Emmy Award–winning actress and singer Ralph’s new book is a delightful, breezy read about the life lessons she’s learned throughout her career. After beginning with her definition of the word “diva” as a “Divinely Inspired, Victoriously Alive” person, the memoir shifts from her humble beginnings as a child growing up on the East Coast with loving parents to her time at Rutgers University in the 1970s. Her first film role in the Sidney Poitier comedy
A Piece of the Action opened the door for television roles, but her turn as Deena Jones in the Tony-nominated musical
Dreamgirls made her a star. Each chapter reveals autobiographical sketches from her professional and personal lives and ends with an important life lesson. Readers familiar with Ralph’s 2012 book
Redefining Diva: Life Lessons from the Original Dreamgirl will find many familiar passages and life lessons. However, this new version is shorter, more streamlined, and updated to include her recent work on the popular ABC show
Abbott Elementary and the Broadway show
Wicked.
VERDICT Fans will enjoy Ralph’s stories of courage and perseverance and her positive messages for future divas.