DIVA 2.0: 12 Life Lessons From Me For You!

by Sheryl Lee Ralph (Narrator)

Emmy, Tony and Spirit Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph knows a thing or two about staying power in the capricious world of Hollywood. A seasoned professional who has taken the best lessons learned and used them to move her stellar career forward, she now shares them with you. If you are an aspiring DIVA in training, regardless of your career choice, much of what she says in DIVA 2.0, you’ll find invaluable. These 12 lessons could help elevate your journey to greater heights. In these personal tales and recollections, Sheryl Lee Ralph reveals the ups and downs of stardom, the heartbreaks and triumphs, the strength she found in her family and the kind of love that gives wings. You’ll go behind the scenes of stage, screen, and media to discover what a true DIVA must know. The first step: respecting oneself. Whether starring on the big screen with Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Eddie Murphy, Robert De Niro, Jon Voight, or Whoopi Goldberg, or on the small screen in Moesha, Ray Donovan, Motherland: Fort Salem, or Abbott Elementary, Sheryl Lee Ralph can be counted on to bring her D.I.V.A: Divinely Inspired, Victoriously, Awesome self to every project. These DIVA inspired qualities have earned her the respect of her peers and recognition from legions of fans. DIVA 2.0 will empower and encourage anyone seeking to find and live their best life with beauty, dignity and a grace that radiates from within.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Audiobook

Audible Audio

First published March 14, 2023

About the author

Original DREAMGIRL, Sheryl Lee Ralph is an acclaimed veteran of film, television and the Broadway stage.

Her award winning body of work includes creating and originating the role of Deena Jones on Broadway in the landmark musical Dreamgirls, which earned her both a Tony and Drama Desk Award Nomination for Best Actress.

On television, Sheryl Lee has starred in It's a Living, her own series New Attitude, the George Foreman series George and in the hit comedy Designing Women. She was also voted one of TV's Favorite Moms for her portrayal of step mom Dee on the number-one rated television series Moesha.

Her extensive film credits include Sister Act II with Whoopi Goldberg, The Flintstones with Rosie O'Donell, The Mighty Quinn with Denzel Washington, Mistress with Robert De Niro, and Eddie Murphy's Distinguished Gentleman. Sheryl Lee's performance with Danny Glover in To Sleep with Anger won her the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Mother of two, Sheryl Lee Ralph loves every moment of raising her children. Recently married to State Senator Vincent Hughes of Pennsylvania in what Entertainment Tonight called, "The most elegant and romantic wedding of the summer!" she acknowledges that love is the greatest gift to be given and shared.

Reviews

[Brenna Sherrill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m never a big fan of the push from publishers to reframe celebrity memories into self-help/advice books, but Sheryl Lee Ralph is charming enough to make it (sort of) work.

I loved hearing stories of her career, particularly her time in Dreamgirls. And I will undoubtedly have her saying “we were making HERSTORY” and “H to the no!” playing on repeat in my head.

[Qua'Tesha Ratliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always love Sheryl Lee Ralph but I love her even more after this book! Baby she is a force to be reckon with!!! Plus her voice is so soothing.

[Andrew Bakhit · Rating 1 out of 5]

I took Sheryl’s advice and quit my job but now I’m on the streets, please help me Sheryl!

[Poetic Diva504 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Sheryl Lee Ralph she is a phenomenal singer and actress. This book just did not hold my attention, and I think it’s the way she told the story. I just couldn’t get into it, and after putting this book down 4 times having finished only 10%, I decided not to waste my time trying to give myself to finish it.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sheryl Lee Ralph is pure class and joy personified, so to hear her story, in her singular voice is a delight. The self help tie in was at times thin, and I felt the stories were loose/I was missing out on great chunks of her life (I realize now the 2.0 refers to this being her second DIVA title, that’s my bad), this is still as engaging and delightful a book as you’d expect from Ralph.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know a lot about Sheryl Lee Ralph before this book but I can now say: is AMAZING & so is this book! I loved listening to her talk about her idols. It’s such a short book but it is so powerful. Definitely a must read (or listen)!

[paxyshia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

i love sheryl lee ralph soooo much and hearing some of her lived experiences were so amazing especially as she read the book. some of the self help tips were a little preachy and weren’t for me though. i think, maybe, i have a strong sense of self so i wasn’t the most excited about that aspect of this book. i was much more into her stories of where she’s been and what she’s been through.

some of the things written in here were also a little outdated (if thats the right word). i just felt that maybe it wasn’t the best advice to have given or maybe a better tip could have been taken from the stories she told.

there is a mention of bill cosby in this book that i also didn’t think was necessary. although ralph herself does mention a brief “some men in the business will take advantage” message, she mentions only positive experiences she had with cosby which i don’t know what was for as the tip for that was not fully said. prehaps it was meant as a warning? like a “your positive experiences does not make the person character” or something? it just didn’t seem that way. it was very neutral which had me curious about ralph’s prehaps outdated stance on maybe not rocking the boat.

the themes overall were positive and reclaiming the word “diva”. the book was fun but i would be so much more interested in a full memoir from her as opposed to this 60/40 memoir/self help book.

i think if i had physically read this, i would’ve probably cringed a lot more than when ralph seemed to be reading it directly to me. i felt like i was listening more, you know?

thank you to the publisher and netgalley for this audiobook arc in return for an honest review!

[Shawberry Likes To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

*Thank you to Netgalley and RB Media for this advance audiobook copy.*


I love Sheryl's voice as she narrates. Many of us are familiar with her various roles in television shows, movies, Broadway, theater and more. She gives lots of history about "DIVAS and explains what makes one a true diva, Overall a very short read. I see it as a self help guide for a specific target audience, she mentions many of her idols who have helped pave the way for her and many others. I'm sure many like myself were a little bothered by the Cosby portion but didnt let this ruin it overall. There are 12 life lessons that she shares in hopes of inspiring others and helping them avoid mistakes along the way. This audio gave insight into her journey over time by being transparent of not only the highs but also the lows. I'm sure any fan will enjoy this quick glimpse into her life.

Rating: 3.5/5

[Kate Henderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Listened the audiobook**

Sheryl Lee Ralph is an absolute legend, and this books really demonstrates this! It's not really an autobiography, more of a selfhelp/anecdote book.

I really enjoyed listening to this, and it was great to have the author read it herself.

There were a few anecdotes that she tells that fell a bit flat for me, but mostly it was really interesting.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really great! A pep talk for DIVAs - divinely inspired vibrantly alive people. (Lots of great spins on the diva word.). Fun show business info as well. I enjoyed the audiobook read by Ms Ralph herself. Highly recommend.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sheryl Lee Ralph is divalicious! A beautiful and inspirational memoir of an incredibly talented woman. She has put in the work at every turn, and it’s amazing to learn more about all of her accomplishments from broadway to television to charity work.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

The joy of this book! I'd really recommend listening to the audio, because the wit and wisdom really shine through in her inflection. The life lessons are plenty in this brief memoir and I hope that it leads to more.

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

DIVA 2.0 12 Life Lessons from Me for You by Sheryl Lee Ralph


This was a great read. To pick a career in the performing arts has to be a calling for folks who push through in such a crazy, racist, sexist and often brutal industry. Her telling of the creation behind the Broadway show DreamGirls and all that drama was worth this #audiobooking experience.
#QuincyJones #MentalHealth #MeToo #NellCarter #SydneyPotier #TheJeffersons #GoodTimes #Jamaica #AidsPandemic #EvilNuns #PrivateSchools #DianaRoss #TypeCasting
#DIVA20 #NetGalley

Emmy, Tony, and Spirit Award–winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph knows a thing or two about staying power in the capricious world of Hollywood. A seasoned professional who has taken the best lessons learned and used them to move her stellar career forward, she now shares them with you. If you are an aspiring DIVA in training, regardless of your career choice, much of what she says in DIVA 2.0 you'll find invaluable.

These 12 lessons could help elevate your journey to greater heights. You'll get to go behind the scenes of stage, screen, and media to discover what a true DIVA must know, and the first step is, respecting themselves. In these personal tales and recollections, Sheryl reveals the ups and downs of stardom, the heartbreaks and triumphs, the strength she found in her family and the kind of love that gives wings.

Whether starring on the big screen with Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Eddie Murphy, Robert De Niro, Jon Voight, or Whoopi Goldberg or on the small screen in Moesha; Ray Donovan, Motherland: Fort Salem, or in Abbott Elementary, Sheryl Lee Ralph can be counted on to bring her DIVA, Divinely Inspired, Victoriously Awesome, self to every project. And those DIVA inspired qualities have earned her the respect of her peers and recognition from legions of fans. In DIVA 2.0 Sheryl Lee Ralph uses her life story to empower and encourage anyone seeking to find and live their best life with beauty, dignity and a grace that radiates from within.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate having to give reviews to memoirs, because I worry that it'll feel like I'm critiquing a person's story and lived experiences, rather than their writing or the book. So let me clear in that I loved hearing Sheryl Lee Ralph's story, I loved how she told it, I am always grateful to people opening up and sharing their truths and passing on wisdom learned. So the reason I'm not rating this one higher is simply because compared to the many other memoirs that I have read, I dont think I'll remember this one in years to come. I dont imagine that it will really stick with me. There was nothing WRONG with this, per se. Her writing was lovely, serviceable; and if you listen to the audiobook, she does a give an enthusiastic and lively performance! But it's been a week since I finished it and..... I can't really remember much from it. That's not a great sign. It didn't leave a lasting impression on me. I enjoyed listening to it, I loved the behind-the-scenes glimpse at the making of Dreamgirls, a mega hit in the Broadway world, and I appreciated how she structured the book, with each chapter concluding with a lesson learned. But I cant remember any of the lessons. Maybe I'm just not diva enough! Would def recommend to any fans of Broadway musicals, specifically Dreamgirls, or Abbot Elementary (not b/c you'll learn about it but just because you'll learn of the force that is Sherly Lee Ralph). It's super short so you'll breeze through it!

[Francisca Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

DIVA 2.0 by Sheryl Lee Ralph is an interesting mini autobiography that is read by the author. I was saddened to hear about her grandfather and laughed when she spoke in her Jamaican accent as it reminds me of my MIL. I also like that she says she wants to help people essentially love themselves and treat themselves better, as I'm all for that!

However, since she tells us the outcome of a story before telling it, I found my interest waning. The book feels like one gigantic pat on the back as the stories (with a bunch of black history and religion mixed in, which I don't care for) don't really explain her tips. Moreover, I did not appreciate her singing Bill Cosby's praises with the mentally of "he wasn't around me / he didn't do anything to me". I think it's despicable that, if she's going to acknowledge him at all, she chooses to ignore what he did to other women as though their experiences with him don't matter compared to how funny he was. To me, it seemed more important that she build up an artist because they're black instead of building up women as a whole, but, in contradiction, says women need to support each other.

Overall, I give Diva 2.0 2 stars because I did like some of the beginning.

Thank you to RB Media for providing me with an ALC.

[Kudzai Mhangwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel this book came into my life at just the right time! This has been a rather challenging year both mentally and emotionally having to face so many issue that life has thrown at me particularly regarding my career and life aspirations. Sheryl Lee Ralph is a multi-award-winning actress, sing and activist and has a larger-than-life personality. I first knew of her from Oprah's Where are they now? and since then I have always been fascinated by this woman. I love the way she speaks, her personality and her life lessons were just what the doctor ordered.

The lessons in this book come from her own life and career experience and I truly enjoyed reading about her life journey and the life lessons that she shares. I have seen that this book was not too attractive to many and I think people who are more artistic and inclined to the arts may find this book a little more attractive. I do believe that the lessons she shares are universal for anybody who has drive, a dream and a grand vision for their life. A definite recommend for people who love self-help books with elements of autobiography. Happy reading!

[quinyse ervin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am absolutely in love with this book. The inspiration it gave me to be a diva is amazing. Listening to one of my idols talk to me about her idols was so surreal. I believe sometimes we forget that celebrities are regular people who go through so much in life. Listening to her talk about finding self-love in her skin was so helpful. I am a dark skin woman and related to the first chapter so much. Finding love in your skin and watching your idols fall in love with their skin too is amazing. This being an audiobook made this 100% a better experience. Sheryl Lee Ralph has such a sweet voice to listen to and made it feel even more special. It felt like listening to an aunt talk to me about her life and self-worth. I would recommend this to anyone who needs to know that they are a diva.

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not a Diva in training or anywhere else. I have never seen Sheryl Lee Ralph perform live and don’t watch Abbott Elementary. While listening to this book, I realized that I have seen her in countless TV and movie parts over the years. I was immersed in the story and listened in one sitting. Sheryl Lee Ralph’s voice and words were transformative. It doesn’t matter if you know who Sheryl Lee Ralph is, she knows herself at a transcendent level and she has got quite a story to tell. Her wealth of experience and knowledge is surpassed only by her desire to share those lessons with others. Everyone should listen to this Diva Manual!
*Thanks to RB Media and NetGalley for this audiobook review copy.

[Catarina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am certainly a new fan of Mrs. Sheryl Lee Ralph since her role in Abbott Elementary, but this book certainly felt too short. She presented stories and then gave her DIVA Lesson. Albeit, 12 lessons are a lot to give, the stories made it seem like she was not getting to her lesson soon enough. I feel like Mrs. Ralph has a lot of words of wisdom, and I would have liked to just heard stories from her for me. Overall, the audiobook was delightful as it was read by the author herself and felt like you truly got to hear her personality. I would recommend this audiobook for those wanting to hear famous people talk about their life and fans.


*Thank you to Netgalley and RB Media for the advance audiobook copy.

[Michelle "Champ" · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Diva is so wonderful! Sheryl Lee takes us on a journey on how she became a Diva, but also guides us on how we can be a Diva. She introduces us to waiting for what is right, knowing our worth, and living our dreams. I have always been a fan of this classy lady, but hearing her tell not only her story but to give me a tip guide on how to have my DIVA story, was nice. She values not only herself but is a champion of all women. I am telling you, this woman is pretty spectacular. I did the audiobook because I wanted to hear Sheryl Lee tell the story.

Thanks to NetGalley for letting me get ahold of this one.

[♡*WithLove, Reesie*♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, motivational, educational (to me).

The audiobook was narrated my the author. So you hear the strong persona of who Sheryl Lee Ralph is and a voice that I could pick out if I was blindfolded. 

Her life experiences are mixed in with pep talks and life advice. I enjoyed hearing about her parents and grandparents.

I learned of a few people in the music, theater, tv industry that I didn't know before, knew of but couldn't match the face with the name, and a few behind the scenes drama. I looked up a lot of the people she talks about and added a few more people's autobiographies to my TBR.

I wouldn't read again. I would recommend. 

[Ja · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short yet powerful story of the one, the only, Sheryl Lee Ralph. Although you might have heard of her from her recent role as Barbara on Abbot Elementary, you'd be missing out if you didn't look up her performance as Deena Jones in the original 1981 Broadway musical Dreamgirls. However, even I didn't know just how much of a legend she was in the industry and the journey she had been on to get to where she is today. It was a pleasure learning a little bit about her, her struggles, and the obstacles she had to overcome.

It's a quick read, so I'd definitely recommend if you're a fan of Ralph and her work.

[Shant · Rating 4 out of 5]

1) I am not sure if I read the correct ebook version. In one part, she mentions the importance of avoiding petty drama on sets, but she'll talk about Moesha later, but she never did. If I Googled correctly, there is a story where she said Brandy didn't want her to have braids too?

Anyway, this is more of a self-help book with memoir included, but it still worked, largely due to Sheryl Lee Ralph's specific tone. I enjoyed reading about her life in general (Her childhood, her early experiences on sets, as well as her time working on Dreamgirls), where the lessons at the end of the chapters didn't feel corny.

[Reading_seas0n · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Thank you, RB Media (Recorded Books) & NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review this audiobook before it's release date. All opinion is my own!

I loved Sheryl Lee Ralph's energy, voice and inspiring notes throughout this book.
She shared such a thoughtful perspective as she told her story & how taking ownership and utilizing the term D.I.V.A pushes you and can stand for what you want or need was so interesting.

I've always loved them in Dream Girls & Abbott Elementary, and I am thrilled to have gotten the chance to listen to their story.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved listening to Sheryl Lee Ralph. Honestly I could listen to her read the phone book and I'd give it a good review! She just has this voice and presence. She is one of those people who I knew of but didn't always remember where from. So it was nice to hear more about her life, especially the earlier years. I felt like this was a memoir that was trying to be a little self help-y but I didn't think it needed the self help aspect. I was more interested in her life stories.

Thanks to RB Media for the ALC in return for an honest review. The audiobook releases 5/16

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Recorded Books for the ALC of this audiobook.

Long before her Emmy-winning role as Barbara Howard on Abbott Elementary, she helped build the original stage show of Dreamgirls and originated the role of Deena Jones. Her career has had highs and lows, and always, she’s been a class act and much beloved.

I loved being able to do it on audio. With tales from her childhood, stage, and screen, listening to this was like having a conversation with a friend over a cup of tea. I don’t really need to say much beyond her name, because Sheryl Lee Ralph is the draw.

[Alexz Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so grateful to Quinta Brunson and Abbott Elementary for re-introducing this legendary icon to a younger generation, who may not have grown up with Moesha, and get to experience the joys that are Sheryl Lee Ralph. She truly is a forced to be reckoned with, and she just emanates so much strength and warmth and caring. I am truly jealous of anybody that’s gotten the chance to work with her and hear her speak every day, and I’m very grateful that she took the time to write this book and give us an insight into her uprising/story and history into the field of arts.

[Madyson Bolton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read her first book Redefining Diva and it was so immaculate to help inspire me/keep me focused on being my most authentic DIVA self in navigating my career choices. This 2.0 kinda had the same stories similar to the first one but was more leaning towards giving 12 steps/advices. Still a good book but it just felt like I was re-reading the first book. I mean, at least it doesn’t matter the order you read them, the second one is just more condensed, straight to the advice! Redefining Diva is more of a memoir. Love me some Sheryl and her transparency regardless so yurrr!!

[Cat Fithian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Phew! The audio of this is tiring to me, because every single word is fully dramatized, and it's just too much for me. You may like it? The book, however, has great merit. It's uplifting, positive, motivating, all those good things. She's a highly accomplished actress and singer, and has some great ideas here. Lots of yummy name-dropping, too.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the audiobook to review. Listening to Sheryl Lee Ralph read this did not feel like I was listening to a memoir. It truly felt like I was listening to someone have a conversation, telling me stories about their life. I absolutely loved learning more about SLR and her career in Hollywood. The audiobook is definitely the way to go for this one!