Nonfiction: Bits and Pieces by Whoopi Goldberg

Actress Whoopi Goldberg has written several books, both fiction and nonfiction, but this is the first time I have picked one up. Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me caught my attention because of its focus on Goldberg's early life, and her experience growing up with her mother, Emma Johnson, and her older brother Clyde. From what life was like as a child in New York City, to her rise in Hollywood, Goldberg share intimate, and sometimes painful memories of the people who helped shape her.

Genre, Themes, History: This is a nonfiction book that mostly moves chronologically through Goldberg's life and career. Starting in the Chelsea projects in Manhattan, Goldberg describes her life living with only her mother and brother, while attending Catholic school (with the uniform and everything), and not having very much, although she did not realize she was poor, not when she was a kid. Her mother was the type of person who simply made everything work. Goldberg then moves through her teens and the start of her career, mentioning shows and movie titles that many will recognize. And eventually, the narrative talks about Emma's death in 2010, and Clyde's in 2015, and the grief that comes with having the two most important people in your life suddenly not be there. 

My Verdict: There is a lot packed into a book that is less than 250 pages. The book is not only a memoir detailing Goldberg's life and career, but also an exploration of who her mother was, what she taught her, and her belief that she owes her mother all the credit for what she has been able to accomplish. I found the entire narrative to be fascinating, especially the stories of when Emma met celebrities, and even one president. And of course, there are the high points and pivotal moments of Goldberg's career, such as when she won her Oscar, and how the lead for Sister Act was actually meant for Bette Midler. Finally, many will be moved by Goldberg's final thoughts on grief, and how it is different for everyone. I read the physical copy of this book, but may decide to listen to the audiobook as I am sure it is an incredible experience.

Favorite Moment: The story of when Whoopi, her mother, and her brother all met Marlon Brando is my favorite, though the moment she and her mother met Bill Clinton is a close favorite.

Favorite Quote: "Probably none of us had the childhoods we think we had." - the opening lines of the book.

Recommended Reading: One celebrity memoir that I cannot seem to recommend enough is Steve Martin's Born Standing Up. And I will also recommend Born a Crime by Trevor Noah.