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Unbreak My Heart
The bestselling solo R&B artist finally opens up about her rocky past and her path to redemption
While Toni Braxton may appear to be living a charmed life, hers is in fact a tumultuous story: a tale of personal triumph after a public unraveling. In her heartfelt memoir, the six-time Grammy Award-winning singer and star of WE tv's hit reality series Braxton Family Values is unapologetically honest in revealing the intimate details of her journey.
Toni and the entire Braxton clan have become America's favorite musical family, but what fans may not know is the intense guilt Toni once felt when she accepted a recording deal that excluded her sisters. That decision would haunt Toni for years to come, tainting the enormous fame she experienced as a popular female vocalist at the top of the charts. Despite her early accomplishments, Toni's world crumbled when she was forced to file for bankruptcy twice and was left all alone to pick up the pieces.
Always the consummate professional, Toni rebuilt her life but then found herself in the midst of more heartache. The mother of an autistic child, Toni had long feared that her son's condition might be karmic retribution for some of the life choices that left her filled with remorse. Later, when heart ailments began plaguing her at the age of forty-one and she was diagnosed with lupus, Toni knew she had to move beyond the self-recrimination and take charge of her own healing—physically and spiritually.
Unbreak My Heart is more than the story of Toni's difficult past and glittering success: it is a story of hope, of healing, and, ultimately, of redemption.
While Toni Braxton may appear to be living a charmed life, hers is in fact a tumultuous story: a tale of personal triumph after a public unraveling. In her heartfelt memoir, the six-time Grammy Award-winning singer and star of WE tv's hit reality series Braxton Family Values is unapologetically honest in revealing the intimate details of her journey.
Toni and the entire Braxton clan have become America's favorite musical family, but what fans may not know is the intense guilt Toni once felt when she accepted a recording deal that excluded her sisters. That decision would haunt Toni for years to come, tainting the enormous fame she experienced as a popular female vocalist at the top of the charts. Despite her early accomplishments, Toni's world crumbled when she was forced to file for bankruptcy twice and was left all alone to pick up the pieces.
Always the consummate professional, Toni rebuilt her life but then found herself in the midst of more heartache. The mother of an autistic child, Toni had long feared that her son's condition might be karmic retribution for some of the life choices that left her filled with remorse. Later, when heart ailments began plaguing her at the age of forty-one and she was diagnosed with lupus, Toni knew she had to move beyond the self-recrimination and take charge of her own healing—physically and spiritually.
Unbreak My Heart is more than the story of Toni's difficult past and glittering success: it is a story of hope, of healing, and, ultimately, of redemption.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 15, 2012
104 people are currently reading
1579 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 188 reviews
no-just-no
May 21, 2014Look, I am sorry, but autism isn't a punishment from God. It's not easy, but it's not a punishment. Folks need to stop having this kind of attitude. It just hurts autistic people. How are they supposed to feel knowing people think they are a punishment? WTF?
Then again, I feel bad about her background. Mine was similar but at least i could wear pants. I would have been so MISERABLE if they made me wear dresses all the time. Ugh. People's view of God is warped. I'm not even sure if he exists, but their version of God tends to be so mean. And anyway autism is something to be worked with and understood. NOT a punishment.
Then again, I feel bad about her background. Mine was similar but at least i could wear pants. I would have been so MISERABLE if they made me wear dresses all the time. Ugh. People's view of God is warped. I'm not even sure if he exists, but their version of God tends to be so mean. And anyway autism is something to be worked with and understood. NOT a punishment.
February 10, 2014
I'm a huge fan of celebrity memoirs, especially if the author discloses parts of their life that aren't very well known, and Braxton's confessions were interesting and heart-breaking. While I've always loved her voice, I've never been what you would call a fan so haven't really followed her career except what what was publicized about her bankruptcies and health issues. In this book I found her path to independence and self-awareness to be inspiring. I'm now off to check out her latest album and find a few Braxton Family Values episodes to watch.
July 8, 2015
Raw, Honest & Uplifting! An Excellent Read! I Loved It!
August 6, 2014
I generally have three categories for memoirs, biographies and autobiographies. Guarded, open and no-holds-barred. I would put this in the guarded category. I always have hopes that memoirs would go beyond the headlines. If one is somewhat familiar with Toni Braxton, you heard about the bankruptcies, and health issues. I was hoping for more depth on financial issues, although she did reveal she won the lawsuit against her record company, and walked away with $20 million. Part of the settlement was she had to remain silent for 10 years, so many may not know that she received such a huge sum.
She never delved into her role that allegedly broke up the basketball Dallas Mavericks, at the time it was reported that she was having an affair with two of the starters and a third had an interest in her as well. It was a major story amongst basketball fans. She went nowhere near that explosive rumor. In fact, she was quite guarded about her romantic life, which I guess is understandable.
She was very open about growing up in a religious household and the resulting damage to her psyche. The early chapters could serve as a cautionary tale for those parents who indoctrinate their children into religiousness often leaving the children confused and scared. Her parents joined a highly restrictive church when she was 7, members could wear only dresses, and hats were required to cover heads and feet couldn't be exposed.
So when the Bishop of the church told her she couldn't wear the clogs her father had brought for her, in the church, because her heel was exposed, her "joy was eclipsed by fear; apparently the God of the universe would send me to eternal damnation in a blazing inferno for something as minor as an exposed heel. That's how I began connecting religion, God and church with judgment, anxiety, and guilt."
And this anxiety would haunt her for years. She allowed herself to believe birthing an autistic child and her own diagnoses of Lupus was God's way of punishing her for having an abortion years earlier. "My view of God as a chastising tyrant rather than as a compassionate father was formed long before I lived through any of these heartaches...... God isn't in those four walls, and sometimes just being back in a sanctuary makes me feel as condemned as I did as a girl."
The early chapters are the most compelling probably because the formative years of her life have been the least exposed to media. So it feels revealing to the reader as she recounts her puerility. As she grows into adulthood we are given less depth to her life journey, and this reticence harms the overall effectiveness of what could have been a great book. However, I still think it's a good book and quick read which many will ultimately find delightful.
She never delved into her role that allegedly broke up the basketball Dallas Mavericks, at the time it was reported that she was having an affair with two of the starters and a third had an interest in her as well. It was a major story amongst basketball fans. She went nowhere near that explosive rumor. In fact, she was quite guarded about her romantic life, which I guess is understandable.
She was very open about growing up in a religious household and the resulting damage to her psyche. The early chapters could serve as a cautionary tale for those parents who indoctrinate their children into religiousness often leaving the children confused and scared. Her parents joined a highly restrictive church when she was 7, members could wear only dresses, and hats were required to cover heads and feet couldn't be exposed.
So when the Bishop of the church told her she couldn't wear the clogs her father had brought for her, in the church, because her heel was exposed, her "joy was eclipsed by fear; apparently the God of the universe would send me to eternal damnation in a blazing inferno for something as minor as an exposed heel. That's how I began connecting religion, God and church with judgment, anxiety, and guilt."
And this anxiety would haunt her for years. She allowed herself to believe birthing an autistic child and her own diagnoses of Lupus was God's way of punishing her for having an abortion years earlier. "My view of God as a chastising tyrant rather than as a compassionate father was formed long before I lived through any of these heartaches...... God isn't in those four walls, and sometimes just being back in a sanctuary makes me feel as condemned as I did as a girl."
The early chapters are the most compelling probably because the formative years of her life have been the least exposed to media. So it feels revealing to the reader as she recounts her puerility. As she grows into adulthood we are given less depth to her life journey, and this reticence harms the overall effectiveness of what could have been a great book. However, I still think it's a good book and quick read which many will ultimately find delightful.
June 10, 2014
UnBreak My Heart [A Memoir] Toni Braxton
Toni Braxton the oldest of six siblings and a six-time Grammy award winner, American R&B singer and song writer. This is Toni’s first book a memoir ( UnBreak My Heart), giving her fans and the entire world a chance to really get a gaze into who she really is as a women, mother, wife, sister and artist. This book gives Toni the opportunity to share her story of her childhood, spirituality and the highs / lows of the music industry. Toni describes her childhood somewhat of like the Jackson 5 as it relates to music. In this book Toni talks about heartache, guilt, family, growing (experiences and people who helped groom her along the way), spirituality /religion and finding the courage to heal and BREATHE AGAIN.
Although, we are fairly familiar with the media’s outlook of Toni Braxton; this book explains her personal journey through life. Having read this book in a matter of three days, I enjoyed the transparency birthed through the pages of this book. The process of writing this book was simply life-changing for Toni, and the need to clarify rumors and misconceptions. Toni shares her desires of music and even her thoughts of retiring. I mostly appreciated the approach in which Toni had this book written, which was to give her fans and readers a TRUE account of her life. Although, writing this book involves her family; not once does she expose anything to make her family and friends seem condemning; but yet giving HER perspective of HER feelings about her life experiences then and now.
What I learned from this book: UnBreak My Heart
To purchase the book click here:——> (UnBreak My Heart)
1.Take Care of YOU before you Take Care of others….When loving those around us; it’s not our job to CARRY people even FAMILY. This doesn’t dismiss our love for them.
2.Knowing when to have a VOICE – speak up and speak out.
3.When Love comes, accept it with open arms, mind, spirit and soul it healthy to our being.
4.Despite life’s experiences good or bad you learn to BREATHE AGAIN
5.UnBreak Your Heart/ Breathe Again
Toni Braxton the oldest of six siblings and a six-time Grammy award winner, American R&B singer and song writer. This is Toni’s first book a memoir ( UnBreak My Heart), giving her fans and the entire world a chance to really get a gaze into who she really is as a women, mother, wife, sister and artist. This book gives Toni the opportunity to share her story of her childhood, spirituality and the highs / lows of the music industry. Toni describes her childhood somewhat of like the Jackson 5 as it relates to music. In this book Toni talks about heartache, guilt, family, growing (experiences and people who helped groom her along the way), spirituality /religion and finding the courage to heal and BREATHE AGAIN.
Although, we are fairly familiar with the media’s outlook of Toni Braxton; this book explains her personal journey through life. Having read this book in a matter of three days, I enjoyed the transparency birthed through the pages of this book. The process of writing this book was simply life-changing for Toni, and the need to clarify rumors and misconceptions. Toni shares her desires of music and even her thoughts of retiring. I mostly appreciated the approach in which Toni had this book written, which was to give her fans and readers a TRUE account of her life. Although, writing this book involves her family; not once does she expose anything to make her family and friends seem condemning; but yet giving HER perspective of HER feelings about her life experiences then and now.
What I learned from this book: UnBreak My Heart
To purchase the book click here:——> (UnBreak My Heart)
1.Take Care of YOU before you Take Care of others….When loving those around us; it’s not our job to CARRY people even FAMILY. This doesn’t dismiss our love for them.
2.Knowing when to have a VOICE – speak up and speak out.
3.When Love comes, accept it with open arms, mind, spirit and soul it healthy to our being.
4.Despite life’s experiences good or bad you learn to BREATHE AGAIN
5.UnBreak Your Heart/ Breathe Again
January 10, 2015
Not much to this book, sadly. I feel like this is memoir-lite, choosing to really only briefly touch on what could be (and probably were) more critical moments in her life and in her relationships with her family, business associates, etc.
I'll be looking forward to a Tamar Braxton memoir.
I'll be looking forward to a Tamar Braxton memoir.
September 3, 2014
As a long-time fan of Toni Braxton, I was pleasantly surprised to find this. I have to say, this memoir was very well-written, well-organized and well-paced, especially when compared to others. I was only about 8 or 9 when I first heard her music and it brings back vivid childhood memories every time I hear her songs. "You're Making Me High" and "Let It Flow" came out at such an impressionable time in my life and it was so interesting and entertaining to read about the songwriting process for the former. What an 11-year-old was doing listening and singing along to the uber-sensual lyrics of "You're Making Me High" has my head spinning, but it's really not that much different from a child these days listening to the provocative lyrics of 99% of today's songs. Ah, childhood!
And even though we are a couple of decades apart and grew up in seemingly different households, I can relate to her relationship with her parents and her upbringing hits very close to home. Loved reading about her experience with LaFace in the early days - I've always looked up to Babyface and L.A. Reid but never was able to put a personality with the name. Overall, a very interesting read and a raw peek into the life of one of the 90s' greatest r&b singers.
And even though we are a couple of decades apart and grew up in seemingly different households, I can relate to her relationship with her parents and her upbringing hits very close to home. Loved reading about her experience with LaFace in the early days - I've always looked up to Babyface and L.A. Reid but never was able to put a personality with the name. Overall, a very interesting read and a raw peek into the life of one of the 90s' greatest r&b singers.
February 9, 2017
I've like Toni Braxton's singing for years. I love her voice, that deep throaty sound and the torch song type of singing. I class her with singers like Phyllis Hymen, Natalie Cole, and Jean Carn. So, I looked forward to reading this autobiography. I enjoyed the read. It was detailed enough to give me some real insight into who Toni Braxton, the singer and woman, really is. It shatters many myths and fantasies people have about the lives of celebrities. This account made her human, normal, and flawed as we all are in different ways. That's a good thing in today's disturbing culture of celebrity worship. The conversational first person narrative lent a more realistic and intimate touch. It felt like she was talking to the reader over a cup of tea...or coffee.
The only thing I noticed in the negative was the editing could have been better. But all in all it was a satisfactory read.
The only thing I noticed in the negative was the editing could have been better. But all in all it was a satisfactory read.
December 25, 2014
MY GRADE: B
This was a quick read, less than 300 pages. While I'm not a fan of Toni's music, I am a huge fan of her family's reality show, Braxton Family Values that's on We TV. Toni opens up about her two bankruptcies, lupus, Autism, cosmetic surgeries, and other personal matters.
She grew up in Severn, MD (my home state) with deeply religious parents, her mother more so than the father, it seems. She's grown up to feel guilty about things she shouldn't and seems to harbor a small amount of animosity because of it.
What I've learned about Toni is that she's terrible with money but wants us to believe that's not the case. She's terrible at using birth control too. She's been generous with her family financially and I wonder how much. She didn't get into that much but I'm curious. She never talked about how angry she is/was toward her cheating father or if she ever was. Odd not to mention it.
I've never been a fan of her mother, Evelyn (especially since she threatened to 'slap the piss' out of Tamar), and after learning that her mother always reminded Toni to not 'forget about your sisters' since Toni got a record deal at 23 and her sister's didn't, I like her even less. And she had the nerve to seem angry when Toni got the deal. I've always had the feeling, and I don't know why, that Toni has financially supported her mother after her separation, then divorce, from her husband. I'm intrigued by the fact that Evelyn's 'guarded' about her own childhood. At a young age, she moved from the south to live with an aunt in Maryland.
I wish Toni had opened up a bit more about some things but overall this was a good, mostly honest book about her entire life.
FYI- Trina's my favorite!
I received this from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 15, 2014
I understand that everyone wants to write a book and get their story told, but some people should just leave it alone. I say this as my first sentence to this review because Toni Braxton should leave the storytelling to celebrities who actually want to share something the public does not already know. If you watch Braxton Family Values or have the internet, then this book will be a complete snoozefest for you.
On a bright note, it was neat that I knew of some of places Toni talked about during her childhood since I currently live near her hometown. There was nothing technically wrong with Unbreak My Heart, except the fact that it was boring. The general public already knew about her bankruptcies and all of that stuff, but what I wanted was the juicy stuff like what happened between Jason Kidd, Jimmy Jackson, and her. The best thing I can say about Unbreak My Heart is that it was fast to read.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of Unbreak My Heart in exchange for an honest review.
On a bright note, it was neat that I knew of some of places Toni talked about during her childhood since I currently live near her hometown. There was nothing technically wrong with Unbreak My Heart, except the fact that it was boring. The general public already knew about her bankruptcies and all of that stuff, but what I wanted was the juicy stuff like what happened between Jason Kidd, Jimmy Jackson, and her. The best thing I can say about Unbreak My Heart is that it was fast to read.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of Unbreak My Heart in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2015
This was a quick and honest read, in it Toni explores her life with the feelings and emotions that came with marriage, motherhood, being the eldest and her living with lupus. I loved that she was classy and didn't drag anyone through the mud but very open with the stories that she did choose to share.
August 12, 2024
I’ve always liked Toni Braxton and felt a special connection to her but I learned new things about her life from this book. I did not know the extent of her extremely conservative Christian background. She basically grew up in a dysfunctional home and she became a people pleaser.
January 5, 2016
4.5 stars
I love me some Toni Braxton.
Review to come.
I love me some Toni Braxton.
Review to come.
April 24, 2020
4 stars. Toni Braxton is one of the few artists that I absolutely stan for. Like, I grew up loving her music and if we’re talking about an artist that has had an impact on my life, she is high up on that list along with Janet Jackson, Brandy, Mariah Carey and Sade. I just adore the hell out of her and it’s impossible to deny her impact on the music industry. She was the first black actress to play Belle in Disney’s Beauty and The Beast on Broadway. The woman is an icon.
This was such a great read and I loved the easy, conversational way that it was written. While I think Toni skimmed over a lot of things, she still was extremely straightforward about some major moments in her life and I applaud her for it. One story in particular I was completely shocked that she decided to talk about it but I applaud her bravery because wow. I love that she didn’t make excuses for things that went wrong in her life (i.e. her bankruptcies) and instead took responsibility for it. She stood firm in her shit and owned it. Her stories about working with Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds were great because talk about a legendary and iconic duo. Those two make magic together. I particularly liked reading about her struggles with religion and growing up in the church and her guilt about going solo and leaving her sisters behind. It was all so raw and she was very candid about how all of that effected her for so many years. Outside of her music career, those were the two things I was most interested in.
Also, side note but I had no idea that her More Than a Woman album is her least favorite of her works. I know it was the lowest selling of her albums at the time but that album is the truth. It’s full of great tracks that I still listen to so that was interesting. It’s seriously underrated.
Overall, this was a very insightful read and honestly it just made me love her even more. Also, I’ve been listening to her music nonstop since finishing this book but that’s nothing new. This review ended up longer than I expected but if you get me talking about my love of R&B music and certain artists I could talk your ears off.
TL:DR: Toni Braxton is a goddess is the gist of this review.
{Challenges completed:
✔The Lost Challenges: The Best Snack Food From Every State Challenge (Book 23 out of 100)
✔The Lost Challenges: Most Iconic Album Covers Challenge}
This was such a great read and I loved the easy, conversational way that it was written. While I think Toni skimmed over a lot of things, she still was extremely straightforward about some major moments in her life and I applaud her for it. One story in particular I was completely shocked that she decided to talk about it but I applaud her bravery because wow. I love that she didn’t make excuses for things that went wrong in her life (i.e. her bankruptcies) and instead took responsibility for it. She stood firm in her shit and owned it. Her stories about working with Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds were great because talk about a legendary and iconic duo. Those two make magic together. I particularly liked reading about her struggles with religion and growing up in the church and her guilt about going solo and leaving her sisters behind. It was all so raw and she was very candid about how all of that effected her for so many years. Outside of her music career, those were the two things I was most interested in.
Also, side note but I had no idea that her More Than a Woman album is her least favorite of her works. I know it was the lowest selling of her albums at the time but that album is the truth. It’s full of great tracks that I still listen to so that was interesting. It’s seriously underrated.
Overall, this was a very insightful read and honestly it just made me love her even more. Also, I’ve been listening to her music nonstop since finishing this book but that’s nothing new. This review ended up longer than I expected but if you get me talking about my love of R&B music and certain artists I could talk your ears off.
TL:DR: Toni Braxton is a goddess is the gist of this review.
{Challenges completed:
✔The Lost Challenges: The Best Snack Food From Every State Challenge (Book 23 out of 100)
✔The Lost Challenges: Most Iconic Album Covers Challenge}
March 15, 2018
Toni Braxton hasn't had an easy life. From her up bringing and attending church almost every day, to two bankruptcy, a son who has autism, and her Lupus disease. In her memoir, Toni opens up about all of this and how she has overcome and rebuilt her life.
The oldest child, Toni help tended to her younger siblings, and at a very young age, her parents decided they would all be attending church, as her parents bounced from one church to another, Toni didn't fit into their religion of wearing dresses everyday, speaking in tongues, she long to dance to her own beat of the drum. Even though she didn't fit in with her parents beliefs, she didn't realize they were installing values, morals, and teaching her to stand on her own to feet, making her a strong woman who she is today.
She talks about how the record company only wanted her and not her sisters, how her parents disapproved of this, how her sisters in later life expected her to help them have a career in the limelight. She explains how she came about to having to file bankruptcy and how her record label and tour wouldn't help her when she went on tour with Kenny G. How the banks sent in inspectors and took her five Grammy's because they were classified as assets. She lost the rights to many of her songs, but was able to keep the rights to one of her most popular songs, "Unbreak My Heart".
She talks about how she didn't let all of that bring her down, in fact it made her want to work harder, little did she know at the time her health would play a huge part in her life from here on out. While performing on Broadway, Braxton passes out and she is transported to the hospital, there they find out she has a heart problem, however this wasn't the only problem she had. Upon further testing the results came back, Toni Braxton has Lupus. In true Toni Braxton fashion, she learned everything she could about her disease in which will be a part of her life for as long as she remains on earth. She talks about working with the Lupus Chapter and how she enjoys working with other women who have this disease.
The oldest child, Toni help tended to her younger siblings, and at a very young age, her parents decided they would all be attending church, as her parents bounced from one church to another, Toni didn't fit into their religion of wearing dresses everyday, speaking in tongues, she long to dance to her own beat of the drum. Even though she didn't fit in with her parents beliefs, she didn't realize they were installing values, morals, and teaching her to stand on her own to feet, making her a strong woman who she is today.
She talks about how the record company only wanted her and not her sisters, how her parents disapproved of this, how her sisters in later life expected her to help them have a career in the limelight. She explains how she came about to having to file bankruptcy and how her record label and tour wouldn't help her when she went on tour with Kenny G. How the banks sent in inspectors and took her five Grammy's because they were classified as assets. She lost the rights to many of her songs, but was able to keep the rights to one of her most popular songs, "Unbreak My Heart".
She talks about how she didn't let all of that bring her down, in fact it made her want to work harder, little did she know at the time her health would play a huge part in her life from here on out. While performing on Broadway, Braxton passes out and she is transported to the hospital, there they find out she has a heart problem, however this wasn't the only problem she had. Upon further testing the results came back, Toni Braxton has Lupus. In true Toni Braxton fashion, she learned everything she could about her disease in which will be a part of her life for as long as she remains on earth. She talks about working with the Lupus Chapter and how she enjoys working with other women who have this disease.
September 27, 2018
I’m a huge fan of Braxton Family Values and remember playing Toni’s sophomore album, Secrets to no end until the CD was all scratched up. Tamar’s first 2 albums were also in heavy rotation upon release. I’ve known a bit about their story but it was great to get more insight from the perspective of the eldest Braxton child. I thought it was revealing yet tasteful but felt like the tone of the book was a bit guarded and mechanical. I wish it was a bit more personable and down-to-earth which is why I didn’t give it 5 stars.
June 18, 2014
I've always been a huge fan of Toni Braxton, and I've definitely always respected her talent. The first time I heard the Boomerang Soundtrack, I kept wondering who is this chick? I loved her short haircut and she was cute and appeared to have it going on, but as I always say, you never truly know what anyone is 'truly' going through.
This was an outstanding memoir on so many levels. I loved the fact that she broke it down about her bankruptcy mishaps, and how she ended up that way two times, which for her sake, I pray that second was her last. She has two adorable sons, Denim and Diezel, and she reveals how she and her then husband, Keri Lewis, came up with those names--pretty interesting stuff.
She had a strong religious upbringing and although her parents had six children, with Toni being the first, most of the mistakes that may have been made, were made on her. There was one statement she made that really said it all about where Toni's mindset is today. "I'm only responsible for myself and my children. Period." Due to her formative years, Mrs. Braxton, Toni's mom, made some rather unfair demands on her which she carried throughout her life, and which, I believe, is the root for a great deal of the issues she later faced. Her parents weren't perfect, but there was a great deal of psychological damage already in the making.
The funny thing is, from the moment she popped on the R&B scene back in the early 90s, I always sensed a sadness about her, and after having read her life story, I see why that is. She's done a lot of growing up and has learned some rather hard valuable lessons along the way. Toni is finally thinking about 'Toni' and not worrying about her sisters' lives or their trying to make claim to fame.
This book is all about Toni and how life's bumpy ride impacted her. She set the record straight on many of the media's inappropriate mishandling of her life. I love Toni and I'm so glad Babyface got her to do a new album and she's singing and, for the first time in a very long time, is happy with herself! This was an awesome read, and one I'm sure any memoir fans will adore. Worth every penny and the pics in the Kindle version were great!
This was an outstanding memoir on so many levels. I loved the fact that she broke it down about her bankruptcy mishaps, and how she ended up that way two times, which for her sake, I pray that second was her last. She has two adorable sons, Denim and Diezel, and she reveals how she and her then husband, Keri Lewis, came up with those names--pretty interesting stuff.
She had a strong religious upbringing and although her parents had six children, with Toni being the first, most of the mistakes that may have been made, were made on her. There was one statement she made that really said it all about where Toni's mindset is today. "I'm only responsible for myself and my children. Period." Due to her formative years, Mrs. Braxton, Toni's mom, made some rather unfair demands on her which she carried throughout her life, and which, I believe, is the root for a great deal of the issues she later faced. Her parents weren't perfect, but there was a great deal of psychological damage already in the making.
The funny thing is, from the moment she popped on the R&B scene back in the early 90s, I always sensed a sadness about her, and after having read her life story, I see why that is. She's done a lot of growing up and has learned some rather hard valuable lessons along the way. Toni is finally thinking about 'Toni' and not worrying about her sisters' lives or their trying to make claim to fame.
This book is all about Toni and how life's bumpy ride impacted her. She set the record straight on many of the media's inappropriate mishandling of her life. I love Toni and I'm so glad Babyface got her to do a new album and she's singing and, for the first time in a very long time, is happy with herself! This was an awesome read, and one I'm sure any memoir fans will adore. Worth every penny and the pics in the Kindle version were great!
October 13, 2014
Imagine our individual lives as separate houses. You knock on the front door of Toni Braxton's life. She opens the door with a smile, invites you in for a brief visit in the living room. She then leaves to prepare a setting of sun brewed iced tea and butter cookies. When she comes back, she suggests that we sit outside on the front porch comforted by the warm summer breeze created from the shade of the tall oak trees dressing the manicured lawn. The conversation is continued with intimate feelings, and without crudeness. She gives enough to make the reader understand that she too with all her infamy and accomplishments is also very human, and feels, bleeds, suffers, and triumphs just as the rest of us. If you're looking for a dripping, drama filled tell-all memoir, look somewhere else. This memoir has true heart that has been broken, and unbroken again. I didn't realize there was a superstar that I had so much in common with. Very inspiring. I loved it.
August 19, 2015
Great read!. Couldn't put the book down;took me less than a week to finish the book. She was honest;she confirmed the nose and boob jobs. She's been through a lot and I love her perseverance. She fully explained her 2 bankrupties;I can relate. After reading this book, I realized how cut-throat the business side of music really is. I was once an aspiring singer, so reading about her experiences was a real eye-opener. She didn't delve too much about her marriage and divorce to Mr. Lewis, and I can respect that. I've always been a big fan of Toni Braxton. I wish her the best! She's both a great entertainer and human being. Love her, love her!!!
February 2, 2019
SHEESH! What an upbringing. This book just goes to show that what you ask for can happen but you must BE SPECIFIC in your asking! I love Toni, always have & always will and for the record— I knew about Tamar from her singing on a song and recognized her beautiful voice long before I knew they were sisters.
I’ll admit I didn’t know this book existed until I resolved to watch Braxton family values which is funny and decent but my goodness— I couldn’t drag my family everywhere. Kudos to you Madam Legendary Toni Braxton 💚💚💚!
4 stars cause that religion mess was NUTS!! I’d like to think my GOD isn’t so strict... men & women tend to add stuff with regard to their comforts and needs. 🙄
I’ll admit I didn’t know this book existed until I resolved to watch Braxton family values which is funny and decent but my goodness— I couldn’t drag my family everywhere. Kudos to you Madam Legendary Toni Braxton 💚💚💚!
4 stars cause that religion mess was NUTS!! I’d like to think my GOD isn’t so strict... men & women tend to add stuff with regard to their comforts and needs. 🙄
May 25, 2015
Heartwarming read!
I first decided to read this book because I have learned more about Tony on Braxton Family Values. I have come to love some of her sisters and dislike one of them therefore I wanted to know a bit more about her life but most of all I come from a family of five kids, one boy and four girls so watching the show I related to them so much and I related to Tony even more because in many ways I am the Tony of my family. Now that I have read it I could honestly say that you won't be disappointed. It's beautifully written book.
I first decided to read this book because I have learned more about Tony on Braxton Family Values. I have come to love some of her sisters and dislike one of them therefore I wanted to know a bit more about her life but most of all I come from a family of five kids, one boy and four girls so watching the show I related to them so much and I related to Tony even more because in many ways I am the Tony of my family. Now that I have read it I could honestly say that you won't be disappointed. It's beautifully written book.
August 9, 2014
I enjoyed reading about her career and the personal struggles on the road to an amazing career. By her writing style, you can easily care about her relationships with her family and friends. I somehow knew she didn't want to do a reality tv show, however, like the old adage goes..'you do for family.' I recognize that there were some relationships that were co-dependent, personally and professionally. At the end, she is an overcomer! Great read!
January 4, 2017
This was an easy to read autobiography. I did feel that the author didn't take much responsibility for her actions, such as her two bankruptcies, but instead tried to explain them away as if they were unavoidable. I didn't know much about Toni Braxton before reading this book, so I did learn a few things, but I didn't think there was much depth to the book. Overall, an okay autobiography but not one I'd recommend.
March 19, 2016
Bravo!!!
Toni Braxton's book was so good! I sit down after dinner to start reading it with the intention to read a couple chapters. Next thing I know I read the entire book!
What I liked about the book is that I could feel the emotion of Toni's words. I found myself cheering her on one minute, and crying with her the next. Many times I wanted to reach thru the pages and give her a hug and tell her it would all be ok.
Toni Braxton's book was so good! I sit down after dinner to start reading it with the intention to read a couple chapters. Next thing I know I read the entire book!
What I liked about the book is that I could feel the emotion of Toni's words. I found myself cheering her on one minute, and crying with her the next. Many times I wanted to reach thru the pages and give her a hug and tell her it would all be ok.
May 23, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was light and an easy read. It was also fascinating to learn about Toni's childhood and her early passion and desire to become a singing sensation. I also appreciated getting her side of the two bankruptices she filed. She has endured a great deal, and I take my hat off to her for sharing her inspirational story, revealing the good, the bad, and the ugly.
December 15, 2015
I've never been any Toni Braxton fan; it's always been "Unbreak My Heart" that's mostly moved me every time I've heard it.
I've lately started reading biographies (don't ask me why!) and I'm glad I read this one.
Toni Braxtons rather difficult life and her openess and honesty in telling about it really moved me.
I admire her courage and sincerity, and could become a fan! :)
I've lately started reading biographies (don't ask me why!) and I'm glad I read this one.
Toni Braxtons rather difficult life and her openess and honesty in telling about it really moved me.
I admire her courage and sincerity, and could become a fan! :)
May 30, 2016
I loved this book. I already loved Toni Braxton, now I love her even more.
August 9, 2014
Definitely wanted to like this more, but it was short and a little on the boring side. I feel for Toni (she's from MD, too!) but I think there could've been more depth to her reflections.
January 29, 2016
it was a great story
April 13, 2022
so I love celeb memoirs
1. Toni's memoir started off slow for me, but I think it's because I just completed Tiffany Haddish's Memoir The last Black Unicorn ( which was really good, fast paced)
2. Very strict upbringing, I was side eyeing some of the rules her parents had due to religious beliefs
3. Not only does she disclose when she lost her virginity, she also disclose about other relationships that she had with the exception of Birdman this book was published before him.
4.She provided several details regarding her bankruptcy cases BOTH of them
5. There are couple of celeb name drops
6. She mentions how the reality show came to fruition.
7. Overall a pretty good read there were somethings that were mentioned that I chose to leave out of my review.
1. Toni's memoir started off slow for me, but I think it's because I just completed Tiffany Haddish's Memoir The last Black Unicorn ( which was really good, fast paced)
2. Very strict upbringing, I was side eyeing some of the rules her parents had due to religious beliefs
3. Not only does she disclose when she lost her virginity, she also disclose about other relationships that she had with the exception of Birdman this book was published before him.
4.She provided several details regarding her bankruptcy cases BOTH of them
5. There are couple of celeb name drops
6. She mentions how the reality show came to fruition.
7. Overall a pretty good read there were somethings that were mentioned that I chose to leave out of my review.
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