📖 Overview
You Got Anything Stronger? is Gabrielle Union's second memoir, following her 2017 book We're Going to Need More Wine. Union continues to share stories from her life as an actress, mother, and public figure, picking up where her first book left off.
The memoir covers Union's journey through surrogacy, marriage, and parenthood, while also addressing her experiences in Hollywood and her advocacy work. She writes about her role as a stepmother, her relationship with husband Dwyane Wade, and the challenges of building a blended family.
Union tackles topics including racism, sexism, and trauma recovery, sharing both personal anecdotes and broader cultural observations. She discusses her path to healing and growth while maintaining her career in the entertainment industry.
This collection of essays explores themes of resilience, identity, and the complexities of modern family life. The book serves as both a personal narrative and a commentary on societal expectations placed on women, particularly women of color.
👀 Reviews
Readers appreciate Union's raw honesty about personal struggles, particularly her fertility journey and surrogacy experience. Many note her vulnerability in discussing racism, marriage challenges, and parenting. The audiobook narration by Union receives frequent mentions for adding emotion and authenticity.
Common praise focuses on:
- Relatable stories about motherhood and relationships
- Frank discussion of mental health
- Examination of Hollywood's treatment of Black women
Main criticisms:
- Less cohesive structure than her first memoir
- Some chapters feel unfocused
- A few readers found certain sections repetitive
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.3/5 (12,000+ ratings)
Amazon: 4.7/5 (2,800+ ratings)
Audible: 4.8/5 (3,000+ ratings)
Reader quote: "She writes like she's having an intimate conversation with you over coffee" - Goodreads reviewer
The book resonates most strongly with readers who enjoyed Union's first memoir and those interested in celebrity perspectives on social justice issues.
📚 Similar books
Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
A Black woman's memoir about transformation and speaking truth parallels Union's candid exploration of personal growth and self-discovery.
Finding Me by Viola Davis This memoir presents raw stories of trauma, resilience, and success in Hollywood from a Black actress's perspective.
The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama The former First Lady shares personal strategies for navigating uncertainty and change while examining race, gender, and identity in America.
More Than Enough by Elaine Welteroth A memoir chronicles a Black woman's journey through media and fashion industries while breaking barriers and confronting systemic racism.
Around the Way Girl by Taraji P. Henson The memoir documents a Black actress's path from humble beginnings to Hollywood success while facing industry challenges and motherhood.
Finding Me by Viola Davis This memoir presents raw stories of trauma, resilience, and success in Hollywood from a Black actress's perspective.
The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama The former First Lady shares personal strategies for navigating uncertainty and change while examining race, gender, and identity in America.
More Than Enough by Elaine Welteroth A memoir chronicles a Black woman's journey through media and fashion industries while breaking barriers and confronting systemic racism.
Around the Way Girl by Taraji P. Henson The memoir documents a Black actress's path from humble beginnings to Hollywood success while facing industry challenges and motherhood.
🤔 Interesting facts
📚 In this memoir, Union openly shares her surrogacy journey after experiencing multiple miscarriages, challenging the stigma surrounding fertility struggles in the Black community.
🎭 The book's title is a follow-up to Union's first memoir "We're Going to Need More Wine," continuing her trademark raw and honest storytelling style.
💫 Gabrielle Union discusses her role as stepmother to Dwyane Wade's children and how she navigated the complex dynamics of blended families while building trust and authentic relationships.
🎬 The author reveals behind-the-scenes details about her experience on "America's Got Talent" and her decision to file a discrimination complaint against NBC and the show's producers.
🌟 Union shares how she and husband Dwyane Wade support their transgender daughter Zaya, becoming prominent advocates for LGBTQ+ youth and challenging conventional parenting narratives.