Walking in My Joy by Jennifer Lewis is an inspiring memoir that chronicles her journey of self-discovery, healing, and embracing joy after overcoming adversity.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amistad for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Jenifer Lewis is an absolute gift, and I will definitely be reading anything that she writes. I did not realize that this was her second book, and I will definitely be getting my hands on a copy of her first book The Mother of Black Hollywood: A Memoir as soon as possible.

This book was absolutely entertaining from start to finish and I could not put it down. Jenifer Lewis is a master storyteller and I really enjoyed being able to read them all.

I HIGHLY recommend this book and I think that everyone should read it! I wish that I could give this book even more than 5 stars!

She lost me a few times, but this was an amazing read. It was even more amazing listening to the audiobook and hearing the intonations, music, and songs. It made for a beautiful experience. I loved her transparency and learning about her activism.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc of Walking In My Joy.

Another amazing memoir from THE JENIFER LEWIS. I enjoyed this so much. Loved hearing her talk about working on Blackish. I applaud her for including the time the guy she was dating conned her. I know that wasn't easy to talk about and I love her transparency. It can truly happen to anyone, people are just that slick. I read this and also listened on audio, if you get a chance to listen via audio you're in for a treat because Jenifer's voice is everything.

I think this was my most disappointing read of the year.

Walking in My Joy is Jenifer Lewis’s second memoir. Her first memoir, The Mother of Black Hollywood, focused on telling her entire life story, but Walking in My Joy is more focused on her activism, political views, and experience with the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic.

I don’t entirely know what went wrong with this book. I loved The Mother of Black Hollywood so so much, so it was pretty shocking to me how much worse Walking in My Joy was. I think part of the issue is that it may have been written too conversationally, because once I switched from the ebook to the audiobook I was able to enjoy it a little bit more. I read the entirety of The Mother of Black Hollywood as an audiobook and it’s an excellent audiobook, so maybe I would’ve disliked that book as well if I’d tried to read it physically. But there was nothing I liked about Walking in My Joy. Each chapter was a different story from her life and I couldn’t connect with or enjoy any of the stories. I didn’t think it was funny even though she’s usually very funny. I just think a lot more care was put into The Mother of Black Hollywood than Walking in My Joy.

A lot of people I follow on Instagram received ARCs of this book, and I haven’t seen any of them say they’ve disliked it. It also has a 4.35 rating on Goodreads, so clearly I’m in the minority here. 😅 But I recommend reading The Mother of Black Hollywood and skipping Walking in My Joy.

"Laughter is the greatest healer"-Jenifer Lewis

I didn't know how much I needed this book until I finished it!!! Jenifer Lewis is amazing in everything she does & this book did not disappoint. Shorter than her first book but still full of gems!! Jenifer Lewis says the quiet part out loud in a way only she can deliver!!

This is a phenomenal book. I enjoyed every page of it. I actually like this book more than Jenifer’s first book, 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐟 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐲𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝. I gave her 1st book 4⭐️s. This one is definitely 5⭐️s.
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In this book Jenifer writes about a wide range of topics. The stories are humorous and touching. She shares each story with no-holds-barred honesty. Each chapter ends with a boldly transparent poem.
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Now that I’ve read this book I have a much better understanding of Jenifer the woman. After digesting her stories, her loud, boisterous personality makes more sense to me. I was also able to see a softer side to Jenifer. Her delivery is raw and unforgiving. But what else do you expect from Auntie Jen😂.
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𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧 𝐌𝐲 𝐉𝐨𝐲 is a good, easy read. If your looking for an engaging book of short stories, I highly recommend this one. It is sure to keep you entertained from the beginning to the end.

Jenifer Lewis never disappoints. She drops memorable life advice while imparting her personal experiences. The book flows seamlessly and so much of her vibrant personality shines through the text.

I would be careful about recommending this book to students as some of the subject matter and language is adulterated. However, for those mature audiences interested in learning more about Ms. Lewis, Behind the scenes in Hollywood, living with mental illness, I would definitely recommend.

Where can you find sharp humor, smart truths and an unforgettable collection of stories? In Jenifer Lewis' new memoir titled Walking in My Joy: In these Streets!

The Mother of Black Hollywood has appeared in 68 movies, 40 animations, 4 Broadway productions and over 200 concerts worldwide. She is an accomplished actress, singer, dancer, community activist and author. With the help of Natalie Guerrero, she writes an entertaining collection of essays about memorable adventures and experiences in Walking in My Joy.

Jenifer Lewis is Auntie-in-my-Head Jenny that I take advice from because I know she's done it. She's been there, done that and learned. Auntie knows! I was nodding in agreement, highlighting and literally LOL while reading Walking in My Joy. She shares stories of love, self-reflection, joy and pain with such an openness. I'm blessed to be one of the first to read it!

Whew—there are some stories and sentences in this book that left my jaw open. Statements we may think but never say aloud. Well, Jenifer Lewis said it for us. She speaks her mind about racism in America, Kanye West, Flint, COVID-19 pandemic, air-fried chicken, aliens and more. She also takes readers along on incredible journeys across the world, unselfishly sharing her personal experiences all the while making us laugh and feel inspired. This memoir truly lives up to its title!

One month and a few books later, and I still recollect stories from Walking in My Joy. I can still hear Jenifer Lewis' distinctive voice telling anecdotes with her signature deep laugh. I am quite the avid reader so it is rare for books to hold space in my mental streets like Walking in My Joy does. The motivational message has stuck with me. I originally rated this memoir 4♥️ but the more I sit with it and write this review, it deserves every bit of 5♥️. It is so worth reading, Bookhearts!

Happy Pub Day, Jenifer Lewis! Walking in My Joy is now available.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

Jenifer Lewis is truly one to be admired for her openness and honesty. This is a follow up to her memoir, Black Mother of Hollywood and these stories are emotional and full of wisdom. They say laughter is the best medicine and if that’s true, Auntie is here to heal us all.

This one comes off a bit less polished than her memoir, which for me means a lot less hands touched it. So we are getting a more authentic Jenifer Lewis. With that being said, I loved every moment of this book, including the poetry (songs).

I’ll definitely look for the audiobook, especially if Lewis narrates because I know if will be a totally different experience.

Jenifer Lewis continues to lead with love and walk in her joy in this follow-up release to her celebrated memoir, the Black Mother of Hollywood. This is the same beloved Auntie sharing wisdom by opening her heart and laying the truth before the reader so that her life can be a lesson for anyone willing to learn. Her stories are revealing - ranging from pure happiness found in her success, adventures, friends/family to soul-searing pain felt via the loss of loved ones, suitors’ deception, her battles with her health, both physical and mental.

The style of storytelling echoes her vibrant personality, charm, and sense of humor. Old fans will love her honest take on life, her encounters with celebrity friends - including the Obamas, Brandy, Bette Midler- and her motivation and headstrong commitment to activism - LBTQAI+ rights, Voter Encouragement, BlackLivesMatter, etc. No doubt she will also gain new fans with this delightful offering.

She says, “If you lead with love, you can change your world.” Lead on, Auntie! Here’s to continued success in her professional and personal journey!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an opportunity to review.

Walking in My Joy from the QUEEN Jenifer Lewis is exactly what is needed. Told with her trademark honestly and hilarious voice, it's stories full of her life--from her connection with her cousin Ronnie “part cousin, part sibling, part soulmate” to moving a super fan turned personal assistant turned RuPaul's Drag Race superstar into her house. HI SHANGELA!

One of the biggest takeaways from this book is Lewis's activism which she has never been quiet about. From her support for LGBTQIA+ rights to Black Lives Matter to anti-Trump to climate change, Lewis has never been afraid to make her stance on these issues known. A clip of Lewis receiving her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame recently went a bit viral and for good reason! Wearing a vivid yellow suit, Lewis spoke openly about her mental health and asking for help. She took iconic photos with her signature high kick.

Jenifer Lewis is an American treasure and this book is just a tiny portion of what makes her so.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review.

Brilliant and hilarious, this memoir can only be heard in Jenifer Lewis's distinctive voice, even if you read the print version. I cannot wait for this to come out so I can buy it immediately and reread it. Loved every word!