Nothing Is Missing: A Memoir of Living Boldly

by Nicole Walters

A profound and gripping memoir by Nicole Walters, the daughter of Ghanaian immigrants who became a self-made multi-millionaire by showing others how to recognize their own strengths—and her own harrowing journey to the discovery that she was worthy all along of the life of her dreams.

Nothing is Missing is a riveting, unputdownable story of what it takes to show up for yourself—and the joy that can come once you do. Raised in a home where food was unstable and anger was the norm, Nicole learned early that she needed to take charge of her own safety and security. So she She got into an elite private school by talking to a stranger in her dad’s cab, she strategized her way onto Wheel of Fortune to pay for college, she adopted three girls after meeting their mother panhandling, she quit her job to launch her own business, and she struggled.

Hustling endlessly to try to achieve society’s definition of success left her exhausted, compromising her own sense of worth in order to accommodate others. Nicole worked herself straight into a health crisis that threatened her life and the family she had worked so hard to build. It was not until she was forced into a major reckoning in both her business and her marriage that Nicole realized that she was already enough, that she had and was everything that she needed. In Nothing is Missing, Nicole contemplates how she was able to create the life she wanted using the strength she had within herself all along.

Genres: Memoir, Audiobook, Nonfiction, Biography Memoir, Self Help, Inspirational, Autobiography

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2023

Reviews

[Sylvie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook, and it felt forced and inauthentic.

[Mary Torpey · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of the most confusing books I have ever read. Is it a memoir or is it a self-help/inspirational book? Does she believe in the prosperity gospel or not? Did she ever lose the 30 pounds her husband demanded she lose? 🚩She claims her identity is problem solving and adopted three kids from a very shaky/rough background after meeting one of them panhandling … but gives the reader vague/ominous warnings about trying to rescue people, so where does that leave us? What in the Sam Hill does she do for a living? I’m aware that her business has made millions but still unclear on exactly what the business is. I have a longer list of questions about the kids and the marriage and and and all of it—more questions than before I cracked the book open, in fact. I know there’s maybe both/and answers to some of these—I accept that *and* (both!) wanted some major breadcrumbs to orient me while reading this. Also I wanted the chapter titles to have any connection to the content besides a tacked-on motivational paragraph at the end of the chapter. Caveat: if you’re a big Nicole Walters fan and well aware of her career/social, it’s possible you will get something out of this.

[Nicole Gooch · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book felt very forced and inauthentic. It also felt like there were big gaps in time between the stories. Just didn’t flow well imo.

[Issabelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book soooo badly. I discovered Nicole through a podcast she was interviewed on and her story sounded captivating. And she does have a unique story. However, I didn’t get much out of this book other than what I already knew: money makes life easier. The “Nothing is Missing” lesson really missed the mark for me - it felt forced into the last couple chapters.

Ultimately it was just pretty boring. Every challenge she faced, she overcame seemingly with ease. While that’s great for her, there weren’t very many lessons to learn from.

[Bennee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
This would have been 5 stars but there were some points where things weren’t explained and left me wondering why points had been left out.

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been following Nicole on social media since her periscope time and was super excited to pre-order her memoir. I find it super fascinating how someone with her background seemed to be in the right places at the right time, but a lot of that success comes from her natural drive and determination.

I really liked how she laid out a lot of facts with peppered in motivational quotes and snippets.

While money is typically a taboo topic in our society, Nicole does not shy away from that conversation. One big Takeaway I got out of this book is how valuable your time is and you should be paid for your time.

Would definitely read her next book.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nope. Memoirs are one of my least favorite genres, and this book was no exception. She says she’s good at reading signs but marries the guy who demands she lose 30 lbs before he can be in a relationship with her?

That’s just ONE example of why I just didn’t buy her statements about herself. I finally stopped reading when she continued to talk about how much money she had and how that was proof that God had prepared her for her daughter’s cancer. I’m sorry - what? Does that mean those who struggle with paying for cancer treatments do not have Gods blessing? Nope, Nope, Nope.

[Shanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am usually not a reader of memoirs or audiobooks, but this book changed that for me. Nicole is so relatable in many ways. I didn’t expect that since I am not an entrepreneur. I found myself nodding along in some places and tearing up in others. Thoroughly enjoyed this one.

[Whitney Koch · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I knew little about Nicole but preordered her memoir based on the recommendation of Sharon McMahon (@sharonsaysso), who also wrote a blurb for the back of the book.

Nicole was a guest on Sharon's podcast just before her book was released. Listening to that episode primed me for the book and helped me appreciate it a bit more. As she mentioned in the episode, she wanted to give the reader takeaways / actionable lessons each chapter. I felt like she was more successful with this earlier on in the book but like that she still tried to use her story and experiences to help others learn and grow.

If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, I think the lessons in section 2 of the book would be helpful. It is impressive how she was able to build her business so quickly, but that doesn't mean it was / is easy.

One thing I loved is how she spoke about parenting her children. How she spoke openly and honestly with them was wonderful - it is something I aspire to.

And I did have to chuckle in the acknowledgment when she called Josh her "wasband."

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get my hands on this book early via a book club. I could not put it down. I first heard Nicole speak at a business event (an event that she actually talks about in the book!) and followed her online ever since. It was a privilege to read her full story - it’s an incredible tale of grit, determination, strength and grace. Nicole not only shares details of some of her most personal and pivotal turning points, but also and most importantly, provides practical wisdom and encouragement to readers, who can likely see a bit of themselves in her story.

The story feels real, because it is real. Nicole was able to take each hurt, each setback, and each hard earned lesson and apply it as a steppingstone into the next opportunity to change her family story.

Nicole - if you see this THANK YOU for showing up, sharing boldly and creating space for the epic life change that I just know will happen for so many after reading your story.

[LaShawn Wiltz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember the day that Nicole famously quit her job live on periscope. What a time Lol.
So i couldn't wait to read this book to learn about her journey since then.

I can say that although I enjoyed reading this for the most part, it felt as that... and excuse me for this play on words but...a LOT was missing.

There were gaps and a sense of vagueness in some parts that I think could have been better explained and left a few less holes in the plot.

Thank you to NetGalley for the Arc. All opinions are my own.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed her stories and think she is an amazing human with a big heart to adopt those three sweet girls, the book was a little hard to read. The stories bounced around a lot. I felt there were some things she didn't explain and issues she never finished. Where was her husband during all the times that the kids needed her? Did he ever help? What was he diagnosed with and how was it resolved?

[KBeautiful1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Nicole Walters first came across my social media, it was of her and now ex-husband rolling up on her daughter in college because their she wasn't answering her phone. I thought it was hysterical and oh so accurate of Black Women because we don't play about ours LOL!!! From then on I have been following her journey.

Her Memoir is exceptional because it gives the reader a BTS of how she evolved into the Woman she is now. From her being a Ghanaian of immigrant parents who migrated here to her going to college and not finishing and the famous quitting her job on Periscope (does anyone remember that? It was a part of Twitter before they got rid of it) to going full time as an entrepreneur.

Her story of getting married, adopting her 3 daughters, loss, triumphs, you name it, Nicole pulls back the curtain on the ins and outs.

Her Memoir has been challenging me to step out to start doing my own thing truly, it's not going to be perfect, heck at times it won't be pretty but it will be me doing the damn thing.

If you follow Nicole on any of her socials, you know that she is now remarried and expecting a baby. You will truly be inspired by her evolution. A little caveat I was happy that she didn't go into a lot of stuff in this book, I think she is saving it for her second book but what she did express in this book is enough and it was perfect.

Well Until My Next Review...Ciao!

[Christine (christines_booked) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Sometimes a book comes along at just the right time for me. I needed to read about Nicole’s journey and hear her message.

[Korey Jenkins · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. While there are a few good pieces of advice and thoughts, overall, it tends to come off as super arrogant, narcissistic, with a dash of victimhood. Nicole Walters is a woman with sharp business acumen and is shrewd when it comes to her professional life. However, she tends to portray herself as a victim/martyr in her personal life (in my opinion). She feels trapped in a marriage with a man that she felt she had to carry, being the sole provider for her family and providing them with a luxurious life, etc., etc., etc.

I do think that Nicole Walters has every right to be proud of her never-give-up grit, hustle, and mentality considering how far she’s come. However, I don’t think that lines such as "Mommy has a lot of money so everything is going to be okay" or "I’m a member of a private jet club, so I can handle anything" are realistic for the average reader. It just gave me the same impression that I got from Rachel Rodgers’ book: that money makes everything better. The tropes of "Jesus take the wheel", "clap for your damn self", and others throughout the book come off as inauthentic and forced.

Thankfully, this audiobook was free on my Spotify account; otherwise, I would’ve never spent money on this.

[DrWendy Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, Nothing Is Missing, by Nicole Walters is such an inspiration! For any parent who has gone through the hardships of taking care of a sick child knows the pain, fear and emotional ups and downs wondering if your child will heal. For a woman who has gone through divorce, not knowing what her next move will be, moves fearlessly. Running a successful business, taking in a new family, caring for others, quitting her job in front of thousands of followers, and yet standing strong. This is Nicole Walters! Nicole has been gracious enough to let readers in to see her rawness and realness. She is an amazing woman of God, and it shows in every aspect of her life. It’s in the book! She nails it! I can't put it down. I urge you to get your copy today! You will find strength in your own journey, by reading hers.

[adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You, too, can push past your fear, live in your purpose, and discover that nothing is missing.”

I love Nicole Walters and thought this would be a great memoir. But it turned out to be so much more than that!! This book was a big therapy session/self help book. Honestly did not expect to love it as much as I did. It really changed my perspective on life.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️

[Leigh Gaston · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars
Appreciated the author’s positive attitude and kindness towards others in need. Most of us wouldn’t open our homes and hearts up to three children left behind by a mother on drugs. Nicole Walters took care of them and eventually adopted them.

She seems to have a “big personality” which is serving her well but it’s a bit much for me, even in book form. The husband was a warning flag for me too. She’s got a big heart and personality and seems pretty gullible at times.

[Shawna]

Nothing is Missing by Nicole Walters
Recommended!

I generally don’t think it’s fair to rate memoirs! Or tell you what I don’t like (it’s someone’s life story!) But what I can tell you is that I definitely recommend it. I learned of Nicole Walters from @sharon (who wrote the cover blurb for the book), but honestly knew little of her, other than she was an American entrepreneur born to Ghanaian parents. I knew her voice was easy to listen to, and she was funny. But I knew nothing of her story, and let me tell you, she has an extremely interesting story to tell! I wasn’t sure I could relate to her ~ and honestly, have next to nothing in common. But found her memoir fascinating and encouraging. The last two hours were jaw dropping at times! I loved the audiobook and am looking forward to hearing her more via instagram or podcast. I am not a business owner, and am not trying to start or build a business ~ but still find her interesting to listen to.

Book 78
Listened October 22 to November 1

[Lauren Okine · Rating 3 out of 5]

idk if I was just not in the mood for the level of motivational speeches in this book, so maybe it didn’t have the greatest impact on me. Her story was pretty interesting and inspiring! At times I feel like there were some key details left out that would have been helpful to know or I just would have liked to know. Okay overall

[Kaara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish the author would have made a choice between this being a self-help book or a memoir. A lot of the emotions of the situations were overlooked in favor of finding a lesson. If you follow her on social media, you know most of the major points, and the book adds no more color.

[Cel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring life journey

[Moira Mallison · Rating 2 out of 5]

The motivational rah-rah-rah got really old really fast. Couldn’t finish it

[B Shelton · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not sure who the author is and what she does, and after reading this rambling account of her life so far….I’m still not sure.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read.
Would be helpful if I was in that stage of life...or if I wanted to be an entrepreneur. 😏
Thanks to Goodreads for the copy.

[Ivory · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the vast tapestry of life's narratives, every so often, a story emerges that not only captivates the heart but also resonates with the very essence of the human spirit. "Nothing is Missing" by Nicole is one such tale. Crafted with the poignant eloquence, this memoir is a testament to the indomitable will of a woman who, against all odds, chose to rise.

From the turbulent backdrop of a home marred by instability and anger, Nicole's journey is a masterclass in resilience. Her audacity to secure a place in an elite school by striking a conversation with a stranger, her ingenious stint on Wheel of Fortune to fund her college dreams, and her heartwarming decision to adopt three beautiful souls she met in the most unexpected of circumstances - each chapter is a riveting testament to her tenacity.

Yet, beneath the exhilarating highs lies a narrative that many of us can relate to. The relentless hustle to fit into society's mold of success, the self-compromising choices, and the eventual burnout that threatens to consume all that one holds dear. Nicole's descent into a health crisis and the subsequent upheavals in her personal and professional life are heart-wrenchingly real. But it's her epiphany, her realization of self-worth, and her embrace of the inherent completeness within that truly elevates this memoir.

"Nothing is Missing" is not just a story; it's an emotion. It's a gentle reminder that amidst the chaos and challenges, we are enough. That within us lies the strength to craft the life we desire. Nicole's introspective journey from seeking external validations to finding solace within is a beacon of hope for all.

In the end, this book is a celebration. A celebration of life, of battles fought and won, of the joy of self-discovery, and of the profound realization that in the grand scheme of things, truly, nothing is missing.

A must-read for anyone seeking motivation, insight, and a deep, emotional connection. Nicole's story is a testament to the power of the human spirit, and it will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on your soul.

[Carolyn Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was given to me and I’m glad I read it. The true audience for this book is primarily people 20-50 years of age and it’s definitely geared more towards women than men. Having said that, Walters has valuable insights into life and living well. I felt that much of what she said didn’t apply to me, but I can see how invaluable her insights could be to women who are in younger stages of life than I am. It is definitely an inspirational read.

[Sarah Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Nicole Walters so much. She’s like your internet best friend. She makes you feel like you know her. And her book does just that. Her ability to story tell is unmatched. She shows you can do anything if you can just believe. Self help woven into her own story. It’s an empowering read. May we all be a little more self less and confident like Nicole. We could all learn from her.


I WISH I had listened to an audio version w Nicole because that would be even better.

[Wendy Arsad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicole's story is real. I even purchased the audible to listen as well. Behind that signature smile, life was lifing. The fact that Nicole took on a family of three girls from a total stranger whose family was very unstable to make a better life for them is amazing! A marriage that was going through. A business that could've sunk to revamping herself. Nicole jeopardized her own health issues, trying to carry the wait of her family, and then realizes that she deserves to be happy and whole. I like how she listened to the advice of her mentors to better herself and sought counseling to unpack all the trauma from her complicated childhood and adult life. Nicole shared her heart and life with her readers. You can overcome many trials and tribulations, especially when you lean on your faith and God.

[Julia Samuels · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful book w so many great takeaways <3