Thriving Through the Thirties

I stumbled upon this memoir at the Charlotte airport, which, by the way, is hands down one of my fave airports in the U.S. It had been ages since I’d wandered through a bookstore, and on this particular day, Jada Pinkett Smith’s “Worthy” was the only book that shouted, “Hey, pick me!” The cashier, uninvitedly, gave me the lowdown on the book and suggested I hang onto the receipt, casually reminding me I had a generous 6-month window to return it at any airport shop participating in the Read & Return program. Like that was gonna scare me off! Receipt in hand, I left the shop, determined to dive into Jada’s world.

Now, some memoirs you grab because you’re already a fan of the author, some you snag due to the hype, and then there are those you choose after a quick blurb check. Either way, what keeps you glued to a 300-plus-page memoir is usually how darn good the book is – the storytelling, the content, the tone. And sorry to break it to you, but “Worthy” delivered on all fronts for me. The title alone would’ve hooked me, regardless of the author. Then, it kicks off with someone who seemingly has it all, talking about the urge to harm herself. But before we dive deeper…

First things first, I’ve been Team Will forever in the ongoing drama. Still, I was determined to give Jada’s memoir a shot. Because, you know, I have a soft spot for black women telling their stories. Plus, I was curious about the woman who seemed hell-bent on making everyone dislike her in recent public appearances.  And, let’s be honest, I had to know what she’d spill about her relationship with “PAC.” Lastly, I’m not one to jump on the cancel culture bandwagon, but I secretly hope she tones down the oversharing and stops embarrassing her “official” hubby at some point. But that’s a convo for another day.

Okay, back to the book. It might not have a permanent spot on my nightstand, but I genuinely enjoyed reading “Worthy.” I appreciated Jada Pinkett Smith’s candor about being suicidal (and FYI, I don’t take suicidal thoughts lightly) and being born to two addicts. The whole drugs dealing chapter was pretty controversial. I mean, sure, I could appreciate hearing about it, but discussing it after it’s basically ancient history just makes me feel like, “Oh, another person getting away with some messed-up felony/crime without paying their dues.” I’m also not sure how I feel about someone talking about a deceased person who can’t offer their version of events, even if it’s mostly positive.

However, “Worthy” earned its place on my list of best autobiographies. It’s a comprehensive journey through her childhood, the choices that shaped her teen years, her debut as an actress, and her spiritual quest. It’s this beautiful blend of biography and self-help, with each chapter wrapping up with what can be seen as life lessons –although I must admit that might not be everyone’s cup of tea. And let me be crystal clear—it’s not a book about her and Will Smith. Sure, she touches on recent events and addresses some rumors about her marriage, but ultimately, it’s just a woman telling her truth, and I wouldn’t dare dispute her right to do just that.

I tend to become somewhat enamored with most people whose memoirs I read. I became Gabrielle Union’s biggest fan after “We’re Going to Need More Wine.” “Born a Crime” made me forgive Trevor Noah for that one joke I thought was a bit insensitive. However, “Worthy” didn’t make me fall for Jada. I’m not sure that was even the goal of this book. Still, I enjoyed catching a glimpse of the human being behind all the controversial comments and behaviors.

P.S.: Yep, I did return the physical book, but only because a friend gifted me the audio version. Reading “Worthy” was cool, but hearing Jada spill the tea in her own voice? Top-tier experience.