Book Review: You Have No Idea

You Have No Idea by Vanessa Williams and Helen Williams is an intriguing and honest look into the world of celebrity, tabloid scandal and family. While chronicling Vanessa Williams’ life, beginning with her discovery of the nude photo scandal that would end her reign as Miss America, and leading up the present, as she ponders an empty nest after years of child-rearing, the book also explores Vanessa and Helen’s feelings about the course their lives have taken and the love they share.

While I enjoyed reading the behind-the-scenes take on Vanessa Williams’ life in the spotlight, it was Helen’s character that I found most fascinating. Raised away from her biological mother and often beaten by her adoptive parents, Helen’s life was not easy. Despite these formidable beginnings, Helen earned a place in college, met and married Vanessa’s father Milton, raised two children and enjoyed a decades long career as a school teacher.

Helen admittedly had trouble expressing affection for her children because of the stark contrast to her own childhood, but her support and love for Vanessa, from scandal to failed marriages, is unwavering. I believe she refers to herself as a force to be reckoned with in the book, and I have no doubt it’s true.

I imagine most people have a Helen somewhere in their family, even if she doesn’t resemble your mother. Her no-nonsense, take-it-on-the-chin approach to life, loss and all of the in between is frank and familiar. Helen is a woman you would want in your corner. (You have to check out her list, and if I was any of the ladies from The View, I’d watch my back.)

If you want to peek into the world of celebrity and family, You Have No Idea is a good read.

* This is a paid review for Blogher, but the opinions expressed are my own.