You Have No Idea

A Famous Daughter, Her No-nonsense Mother, and How They Survived Pageants, Hollywood, Love, Loss (and Each Other)

By: Vanessa Williams, Helen Williams

Narrated by: Vanessa Williams, Helen Williams

Length: 7 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

The highly anticipated first book by superstar Vanessa Williams and her mother.

When Vanessa Williams was growing up, she had a plan: She'd go to college and major in musical theater; afterward she'd get her MFA from the Yale School of Drama, and then she would embark on a successful career on Broadway. But her life took a detour and she wound up the first Black Miss America in September 1983 (an accomplishment that she never planned for or desired), only to be forced to resign 10 months later due to a nude photo scandal - much to the shock of her mother, Helen, who had told her, "never pose nude for anyone."

But Vanessa survived this setback, and many others to come, to enjoy a 30-plus-year career as an award-winning singer and actress. Vanessa has been asked to write her memoir many times, but only now - in collaboration with her mother, Helen - is she ready to tell her story.

Vanessa grew up in Millwood, New York, part of one of the town's only African-American families. When Vanessa was a teenager, she and Helen were constantly at odds. But despite their early conflicts, Helen has always ardently protected and supported her daughter, staying in contact with the FBI about the death threats Vanessa received after being crowned and being there for her through the births of her four children and dissolution of her two marriages.

Vanessa describes how she's made it through the ups and downs of her life as well as her career - from the The Right Stuff to Kiss of the Spider Woman to Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives. Jointly written by Vanessa and Helen, and filled with dozens of personal family photos and mementos, You Have No Idea is an empowering celebration of the love between a mother and daughter and the life, thus far, of a woman who beat the odds to achieve her destiny.

©2012 Vanessa Williams, Helen Williams (P)2012 Penguin

Extraordinary Read

I stumbled upon this photo of Vanessa Williams and her Mom and thought she was always so beautiful to me. I knew of her Ms America situation but, so what! I was intrigued to read about her life and her Moms life journeys.
I pray that both is them are still prosperous and Happy. Blessings on Blessings and THANK YOU for sharing. 💖💖

The Honesty

I don’t often love autobiographical stories but in this case I thought both women were candid and the book was well done.

Beautiful

Would you listen to You Have No Idea again? Why?

Yes I would definitely listen again, Vanessa's life is very interesting and there is not a dull moment.

What did you like best about this story?

i feel as though I learnt a lot from Vanessa and Helen in this book which I plan to carry with me throughout my life.

Have you listened to any of Vanessa Williams and Helen Williams ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Huge fan of VW, she should do another book and Helen should definitely do a book on parenting, she's an amazing mother.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

No, you really do have no idea

Any additional comments?

Love Vanessa and Helen, the book made me laugh and cry and made me feel proud

I enjoyed the book

I really enjoyed the book. Thank you! Vanessa Williams is truly a gem and someone I have always admired.

You Have No Idea How much I Love Vanessa and her mother.

I love the reading of this book. It was funny, inspiring and a recommend read.

Great read

Great read, great stories- seemed a bit out of order but still fun. She is a great talent

FeliW1

I really enjoyed the story and narration by both Vanessa and her mom Helen Williams.

Love This Audio Book

I loved listening to Vanessa Williams’ life ( thus far) story. It reminds me to never judge a book (person) by its cover (exterior).

Great story.

I loved how honest Vanessa and her mom are. I only wished it was longer. ❤️

Good Read

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The narration by Vanessa and Helen Williams was absolutely spectacular.