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The Wealth of My Mother's Wisdom: The Lessons That Made My Life Rich – A Powerful Memoir of Maternal Sacrifice and Hollywood Success
Terrence Jenkins—better known as Terrence J—has hosted gigs on E! News and BET's 106 & Park , and starred in some of Hollywood's hottest movies. It's a life he could have only imagined growing up in Queens, born to a seventeen-year-old mother. But it was the lessons he learned from his mother, Lisa, that helped make him a man—lessons about sacrifice, courage, loyalty, dreams, and perseverance. Lisa pushed Terrence to succeed from an early age, led by example, and always put her son first—even if it meant leaving New York, the only home they'd ever known, in search of a safer environment for him. Her drive eventually became Terrence's drive. Inspirational, funny, and down-to-earth, with stories and advice straight from Terrence J and his mom, as well as some of his famous friends, including Kevin Hart, Ludacris, T.I., Trey Songz, and Laz Alonso, The Wealth of My Mother's Wisdom offers a positive, powerful with a strong family bond, the possibilities are endless.
- GenresNonfiction
240 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2013
14 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 6, 2014
This was a different kind of memoir. I’ve read a few memoirs from entertainers and members of big industries and this one definitely takes a different approach. Terrence J is young compared to others in the entertainment world. From the beginning, he says that he felt that book-writing was for people more established and more accomplished than himself. Little does he know how established his is and the fact that he’s followed his dreams and gotten so much further than most people could ever dream.
He truly does start from the beginning. Terrence J discusses his family, his mother, the communities that helped mold him. Like so many African American males today, he comes from a single-parent home (with the addition of his stepfather who becomes his father figure.)
While his writing is thorough, the book has a slow start. While he talks about his life, the book doesn’t talk about him in depth. They are mostly of his mother and her theories and most of the “lessons” Terrence J talks about seem trivial and minor since they are about the basic things his mother did. They don’t tell me much about his personality or his feelings. The overshadowing commentary from the composite “Tiffany”, his mother, and other celebrities doesn’t help much either. They mainly describe his A1-from-Day 1 mother. Like most good parents, she sacrifices in hopes that her children will have more. She does what’s necessary. Although he greatly appreciates his mother, I find that she is disturbingly self-sacrificial. The lack of help she had before meeting Terrence’s stepfather is scary but alas, this is the world we live in. I can only imagine the fears she may have had. I do, however, admire her ability to take risks and follow through on her plans.
The book wasn’t extremely interesting to me until Terrence is high school/ college-aged. Here, the development of Terrence’s work ethic as well as his aspirations shines through and he uses it to accomplish so many things in so little time. Although some of his lessons/ words of wisdom come in the form of clichés, they’re still motivation and don’t take away from his story. It also made me realize how much I took my college education for granted and how much more I could have done/ could be doing.
As a member of an NPHC sorority (AKA), I definitely appreciated Terrence J talking about his experience as a frater in Omega Psi Phi (now matter how brief it may have seemed). People often underestimate our experiences as an undergrad, within our own brotherly and sisterly bonds, and our roles in executing our Founders’ visions and initiatives. In the bits that he does talk about his fraternity, I feel that he truly shows a brotherly spirit. It also reminds me of my line sister, whom I was reminded of being that she is in Los Angeles pursuing a career in the entertainment industry and also recommended this book to.
As a college grad not yet employed in her field, this book was a swift kick of motivation that reinforced the idea of the work I have left to do for myself, my career, my future. I have so much further to go and so much more to see and do for myself and others.
While it’s not the classic “me me me, and ONLY me” memoir written by an entertainer about individual lessons for individual struggle with a few lessons learned. The Wealth of My Mother’s Wisdom reaches out to a broader spectrum. It’s an “everybody” book. You can read it if you’ve been there, done that, and bought the t-shirt to prove it and can appreciate a kindred spirit or if you’re in dire need of guidance. Very good!
He truly does start from the beginning. Terrence J discusses his family, his mother, the communities that helped mold him. Like so many African American males today, he comes from a single-parent home (with the addition of his stepfather who becomes his father figure.)
While his writing is thorough, the book has a slow start. While he talks about his life, the book doesn’t talk about him in depth. They are mostly of his mother and her theories and most of the “lessons” Terrence J talks about seem trivial and minor since they are about the basic things his mother did. They don’t tell me much about his personality or his feelings. The overshadowing commentary from the composite “Tiffany”, his mother, and other celebrities doesn’t help much either. They mainly describe his A1-from-Day 1 mother. Like most good parents, she sacrifices in hopes that her children will have more. She does what’s necessary. Although he greatly appreciates his mother, I find that she is disturbingly self-sacrificial. The lack of help she had before meeting Terrence’s stepfather is scary but alas, this is the world we live in. I can only imagine the fears she may have had. I do, however, admire her ability to take risks and follow through on her plans.
The book wasn’t extremely interesting to me until Terrence is high school/ college-aged. Here, the development of Terrence’s work ethic as well as his aspirations shines through and he uses it to accomplish so many things in so little time. Although some of his lessons/ words of wisdom come in the form of clichés, they’re still motivation and don’t take away from his story. It also made me realize how much I took my college education for granted and how much more I could have done/ could be doing.
As a member of an NPHC sorority (AKA), I definitely appreciated Terrence J talking about his experience as a frater in Omega Psi Phi (now matter how brief it may have seemed). People often underestimate our experiences as an undergrad, within our own brotherly and sisterly bonds, and our roles in executing our Founders’ visions and initiatives. In the bits that he does talk about his fraternity, I feel that he truly shows a brotherly spirit. It also reminds me of my line sister, whom I was reminded of being that she is in Los Angeles pursuing a career in the entertainment industry and also recommended this book to.
As a college grad not yet employed in her field, this book was a swift kick of motivation that reinforced the idea of the work I have left to do for myself, my career, my future. I have so much further to go and so much more to see and do for myself and others.
While it’s not the classic “me me me, and ONLY me” memoir written by an entertainer about individual lessons for individual struggle with a few lessons learned. The Wealth of My Mother’s Wisdom reaches out to a broader spectrum. It’s an “everybody” book. You can read it if you’ve been there, done that, and bought the t-shirt to prove it and can appreciate a kindred spirit or if you’re in dire need of guidance. Very good!
December 5, 2013
I’m not going to lie. I only purchased this book because it was $2.99 on the kindle. (I no longer read physical books because I’m all about the environment Ya’mean!). And that’s no disrespect to Terrance J but I honestly wasn’t a fan. By the time he got to 106 & Park I didn’t watch the show. Not that I ever watched it other than “Freestyle Friday”.
After the reading the book however I am a fan. This book had a lot of great words of wisdom and the story was told in a creative way. I enjoyed the short stories from other celebrities and his mother’s thoughts.
Now this book isn’t groundbreaking and damn near all of the advice about life you probably already know but the way the message is delivered is cool. This was a good quick read.
After the reading the book however I am a fan. This book had a lot of great words of wisdom and the story was told in a creative way. I enjoyed the short stories from other celebrities and his mother’s thoughts.
Now this book isn’t groundbreaking and damn near all of the advice about life you probably already know but the way the message is delivered is cool. This was a good quick read.
November 19, 2013
This book will definitely give a person motivation to DO BETTER!
June 9, 2014
I really enjoyed. I plan to recommend to my daughter
Currently reading
March 5, 2015My mom is also my mentor ... Going good
Read
September 29, 2020it was interesting
Read
November 10, 2016 This book was read by "Pages" group in the Khair Jalees book club.
July 17, 2025
The Wealth of My Mother’s Wisdom is a heartfelt and inspiring memoir that shines with the quiet yet powerful influence of a mother's love and wisdom. Terrence J beautifully honors his mother’s role in shaping the man he became—grounded, driven, and successful.
What stood out to me most was the richness of his mother’s wisdom. Her words didn’t just guide him—they lifted him, gave him confidence, and fueled his desire to chase after his dreams. The way she instilled in him a love for reading, the value of surrounding yourself with the right friends, and the importance of character and perseverance—those lessons resonated deeply.
This book is more than a tribute to one extraordinary woman; it’s a reminder of how the people who raise us, love us, and believe in us can change the course of our lives. It's honest, emotional, and at times humorous, but always filled with heart. A must-read for anyone who believes in the power of family and the quiet strength behind many great men: their mothers.
What stood out to me most was the richness of his mother’s wisdom. Her words didn’t just guide him—they lifted him, gave him confidence, and fueled his desire to chase after his dreams. The way she instilled in him a love for reading, the value of surrounding yourself with the right friends, and the importance of character and perseverance—those lessons resonated deeply.
This book is more than a tribute to one extraordinary woman; it’s a reminder of how the people who raise us, love us, and believe in us can change the course of our lives. It's honest, emotional, and at times humorous, but always filled with heart. A must-read for anyone who believes in the power of family and the quiet strength behind many great men: their mothers.
July 12, 2021
Didn’t expect so much
When you raise children with heart, and unimaginable commitment, it shows. Terence’s love and gratefulness of his mother, shines on every page.
When you raise children with heart, and unimaginable commitment, it shows. Terence’s love and gratefulness of his mother, shines on every page.
February 8, 2022
Heart-warming book about the sacrifice of parents; the bond between a mother and son; how values carry children through life.
June 25, 2024
I really enjoyed this one! A quick read honoring a wise mother.
November 23, 2013
Many see their parents as inspiration but everyone doesn't write about it. Terrence J opens up about his life by sharing his mothers story with his volunteering/mentoring of youth from The Boys & Girls Club. The lessons are awe-inspiring and truly warmed my heart. Terrence illustrates his growth by sharing 'Tiffany's' story of growth. Just as he survived growing up with a teenaged single mom - Tiffany would be that mom. Just as he would attend college, pledge and catch the break of a lifetime becoming a superstar - Tiffany would move to ATL using her eye for fashion and earn a spot on a costume design team for a big time movie. It's the appreciation for the lessons learned (good or bad) that create the life God has planned for you. Grab a box of tissue, cup of coffee and get ready to be motivated.
April 21, 2014
I didn't have huge hopes for this when I saw it, but it did intrigue me when I first saw it. I always wondered how Terrence was able to parlay his BET experience into his current gig and acting. When I read the first few pages and saw that his mother had him at a young age, I really wanted to find out more.
This was a good read. It didn't have any particularly different advice, but finding out more about his mother's and his journey was really interesting. I liked her portions of the book as much as I liked his.
I wasn't really fond of the composite character Tiffany, but I see how it could be a relatable/relevant device for younger readers.
This was a good read. It didn't have any particularly different advice, but finding out more about his mother's and his journey was really interesting. I liked her portions of the book as much as I liked his.
I wasn't really fond of the composite character Tiffany, but I see how it could be a relatable/relevant device for younger readers.
January 4, 2014
I absolutely enjoyed this book. It was so inspiring and motivating!
The format of this book made it easy to follow and all the more interesting. From the beginning, Terrance J does a great job of telling his mother's story, while incorporating the story of a young lady who would encounter similar struggles. I also enjoyed how he included pearls of wisdom from his mother with aligning accounts from other celebrities.
Overall, Terrance J himself has an amazing story. He did a great job of articulating the love and wisdom of his mother and her influence on his success. GREAT READ!!!
The format of this book made it easy to follow and all the more interesting. From the beginning, Terrance J does a great job of telling his mother's story, while incorporating the story of a young lady who would encounter similar struggles. I also enjoyed how he included pearls of wisdom from his mother with aligning accounts from other celebrities.
Overall, Terrance J himself has an amazing story. He did a great job of articulating the love and wisdom of his mother and her influence on his success. GREAT READ!!!
December 14, 2013
Motivational is what this book was. It was more than what I expected, great job Terrence J! I'm a single mother & Mrs. Lisa motivated me as if I was her child. She did a great job in raising Terrence & Terrence did a great job telling their story. My 13 year old son is also reading this book & I pray that the things Terrence learned from his mother, my son is able to use that along with what I'm trying to teach him in his life. I encourage single mothers to read this along with their children.
August 20, 2014
Positive, motivational read
First things first, RQQ to the good bruhz. This book has been motivational and insightful. I would recommend to anyone. Terrance J inspired me (At Howard homecoming step show 2012) to read the alchemists which was life changing and opened my eyes to a new way of thinking and now he gives his own personal masterpiece on dreaming, working, and persevering. Proud of this brother. excellent read.
First things first, RQQ to the good bruhz. This book has been motivational and insightful. I would recommend to anyone. Terrance J inspired me (At Howard homecoming step show 2012) to read the alchemists which was life changing and opened my eyes to a new way of thinking and now he gives his own personal masterpiece on dreaming, working, and persevering. Proud of this brother. excellent read.
April 26, 2014
This was an interesting book. I worked with Terrence at NASCAR and having worked with him it was interesting to read his book which was a very good and accurate portrayal of the type of person Terrence is. The book was enlightening and had some very interesting points. I wish Terrence the best as he continues in his entertainment career.
November 21, 2014
Whereas I really started off enjoying and appreciating this book after a while the author came off as self-involved and arrogant. I think I would have liked this book a lot better had his mother alone had written it.
October 17, 2013
Awesome read.
January 18, 2014
hard work hard work hard work and the opportunity to put the hard work into practice.
September 12, 2014
This book was very inspiring to me. I'm inspired by his story. I would recommend anyone to read it. We all need a little inspiration every now and then.
August 12, 2014
An easy read that's inspiring.
August 26, 2014
The story gives insight of how Terrance J grew up and I like how he depicted the story of flashback of his childhood lessons, while explaining the lessons in a dialogue to a single mother-to-be.
September 14, 2015
Very good read
March 26, 2016
I cannot handle this kind of books anymore, book club issues, trying to expand the circle of acceptances.
March 22, 2016
inspiring book. good and easy read!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews