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You Have No Idea

By: Vanessa Williams, Helen Williams
Narrated by: Vanessa Williams, Helen Williams
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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

What listeners say about You Have No Idea

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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. 💖💖

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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.

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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

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I enjoyed the book

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

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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.

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Excellent Book-enjoyed from beginning to end!

Loved this book. Read by Vanessa and Mom so you can really feel all the emotions throughout the story. Very telling and candid. I loved the openess. You will hear many things that may surprise you. I was exceptionally impressed with this TELL ALL! You must buy!

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Pretty good

Pretty good, very honest book.
Lovely narration. I've been a fan of Vanessa Williams since I was a little girl. It was nice getting to know the woman behind the legend.

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Excellent story from both Mother and Daughter.

What does Vanessa Williams and Helen Williams bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narration from the actual author of a book brings a life to the words they write. Expressions and tone of voice really makes the author point come across. I love listening to both Vanessa and Helen tell their versions of the events in the book. Very well narrated and written.

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

You have no idea.

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Wonderful and insightful!

I loved hearing both Vanessa, and her mother Helen’s story through their own voices. So much going on behind every persons, life, that you really can’t judge or understand. And they think that goes triple for when you’re in the public guy.

The way the story is structured is wonderful, and the fact that they tackle the Miss America story upfront and get it over with I think it’s so smart because it allows you to go ahead and pay attention to the rest of a very interesting and important life that happened before, and after that event. No one should ever be defined by an event, and this memoir shows your way.

And the transparency from both Helen and Vanessa on all issues in life is quite phenomenal. They’re not afraid to look real which means not sugarcoating things to try to make themselves always appear in the best light. But they shining the light on all things that they both are, it really makes them beautiful. A great read.
Kyle

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Great read

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

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