Around the way girl...

Before I picked this book, Taraji was already like a favorite cousin/auntie to me. Her spirit just seemed real and authentic, regardless of the story she played. After the news broke about her pay conditions and living quarters while filming "Benjamin Button" compared to her white co-stars, again, I too felt the pain of all black women who make our way into corporate or "mostly white" America through our careers with our heads held high, only to be smacked in the face by invisible barriers of systematic racism, gender inequality and classism. "But I went to school" "I worked hard" we did all the things we were told to do in order to be successful, but when it really came down to it, our worth was not measured by what we brought to the table, but rather the color of our skin and the gender/sex we identify with. When I finished Taraji's book, I could visualize all the hard work she put in, all the sacrifices she made, and even with all the success she's had over the years, she still has to struggle in today's Hollywood. Recently Taraji announced her 2 year relationship (and engagement) throughout the media, and I thought "yessss Auntie!" because I am so happy for her and her happiness. This book made me love Taraji even more, and I wish her nothing but success and happiness for her and her family.