicited every possible reaction from me.. I laughed out loud at some moments, and at others my jaw dropped in shock. This book hit every emotional note you can imagine. Hearing it in the author's voice made it all the better.