Around the Way Girl

Highly acclaimed actress Henson delivers a remarkable memoir, full of depth and authenticity. Star of such films as Baby Boy and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Henson opens up about growing up, becoming a full-time actress, and facing the issues surrounding race and single motherhood. She relates her climb from extra to leading actor, describing her hustle and what it takes to be a success in the business. She discusses the obstacles she faced and the discrepancies in how different actors are treated, along with gender pay and racial equity in the entertainment field. Henson also reflects on her personal life: the story of her first love and the first years of her son's life are presented with a heartfelt sincerity that is rare in celebrity memoirs. Henson's narration, though, is what makes this memoir shine. While her conversational tone gives the book a welcoming feel, it is her description of the trying moments of her life that hook the reader. When she recounts the death of her father, audiences will feel her grief as her voice starts breaking.