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Around the Way Girl  By  cover art

Around the Way Girl

By: Taraji P. Henson
Narrated by: Taraji P. Henson
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Publisher's summary

2017 Audie Award Finalist for Autobiography/Memoir

Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe winner Taraji P. Henson reads her inspiring and funny book about family, friends, the hustle required to make it from DC to Hollywood, and the joy of living in your own truth.

With a sensibility that recalls her beloved screen characters, including Yvette, Queenie, Shug, and the iconic Cookie from Empire, yet is all Taraji, the screen actress writes of her families - the one she was born into and the one she created. She shares stories of her father, a Vietnam vet who was bowed but never broken by life's challenges, and of her mother, who survived violence both in the home and on DC's volatile streets. Here, too, she opens up about her experiences as a single mother, a journey some saw as a burden but she saw as a gift.

Around the Way Girl is also a classic actor's memoir in which Taraji reflects on the world-class instruction she received at Howard University and the pitfalls that come with being a black actress. With laugh-out-loud humor and candor, she shares the challenges and disappointments of the actor's journey and shows us that behind the red carpet moments, she is ever authentic. She is at heart just a girl in pursuit of her dreams.

©2016 On Top of the World, Inc. All rights reserved. (P)2016 Simon & Schuster

Featured Article: 175+ of the Best Quotes from Black Authors, Activists, Entrepreneurs, and Artists to Celebrate Black History Month


Black History is American History. Whether writers, poets, activists, entertainers, scientists, entrepreneurs, or some combination thereof, Black people have frequently offered exactly the right words when they were needed most. This sweeping collection of wise, stirring, and thought-provoking words from Black Americans offers much to inspire all Americans.

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What listeners say about Around the Way Girl

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Cookie!!!

This book was everything!!! I have listened to it twice
And I FELT IT GO THROUGH MY SOUL

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21 people found this helpful

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Riveting, an Absolute Must Read!!!

I absolutely loved this book. I was inspired by every chapter. I did not even know Taraji wrote a book, but I am glad I found it. This only solidifies my previous opinions about Taraji's talent. This woman is without a shadow of a doubt brilliant and the very epitome of talent. Thank you so much Taraji for sharing your life story.

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Relatable, real!

Per usual, this story made me feel closer to Taraji and made me respect and love her even more!

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Great memoir!!!

I love how really Taraji allowed us into her life and showed us her background!!!

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must read

The storyline is a bit all over the place but the story itself is so incredibly inspirational. I feel like I learned about Taraji P Henson on an intimate level I never imagined. This book is a great read for young women of all ethnicities.

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amazing journey!!!

i have always been a fan of Taraji but after hearing her story, her journey i have a profound level of respect for this woman. i felt every emotion as she was telling her memoir. i cried when her father and the love of her life passed. my heart broke when she had to walk away from the relationship with the father of her son. i was overwhelmed and elated when she got a part or role. as a young black talented woman trying to find her way in this world i 100 percent give props.

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AMAZING & HEARTFELT

Loved every minute of her amazing story so Vulnerable, inspirational, and motivating. Thanks Taraji 😍

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Fantastic read

This memior gave me life! I could listen to it over and over again. Brilliant!

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loved it

tarajo was amazing in telling her life story
she is an inspiration to all. vivid

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Real

She's real & raw which makes it so easy to love her & connect with her story.

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