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I'm Walking as Straight as I Can: Transcending Disability in Hollywood and Beyond
Exposing real pain, unstoppable perseverance, and unquestionable faith in the human spirit, this autobiography offers a true glimpse beyond the one-dimensional, hero image often associated with actress Geri Jewell. Born with cerebral palsy, Jewell made history when she became the first person with a disability cast in a recurring role on American television in "The Facts of Life," and in the years that followed she experienced a string of other successes, including a performance at the White House in 1985 and a role on HBO's "Deadwood" series. Along with Jewell's accomplishments, this personal story also depicts some of the less-than-rosy events that happened behind closed doors during her initial climb to fame--among them, her release from "The Facts of Life," her manager's embezzlement of the money she made on the show, and her struggle with chronic pain, despair, and a fear of revealing her true sexual identity. Told with grace and humor, this inspirational narrative presents an honest portrayal of a woman who refused to give up when others kept knocking her down.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
19 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 21, 2014
Very interesting! Some may remember Geri Jewell as Blair Warner's cousin (who had Cerebral Palsey) on the TV show, Facts of Life back in the 80's. This is her story -- it's part talking about her difficulties over the years with finding work in Hollywood (with her disability) and part recounting her troubles with various addictions. She was often taken advantage of because of her disability and yet, she has found a way to pull herself up "by her bootstraps".
April 10, 2013
When I started reading this book, I was struck by the preface from Jewell that thanks attributed Nicholson for keeping her on track throughout the process, and laid it out she herself wrote this, and he guided her to the finish line beautifully. I half expected him to have been a ghost writer of sorts and that was clearly not the case. This book is clearly close to Jewell's heart, with such painful memories told in such a forthright and open minded manner that no ghost writer could ever embrace as his own. It tells of her growth as a person in a touching way, her friends that have been on her journey throughout and the tremendous love and respect they share, the entire journey even when painful to read, is so worth getting to the finish. You get the sense this woman has lived more lives than most any of us, and her kind hearted nature and especially her sharp humor, shine always. I was sort of thinking there would be more about Deadwood, my favorite show, and while there is plenty, its all very positive and maybe that was her experience. I guess we all want the dirt, lol. Her Facts of Life stories are bittersweet and yet her description of the friendship with co-star Lisa Welchel and the bond they share are truly touching, and proof of this woman's ability to see the very best in every situation shine through. I cried (not common for me) when I read of her struggle to come to terms with identity and love herself for herself, made me a little prouder to be a gay man. If she can put it all out there like that, I have nothing to complain about...A MUST READ for anyone interested in the human condition...Write more books Geri, I'll read whatever you want to publish!
May 21, 2011
SHUT UP, BLAIR!
i always loved the fact that blair had a cousin with CP. and i love the fact that she's now an open lesbian and recovering drug addict.
although i do NOT like geri's comedic style (it's a bit unoriginal and stifled), i feel that the book was well written, and contained enough of the "juicy stuff" from her relationship with the girls on the facts of life . . . my dirty little secret.
now . . . if only blair, tootie, jo and natalie wrote their own books . . .
i always loved the fact that blair had a cousin with CP. and i love the fact that she's now an open lesbian and recovering drug addict.
although i do NOT like geri's comedic style (it's a bit unoriginal and stifled), i feel that the book was well written, and contained enough of the "juicy stuff" from her relationship with the girls on the facts of life . . . my dirty little secret.
now . . . if only blair, tootie, jo and natalie wrote their own books . . .
March 21, 2011
Thank you, Geri Jewell for sharing your life's journey (up to now). I love novels based on true stories, with strong female protagonists and I especially love non-fiction memoirs by courageous women, such as yourself. There were many times, as I read your story that I thought to myself, "That is so much like what I went through" and "I love it when strange and magical "coincidences" like that happen." Although I am not disabled, I empathized completely with your struggles as you fought to overcome obstacles related to your having cerebral palsy. On a lighter note, I got a kick out of reading about your experiences with my favs; Carol Burnette and Lucille Ball. On a very personal level, I could relate to the the roller coaster feelings you went through in your relationships. Lastly, I just have to applaud your parents, your sister and the rest of your family for being so supportive of you. Break a leg (no toes) with your book tour and best of wishes for future successes in Hollywoodland :-)
May 6, 2013
Not going to lie. I read this book for the title, which is possibly the most perfect thing ever conceived. I laughed for ten minutes.
I honestly had no idea who Geri Jewell was. I know of Facts of Life, but I'm too young to have watched it. I read it for my own personal reasons, and loved it. Advice; if you're going to read this book, get the audio book. The author reads it herself, and there are moments where she is actually in tears. This is a fairly personal book for me, for pretty obvious reasons. I spent the first bits nodding the whole way through, and in absolute shock at how little has changed through the entire book. Regardless of my own experiences and the way they colour the story, it is really a good book. Jewell is incredibly honest about her own mistakes, and occasionally far too kind about the way she's been treated. I would pretty much hand this book to anyone who knows me and just leave them alone with it, because I can't possibly say anything you need to know any better.
I honestly had no idea who Geri Jewell was. I know of Facts of Life, but I'm too young to have watched it. I read it for my own personal reasons, and loved it. Advice; if you're going to read this book, get the audio book. The author reads it herself, and there are moments where she is actually in tears. This is a fairly personal book for me, for pretty obvious reasons. I spent the first bits nodding the whole way through, and in absolute shock at how little has changed through the entire book. Regardless of my own experiences and the way they colour the story, it is really a good book. Jewell is incredibly honest about her own mistakes, and occasionally far too kind about the way she's been treated. I would pretty much hand this book to anyone who knows me and just leave them alone with it, because I can't possibly say anything you need to know any better.
August 10, 2011
This is a must read! Geri's personal journey of independence touches the soul and is empowering. Her bold and honest story of her love affair with a very fickle suitor "show business" is brilliantly depicted.
This is a great Hollywood memoir, it is not a misery memoir filled with self pity and blame. I loved that Geri did not bash her parents nor the religion of her birth.
One of my favorite moments in her book is Geri's encounter with a nun, it begs to be on Saturday night live. It was hysterical!!!
Geri shares with us a wonderful lesson in the power of never giving up. Her personal Renaissance of mind, body and spirit, reminds us all of God's grace. Bravo Geri. Your friend. Jeri Estes
Author, Stilettos and Steel
This is a great Hollywood memoir, it is not a misery memoir filled with self pity and blame. I loved that Geri did not bash her parents nor the religion of her birth.
One of my favorite moments in her book is Geri's encounter with a nun, it begs to be on Saturday night live. It was hysterical!!!
Geri shares with us a wonderful lesson in the power of never giving up. Her personal Renaissance of mind, body and spirit, reminds us all of God's grace. Bravo Geri. Your friend. Jeri Estes
Author, Stilettos and Steel
November 13, 2013
This is no ordinary celebrity autobiography. Geri Jewell cut a special cloth through the entertainment industry. I remember seeing Geri on Facts of Life when I was a kid; she made Blair and all of us better understand the difference between physical and developmental disabilities a bit better.
I so admire Geri's strength and this book was yet another excellent reminder that a person with a disability doesn't need our sympathy, they deserve our respect. The challenges they face are so much greater than what any of us traditionally-abled folks can understand.
This book made me laugh over and over and I have a new-found appreciation for Geri's contribution to our world. Read it. You'll love it.
I so admire Geri's strength and this book was yet another excellent reminder that a person with a disability doesn't need our sympathy, they deserve our respect. The challenges they face are so much greater than what any of us traditionally-abled folks can understand.
This book made me laugh over and over and I have a new-found appreciation for Geri's contribution to our world. Read it. You'll love it.
November 15, 2012
I love this book! it was a personal journey of a woman not unlike myself who has cerebral palsy lives her life as an openly gay woman. However, you do not have to be GLBT to love this book. Any parent of a child with a disability should read this along with any teenager with a disability to show that there are now role models who share the same struggles we do as well. This would be a great gift to give for the holiday season or any time.
March 17, 2013
Geri Jewell's humor and clear description of life, even without a disability of Cerebral Palsy, is hilarious and heart warming. I know her personally, and yet until reading this book, I had no idea the side of NBC and Facts of Life she experienced as opposed to my experience as an NBC manager.
September 10, 2013
I remember Geri from her days on The Facts of Life tv show from when I was a kid. She was always such an inspiration to me, so when I found out she wrote a book I snapped it up.
I was not disappointed. Hers is a very fascinating, very real story. I really enjoyed this book!
I was not disappointed. Hers is a very fascinating, very real story. I really enjoyed this book!
July 5, 2011
Awesome book! Very interesting life makes for very interesting book ! Thanks geri for sharing it with us.
June 17, 2012
A wonderful story of overcoming adversity and breaking down barriers. Geri's story is well written, funny and uplifting. Loved it!
August 12, 2012
This is a great read and a wonderful author. Highly recommended bio!
May 29, 2016
Wow. What a boo-hoo book.
I didn't like her when she was on Facts of Live, not sure why I ran to read her book.
It's well written but SO self-serving !!!!
I didn't like her when she was on Facts of Live, not sure why I ran to read her book.
It's well written but SO self-serving !!!!
June 10, 2020
I think that for so many people of my generation, "Cousin Geri," Jewell's breakout "Facts of Life" character, was the first person with a disability that we met. I was awed by her. I spent a large chunk of my adult life working with people with disabilities and Geri Jewell's sense of humor and success, her abilities, remained present in the back of my mind.
A very interesting life, and very interesting perspective.
A very interesting life, and very interesting perspective.
November 6, 2023
Full disclosure. I have been friends with Geri Jewell since October/November of 2002 when we shot the pilot of Deadwood. I was her makeup artist and we hit it off from day one.
Working with and getting to know Geri was a pleasure. Deadwood was the absolute best show I ever worked on and one of the most challenging in my career. Everyone from the actors to the crew brought their A Game to the set every single day. However, Geri brought a little bit more than her professionalism and sense of humor. She brought her courage in spades.
We worked long hours in all kinds of weather and conditions on Deadwood. Even the healthiest of us, used to these types of shows and hours, would start dragging our butts into the late hours of the night or the crazy days that started in the early afternoon and would end when the sun was coming up the next day. Yet, Geri never complained in spite of the all pain that she dealt with every day.
People who don’t know about Cerebral Palsy have no idea how difficult it is to lead a normal life with this condition, and I’m not about to give you a lesson here. In Geri’s case, it became even more difficult because she had a dream to be a stand-up comedianne, which put even more stress on her body resulting in the magnification of her symptoms and pain. So much so that she was constantly on all kinds of prescription medications and, as this can happen to anyone, she began to overmedicate just make it through the day.
Unfortunately, all of this took it’s toll on her and one evening she had a fall in her home, cracked multiple discs in her neck, severely bruised her spinal cord and had to have surgery with a very lengthy and excruciating painful recovery. The surgery was successful but, to this day, she has to have Botox injections in her neck to help alleviate the pain.
So, back to Deadwood. I always knew when Geri was in a lot of pain but, like I said before, she never complained or asked for special treatment. I would watch her do her scenes and just nail it every take. She not only impressed me, but all the actors that she worked with on the show. They totally respected her not only for her talent, but for her positive attitude.
I have also seen her stand-up comedy. She is funny. I have seen her on screen. She can do drama and comedy equally well.
And now, in her book, Geri has conquered another medium with her fresh, honest and intelligent writing style. She takes us on an incredible journey as she allows us to see all of her, inside and out, warts and all. She is totally open and unafraid. She does not hide behind her disabilities. That’s right, I said disabilities. Geri was born with Cerebral Palsy, but as she got older she became disabled in many other ways, which took an immense emotional toll on her. She hides nothing and shows us all of them. I am truly in awe of her courage.
Her book is inspirational, not only to people with disabilities, but to any and all of us who, every once in a while feel sorry for ourselves and think, “Oh woe is me”.
Geri lives the Ralph Waldo Emerson quote, "Life is a journey, not a destination”
Dear Geri,
Thank you for a great book and for being my friend.
With love and great admiration,
John
P.S. One last thing, I have read some to the negative comments about Geri and her book, and I am absolutely stunned at how small and petty these people can be. They have no empathy at all, and they anger me more than those who have taken advantage of Geri throughout her life.
I will go so far as to say that they probably enjoy pulling the wings off of flies.
J.R.
Working with and getting to know Geri was a pleasure. Deadwood was the absolute best show I ever worked on and one of the most challenging in my career. Everyone from the actors to the crew brought their A Game to the set every single day. However, Geri brought a little bit more than her professionalism and sense of humor. She brought her courage in spades.
We worked long hours in all kinds of weather and conditions on Deadwood. Even the healthiest of us, used to these types of shows and hours, would start dragging our butts into the late hours of the night or the crazy days that started in the early afternoon and would end when the sun was coming up the next day. Yet, Geri never complained in spite of the all pain that she dealt with every day.
People who don’t know about Cerebral Palsy have no idea how difficult it is to lead a normal life with this condition, and I’m not about to give you a lesson here. In Geri’s case, it became even more difficult because she had a dream to be a stand-up comedianne, which put even more stress on her body resulting in the magnification of her symptoms and pain. So much so that she was constantly on all kinds of prescription medications and, as this can happen to anyone, she began to overmedicate just make it through the day.
Unfortunately, all of this took it’s toll on her and one evening she had a fall in her home, cracked multiple discs in her neck, severely bruised her spinal cord and had to have surgery with a very lengthy and excruciating painful recovery. The surgery was successful but, to this day, she has to have Botox injections in her neck to help alleviate the pain.
So, back to Deadwood. I always knew when Geri was in a lot of pain but, like I said before, she never complained or asked for special treatment. I would watch her do her scenes and just nail it every take. She not only impressed me, but all the actors that she worked with on the show. They totally respected her not only for her talent, but for her positive attitude.
I have also seen her stand-up comedy. She is funny. I have seen her on screen. She can do drama and comedy equally well.
And now, in her book, Geri has conquered another medium with her fresh, honest and intelligent writing style. She takes us on an incredible journey as she allows us to see all of her, inside and out, warts and all. She is totally open and unafraid. She does not hide behind her disabilities. That’s right, I said disabilities. Geri was born with Cerebral Palsy, but as she got older she became disabled in many other ways, which took an immense emotional toll on her. She hides nothing and shows us all of them. I am truly in awe of her courage.
Her book is inspirational, not only to people with disabilities, but to any and all of us who, every once in a while feel sorry for ourselves and think, “Oh woe is me”.
Geri lives the Ralph Waldo Emerson quote, "Life is a journey, not a destination”
Dear Geri,
Thank you for a great book and for being my friend.
With love and great admiration,
John
P.S. One last thing, I have read some to the negative comments about Geri and her book, and I am absolutely stunned at how small and petty these people can be. They have no empathy at all, and they anger me more than those who have taken advantage of Geri throughout her life.
I will go so far as to say that they probably enjoy pulling the wings off of flies.
J.R.
Read
November 9, 2015I ordered this book because I remember Geri from "The Facts of Life" and I loved her in "Deadwood". I had no idea that she was also a stand up comedian. I was impressed with the fact that she really tried hard not to let her disability (Cerebral Palsy) get in the way of what she wanted to do whether it was do stand-up, to act, or to write. I admit that I was surprised that she had gone through so much personal turmoil but like most of us have to do, she eventually seem to find her way out of the bad and to find the good for her. I think her book is a must read. There were parts of it that made me feel sad for her but there were also parts that had me laughing out loud, literally. I hope that she is in a happy place in her life now. Living the way that she feels is best for her. Whatever decisions that she made in the past are just that, in the past. We all have made them and that is how we learn. I only wish her happiness in her future.
December 14, 2013
While I didn't care for the style of writing, I did enjoy the story. I have watched Geri on and off all of my life, being roughly the same age as she is... She clearly has had an interesting and very challenging life. The biggest take away I had from this book is that life is what you make it. It isn't what people think they see of you, but what YOU make of your life that counts. Good for you Geri!! You've gone through some tough times, and have clearly learned from them. Overall an enjoyable read, and worth the time in my opinion. Thanks.
June 1, 2013
If I didn't use my Kindle as a laptop, I would've finished this far sooner. It never keeps its charge like I need it to!
July 7, 2015
The strength within Geri will leave you in awe. This book is sad, frustrating, funny and emotional, but more importantly it is inspiring.
March 23, 2025
First of all, I just now realized the title has a double meaning - good one, Geri! 😉 Second of all, I was pleasantly surprised by this book, which I expected to be a somewhat generic inspirational story about overcoming obstacles, but with a fun retro flavor for those of us who grew up on Facts of Life and remember Cousin Geri as well as we do our middle school classmates.
Instead it was a vulnerable, honest, and sometimes discomfiting account a woman with few defenses except for a sense of humor who got chewed up and spit out by Hollywood and barely lived to tell the tale. There was a time in the 80s when it looked from the outside like Geri was a triumphant success story - the most visible person with cerebral palsy in show business, with a recurring role on a popular sitcom and a thriving side hustle as a motivational speaker. Meanwhile she was being criminally exploited by a manager who stole most of her earnings. She struggled to find steady work and had to live in a series of crummy apartments with sketchy roommates due to lack of money. Her sheltered upbringing in the special ed system left her at the mercy of emotional, sexual and financial abusers and chronically unable to defend or advocate for herself. On top of that, she was ashamed of her sexuality and dealing with excruciating chronic pain, the cure for which landed her in rehab.
The book doesn’t exactly end on a triumphant note. She wasn’t really able to parlay her rise to fame into a lasting career and remains disappointed that the only roles available to her are ones that focus on her disability. That said, the overall tone is very positive about her experiences, the people she inspired and the many people who supported and cheered her on. She seems to have maintained lifelong friendships with many of them. The book is 15 years old now, but I hope she’s living a fabulous life now, living her truth and knowing her worth.
Instead it was a vulnerable, honest, and sometimes discomfiting account a woman with few defenses except for a sense of humor who got chewed up and spit out by Hollywood and barely lived to tell the tale. There was a time in the 80s when it looked from the outside like Geri was a triumphant success story - the most visible person with cerebral palsy in show business, with a recurring role on a popular sitcom and a thriving side hustle as a motivational speaker. Meanwhile she was being criminally exploited by a manager who stole most of her earnings. She struggled to find steady work and had to live in a series of crummy apartments with sketchy roommates due to lack of money. Her sheltered upbringing in the special ed system left her at the mercy of emotional, sexual and financial abusers and chronically unable to defend or advocate for herself. On top of that, she was ashamed of her sexuality and dealing with excruciating chronic pain, the cure for which landed her in rehab.
The book doesn’t exactly end on a triumphant note. She wasn’t really able to parlay her rise to fame into a lasting career and remains disappointed that the only roles available to her are ones that focus on her disability. That said, the overall tone is very positive about her experiences, the people she inspired and the many people who supported and cheered her on. She seems to have maintained lifelong friendships with many of them. The book is 15 years old now, but I hope she’s living a fabulous life now, living her truth and knowing her worth.
November 14, 2019
I loved Geri's Jewell's life story and I'll explain why I did via three reasons:
Reason One: I love reading autobiographies because people fascinate me.
Reason Two: Having worked in a rehab center with children and adults who have Cerebral Palsy, I've had the extraordinary experience of being both teacher and pupil while interacting with some fabulous individuals.
Reason Three: Ever since seeing Geri Jewell on TV doing her hilarious stand-up routines as well as enjoying her excellent acting, I've been a huge admirer of this multi-talented woman.
I am thrilled to say that we have connected via Facebook and we have been competing with one another in Words with Friends.
Reason One: I love reading autobiographies because people fascinate me.
Reason Two: Having worked in a rehab center with children and adults who have Cerebral Palsy, I've had the extraordinary experience of being both teacher and pupil while interacting with some fabulous individuals.
Reason Three: Ever since seeing Geri Jewell on TV doing her hilarious stand-up routines as well as enjoying her excellent acting, I've been a huge admirer of this multi-talented woman.
I am thrilled to say that we have connected via Facebook and we have been competing with one another in Words with Friends.
April 3, 2020
Such a joy!
I had the privilege of meeting Geri Jewel at a lecture in 2015, but was not able to pick up a copy of her book at that time. Meeting her was one of the greatest experiences that I have had thus far, and getting to read more about her life was a real treat. The world needs more role models with disabilities.
I had the privilege of meeting Geri Jewel at a lecture in 2015, but was not able to pick up a copy of her book at that time. Meeting her was one of the greatest experiences that I have had thus far, and getting to read more about her life was a real treat. The world needs more role models with disabilities.
October 22, 2025
Inspiring
Great book inspiring honest sweet funny educational interesting witty and yes I'm counting twenty words because it's just a good book and I don't know what else to say. Hi Geri! I want to meet you one day!!
Great book inspiring honest sweet funny educational interesting witty and yes I'm counting twenty words because it's just a good book and I don't know what else to say. Hi Geri! I want to meet you one day!!
May 26, 2019
Meh
Mediocre autobiography of a minor celebrity. I appreciate her struggles but this book offers few real insights into her life.
Mediocre autobiography of a minor celebrity. I appreciate her struggles but this book offers few real insights into her life.
Read
September 20, 2021This book beautifully captures what it's like to be naïve and eager to please, constantly walking into traps and having to figure ways out of them.
June 28, 2017
Meet the REAL Geri
Geri Jewel's auto-biography is such an honest glimpse into her life that I laughed, cried, was frustrated for her situations, and celebrated her triumphs with her, and marveled at her inner strength that along with her true friends kept her believing in herself! Geri, you are an inspiration.
Geri Jewel's auto-biography is such an honest glimpse into her life that I laughed, cried, was frustrated for her situations, and celebrated her triumphs with her, and marveled at her inner strength that along with her true friends kept her believing in herself! Geri, you are an inspiration.
May 10, 2016
Sad to see how little has changed in the education system for disabilities throughout the year. Still waiting on Hollywood to have more disabled actors
August 28, 2017
Ms. Jewell tells a long saga of how difficult it is to get work and acknowledgement in Hollywood when you have a disability. This is interspersed with a lot of data about who she lived with and when. I wish she would have given us more specifics about her own difficulty, although the fact that being disabled clearly IS difficult and she brings that home repeatedly. I did appreciate her story. I'm disabled too and read it primarily because of that, not because I am particularly interested in Hollywood and the many jerks that take advantage of people who are not physically perfect in that environment. I have no doubt that her struggle, both with her physical handicap (cerebral palsy) and the mental and emotional problems caused by that, was real and she is certainly to be congratulated for her tenacity and accomplishments. It's just that sometimes the book was engaging and sometimes it was full of who she knew and how she had to move around a lot. Those points were not particularly riveting. I would give half the book three stars and about 1/4 of it one star, so that's why the 2 star rating, not because she didn't have a very valid story to tell.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews