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You Have No Idea  By  cover art

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

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Vanessa and Mother Helen

I loved the mother daughter dynamic of this book. I laughed, cried and walked on stage with them. With so much happening in the world, it was nice to hear someone just tell their story. Iced loved VW for as long as I can remember. As a light eyed black girl, i related to her aesthetic. I didn’t know about her “scandal” until i was grown! Lol and i didn’t care… nudes are normal now and should’ve been normal then.

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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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Loved It!

What did you love best about You Have No Idea?

Vanessa's and her mother's candidness about their life experiences and relationship.

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

The book's title...You Have No Idea

Any additional comments?

There is a lot of wisdom regarding parenting.

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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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The story telling is riveting

Like all things Vanessa Williams does extraordinary the story telling of her mother’s experience of the same events are fantastic. I couldn’t stop listening. I found myself outraged over the Miss America time & appalled that the men who exploited a young girl profited and she was left to explain to interviewers & put up with the double standard. No one in the media came to her defense, interviewers were cruel. She prevailed. I found myself thinking we are lucky she never gave up. She’s a Goliath of talent and the audience the benefactors of her ability to persevere.
BRAVO!!!!

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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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Wonder Woman

You have handled with dignity through your journey in life. May The Lord keep blessing you with your kids and entourage. Keep surprising us with your talent. Blessings!❤️✌🏿🙏🏿💐

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Great story.

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

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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).

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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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