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Walk Through Fire: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Triumph
The cofounder of BET and first African American woman billionaire shares her deeply personal journey through love and loss, tragedy and triumph—an inspiring story of overcoming toxic influences, discovering her true self, and at last finding happiness in her work and life.
From humble beginnings as a schoolgirl and young violinist in Maywood, Illinois, Sheila Johnson rose to become one of the most accomplished businesswomen in America. A cofounder of Black Entertainment Television, she became an entrepreneur and philanthropist at the highest levels.
But that success came at a painful personal cost.
Sheila grew up in a middle-class family that encouraged her love of the arts and music. But her idyllic childhood ended at age sixteen when her beloved father announced he was leaving for another woman, an act that shattered her mother and destroyed Sheila’s trust. She vowed she’d never be in her mother’s position—dependent on a man for her sense of self-worth and for financial security. Yet when she was barely out of her teens, Sheila married a man who would take her right down that same unfortunate path.
Filled with sharply drawn, emotionally powerful scenes, Walk Through Fire traces the hardships Sheila faced in her marriage and her professional life. Despite her skills as a violinist and music teacher, as well as her obvious entrepreneurial talent, she had to fight to overcome self-doubt and fears of failure. Sheila vividly details her struggles, including battling institutional racism, losing a child, suffering emotional abuse in her thirty-three-year marriage, and plunging into a deep depression with her divorce. And yet, out of that pain came renewed purpose and meaning. In the third act of her life, Sheila Johnson has not only made her mark as the founder of Salamander Hotels & Resorts and the only Black female co-owner of three professional sports teams, she has also, finally, found true love.
Walk Through Fire is a uniquely American success story. And it is the deeply personal portrait of one woman who, despite heartache and obstacles, finally found herself and her place in the world.
From humble beginnings as a schoolgirl and young violinist in Maywood, Illinois, Sheila Johnson rose to become one of the most accomplished businesswomen in America. A cofounder of Black Entertainment Television, she became an entrepreneur and philanthropist at the highest levels.
But that success came at a painful personal cost.
Sheila grew up in a middle-class family that encouraged her love of the arts and music. But her idyllic childhood ended at age sixteen when her beloved father announced he was leaving for another woman, an act that shattered her mother and destroyed Sheila’s trust. She vowed she’d never be in her mother’s position—dependent on a man for her sense of self-worth and for financial security. Yet when she was barely out of her teens, Sheila married a man who would take her right down that same unfortunate path.
Filled with sharply drawn, emotionally powerful scenes, Walk Through Fire traces the hardships Sheila faced in her marriage and her professional life. Despite her skills as a violinist and music teacher, as well as her obvious entrepreneurial talent, she had to fight to overcome self-doubt and fears of failure. Sheila vividly details her struggles, including battling institutional racism, losing a child, suffering emotional abuse in her thirty-three-year marriage, and plunging into a deep depression with her divorce. And yet, out of that pain came renewed purpose and meaning. In the third act of her life, Sheila Johnson has not only made her mark as the founder of Salamander Hotels & Resorts and the only Black female co-owner of three professional sports teams, she has also, finally, found true love.
Walk Through Fire is a uniquely American success story. And it is the deeply personal portrait of one woman who, despite heartache and obstacles, finally found herself and her place in the world.
256 pages, Paperback
Published September 17, 2024
206 people are currently reading
2057 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews
November 3, 2023
Such an amazing book from a woman who has truly lived a movie-worthy and inspiring life. Her storytelling is superb. And this is the type of memoir that warrants a girls night in to discuss.
February 6, 2024
An inspirational and well-written rags-to-riches memoir by our country's first African American woman billionaire.
The book highlights Sheila Johnson's journey through love and loss, tragedy and triumph.
I especially enjoyed reading about how she cofounded BET with her husband.
Her husband was a serial philanderer and, therefore, working with him was not easy.
I listened to an interview with Sheila Johnson on David Rubenstein's podcast and I was instantly intrigued by her story and wisdom.
I listened to the audiobook read by the author.
I always enjoy memoirs read by authors and Sheila Johnson did an outstanding job with the narration.
5 enthusiastic stars!
November 10, 2023
I listened to this on audiobook narrated by the author and finished it in one day. I was HOOKED! The editor was WORKING because the flow and pacing were perfect. Sheila seamlessly went from her childhood to adulthood traversing her personal and professional trials and triumphs.
I LOVE a book that is not afraid to spill real tea and Sheila did not hold back. She named names and told her story in ways that were vulnerable authentic. I got so much insight into what she went through to be the successful woman she is today. It was an authentic look at what it costs personally and professionally to rise to the top. Bob Johnson is a terrorist and Debra Lee ain't far behind him. That story left me AGHAST and ready to fight.
At the end of the day Sheila Johnson is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist that you're just proud to root for. That epilogue and end note was exactly what I needed to hear and I left inspired and just so darn happy for her.
I LOVE a book that is not afraid to spill real tea and Sheila did not hold back. She named names and told her story in ways that were vulnerable authentic. I got so much insight into what she went through to be the successful woman she is today. It was an authentic look at what it costs personally and professionally to rise to the top. Bob Johnson is a terrorist and Debra Lee ain't far behind him. That story left me AGHAST and ready to fight.
At the end of the day Sheila Johnson is a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist that you're just proud to root for. That epilogue and end note was exactly what I needed to hear and I left inspired and just so darn happy for her.
September 24, 2023
I had to read the other side of the story! I could see how her childhood played a role in her decision to marry, but at times I wanted to DNF because it took a while for her to make a decision. Regardless, I’ll always root for women choosing themselves and making the world a better place. Salamander is on my list to visit!
September 23, 2023
I was initially enjoying this book initially however approx 1/3 into the story, I had to stop and DNF. Sadly I became SO overly frustrated regarding the self sabotaging the author continually did to herself. It was so maddening to read page after page after page at the bad decisions she continually made and excuses she used to justify them. She was exceptionally smart and talented yet made the worst decisions ever over and over. I know she “eventually” became extremely successful however for me, I just could not continue to read until that part.
September 26, 2023
This was an interesting read about someone who has tenacity and resilience. I honestly didn't know what to expect from this book because I was in a reading slump. I usually don't finish memoirs for various reasons but this one took me on a journey. I loved her candor and learning who Sheila Johnson is outside the headlines and gossip.
What a remarkable story about never giving up, reflections, and triumph.
What a remarkable story about never giving up, reflections, and triumph.
September 29, 2023
3 1/2 Stars
Sheila Johnson married young and endured a 33 year marriage with a husband that became increasingly mean and abusive.
She has a good and giving heart to help those in need. Her story of rising above the bad in her life and to work hard to help others was admirable.
She really is very generous, and remarkably forgiving to those who haven’t been particularly supportive along the way.
Sheila Johnson married young and endured a 33 year marriage with a husband that became increasingly mean and abusive.
She has a good and giving heart to help those in need. Her story of rising above the bad in her life and to work hard to help others was admirable.
She really is very generous, and remarkably forgiving to those who haven’t been particularly supportive along the way.
January 6, 2024
Good Read
Read through this book really quickly. Sheila Johnson shares her tragedies but manages to truly find happiness and success through it all. She doesn’t mind naming names of people who were against her as well as the ones who pulled her through. A testament to the human spirit to fight and move on. Also a testament to women, especially Black women, you can succeed in a white male dominated world with determination and perseverance.
Read through this book really quickly. Sheila Johnson shares her tragedies but manages to truly find happiness and success through it all. She doesn’t mind naming names of people who were against her as well as the ones who pulled her through. A testament to the human spirit to fight and move on. Also a testament to women, especially Black women, you can succeed in a white male dominated world with determination and perseverance.
November 26, 2023
Shelia Johnson has certainly been through the fire, and her walk started when her father walked out on the family, causing her Mom to have a breakdown. Shelia declares she will never be like her mother but unfortunately her fate is very similar.
It’s interesting she reveals she and her father racially passed for her to attend school, and hid her mother, for her entire 2nd grade year. It seems taboo to admit, but she cleans it up by saying she served as the classroom nurse and got a laugh out of knowing these racist white kids being touched by a black person unbeknownst to them.
Shelia drives home the point that mentors are key to one’s success, without her mentors in orchestra teachers she would not have accomplished what she did musically and professionally.
Enter Bob Johnson, at a time when men particularly men in power are being outed on a daily basis, Shelia does not hold back about Bob’s gaslighting and mental abuse. Literally from the beginning of their relationship Bob was manipulating the situation, and he did the same thing with Debra.
Bob is wild boy! Giving her favorite record to another girl, leaving her in a hotel room alone on their wedding night, brazenly cheating on her with multiple staff from the organization she helped him found! And Shelia believing him and his verbal abuse, really shows us that unresolved trauma certainly impacts your life I the worst ways.
It’s amazing how many African Americans in the 60s and 70s were “the first” to do many things, some inspirational and other mundane. But the racism they endured is so unfortunate and scary. I had no idea she was the first black cheerleader at UIUC! But not her accidentally burning the first black homecoming queen’s afro up, and laughing as she said it! Damn Shelia!
I spent a lot of the book confused how much Shelia describes her self as the odd ball “square” in one sentence but the next she is a cheerleader, actress and hostess with mostest hosting cast parties…the math ain’t mathing. She spends a lot of time doubting herself, and saying how ingrained Bob’s voice of defamation impacted her even after her divorce and marriage to another man. People need to learn how to do to work and heal from their traumas and become whole.
While Shelia spills the tea on Bob, she also has a lot to say about BET. First and foremost she signed the loan for the company! Second the company was a hot mess, from Bob and his affairs, to his tyrannical rule, to his sister stealing money, it’s a wonder they made it the success it was. And third that Bob actually fired her, which is WILD! As she put it her “bobstacles“ were unreal..LOL! Shelia wants readers to know she was the moral code of BET! She didn’t agree to the Uncut music video programming and the like. She is responsible for the more educational programming like Teen Summit and shares her vision was for it to be the black CNN.
Shelia endured a lot of heartbreaking and physical pain during and after marriage to Bob, but I love that she got the romance and love she always wanted, with the judge that presided over her divorce no less!
Girlfriend did one thing right, she made sure that money kept growing for her! Demanding the sale of BET, Co-owning 3 sports teams in DC (which really burned Bob lol), a resort and spa in Middleburg, selling her photography, buying and refurbishing land, properties, and hotels. Life truly came full circle for Shelia, and she has been a boss from the beginning!
It’s interesting she reveals she and her father racially passed for her to attend school, and hid her mother, for her entire 2nd grade year. It seems taboo to admit, but she cleans it up by saying she served as the classroom nurse and got a laugh out of knowing these racist white kids being touched by a black person unbeknownst to them.
Shelia drives home the point that mentors are key to one’s success, without her mentors in orchestra teachers she would not have accomplished what she did musically and professionally.
Enter Bob Johnson, at a time when men particularly men in power are being outed on a daily basis, Shelia does not hold back about Bob’s gaslighting and mental abuse. Literally from the beginning of their relationship Bob was manipulating the situation, and he did the same thing with Debra.
Bob is wild boy! Giving her favorite record to another girl, leaving her in a hotel room alone on their wedding night, brazenly cheating on her with multiple staff from the organization she helped him found! And Shelia believing him and his verbal abuse, really shows us that unresolved trauma certainly impacts your life I the worst ways.
It’s amazing how many African Americans in the 60s and 70s were “the first” to do many things, some inspirational and other mundane. But the racism they endured is so unfortunate and scary. I had no idea she was the first black cheerleader at UIUC! But not her accidentally burning the first black homecoming queen’s afro up, and laughing as she said it! Damn Shelia!
I spent a lot of the book confused how much Shelia describes her self as the odd ball “square” in one sentence but the next she is a cheerleader, actress and hostess with mostest hosting cast parties…the math ain’t mathing. She spends a lot of time doubting herself, and saying how ingrained Bob’s voice of defamation impacted her even after her divorce and marriage to another man. People need to learn how to do to work and heal from their traumas and become whole.
While Shelia spills the tea on Bob, she also has a lot to say about BET. First and foremost she signed the loan for the company! Second the company was a hot mess, from Bob and his affairs, to his tyrannical rule, to his sister stealing money, it’s a wonder they made it the success it was. And third that Bob actually fired her, which is WILD! As she put it her “bobstacles“ were unreal..LOL! Shelia wants readers to know she was the moral code of BET! She didn’t agree to the Uncut music video programming and the like. She is responsible for the more educational programming like Teen Summit and shares her vision was for it to be the black CNN.
Shelia endured a lot of heartbreaking and physical pain during and after marriage to Bob, but I love that she got the romance and love she always wanted, with the judge that presided over her divorce no less!
Girlfriend did one thing right, she made sure that money kept growing for her! Demanding the sale of BET, Co-owning 3 sports teams in DC (which really burned Bob lol), a resort and spa in Middleburg, selling her photography, buying and refurbishing land, properties, and hotels. Life truly came full circle for Shelia, and she has been a boss from the beginning!
January 17, 2024
Does not take ownership for any part of her role when things went wrong, and placed all the blame on those around her, while taking full credit for things she only had a small role in, if you look at the situation without the narrator's bias. Made me lose a little trust and respect which ruined the book a bit for me
January 4, 2024
Wow! I just loved this book. Sheila Johnson is a beautiful person.
December 10, 2023
Sheila Johnson deserves all the blessings her heart desires, and I’m happy she’s now relishing in those blessings. After going through hell and back, she’s built herself and her life back up with the grace, strength, intelligence, courage, morals, and self-respect she’s most likely always had. A true inspiration!!! She’s humble, yet fearless and shouldn’t be underestimated. She’s a badass and consider me her cheerleader.
Her story reminds me of something Iyanla Vanzant once said, “You don’t have to make it through looking good and smelling good. All you have to do is make it through.” Sheila Johnson did that. She walked through fire.
Her story reminds me of something Iyanla Vanzant once said, “You don’t have to make it through looking good and smelling good. All you have to do is make it through.” Sheila Johnson did that. She walked through fire.
January 5, 2024
3 ⭐️ Sheila Johnson’s story is fascinating (I had no idea she was a talented violinist and the brains behind BET) and this was a page turner of a read. But as an author, there was a bit of introspection missing for me.
She seemed so surprised that even as a billionaire, the town of Middleburg, VA would be overtly racist towards her and her kids. I think she needed to look at the theme of exceptionalism in her life a bit more. I also feel like as a black woman, the audience wasn’t black women. Like this wasnt written for us. Which is ok! But just interesting
I grew up seeing Debra Lee as the head of BET so getting this back story was crazy. What a mess!
But kudos to her I wonder what it’s like to be a billionaire and see a resort, a piece of land, a basketball team you like and just decide to buy it.
She seemed so surprised that even as a billionaire, the town of Middleburg, VA would be overtly racist towards her and her kids. I think she needed to look at the theme of exceptionalism in her life a bit more. I also feel like as a black woman, the audience wasn’t black women. Like this wasnt written for us. Which is ok! But just interesting
I grew up seeing Debra Lee as the head of BET so getting this back story was crazy. What a mess!
But kudos to her I wonder what it’s like to be a billionaire and see a resort, a piece of land, a basketball team you like and just decide to buy it.
October 19, 2023
TRUST YOUR GUT, ALWAYS!!!!
WOW. What a life, an inspiration, a beautiful soul & I want to stay in all her properties cause she is an inspiration to MEEEE!!! Luxury hotelier, multimillionaire, beauty, mother, philanthropist… I can’t say enough good words about Auntie Sheila. This book placed something in my life to the tune of perseverance, humility, love, patience… so much so that I need the physical book in my library. This book is worth it, it’s a TOPS and will definitely be reread in my near future. I’m glad I bought it and I’m grateful that she took the time to tell her story OHHH AND SHE’S A MUSIC LOVER… I couldn’t ask for a better book in 2023!!! 💚💚💚
WOW. What a life, an inspiration, a beautiful soul & I want to stay in all her properties cause she is an inspiration to MEEEE!!! Luxury hotelier, multimillionaire, beauty, mother, philanthropist… I can’t say enough good words about Auntie Sheila. This book placed something in my life to the tune of perseverance, humility, love, patience… so much so that I need the physical book in my library. This book is worth it, it’s a TOPS and will definitely be reread in my near future. I’m glad I bought it and I’m grateful that she took the time to tell her story OHHH AND SHE’S A MUSIC LOVER… I couldn’t ask for a better book in 2023!!! 💚💚💚
January 15, 2024
I really wanted to like this book but I actually didn’t. I kept getting caught up by her blatant colorism, random name dropping (am I supposed to know these people?) and her ridiculous spending of money. Don’t like the fact that a store has a confederate flag out front? Buy the building, duh!
I’m happy that she was able to add Blackness to predominantly white spaces, but it seems she was only able to do that because of her epic wealth, which is not possible for most of us.
I really wanted to be cheering on her persistence as she became America’s first Black woman billionaire, but overall the story felt tone deaf to the world we live in today.
I’m happy that she was able to add Blackness to predominantly white spaces, but it seems she was only able to do that because of her epic wealth, which is not possible for most of us.
I really wanted to be cheering on her persistence as she became America’s first Black woman billionaire, but overall the story felt tone deaf to the world we live in today.
November 22, 2023
This is the truth that Sheila Johnson wants us to know. Not the sordid tabloid stories of her and her ex-husband Bob Johnson. Not the portrait of a billionaire socialite living in horse country Virginia. But the story of a woman who overcame her fears and insecurities to become one of the wealthy women in America. A woman who has used her wealth to support the arts and students and ultimately her adopted town. Lovely story. Glad I read it.
February 23, 2024
Libby has been throwing memoir after memoir at me, whew! Pushing through for BHM tho.
This was recommended to me by an older patient who was absolutely raving about this book. I went in blind, I’m glad I did. Do yourself a favor and don’t read the summary, it’s basically cliff notes of the entire book. I had no idea who Sheila Johnson was (how uncultured of me), but I figured it out.
It’s always tricky rating a memoir, I can’t say “the author should’ve had the MC be stronger, make better decisions,etc.” this is real life, it happened. So I’ll just rate the way the story was presented.
I was quite frustrated at Sheila’s early days, but it all came together. She was spilling some BETea! I had to google a few things just to see if all this drama was common knowledge, sure enough! Where was I? Maybe I was like 10.
Perfect black history month read, this was indeed history.
This was recommended to me by an older patient who was absolutely raving about this book. I went in blind, I’m glad I did. Do yourself a favor and don’t read the summary, it’s basically cliff notes of the entire book. I had no idea who Sheila Johnson was (how uncultured of me), but I figured it out.
It’s always tricky rating a memoir, I can’t say “the author should’ve had the MC be stronger, make better decisions,etc.” this is real life, it happened. So I’ll just rate the way the story was presented.
I was quite frustrated at Sheila’s early days, but it all came together. She was spilling some BETea! I had to google a few things just to see if all this drama was common knowledge, sure enough! Where was I? Maybe I was like 10.
Perfect black history month read, this was indeed history.
July 8, 2025
I was inspired to read this book, adding it to my long list of autobiographies. I bounced back in forth between loving the drama of the creation of BET to feeling such a deep sorrow for Sheila. I am always reminded of how not long ago, the limited options many women had. I felt so conflicted by her choices, but I was humbled by the reality that she moved with love and faith in the face of adversity and tough circumstances. This book also shattered my Debra Lee bubble, still an icon (she is human so I extend grace). Overall, enjoyed.
February 26, 2024
I always love reading about the experience of the struggles and hopefully triumphs of people of color. Yes, there was a lot of time spent railing on her ex husband's antics but after all it is her book and her life. I would imagine that it was carthagic and probably helpful to women in similar circumstances. She is an inspiring woman. 3.5 stars
July 7, 2024
Not knowing a lot about Sheila Johnson before reading, this book was a powerful memoir about the struggles and victories this visionary business woman had in her lifetime. I had no idea the impact she had in so many spaces, beyond television, to film, sports, music and hospitality, not to mention her philanthropic contributions. Very inspiring.
November 10, 2023
I truly enjoyed Mrs. Sheila's book. This lady has been through something, but she has gotten through it. That Bob Johnson was (or still is) something else and should be ashamed of himself. When a man puts a woman down that means he feels low about himself. I am happy she has found happiness in the end.
December 23, 2023
So completely moved by this story. It’s a water worker!! (I tear up easily… but what an emotional journey, truly.)
I’m so proud of and happy for Sheila even though truth be told, I knew so little about her before reading this. And shame on me! I grew up on BET and just outside of
Washington, DC. Here I am finally coming to learn about a true Chocolate City icon.
To say I’m inspired would be an understatement. By Sheila’s strength and perseverance, her work ethic, philanthropy, her commitment to the arts and to Black culture. And what I really love is just how diverse her interests and investments are.
From luxury hospitality, to sports, to music, film, photography, local and global philanthropy, there’s nothing this woman can’t do!! She may have lost herself within the throes of a hellishly abusive 30 year marriage but boy did she blossom. As a creative entrepreneur with big dreams and a variety of passions, I will now forever consider Sheila a “mentor” in my mind.
Salamander and the Family Reunion have been on my must visit list for a while, but now I feel even more fired up to experience it. Wow, I’m speechless. I’m a library girlie but I’m glad I actually purchased this book. I felt an instant heart connection with Sheila’s story, and I look forward to life in my 30s and beyond with these inspirational gems in my back pocket.
Sheila made it through the lowest of the lows and was able to curate a beautiful, colorful, loving life in spite of it. Amen!
I’m so proud of and happy for Sheila even though truth be told, I knew so little about her before reading this. And shame on me! I grew up on BET and just outside of
Washington, DC. Here I am finally coming to learn about a true Chocolate City icon.
To say I’m inspired would be an understatement. By Sheila’s strength and perseverance, her work ethic, philanthropy, her commitment to the arts and to Black culture. And what I really love is just how diverse her interests and investments are.
From luxury hospitality, to sports, to music, film, photography, local and global philanthropy, there’s nothing this woman can’t do!! She may have lost herself within the throes of a hellishly abusive 30 year marriage but boy did she blossom. As a creative entrepreneur with big dreams and a variety of passions, I will now forever consider Sheila a “mentor” in my mind.
Salamander and the Family Reunion have been on my must visit list for a while, but now I feel even more fired up to experience it. Wow, I’m speechless. I’m a library girlie but I’m glad I actually purchased this book. I felt an instant heart connection with Sheila’s story, and I look forward to life in my 30s and beyond with these inspirational gems in my back pocket.
Sheila made it through the lowest of the lows and was able to curate a beautiful, colorful, loving life in spite of it. Amen!
September 8, 2023
An autobiographical novel surrounding love, loss, art, business, heartache, and triumph; Walk Through Fire was a quick read that explored Sheila Johnson’s life from her early years to current. We learn about her passion of music from a young age and how that developed into a strong entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for philanthropy as she grew older. We learn about how a young woman who’s father abandoned her becomes the first African American woman billionaire and only black female co-owner of three professional sports teams.
It was inspiring to read about Sheila, as her story is one that many will be able to relate to and find community in. Sheila doesn’t shy away from the good, bad, and ugly that comes along with her life. She writes from a place of pain and joy, reflection and observance, emotion and logic.
I am glad that Sheila wrote this book after clearly and taking the time to reflect on so much of her life. She comes in with her own life story and opinion, of course, but she can also write from an outside observant POV. I enjoyed that it focused on both her personal and professional life; as reading about the start, trials, tribulations, and successes of her ventures (Black Entertainment Television, Salamander Hotels & Resorts, philanthropic work and travels, etc.) made for such a well rounded read.
Even if you are not familiar with Sheila Johnson or her ex-husband, Bob Johnson (who is a primary person throughout the book), I would recommend this book if you enjoy or are trying to read more memoirs/nonfiction. I was personally not familiar with them, nor their businesses, and still found this read to be fast paced, inspirational, and emotional. I felt like I was on her journey: and to me, that’s what makes a memoir so special.
Thank you @Simon.Books for the ARC!
It was inspiring to read about Sheila, as her story is one that many will be able to relate to and find community in. Sheila doesn’t shy away from the good, bad, and ugly that comes along with her life. She writes from a place of pain and joy, reflection and observance, emotion and logic.
I am glad that Sheila wrote this book after clearly and taking the time to reflect on so much of her life. She comes in with her own life story and opinion, of course, but she can also write from an outside observant POV. I enjoyed that it focused on both her personal and professional life; as reading about the start, trials, tribulations, and successes of her ventures (Black Entertainment Television, Salamander Hotels & Resorts, philanthropic work and travels, etc.) made for such a well rounded read.
Even if you are not familiar with Sheila Johnson or her ex-husband, Bob Johnson (who is a primary person throughout the book), I would recommend this book if you enjoy or are trying to read more memoirs/nonfiction. I was personally not familiar with them, nor their businesses, and still found this read to be fast paced, inspirational, and emotional. I felt like I was on her journey: and to me, that’s what makes a memoir so special.
Thank you @Simon.Books for the ARC!
November 13, 2023
When I picked this book I wanted to hear the story behind the man and the cultural phenomenon of BET. I don't think she realized how many people knew exactly who she was.
You can tell Mrs. Johnson wrote this book to make sure everyone who praised Bob Johnson understood how much she contributed. The goal was valid and worthy. However from the beginning so much of the book was a list of Bob Johnson's failings.
It wasn't until the second half that you received a list of her dreams and accomplishments. Not just because she wasn't allowed to dream but because I felt the goal of this book was just as much to tear down Bob Johnson's legacy as to reframe Sheila Johnson's. I felt like it was a long list of all the ways Bob Johnson wasn't as great as he seemed with sprinkles of life. She briefly spun by adoption, infertility, and even infant loss but went into detail about hurts and infidelity.
Sheila Johnson was and is worthy of memoir but I'm not sure this was the best execution because I learned more about Bob Johnson's flaws than Sheila Johnson as an individual.
You can tell Mrs. Johnson wrote this book to make sure everyone who praised Bob Johnson understood how much she contributed. The goal was valid and worthy. However from the beginning so much of the book was a list of Bob Johnson's failings.
It wasn't until the second half that you received a list of her dreams and accomplishments. Not just because she wasn't allowed to dream but because I felt the goal of this book was just as much to tear down Bob Johnson's legacy as to reframe Sheila Johnson's. I felt like it was a long list of all the ways Bob Johnson wasn't as great as he seemed with sprinkles of life. She briefly spun by adoption, infertility, and even infant loss but went into detail about hurts and infidelity.
Sheila Johnson was and is worthy of memoir but I'm not sure this was the best execution because I learned more about Bob Johnson's flaws than Sheila Johnson as an individual.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2023
I heard about this book on a program I watched and decided to pick it up. I’m so glad I did. Wow! This memoir is so well written and fascinating. I had not heard of Sheila Johnson before that news segment, although I had watched BET in the late 90’s.
Sheila Johnson opens up about the traumatic event that shattered her home life as a teenager and the heartaches and rough patches that have led her to the successful business woman and philanthropist she is today.
While frustrated with her at times for putting up with so much during her 33 year marriage, her story resonates because most readers will relate to her and can easily understand her motivations. She is open, honest and raw and shares so much with the readers. And while I could vividly imagine her resort and home, the photos at the end of the book were an added bonus. What an amazing woman. I absolutely loved it!
Sheila Johnson opens up about the traumatic event that shattered her home life as a teenager and the heartaches and rough patches that have led her to the successful business woman and philanthropist she is today.
While frustrated with her at times for putting up with so much during her 33 year marriage, her story resonates because most readers will relate to her and can easily understand her motivations. She is open, honest and raw and shares so much with the readers. And while I could vividly imagine her resort and home, the photos at the end of the book were an added bonus. What an amazing woman. I absolutely loved it!
November 7, 2023
This is not a genre that I frequently read. However, a friend shared excerpts and I was very intrigued. Sheila is an exceptional storyteller! I enjoyed this book so much that I have purchased several more memoirs. I am inspired by Sheila’s strength and determination to find freedom, peace, and happiness, after her life experiences attempted to break her. From the beginning of the book, you see her passion for the arts and adding color to white spaces. Despite walking though fire, she spends her time and monetary resources investing in others and providing them with opportunities to grow. In addition to her amazing accolades of being the first black woman to accomplish several milestones, her legacy of leaving places and people better than she met them will live on for many generations!
November 13, 2023
To hear Debra Lee tell it she built BET. To hear Bob tell it, he was BET. But there never would have been a BET without Shiela Johnson's business savy. Bruh couldn't keep a job. Sheila was the stability and the financier. She may not have had the vision for BET, but she did for other business endeavors that funded BET initially as well as their first home. Bob latched on to her at the tender age of 17, and the red flags were everywhere from the jump. I'm glad she got out of that relationship, and healed and stepped into her own. I yelled, i smilled and i binged this book.a very good read.
November 17, 2023
My current gold standard for memoirs is "Will," by Will Smith. This doesn't quite reach that level (I would have liked a lot more DETAILS about what Ms. Johnson's role was at BET and her involvement in the three Washington, DC sports teams she co-owns), but she is very forthcoming and candid about much more sensitive subjects--her emotionally abusive marriage, which was marked by rampant infidelity. You definitely root for her when you read this story, and it's great to see her resilience and growth after many, miserable years. Now I need Bob Johnson to write a book!
October 28, 2023
An autobiography of the first African American female billionaire.
A touching narrative of a woman struggling for self acceptance and love…. She struggled through psychological torture, yet found her way through later love, and business, and artistic success.
An unforgettable narrative of a black woman who started with ‘nothing’ and achieved immeasurable financial and emotional success….
A touching narrative of a woman struggling for self acceptance and love…. She struggled through psychological torture, yet found her way through later love, and business, and artistic success.
An unforgettable narrative of a black woman who started with ‘nothing’ and achieved immeasurable financial and emotional success….
November 10, 2023
My goodness! The scandal of it all! Bob Johnson really put this woman through it! And Debra Lee! I definitely won't be reading Debra's book. All the messiness in his personal life really puts the tumultuous history of BET in perspective. Sheila was really his saving grace in so many ways. I'm glad Sheila made it out okay.
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