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HOW DID WE GET HERE? A Girl's Guide to Finding Herself
- GenresMemoir
224 pages, Paperback
Published October 4, 2024
25 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 29, 2024
"We all have scars."
Mpoomy is brave. A brave soul to open herself up like this to the world. A brave soul to live an unapologetic life on her terms.
What a vulnerable memoir. So relatable. So much universal truth in her story. When we create safe spaces to the our stories, we discover that we are so much more connected.
So many takeaways. From healing your inner-child, to discovering yourself and finding your passion that drives your purpose to servitude. Trying new things. Starting and failing. Not finding her THING within her time-frame.
Her biggest anchor is family. Family will hold you down when you flounder. Family will give you room to find yourself and close-rank when you need a quite time of self-reflection.
Marriage, at any age, is hard, but you have to do the work if you both want it to work. The seven-year itch is real. Recognize it. Acknowledge it. Do the work.
Having children, child spacing and mothering. When you are changing nappies, worried about cracked nipples, loosing "the baby fat", worried about whether baby is getting enough nutrients, and keeping up with THE ROAD TO HEALTH CHART", keeping the marriege, the love relationship, the coupledom going, contraception is the last thing on any new mother's mind especially one with babies under three. Then boom!!!! An unplanned pregnancy followed by utter utter despair. I felt that, Mpoomy ❤️❤️❤️
Mpoomy finds her thing.
Creates a tribe.
Works on sustaining her tribe with passion and persistence.
I loved the easy-going manner of and in the narrative. Easy to read. Easy to follow. Messy. Just like life. Joyous. Infuriating but most of all, there's grace and self-love. The culture in the language is so spot on. Here's a story of and for my children.
Mpoomy, this will be on the reader's lips for years.
Highly recommended.
Mpoomy is brave. A brave soul to open herself up like this to the world. A brave soul to live an unapologetic life on her terms.
What a vulnerable memoir. So relatable. So much universal truth in her story. When we create safe spaces to the our stories, we discover that we are so much more connected.
So many takeaways. From healing your inner-child, to discovering yourself and finding your passion that drives your purpose to servitude. Trying new things. Starting and failing. Not finding her THING within her time-frame.
Her biggest anchor is family. Family will hold you down when you flounder. Family will give you room to find yourself and close-rank when you need a quite time of self-reflection.
Marriage, at any age, is hard, but you have to do the work if you both want it to work. The seven-year itch is real. Recognize it. Acknowledge it. Do the work.
Having children, child spacing and mothering. When you are changing nappies, worried about cracked nipples, loosing "the baby fat", worried about whether baby is getting enough nutrients, and keeping up with THE ROAD TO HEALTH CHART", keeping the marriege, the love relationship, the coupledom going, contraception is the last thing on any new mother's mind especially one with babies under three. Then boom!!!! An unplanned pregnancy followed by utter utter despair. I felt that, Mpoomy ❤️❤️❤️
Mpoomy finds her thing.
Creates a tribe.
Works on sustaining her tribe with passion and persistence.
I loved the easy-going manner of and in the narrative. Easy to read. Easy to follow. Messy. Just like life. Joyous. Infuriating but most of all, there's grace and self-love. The culture in the language is so spot on. Here's a story of and for my children.
Mpoomy, this will be on the reader's lips for years.
Highly recommended.
March 30, 2025
I like the premise of this book. A young black woman sharing her story about trying to find her way in the world and live up to her dreams, goals and aspirations, and give them permission to heal from their hurts- relatable! Easy to read, great!
At the beginning, it felt a lot like the book was all over the place. Not in a bad way. It felt like the author was info dumping her stories, and then asking me to reflect without fully tying everything together to make her point. I kept expecting to see her talk to me as a reader, as a girl finding herself, but I only got this at the final chapter so it kinda made the entire book fall flat for me.
Regardless, I enjoyed reading this book, given how much I highlighted the heck out of it 🤣 it was heartwarming lesrning that I'm not alone in the way I see life and the world regardless of how it may have treated me. I know this is the author's first book and it won't be as perfect as I would assume. But if she ever sees this comment, I'll be rooting for her with any other book she writes in future!
At the beginning, it felt a lot like the book was all over the place. Not in a bad way. It felt like the author was info dumping her stories, and then asking me to reflect without fully tying everything together to make her point. I kept expecting to see her talk to me as a reader, as a girl finding herself, but I only got this at the final chapter so it kinda made the entire book fall flat for me.
Regardless, I enjoyed reading this book, given how much I highlighted the heck out of it 🤣 it was heartwarming lesrning that I'm not alone in the way I see life and the world regardless of how it may have treated me. I know this is the author's first book and it won't be as perfect as I would assume. But if she ever sees this comment, I'll be rooting for her with any other book she writes in future!
October 9, 2024
I found this book incredibly relatable and appreciated how Mpoomy shared her story with such vulnerability. There’s so much wisdom and faith in God woven throughout, making it truly inspiring.
However, I did find some moments a bit confusing, as the storyline wasn't as linear as I had hoped. I would have loved more detail on certain topics, and it felt at times like the author was holding back. Additionally, there were a few grammatical errors that impacted the reading experience.
That said, Mpoomy did a fantastic job of painting vivid pictures in the reader’s mind. For the first time, I really felt a connection to her as a person. She is hardworking and incredibly talented. I look forward to seeing many more books from her in the future. Phenomenal job!
However, I did find some moments a bit confusing, as the storyline wasn't as linear as I had hoped. I would have loved more detail on certain topics, and it felt at times like the author was holding back. Additionally, there were a few grammatical errors that impacted the reading experience.
That said, Mpoomy did a fantastic job of painting vivid pictures in the reader’s mind. For the first time, I really felt a connection to her as a person. She is hardworking and incredibly talented. I look forward to seeing many more books from her in the future. Phenomenal job!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2024
I found the memoir to be vulnerable and really touching. The way she told the story of her life through all her loved ones and the different phases of her life was eye opening.
The book was relatable and very conversational when it comes to the tone and writing style.
The themes of breaking generational curses, healing, forgiveness and fully accepting oneself the good the bad and the ugly is on full display.
I loved the reflections after each chapter it made me start journaling again and helped me to really ask myself difficult questions about myself and my life.
10 Lessons I Learnt From Mpoomy
Ledwaba's Memoir:
1. To have an abundance mentality
2. Don't be afraid of failure
3. Boundaries are non-negotiable
4. Sorry not sorry
5. To have gratitude
6. Self-love and acceptance
7. Healing starts with being vulnerable
8. Trusting God's plan and timing
9. Perfectionism in moderation
10. No is a complete sentence
Quotes I resonated with from Mpoomy
Ledwaba's Memoir:
1. "I don't identify with failure."
2. "Nature is God's original idea for each of us."
3. "Most times I treat disappointment as a path to something bigger and better."
4. "Womanhood gifted me wisdom, even the book of Proverbs refers to wisdom as her."
5. "I hope you become familiar with pain and failure, that you don't wish them away but use them as an important tool in this journey called life"
6. " Failure may not always be welcome but if we embrace it, it makes a brilliant teacher"
7. Dear reader I'giveryou permission to heal."
8. "God if it's not from you take the desire away."
9. Writing helped me forgive, I accepted apologies I never received."
10. "When women heal, generations heal."
The book was relatable and very conversational when it comes to the tone and writing style.
The themes of breaking generational curses, healing, forgiveness and fully accepting oneself the good the bad and the ugly is on full display.
I loved the reflections after each chapter it made me start journaling again and helped me to really ask myself difficult questions about myself and my life.
10 Lessons I Learnt From Mpoomy
Ledwaba's Memoir:
1. To have an abundance mentality
2. Don't be afraid of failure
3. Boundaries are non-negotiable
4. Sorry not sorry
5. To have gratitude
6. Self-love and acceptance
7. Healing starts with being vulnerable
8. Trusting God's plan and timing
9. Perfectionism in moderation
10. No is a complete sentence
Quotes I resonated with from Mpoomy
Ledwaba's Memoir:
1. "I don't identify with failure."
2. "Nature is God's original idea for each of us."
3. "Most times I treat disappointment as a path to something bigger and better."
4. "Womanhood gifted me wisdom, even the book of Proverbs refers to wisdom as her."
5. "I hope you become familiar with pain and failure, that you don't wish them away but use them as an important tool in this journey called life"
6. " Failure may not always be welcome but if we embrace it, it makes a brilliant teacher"
7. Dear reader I'giveryou permission to heal."
8. "God if it's not from you take the desire away."
9. Writing helped me forgive, I accepted apologies I never received."
10. "When women heal, generations heal."
December 27, 2024
‘How Did We Get Here?’ by Mpoomy Ledwaba is a poignant coming-of-age story that invites readers on a journey of self-discovery. With unflinching honesty, Mpoomy shares her personal story, fostering an environment of healing and growth. What's remarkable about this book is its dual role as a wellness journey, offering readers a unique opportunity for reflection and introspection.
Thoughts:
As an avid reader and believer, there were things that captured my soul in this book just as there were things that ticked me off.
‘Not once but twice more’ is a chapter that broke my heart but also mended it. In this chapter, I could touch the vulnerability oozing from the pages and this made me feel the connection between the author and I. There were stories I read that left me thinking ‘if I were you, I wouldn’t have said that’ and in the end I’d come to the realisation that maybe this is how “shame loses its power”.
I appreciate Mpoomy's take on vulnerability, but some themes felt superficial, making it hard for me to connect with the author. She lost me too many times. Additionally, some stories assumed prior knowledge, which I found inconsiderate, as it seemed geared towards existing followers rather than new readers.
The stories told in this book are nonlinear and quite short, making it easy to get through and fairly relatable.
I finished this book over a week ago and I have since been consistently starting my days with a sermon and loving it. Lastly, two of my current favourite songs are from the unsolicited yet much needed playlist, thank you for that😊.
This would be the perfect Christmas gift to get Mpoomy Ledwaba’s followers without a doubt.
Thank you @Jonathanballpublishers for this review copy in exchange for an honest review💕.
NB: We hope the grammatical errors will be fixed for the next batch.
Thoughts:
As an avid reader and believer, there were things that captured my soul in this book just as there were things that ticked me off.
‘Not once but twice more’ is a chapter that broke my heart but also mended it. In this chapter, I could touch the vulnerability oozing from the pages and this made me feel the connection between the author and I. There were stories I read that left me thinking ‘if I were you, I wouldn’t have said that’ and in the end I’d come to the realisation that maybe this is how “shame loses its power”.
I appreciate Mpoomy's take on vulnerability, but some themes felt superficial, making it hard for me to connect with the author. She lost me too many times. Additionally, some stories assumed prior knowledge, which I found inconsiderate, as it seemed geared towards existing followers rather than new readers.
The stories told in this book are nonlinear and quite short, making it easy to get through and fairly relatable.
I finished this book over a week ago and I have since been consistently starting my days with a sermon and loving it. Lastly, two of my current favourite songs are from the unsolicited yet much needed playlist, thank you for that😊.
This would be the perfect Christmas gift to get Mpoomy Ledwaba’s followers without a doubt.
Thank you @Jonathanballpublishers for this review copy in exchange for an honest review💕.
NB: We hope the grammatical errors will be fixed for the next batch.
December 19, 2024
This woman is poweful and she knows it!
I’ve gone through a couple of reviews and it seems like we all agree on some things. I just want to express how proud I am of this black beautiful woman for all that she has achieved and all she has done for the women community - us.
1. The first part robbed me. I wanted more, mostly from how she grew up. Yes, I know her and some of the stories I know because I used to be a follower. At the same time I accept what she managed to share with us.
2. Mpoomy has mastered the art of story telling. In her speaking engagements and now in this book, she knows how to pace a book. After this, I think she can write another one, even if it’s fictional.
3. Part 2 was just amazing. I started enjoying the book, I could relate with her journey. I am just not clear on Aneno, that was a big brand and the process was summarized into 3 pages. Again, I accept😩😩
4. Mpoomy was vulnerable, I was reading some stories in her voice and I could hear the pain and the happiness.
5. Overall the book was short, sweet and she gave us just enough of what she could. Thank you for that. 🌸
I’ve gone through a couple of reviews and it seems like we all agree on some things. I just want to express how proud I am of this black beautiful woman for all that she has achieved and all she has done for the women community - us.
1. The first part robbed me. I wanted more, mostly from how she grew up. Yes, I know her and some of the stories I know because I used to be a follower. At the same time I accept what she managed to share with us.
2. Mpoomy has mastered the art of story telling. In her speaking engagements and now in this book, she knows how to pace a book. After this, I think she can write another one, even if it’s fictional.
3. Part 2 was just amazing. I started enjoying the book, I could relate with her journey. I am just not clear on Aneno, that was a big brand and the process was summarized into 3 pages. Again, I accept😩😩
4. Mpoomy was vulnerable, I was reading some stories in her voice and I could hear the pain and the happiness.
5. Overall the book was short, sweet and she gave us just enough of what she could. Thank you for that. 🌸
September 29, 2025
Mpoomy Ledwaba’s memoir was just chef’s kiss!!! 🤌 Finding out she’s the oldest daughter was the cherry on top. I felt so deeply connected!
This book felt like I was sitting with a mentor… there were parts I didn’t personally relate to because I haven’t walked those exact experiences but I loved her honesty and vulnerability.
You cannot have authentic relationships when you’re not authentic yourself.
I left my book with my sister for a few days and kept thinking about it at home… I love when a book does that to you, makes you want more! I’ve realized memoirs are truly my thing and this one confirmed it. I loved that it wasn’t TOO preachy.. just real, lived experiences.
This book reminded me how unique and beautiful I am. Being who I am is a form of worship because it honors God who created me.
Also, you don’t need to write a gigantic book for it to be impactful. Mpoomy proved that 🤣🤭
This book felt like I was sitting with a mentor… there were parts I didn’t personally relate to because I haven’t walked those exact experiences but I loved her honesty and vulnerability.
You cannot have authentic relationships when you’re not authentic yourself.
I left my book with my sister for a few days and kept thinking about it at home… I love when a book does that to you, makes you want more! I’ve realized memoirs are truly my thing and this one confirmed it. I loved that it wasn’t TOO preachy.. just real, lived experiences.
This book reminded me how unique and beautiful I am. Being who I am is a form of worship because it honors God who created me.
Also, you don’t need to write a gigantic book for it to be impactful. Mpoomy proved that 🤣🤭
December 8, 2024
I think my expectations were extremely high from the reviews. But, it is definately a good book and easy to read. Helps one to self reflect and figure out what things might have led to you becoming who you are.
December 6, 2024
Hands down one of my best reads for this year. It is simply written and very easy to comprehend. It allows one to revisit their childhood and try to let go some of the traumas we have been holding for years. It is almost like a journal and so one can pour down their feelings in writing. It is a book that one can revisit from time to time. I would recommend everyone to read this, especially young ladies who are ambitious and desire to have both their careers and various life relationships balanced.
October 22, 2024
This is an incredible compendium of reflections on the journey towards self-actualisation. The book format is refreshing with lots of room for pause. Mpoomy skillfully takes us through the ups and downs of her journey. It’s a no holds barred that takes us through almost all the facets of her life and the work that it has taken for her to heal and become. A must read!
January 4, 2025
How Did We Get Here?
_______________
The author @mpoomy_ledwaba takes us on a self discovery journey and pens her memoir without concealment from her Highs and Lows.
Testament to how intricate the tapestry of life can become and how we can manage to untangle ourselves through faith, hard-work and striving to heal our emotional scars and emancipate ourselves from the shackles of our past and perhaps even our present.
And finally,
Self Awareness and Understanding is of great value, embrace and cultivate your uniqueness and accept that not everyone will like you or understand the boundaries you’ve set in your life and that’s okay too but always stand firmly rooted in your beliefs.
__________________
sidenote:-
I love how she encourages the reader to take the time to write about their own experiences, Healing comes in many forms and this book allows the reader to do so…
__________________
Personally, I enjoyed her writing style!
#WorthTheHype #HowDidWeGetHere
__________________
*****Important****
Truly saddened by the norm of family members or people known and trusted by the family turning out to be the ones that children are in grave danger from. How do we prevent this from being a generational threat #Molestation
_______________
The author @mpoomy_ledwaba takes us on a self discovery journey and pens her memoir without concealment from her Highs and Lows.
Testament to how intricate the tapestry of life can become and how we can manage to untangle ourselves through faith, hard-work and striving to heal our emotional scars and emancipate ourselves from the shackles of our past and perhaps even our present.
And finally,
Self Awareness and Understanding is of great value, embrace and cultivate your uniqueness and accept that not everyone will like you or understand the boundaries you’ve set in your life and that’s okay too but always stand firmly rooted in your beliefs.
__________________
sidenote:-
I love how she encourages the reader to take the time to write about their own experiences, Healing comes in many forms and this book allows the reader to do so…
__________________
Personally, I enjoyed her writing style!
#WorthTheHype #HowDidWeGetHere
__________________
*****Important****
Truly saddened by the norm of family members or people known and trusted by the family turning out to be the ones that children are in grave danger from. How do we prevent this from being a generational threat #Molestation
January 12, 2025
The only fault was that I felt the story wasn't as linear as i would have hoped. At some point, it felt like she would jump from one time period to the next and back so it did make it difficult to read in one go but overall Mpoomy is a great storyteller and was able to translate emotions into words that the reader could relate to.
October 27, 2024
An easy read with journalling sections after every section. I thought this to be unique and I appreciate the author's committment to getting her readers to reflect on their journey and to ultimately make a joourney to be healthy and whole.
November 18, 2024
I got a little greedy with this one and finished it while on a layover in South Africa. I loved Mpoomy’s openness about things we don’t see on her socials.
4 stars because I believe there is much more to come.
4 stars because I believe there is much more to come.
January 15, 2025
It was validating. It made me feel seen and heard. And the reflection part was my favourite. I mean, the book made me look at parts of myself that I'd rather keep buried, but it was worth it. Her story gave me permission to explore my own stories and heal.
I highly recommend this book.
I highly recommend this book.
January 18, 2025
Relatable, easy to read and loved the journal prompts. There’s a lot that can be said about the book, but one thing is clear, every girl or woman who gets to read this book will surely see themselves and resonate with a story or two that Mpoomy shared about herself.
January 31, 2025
What a book..It's healing,eye opening and strong women like me feel seen..I love that the strong ambitious woman in her never dimed her light..it triggered me to do the work where I felt afraid or not seen
October 11, 2024
Amazing book! Truly has made me change certain aspects of my life. Truly grateful to Mpoomy for this book!
October 14, 2024
Mpoomy gives the reader permission to heal. I can’t say much don’t wanna spoil but we are healing
December 1, 2024
Such a wholesome book and really gave me permission to heal
Read
January 5, 2025How Did We Get Here
By Mpoomy Ledwaba
Genre: Autobiography
“No great man lives in vain. The history of the world is but the biography of great men”
Thomas Carlyle
Mpoomy Ledwaba’s memoir, “How Did We Get Here?,” is a candid and inspiring journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Ledwaba, a South African entrepreneur, speaker, and influencer, shares her life story, from her humble beginnings in Soweto to her current achievements. She openly discusses her struggles, including overcoming adversity, embracing her faith, and finding her purpose in life. Ledwaba emphasizes the importance of community, resilience, and the power of storytelling.
By Mpoomy Ledwaba
Genre: Autobiography
“No great man lives in vain. The history of the world is but the biography of great men”
Thomas Carlyle
Mpoomy Ledwaba’s memoir, “How Did We Get Here?,” is a candid and inspiring journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Ledwaba, a South African entrepreneur, speaker, and influencer, shares her life story, from her humble beginnings in Soweto to her current achievements. She openly discusses her struggles, including overcoming adversity, embracing her faith, and finding her purpose in life. Ledwaba emphasizes the importance of community, resilience, and the power of storytelling.
January 9, 2025
The vulnerability in this book🥹
August 2, 2025
Good
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2025
Raw, vulnerable and relatable.
October 28, 2025
I love how she liberates us women from feeling ashamed and go on to live purposefully fulfilled abundant lives. All women should read!
September 8, 2025
Having followed Mpoomy for years this book felt like a conversation with a friend. It is raw, funny and authentic, Mpoomy laid it out and I'm glad I bought this book. I 100% recommend it. A true work of art.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews