While I Have Your Attention: It’s Never Too Late for a New Beginning

by Lucille O'Neal

This book is for every person who has experienced struggle and hardship, for every person who knew there was more out there than their own surroundings, for every person who dreamed and wanted more, and for every person who hoped to inspire others.

In While I Have Your Attention, an updated memoir, Lucille shares her struggles, disappointments, memories, and proudest accomplishments. Lucille's remarkable life is the story of a woman who prevailed despite many setbacks and stereotypes. She explores her childhood, teenage pregnancy, marriage, parenthood, divorce, education, becoming a grandparent, and helping others get more out of life.

Drawing from her own trials, victories, and second chances, Lucille is passionate about speaking words of encouragement to people of all ages. If you're trying to cultivate self-love, build your confidence, and learn more about your purpose, While I Have Your Attention will inspire you to remember that it's never too late for a new beginning.

207 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2024

About the author

Lucille O’Neal was born into a Christian home in Dublin, GA. She spent her childhood, adolescent years and early adulthood in the Central Ward of Newark, New Jersey. She often speaks of the spiritual foundation and lessons taught by her mother and grandmother as the source of her courage and inspiration for parenting. Lucille refers to them as two of the most humble and strong women she has ever known. As an active mother in the lives of her four adult children and a grandmother of fourteen, she takes her role of parenting and grand parenting very seriously!

In 1992 Lucille and her family moved to Florida where she contributed to the development of the SHAQ NETWORK as the Chief Operations Officer. She managed the day-to-day operations of the first official Shaquille O’Neal Fan Club until October 2003. In addition to the duties in her son’s organization, Lucille co-founded the Mother’s of Professional Basketball Players (MPBP) and served four years as executive secretary (1996-2000). She was very instrumental in the leadership and development of the organization’s goals and objectives. The MPBP was created to provide support to mothers whose sons and daughters were currently playing or had played in the National Basketball Association and the Women’s National Basketball Association. Since the organization’s inception the MPBP has endeavored to support the communities represented by the players and their mothers. Today she serves as the current President of this restructured organization; The Mother’s of Professional Basketball Players, Inc.

Lucille’s gratitude to God for His mercy, grace and abundant blessing on the lives of her family has motivated her passion to help others that are less fortunate. Her sincerity is evidenced by her involvement in numerous youth oriented and community projects. Lucille’s straightforward attitude and ability to adapt to any situation has equipped her with a tireless ability to serve. Whether chairing fundraising events like “Shaq’s Mama Said Knock You Out!” (an annual premier event featuring a variety of celebrity hosts, including Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley and Dennis Scott, to benefit The Odessa Chambliss Quality of Life Fund; named in memory of her Mother) or rolling up her sleeves to assist other organizations at the grass roots level, Lucille gives her all for the cause. As a newly appointed Board Member of Orlando’s Ovarian Cancer Alliance and a new member of MD Anderson’s Council of Governors, it is evident that her commitment and devotion to others is conveyed through her extraordinary volunteer efforts (past and present) and her involvement with numerous charitable organizations. Lucille’s dedication to diverse causes underscores her heart for humanity. She has made countless contributions to various charities and continues to be an inspiration to many people, young and old. After 30 years of raising two sons and two daughters, Lucille resumed her studies in an Adult Education Program at Bethune-Cookman University where she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration (June 2003). Most recently she completed her graduate program (Master of Arts in Organizational Management) at the University of Phoenix (March 2005).

Reviews

[Mark Lieberman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book from Netgalley, so I can read and review it before it’s published. When I saw this book, I was immediately intrigued, as she is the mother of Shaquille O’Neal, and I wanted to know more about her life. And, what a life it was for her.

Lucille and her siblings were raised by their grandparents after their parents divorced when she was three. During the divorce, their father took them and moved. However, after a few years, Lucille’s mother, Odessa, re-entered their lives. She met Joe Toney, whom was a few years older than her, and at age 17, she became pregnant with Shaq (she had three more). Toney struggled with drug issues and didn’t want to share the responsibility of being a parent. Later, Lucille met Phillip Harrison, and he became the father figure for Shaq. They were married and she was his military spouse traveling around the world with him and the 4 kids! After 28 years, she filed for divorce as they had some struggles in their marriage. But, she persevered and has flourished since. She went to college and got an undergraduate degree and then got a masters degree – both as an adult!

It was really interesting to see how much her family matters to her and the fact that she would do anything for her kids. She didn’t know all the greatness Shaq would eventually do, but as he dove down that path, she was right behind him helping him. After he settled down at LSU, she returned home and was right back to being mom and taking care of the kids and all of their daily activities.

Even though she isn’t heavily involved in religion, she does mention God and praying quite often throughout the book, for her parents and her kids.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, and it was an interesting perspective about her life and also knowing that Shaq came from it as well. Not often, do we get these books where the mother or father of a celebrity writes a memoir.

[Amanda Laine · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I saw that Shaq’s mom had written a memoir I was intrigued. I grew up watching him play basketball but I admired his business acumen. I heard someone close to him speak on a business podcast years ago and I remember them saying that his momma kept him on the straight and narrow when it came to life and business choices. Since that podcast I had wondered how his mom was that influential in his life so when I saw this book I knew I had to read it.

If you’re looking for information about Shaq, you won’t find a lot of it in this book and I liked that. In this book, Lucille shares a lot of her childhood in the South and North as an African American as well as her struggles in young adulthood. I can’t comprehend some of the struggles she dealt with or even the family dynamics she grew up in but it definitely gave me an appreciation for the things God gave me during my formative years.

Lucille does great job of showing her strengths as well as weaknesses and tying it to Scripture. She shares her faith in a conversational way, which I enjoyed and I loved how she saw God throughout her life, not just in the good times but also in the down right awful times. I may not agree with everything she did in her life but I definitely respect her for her perseverance and her ability to keep her faith in God.

If you’re looking for a memoir that’s sports adjacent with great faith themes, I highly recommend While I Have Your Attention. Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the ARC copy!

[Kinley Borum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lucille O’Neal’s “While I Have Your Attention” is a moving and inspiring memoir that sheds light not only on her own journey but also on the challenges and triumphs of raising one of basketball’s greatest stars. What struck me most was the depth of her story… this is far more than just “Shaquille O’Neal’s mother’s book.” It is a testament to resilience, faith, and determination, and it reveals aspects of Shaquille’s past I never would have guessed.

As a woman, I found O’Neal’s words particularly inspirational. She speaks to perseverance in the face of hardship, and her honesty allows readers to witness the strength it takes to carve a path forward while balancing family, ambition, and personal growth. More importantly, her reflections highlight the unique strife Black women faced during that time, making the memoir not just personal, but historical in its resonance.

What lingers after reading is not just admiration, but hope. O’Neal’s story reminds readers that adversity does not define one’s destiny, and her voice carries an empowering message of possibility for anyone willing to embrace resilience.

[Sandi Malloy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prior to reading "While I Have Your Attention" I knew next to nothing about this family. I knew Shaq played basketball, I had a friend who was obsessed, especially once he was signed by Orlando, and she went out and found one of those life size cardboard cutouts of Shaq to put in her house.
Lucille's autobiography showcases the adversities she has encountered throughout her life and the strengths she has found, often from within, to overcome these challenges. While all of us have challenges individually and within our families that we strive to overcome, Lucille has the added obstacle of being a minority. This part brings me sadness because I personally feel as humans we are more alike than different. Collectively we still haven't risen above this to be who we should in our world.
Lucille is a force for good though and she brings positivity to both her family and all who are part of her community. I particularly like her words of wisdom on page 201. Don't be jumping ahead, however! Read her story so these words have power you can also can adopt into your life.

[Tobe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Goodreads and the author for this book.
If you think this book is about Shaq, it's not, even though he's pictured on the cover. There's a few stories when he was a child, but not much.
I found the book to be an honest writing of Lucille's life (Shaq's Mother). She had many struggles, including alcohol. It wasn't anything terribly exciting or intriguing.
She definitely had a strong will and a somewhat rough life before Shaq's success and his money. She had a strong faith in God which sometimes seemed like she was preaching.
What did impress me was that she went back to school and got her degrees!

[Michelle Castaneda · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I Have Your Attention: It’s Never Too Late for a New Beginning by Lucille O'Neal is the memoir of Shaquille O’Neal’s mom. This is the story of her life and the hardships she has been through. It is an inspiring tale of overcoming and surviving and pursuing your dreams. She is an inspirational speaker and truly an inspiration to anyone who reads her book. Her wisdom in this book is a gift and she leads the way to looking to Christ for our self worth and purpose. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

[Katarzyna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a great memoir and Dr. O’Neal is such an extraordinary woman. I love that this book is focused on her life and her life experiences and not overshadowed by her son’s career and success. She overcame many obstacles, tragedies and struggles and continues to give back. Remarkable woman.

Thank you Nelson Books and the author for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Javierthearcnovice · Rating 5 out of 5]

A huge thank you to NetGalley for this ebook advance readers copy.

With that said, this is such a good memoir. As someone who has grown up struggling and has strong roots in Christianity, this book gave me a bit of peace. It’s good to know that you’re not alone.

[Cindy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got the book in exchange for an honest review. This book was not enjoyable for me. Some of the stories about Lucille’s early life were interesting. But it felt disjointed and meandering without a clear message.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for sharing your story, and many thanks for the Goodreads giveaway