What do you think?
Rate this book
Underneath It All
I've gotten used to living behind mirrors and smoke screens, it's easier to portray an image for the world to see. When I m alone I am haunted by my truth. A girl who entered this world in a jail cell. A girl who was served struggle with a side of pain on a broken platter. A girl who was thrown into a tank with sharks deep in a world whose motto is to eat or be eaten. I can still see the dirt underneath my nails; I've fought too hard to get where I am and I don t plan on looking back. However, there s always someone waiting to knock me down because they don t think I deserve it. Well I say to hell with them. I've put in too much to allow anyone to drag me down. So either you re riding with me or against me...
Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2013
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 26, 2013
There are very few books that I read and feel are a waste of time and money, books in which I can find almost nothing good...well this is one of them. I like Erica from the show. Even though she may come off as a little crazy on the show, I know it's just editing...obviously something she doesn't support considering the grammatical errors and spelling mistakes sprinkled throughout the book. Doesn't look like anyone read this before it was published.
Then there is the content, I won't say she didn't have a hard life....she did. And I give her credit for the series of betrayals that she worked through...but constantly blaming daddy issues for every move and just giving the details of her abuse for pages and pages, while throwing in one paragraph about how she left situations shows me that she's more crying for herself than actually writing an empowering book of any sort. YOU CAN LEARN NOTHING FROM THIS BOOK. The reason it's so short is because it's ridiculous. I liked her so much more before reading, now I do a see a different side of her and wish she had let me stay with what I thought made her crazy instead of this trash.
Lastly, she kept on trying to paint herself as this innocent little thing with no experience with men...so scared, blah blah blah. C'mon...with the image she has painted for herself and grown her fame through plus her potty mouth and openly sexual nature on the show, how can she possibly try to create this almost virginal image of herself throughout the book? It sounded like a lie or some sort and that she was just talking to herself to make herself feel good. I dont mind what she did to make money, but she shouldn't act like she's not exactly what she is...she's not shy, she's not innocent...she's not a bad person either, but cut the crap about making that connection to be intimate with someone. I dont want to judge her, but she wrote a book which was kind of like asking for this judgment...so which Erica is she? The potty mouthed sex bomb that she created on the show or the innocent angel that she seems to be creating because her other persona is losing popularity? She's just an actress I guess...out to feed the world what they want to receive. Not real.
Like I said, liked and accepted who she was before the book...This book tried to push someone that she is not, nor do I want her to be.
DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME...though in under 100 pages, I guess you could fill your curiosity and test your patience. (For the record, I usually enjoy reality stars' book....try Brandi Glanville's Drinking and Tweeting, still about a sexy ex model, but inspiring!!)
Then there is the content, I won't say she didn't have a hard life....she did. And I give her credit for the series of betrayals that she worked through...but constantly blaming daddy issues for every move and just giving the details of her abuse for pages and pages, while throwing in one paragraph about how she left situations shows me that she's more crying for herself than actually writing an empowering book of any sort. YOU CAN LEARN NOTHING FROM THIS BOOK. The reason it's so short is because it's ridiculous. I liked her so much more before reading, now I do a see a different side of her and wish she had let me stay with what I thought made her crazy instead of this trash.
Lastly, she kept on trying to paint herself as this innocent little thing with no experience with men...so scared, blah blah blah. C'mon...with the image she has painted for herself and grown her fame through plus her potty mouth and openly sexual nature on the show, how can she possibly try to create this almost virginal image of herself throughout the book? It sounded like a lie or some sort and that she was just talking to herself to make herself feel good. I dont mind what she did to make money, but she shouldn't act like she's not exactly what she is...she's not shy, she's not innocent...she's not a bad person either, but cut the crap about making that connection to be intimate with someone. I dont want to judge her, but she wrote a book which was kind of like asking for this judgment...so which Erica is she? The potty mouthed sex bomb that she created on the show or the innocent angel that she seems to be creating because her other persona is losing popularity? She's just an actress I guess...out to feed the world what they want to receive. Not real.
Like I said, liked and accepted who she was before the book...This book tried to push someone that she is not, nor do I want her to be.
DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME...though in under 100 pages, I guess you could fill your curiosity and test your patience. (For the record, I usually enjoy reality stars' book....try Brandi Glanville's Drinking and Tweeting, still about a sexy ex model, but inspiring!!)
February 1, 2018
Great read
If Erica hadn't told her story, no one would have known why she is the was she is. She's been hurt and hurt people HURT people. Great read!
If Erica hadn't told her story, no one would have known why she is the was she is. She's been hurt and hurt people HURT people. Great read!
February 12, 2018
Underneath It All is the spicy memoir that chronicles the life of reality television star Erica Mena. Known as an outspoken, feisty and aggressive video vixen, Erica shares her story in hopes of clearing her reputation as the bad girl of reality television. By allowing her readers to see the pivotal experiences and relationships that has shaped her into the woman we see today, her hope is that readers will gain a better understanding of who she really is underneath it all. (Note: This book was published in 2013, when Erica was 25 years of age). In the introduction she states, "While I have had relationships with other celebrities this book isn't meant to expose them or paint them in a negative light. This book is to allow you to see who I really am and contrary to popular belief I'm not this crazy, psycho, nut bag that you see on TV." Although she states this is not a tell-all-book, I believe there are some individuals she has written about that would beg to differ.
The book begins with Erica sharing the details of her childhood. However, midway through the book a shift occurs. It is at this time her stories begin to center around the romantic relationships that has impacted her life. These relationships include, Raul the father of her son, Maria a ballet dancer, Draya Michele from Basketball Wives, DJ Envy from the radio talk show The Breakfast Club, and Rich Dollars from Love and Hip Hop. Erica told the good, the bad and the ugly.
The story that stuck out to me the most was her relationship with DJ Envy. After having a three year relationship together she believed he was the "love of her life". Only to one day discover he was married.
l believe this book would have been more impactful if the author would have included her age during each story. Although there were a few times she mentioned her age. Overall she failed to provide a time frame along with each story, making it difficult to get a clear understanding of when different events occurred.
Although I would only recommend Underneath It All for the die hard Erica Mena fan, I still found it entertaining. Erica did what she does best, and that is give it to us straight with no chaser.
The book begins with Erica sharing the details of her childhood. However, midway through the book a shift occurs. It is at this time her stories begin to center around the romantic relationships that has impacted her life. These relationships include, Raul the father of her son, Maria a ballet dancer, Draya Michele from Basketball Wives, DJ Envy from the radio talk show The Breakfast Club, and Rich Dollars from Love and Hip Hop. Erica told the good, the bad and the ugly.
The story that stuck out to me the most was her relationship with DJ Envy. After having a three year relationship together she believed he was the "love of her life". Only to one day discover he was married.
l believe this book would have been more impactful if the author would have included her age during each story. Although there were a few times she mentioned her age. Overall she failed to provide a time frame along with each story, making it difficult to get a clear understanding of when different events occurred.
Although I would only recommend Underneath It All for the die hard Erica Mena fan, I still found it entertaining. Erica did what she does best, and that is give it to us straight with no chaser.
May 28, 2021
Autobiography of Erica Mena
Wow, very interesting! Had a hard way coming in this world, been a fighter as well as a survivor! I can relate to Erica in a lot of ways, we have a lot in common! I would love another one from her!
Wow, very interesting! Had a hard way coming in this world, been a fighter as well as a survivor! I can relate to Erica in a lot of ways, we have a lot in common! I would love another one from her!
December 13, 2021
Surprisingly ok
I really do however, understand her need for love. She was groomed at such an early age to be angry, and to respond to others with the negative aggression she grew up with. No judgment whatsoever.
I really do however, understand her need for love. She was groomed at such an early age to be angry, and to respond to others with the negative aggression she grew up with. No judgment whatsoever.
July 13, 2023
I feel bad rating it this low because she's dyslexic... But I'm not really giving it that low of a rating due to errors, it's just more so that everything after her childhood seems like a jumbled mishmash of half truths.
September 22, 2019
Yessssss you did that
I love Erica and this book just have me a little more into her life she is beautiful strong and powerful
I love Erica and this book just have me a little more into her life she is beautiful strong and powerful
July 20, 2013
I love to watch the show Love and Hip Hop - both New York and Atlanta - and I haven't missed an episode - so I was interested in buying the two latest books written by two of these stars - Erica's and Winter Ramos' -The Game - and after reading both I must say I was completely surprised - judging these women by watching them on the show - I expected Winter's book to be more put together - more lady like - and for Erica's to be like I perceived her to be - a train wreck! But I was completely wrong! Erica's story explained a lot about her - and even though she has not made the best of choices - and she has done many things most good women would never do - we now understand the reasoning behind most of her bad decisions - we may not agree but now we do understand how and why she has taken the paths that she has went down - on the other hand - Winter seems to be more lady like on the show - more level headed - with limits and morals - but this is also a misconception - she may seem nice and mature - but the truth is - this girl has and will do anything for a buck - she has used and abused so many men throughout her life - and she seems proud of it - at least Erica has and does work for her money - Winter lives and has lived off other people's accomplishments and hard work - receiving her money the same way prostitutes receive money - if you buy Winter's book hoping to read about how bad certain rappers were - or to get the dirt on rappers - you will be very disappointed - you will only discover that the only bad person is Winter - and she is very very dirty! By reading Erica's book - you will discover why she is like she is - you will get a better understanding of the real Erica Mena! Also, I feel Winter titled her book The Game - because her complete life has been a game to her - she has ran a game on each and every person in her life - and now that she no longer has the looks or abilities to run a game on anyone - the game is over for her - this is the main reason for writing The Game - so she could cash in one last time by riding on (literally) rappers!
July 6, 2013
I stumbled upon this book by complete accident, but it was an accident I'm glad happened. Contrary to what most think of Erica on Love & Hip Hop New York, I always found myself rooting for her because she's the underdog. I must admit when she first came on the show and immediately got into it with Kimbella, I was thinking this chick has some major issues. And after having read her book, I realize just how many serious issues she lives with.
This woman has been through it all, and I do mean it all. My goodness, she's only 25 years old having lived a lifetime in such a short span of time. This book is a short read, but what her words say impact you with such a punch. Wow, is all I can say. Which is why I always say you never truly know a person. Erica is human like the rest of us, but many place entertainers in that "God" status who truly don't deserve to sit on that throne but doesn't stop most from doing it anyway.
Erica has done a lot of growing up and I applaud her for her honesty. There were some things I don't know if I would have had the balls to tell, but this isn't the type of book that tells all the sleaze about the music industry. This book is strictly about Erica and how what happens in her life impacted her and those around her. I like her, and I really enjoyed this book and I pray that she keeps on going and does well in her life.
If you like memoirs, this is a pretty decent read for ya! Enjoy!
This woman has been through it all, and I do mean it all. My goodness, she's only 25 years old having lived a lifetime in such a short span of time. This book is a short read, but what her words say impact you with such a punch. Wow, is all I can say. Which is why I always say you never truly know a person. Erica is human like the rest of us, but many place entertainers in that "God" status who truly don't deserve to sit on that throne but doesn't stop most from doing it anyway.
Erica has done a lot of growing up and I applaud her for her honesty. There were some things I don't know if I would have had the balls to tell, but this isn't the type of book that tells all the sleaze about the music industry. This book is strictly about Erica and how what happens in her life impacted her and those around her. I like her, and I really enjoyed this book and I pray that she keeps on going and does well in her life.
If you like memoirs, this is a pretty decent read for ya! Enjoy!
July 9, 2015
This is my 1st time ever reading Erica's autobiography, and I was expecting a "Superhead" type of tell all book; there were a few sexapades in the book. As a fan and reader, it gave me a better understanding of where she came from. She has been through a lot of unfathomable events in her life, and she has been able to rise above the negativity to become a stronger person! For that, I give her the utmost respect for being honest and brave with her fan base about herself. There were times while reading this book that were hard to get through because it was traumatic.
The main points I took away from her book is that no matter where anyone comes from or how rough his or her upbringing was, they have the strength and ability to rise above it all in order to succeed. Also, based on her toxic, unsuccessful relationships, it is extremely important to fully get to know a person before you become acquainted with him or her. Furthermore, always trust your instinct. If something doesn't feel instinctively right, then 9 times out of 10, it is not right.
The only parts that I wished that she touched on was the reason for her fight with Kimbella and the number of "beefs" that she had with different people, such as Lore'l, former Love and Hip Hop cast mate, and Angela Yee, a radio personality.
The main points I took away from her book is that no matter where anyone comes from or how rough his or her upbringing was, they have the strength and ability to rise above it all in order to succeed. Also, based on her toxic, unsuccessful relationships, it is extremely important to fully get to know a person before you become acquainted with him or her. Furthermore, always trust your instinct. If something doesn't feel instinctively right, then 9 times out of 10, it is not right.
The only parts that I wished that she touched on was the reason for her fight with Kimbella and the number of "beefs" that she had with different people, such as Lore'l, former Love and Hip Hop cast mate, and Angela Yee, a radio personality.
June 24, 2013
Underneath It All by Erica Mena was good and interest book to read. I enjoyed reading this book. Erica Mena did a good job. When I saw Erica Mena on Love & Hip Hop, I thought she was crazy but when I read about her. She is not a bad person and she's been through with her life. My life is similar as her because we both have ADD. This book is almost made me cry because I felt bad what's happen to her. I learned from her book, it's made to go back to write my story about my life. This book and author deserve a five stars. I'm looking forward another book from this author. I want to say to Erica Mena, keep your head up and don't worry say about you.
March 28, 2014
Underneath it all
after watching love and hip hop I became a fan of Erica Mena. I wish her and rich would have worked out. even though sin is a nice girl, it was clear to see that Eric loved rich. but after watching her on tv I decided to get this book to get to know her even more. aNd I wasn't disappointed. in this book she shows all the pain and trials that she has endured to became the woman she is to day. it inspired me to know that you have to keep pushing on after bad situations. and use them as learning tools. I would recommend this book if you want to know the real Erica and not just the girl you see on love and hip hop.
after watching love and hip hop I became a fan of Erica Mena. I wish her and rich would have worked out. even though sin is a nice girl, it was clear to see that Eric loved rich. but after watching her on tv I decided to get this book to get to know her even more. aNd I wasn't disappointed. in this book she shows all the pain and trials that she has endured to became the woman she is to day. it inspired me to know that you have to keep pushing on after bad situations. and use them as learning tools. I would recommend this book if you want to know the real Erica and not just the girl you see on love and hip hop.
May 19, 2013
wow! seeing erica on tv and her outbursts and nasty attitude and I wondered what the hell is wrong with this chick? reading about her life was an experience and I totaly understand her now! I rate 5 stars because it takes guts to poor out ur life in a book! I wish u luck erica!
August 3, 2024
I kinda feel bad for her and then again I don't because some of it seemed fabricated and a wee bit racist. She used to be pretty but now she looksa fckn mess. I feel bad for her kids to have a momma like her. Yuck. People like this shouldn't breed
June 23, 2015
It's not an easy thing to come across as an open book, but sometimes we need to make our position clear. In that case Erica has done a great job. Telling your weaknesses to everyone is not an easy task, nonetheless she has done it, and I appreciate it the most.
May 6, 2013
The book was okay.
August 14, 2015
It was suprisetly good. i learn alot why she act the way she do
November 26, 2014
Great book finished it in 2days!!!
October 7, 2015
it was good. you get to know why ms.mena is the way she is.
Read
February 6, 2014girl stop playin
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews