Blessed Life: My Surprising Journey of Joy, Tears, and Tales from Harlem to Hollywood

by Kim Fields, Todd Gold

From "Facts of Life" to "Living Single" to "Dancing with the Stars" to wife and mom, here's the Blessed Life of Kim Fields, veteran actress, TV personality, and star.

Kim Fields has lived most of her life with people thinking they know her, which is understandable. From her first job on a Mrs. Butterworth syrup commercial at age 7, she has spent 40 years in the public eye. There were 9 years as Dorothy "Tootie" Ramsey on the classic sitcom The Facts of Life, 5 more in her 20s starring as Regine Hunter on the seminal coming-of-age show Living Single, and most recently appearing as herself on Real Housewives of Atlanta and Dancing with the Stars.

Behind the camera, she has directed episodes of Kenan & Kel, Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns and House of Payne, and BET's Let's Stay Together. Between gigs, the pop culture icon's life has included theater, spoken word, music, speaking engagements, and simply being present to the point that she cannot go a day without someone stopping her to say, "When I was a kid, I wanted to be Tootie" or "You were my role model."

Flattered and blessed, after four decades in the business, Kim finally understands the role she has played onscreen and off as a successful, outspoken African-American woman. However, for as much as she's been in the public eye, people have really never known her the way they think they have, and that's because she, herself, spent most of her life figuring herself out. Now, at age 48, she is ready to set the record straight. She says, "It's not that I've been misunderstood. It's that I finally feel like I understand me enough to tell the life story that I've been asked to write for years." It will be a chronicle of living, learning, and keen moments of self-discovery as she's journeyed through the many facets and chapters of life. Fields found faith at age 14 and has found God to be right there every step of the way since then.

Genres: Memoir, Biography, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Inspirational, Autobiography, Biography Memoir

240 pages, Hardcover

Published November 14, 2017

About the author

Kim Fields is an American actress and television director. Fields is known for her roles as Dorothy "Tootie" Ramsey on the NBC sitcom The Facts of Life (1979–88), and as Regine Hunter on the Fox sitcom Living Single (1993–98).

Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Mrs Tupac · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 in half stars ⭐️ 🌟 ⭐️ ⭐️/
Kim Fields is boring but in a good way she’s always played it safe. I’ve always admired how grounded Kim Fields was she didn’t let the fame make her dysfunctional sadly like the rest =( . And when she did mama Chip nipped that in the butt.
The only role I semi liked her in was Regine she was the originator of the black bougie chick. It’s a few things in here that surprised me
About Her
-She and & Alexis not having the same father their not even close in age.
-dating Jessie Jackson son.
-being friends with Janet & having a crush on Randy lol.
-having a Breast reduction at such a young age.
-auditioning or being considered for the role of Peaches 🍑 in a Low Down Dirty Shame & Justice from Poetic Justice I really cant picture her as them.
This was a good slow read for me I never knew Kim faith & belief in our saviour the lord Jesus Christ. That’s what made the story more beautiful not many people are so steadfast on the lord like she is.

I thought it was a bad idea 💡 for her to join RHOA it never seemed like a good look I’m glad it didn’t last long she seemed too sweet for that show. She looked so nice 👍 with her locs it’s a shAme she cut them. This book had some good quotes that’ll make you want to strengthen your belief too. Kim didn’t have a hard life just a few bumps in the road. Her mother & aunt did a good job 👏🏾 raising her.

[Jay DeMoir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice to know her story. I always feel it takes a lot to be comfortable telling your story

[Reader66 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was part autobiography, part inspirational self help resource, and both were handled fairly superficially. (A 40 year career is covered in 215 pages, inclusive of front matter, acknowledgements, etc.) As an example, the chapter on RHOA was written in such vague terms (this, despite significant conflicts between Kim and one of the other cast members and her having a major part in the show), I wondered why it was even included. No mention of any reaction whatsoever to the deaths of Gary Coleman or Dana Plato (even though she does mention knowing both), no mention of any reaction to Todd Bridges' problems and subsequent turnaround (though she mentions knowing and having a crush on him), only a few sentences about her friendship with Janet Jackson (with no mention of watching Janet transition from occasional actress to superstar recording artist).

Kim does describe some rough times (the end of her first marriage and a prolonged bout of depression as a result; struggles to find and maintain a romantic relationship; difficulty finding work), and reading about her pulling herself out of those periods was by far the most compelling part of the book for me. If you're a fan of Kim Fields' work, there's going to be very little here you don't already know. Get this one from the library.

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kim, gets personal and shares with us about her Blessed Life in this intimate and personal memoir.
We all loved Kim in the Facts of Life and then in Living Single and she went on to be one of the Real Housewives of Atlanta and appeared on Dancing with the Stars. Just to name a few. She gets down and real with her life story and a lot of hard core truths are shared, she digs deep in the book. She shares many stories you will never hear any where else.
I was honored to get to read and review Blessed Life. I loved getting to know the REAL Kim.
I gave this book 4 stars and I recommend this read. I learned a little bit about myself while reading this one as well.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

[Alicia (PrettyBrownEyeReader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to this audio book. It was very good to hear Kim Fields read her own words. She shares her family history and life lessons.

[Mediaman · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is an offensive and disturbing book. Kim Fields, who has been famous since before she was a teen and has made plenty of money in Hollywood, tries to turn her life story into an inspirational spiritual example for others to follow. Instead it shows how warped the Hollywood view of Christianity is.

Fields was raised by a single mom and claims to have not known her dad (though he shows up for her wedding to take her down the aisle, but that is unexplained). Kim from the start was overpraised by her actress mother, and to this day Kim thinks her mother is the greatest thing in her life (next to God). But the mom did Kim no favors turning her into a self-centered brat. This entire book is Kim wanting to tell us how great Kim is and if anything negative happens she blames it on God and the white-based system instead of seeing that she makes a lot of bad choices.

While she claims to be a born-again Christian, her life is evidence of how modern American Christians don't seem to care how they live. Her "beliefs" may be Biblical but her lifestyle isn't. Faith without works is dead, Kim. She has "romances" outside of marriage (read: sex, even though she doesn't actually discuss sex). She claims to be pure yet is drawn to wild chain-smoking drinkers who aren't Christians. She struggled with marrying one guy who wasn't a Christian (why would it be a struggle if she truly was a person of faith?). She divorces her first husband even though he asks for them to go to counseling, just because she doesn't "feel" right about him and her mom (along with her pastor) tells her to get out. It's all about making Kim feel good, and her life is a history of dumping guys when she feels insecure.

In the worst single part of the book, Kim goes to St. Lucia for her 30th birthday after she forces her first marriage to breakup, has a "romance" with a local guy, and her mother has the audacity to support it by saying, "Jesus had to go far away to get Him some love too." Sick. Kim having sex with a random stranger after pushing her husband out of the house for no reason is not Christian and is not the same as Jesus traveling away from home. And by the way, Jesus didn't need to "get Him some love," He was the one giving the love.

Her next relationship starts with a quick all-weekend boinking with a hot actor she just met. She admits that she didn't follow her "values" by sleeping with the guy but somehow justifies it because they quickly move in together, she gets pregnant, has the baby, and then after all that they get married. This is what's wrong with people that call themselves Christian--they sin without thought, then excuse it away later. She complains if things don't go her way, asking God why He is doing it to her, yet she makes so many bad choices and never accepts the blame. The book is filled with her bragging about herself instead of the deep self-reflection that should make her question how she can so actively make bad choices while claiming to be living close to God. She's a terrible role model.

She apparently places herself under the authority of a black pastor or bishop, allows him to tell her what to do most of the time, and gets mad at God if things don't go her way. She quits Living Single early, breaking her contract, then gets depressed that God doesn't give her more work. She ends a marriage for no valid stated reason, then goes into a funk in a dark bedroom for months because she doesn't have a soulmate.

She appears to have adopted a "health and wealth" philosophy, where God is there to make you rich, healthy, and happy. Then ignores the rest of the verses. Also concerning are her racial stances and political discussions in the book. She is extremely liberal, thinks Jesse Jackson is the pinnacle of black role models (she dated his son!) while ignoring the hypocritical things Jackson has done. This well-to-do star, who worked alongside plenty of whites that helped her have a successful career, slams white cops and white bosses that keep her from achieving her self-centered goals.

The book is worth reading just to see how a mentally-distorted person thinks. It's fascinating that someone who claims to be moral can actually be do immoral things without thinking. She mentions some of her shows and films, but there are so few work stories that you'll be disappointed if you look for any substance here. It's all "me, me, me," especially in the sections where she talks about God and what God can do for her.

It all proves that Hollywood people are out of touch with reality, have no idea of true spirituality, lack common sense, surround themselves with other liberals that think the way they do, and ultimately are all about their insecure selves.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded up because I loved Tootie on Facts of Life.
This was an interesting look into Ms. Fields real life.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kim Fields writes of her career as a child actress and career acting into adulthood. She writes about how her faith got her through rough times in her life. This is not a tell all book. She is careful to write positive things about her career. When she does write of the tougher times in her life it is not mean spirited. She keeps it nice. I enjoyed her memoir myself. Those who maybe remember her from Facts of Life or maybe Living Single may enjoy her memoir.

[Sonja · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful and positive read. She has deep faith but is not preachy. She comes from a hardworking and loving family. She is prof of what you can accomplish, no need for cheating or backstabbing. I wish she was more children's role model.

[Chelsea Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice, light read that is very comforting

[Book Reviews by Tara aka Queen of Memoirs · Rating 5 out of 5]

You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have the facts of life (singing in my theme song voice🤣...yup, I went there😁). In her memoir Blessed Life, Kim Fields delivers it all. The opening lines of the theme song from the 80's television show The Facts Of Life, could have very easily been the title of this awesome book. In 215 pages Kim Fields along with Todd Gold delivers her life story in such an engaging way I found it difficult to put this book down. Blessed Life is everything I love in a good entertainment memoir. Taking the reader into Kim’s personal life, this book isn’t about the actress. Instead it is about the woman, mother, daughter, sister, wife and friend. With total transparency she exposed her insecurities, her fears and her darkest moments. No ego! No arrogance! Just a woman who has managed to not only survive, but continues to maintain a successful career and a well-rounded life while working in the harsh world of Hollywood.

What I loved most about this memoir was learning about her involvement within the African American community. For instance, l had no idea Kim Fields was once arrested for protesting a judges decision to not charge four police officers for killing 19 year old Trisha Miller after finding Trisha unconscious in a car. I was also surprised to learn Kim worked on the presidential campaign for the Reverend Jessie Jackson. Even more surprising was learning how she hit the streets of LA to help clean up the devastation that was left behind after the Rodney King riots.

But it didn’t end there, my happy meter hit the roof when l learned she is also an accomplished poet. Even performing some of her poetry on Russell Simmon's hit TV show Def Poetry Jam. There was just so much about Kim that l did not know, and she shares it all in this book. Her influence in black culture goes far beyond Facts of Life, Living Single and her short stint on Atlanta Housewives. This woman is the definition of #blackgirlmagic . I am so grateful she has chosen to share her story. I genuinely enjoyed this journey.

[Adrienna · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw the title and the cover, I had to read it. Then, I also saw a notification from Goodreads, other reviews, and finally had to get a copy via library. First copy came as an audiobook, then eBook was available when I was about 40% in the book.

There was quite a bit I did not know about Kim Fields. I loved her most as Regine (Living Singles), I guess since I was in my teens when this show aired. I did see Facts of Life when I was a child but back in those days, not many channels (no cable) and only selected programs on...so as a young age, I preferred to pick up a book and read...or outdoors.

I love how she freely and openly shares her faith. Listening to the audio, leaves me smiling even while driving and hearing her story. I even Youtube'd her "Dancing with the Stars" to find her clips, seen her movies on Netflix (Question of Faith is so good!), and even willing to look at her on "Housewives of ATL" (which I do not watch reality shows like this). I will find clips on Youtube. It also made me find a YOUTUBE movie of Chip Fields-Hurd (her mom), a 1978 film called BATTERED, and shockingly see Levar Burton as her man. I didn't realize how old he was, or was able to play a role with Chip, both looking young. I love him as Kunta Kinte though.

Overall, I loved how she reminded and encouraged me that we have to pray about everything you do! She had decisions she had to make, and risks she had to take, and she trusted hearing from God (discernment). I love her honesty about womanhood, weight, and having babies in her late thirties and early forties which gives me hope.

"Don't block blessings." We have to not try to do it all ourselves, let others help and bless you! Ultimately, we have to TRUST God and let him lead...take the wheel and we sit in the passenger's seat. Thanks for this great reminder...I needed it.

Thank you Kim Fields for writing this book and sharing your life experiences with us. I was definitely blessed by some of those life lessons and jewels you shared with the world.

Leisure read 2018
4.5 stars/5

[Summer · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. Definitely disappointed that this seemed to devote more pages to Dancing With The Stars than The Facts Of Life. I get that Dancing With The Stars was more recent, fresher in her memory, and in some ways more of a challenge for her as she isn’t a trained dancer, but to me, Facts was just so much more worthy of taking a deep dive into, it was a female cast at a time when that wasn’t really done (and it’s still not done all that often), and it addressed plenty of issues that remain relevant, plus it was a fun show to watch.

While Living Single, another sitcom I loved, also wasn’t explored quite a fully as I might have preferred, it was interesting to read about the cast member she dated, the resentment (rightfully so) over the lack of publicity for the show, and the unfortunate turmoil of the final season.

Dancing With The Stars isn’t really my thing, and neither is the Real Housewives Of Atlanta (or anywhere else) so the final third of this memoir sagged a little bit for me, though those who are fans of those reality shows will likely have a greater appreciation of this section than I did.

My favorite thing about Blessed Life was how conversational this book read, it felt very much like Kim was the one telling her story even though she does have a co-writer and I loved how honest she is about her insecurities (her weight, her sex appeal, whether or not she’s boring) and her willingness to talk about the ups and downs of her love life and her career. There’s something genuinely inspiring in the way she’s persisted in show business, whether it’s moving on from roles she’s lost out on or how she’s put herself out there as a spoken word artist and filmmaker.

[Janette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. A pretty tedious read, as it was rather dull and her apparent obsession with race got old fast. I didn't care for her politics either and found all her religious talk pretty hypocritical when she and her then-boyfriend opted to live together and have a kid out of wedlock before ever bothering to get married.

[Debi Stout · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I was young, I loved to watch the Facts of Life.  I knew Kim Fields by her TV show name, Tootie, but I knew nothing more about her. I've seen her on some recent reality shows but again, I knew nothing about her, so when I saw this book, Blessed Life: My Surprising Journey of Joy, Tears, and Tales from Harlem to Hollywood by Kim Fields, available for review, I signed up and received a copy.

I have to get this out of my system before I start discussing the book: "You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have the facts of life, the facts of life ...."  (Imagine singing that in your best "theme song voice" right now, okay?  😁🤣 )

In Blessed Life, Kim Fields (along with Todd Gold) shares her life story in an interesting and engaging style. Blessed Life includes Kim's life as an actress, as well as who he is as a woman.  For those who do not know more than her childhood television persona, she's a wife and mother, she's a daughter and sister, and she's a friend. Ms. Fields shares her darkest moments with readers without the standard Hollywood ego. 

I have a memory from my youth when I was watching The Facts of Life in my parents' home and remembered "Tootie" back then.  I didn't really realize that Ms. Fields actually had a great career in showbiz beyond just appearing on that sitcom from the '80's.  I don't remember watching Living Single at all, and I don't watch any of the "Housewives" shows, so the only thing I had ever seen her in besides Facts of Life, was Dancing with the Stars!

Blessed Life she shares Ms. Fields' life from child actor to her present moment as a wife and mother of two boys. As we all know, there aren't very many child actors who actually make it to adulthood while remaining grounded and staying faithful.  The love of her mom, her aunts and her sister and others closely surrounding her throughout her life have helped her through life, even in the most difficult of times.

This book was very empowering and encouraging, and Ms. Fields really puts forth her optimistic nature. I appreciated her sharing of her faith journey and admired her transparency and personal strength.  Given the news of so many child actors having tragic adult lives, it was very nice to see how Ms. Fields has thrived in her life. I also appreciated learning more about who she is, what she has done and what she is doing with her life, and how significant events have helped shape her life overall.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Hatchette Book Group, as part of their Book Review Blogger Program.  The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the Blessed Life: My Surprising Journey of Joy, Tears, and Tales from Harlem to Hollywood by Kim Fields, she shares many memorable moments in her journey as a Christian child star. She candidly discloses her many personal struggles with the goal of inspiring readers to challenge any difficulties they may face in life while never losing hope.

This book truly provides a behind the scenes look at a “blessed” lifestyle, but it left me feeling like she was still attempting to validate herself professionally by name dropping countless celebrities she knew personally instead of fully embracing the greatness within herself. In the final chapters it was refreshing to see her find meaning, purpose and love within.

Her love for her family and friends has such a purity and goodness about it that you come away appreciating such virtues even more. Unlike other celebrity memoirs, there were no “dirty little secrets” spewed on the pages. Kim put forth a genuine effort to focus only on the best in others. She fully balanced the responsibility upon herself for any evident discord she experienced throughout her life.

I enjoyed reading this book because it felt very authentic, as if Kim was having a conversation with a close friend. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves memoirs or enjoys learning some of the wonderful things about the celebrity lifestyle without having to wash off the negativity and gossip often associated with the industry.

I received this book free from the publisher through their book review bloggers program and I was not required to write a positive review.

[Zachary Houle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a memory from childhood of watching The Facts of Life in my grandparents’ apartment in Belleville, Ontario, and being told by my grandmother — bless her heart, as her birthday is coming up — that I couldn’t watch the show because it was all about girls. So, yes, I’ve been denied access to pop culture in the past, but I’m making up for any lost time by reading the autobiography of Kim “Tootie” Fields. It turns out that she’s a dyed-in-the-wool Christian (which is funny because I always thought Blair was the Christian one on that show) and that she’s had a rich career in showbiz beyond just appearing on that seminal ’80s sitcom.

In fact, I didn’t know that Fields went on to star in another sitcom, direct and produce various film projects, become a slam poet and star in a couple of reality TV shows. I’ve been out of the loop! So this memoir is one of learning about what Fields has been up to after her heyday. Being a Christian, Fields doesn’t have a lot of gossip in this book. Instead, she focuses more on how she was brought up to be a strong woman — despite grappling with body issues and wondering when her Prince Charming would ever come. I appreciated that approach, though there are times when Fields does share personal, more intimate stories, such as how she got a Facts co-star to teach her how to shave her legs, or why she initially appeared on roller skates in the opening season of the show.

Read the rest here: https://medium.com/@zachary_houle/a-r...

[Leslie McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I grew up watching Kim Fields play “Tootie” on The Facts of Life, and I have followed her career ever since. So I was very excited to see that she had a book coming out, and I jumped at the chance to read it.

This book provides insight into her life, both the personal one and the one people know from television. The reader is able to follow Kim’s journey from Harlem to Hollywood and see the challenges she faced growing up in front of the world.

The book is divided into three sections: My Mother’s Voice, My Voice, and That Still Small Voice. Fields provides details on marriages, miscarriages, and motherhood in an open and honest way. While I thought I knew a lot about her, there were many new tidbits to learn on this actor, director, producer, poet, wife, mother, friend, woman of faith, and so much more.

You can read the full review on my blog: https://lmckeeediting.blogspot.com/20...

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher as part of the FirstWords Blogger Program, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

[Oak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blessed Life: My Surprising Journey of Joy, Tears, and Tales from Harlem to Hollywood is a heartwarming memoir by actress and director Kim Fields. I loved watching Fields portray Tootie Ramsey on The Facts of Life, so I was glad to learn more about her life through this memoir.

Blessed Life is an empowering an encouraging read with a genuine feel. Through her writing, Fields conveys an optimistic nature, and I admire her transparency and personal strength. I enjoyed reading about Field’s journey of faith and the close relationships she has with her family members.

With so many child actors having sad or even tragic outcomes, it is comforting to see that Fields has thrived in her life. I liked learning new things about Fields, as well as seeing how significant events helped impact and shape her life. And I love how Fields emphasizes that a blessed life is not one without challenges.

*I received this book for review*

[Freda Mans-Labianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great memoir!
I was already a fan of Kim Fields, especially as Tootie, but now I have a deeper and more profound respect for her as an actress and more. She has done so much in her time on this planet. I feel like I learned so much about her very private life. Also nice to read how deep her faith is rooted. So much so, when approached to do a show with less than savory morals, she wanted to know why they wanted her. To lighten the show up, of course! Sadly, it didn't work though. She's just better than that show, in my opinion.
If you like to lean about other people, get a glimpse into their lives. Read this one. It's so good. She has had an incredible life, so far. Definitely read it if you like celebrity reads though. If you know how Kim Fields talks in real life, that is what you will hear when reading the book.

[RYCJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing Style is Warm, Comfortable. Pacing is Fast.

Kim, aka Tootie from ‘Facts of Life’ and Regine from ‘Living Single’, popular 80’s/90’s TV sitcoms, writes about her experiences in a way easy to curl up with. I really enjoyed her mom’s style, hauling her into bathrooms for pep talks and doling out the quotes, such as one of my favorites, “you’re walking around like your behind weighs a ton.”

But I also liked Kim’s inner spirit. She’s a good girl... spiritually grounded... Christian... who doesn’t like conflict and by reading her memoir, seems centered, thanks in part to her mother, but as well due to who she is. Like many who go through this journey we call life, Kim is no different experiencing her fair share of bumps and bruises, though her journey makes for some really interesting reading, given how she began her journey a child celebrity. Nice Job.

[Susan Shipe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Memoir of Kim Fields - you might remember her as "Tootie" on The Facts of Life; as herself on The Real Housewives of Atlanta; or spinning across the state of Dancing with the Stars!

If you like memoirs, this one will be an easy read. Kim's life has been exciting and fun. Her strong faith and belief system in God has shaped her. She's been up. She's been down. But the one monumental lesson? Her life is a blessing and she is blessed.

Curl up on a snowy afternoon, get a good warm mug of something delicious and sink into Kim's crazy and blessed world!

[Shyiesha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everyone knows "Tootie" from Facts of Life! I was thrilled to read this memoir but was left slightly disappointed. Kim Fields has lived a relatively safe life, which is fine. However, I just couldn't see past her "woe is me attitude". She constantly mentions how blessed she is but you can't help but hear a whiny undertone. I think Kim Fields is an amazing person, a great actress and beautiful. Unfortunately, she just beat up on herself too much for my liking. It made her human, but it also made her appear a bit ungrateful. Great read, but I feel it could of been better.

[Missy Michaels · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kim Fields definitely is living a blessed life and that is wonderful. The book isn't deep or detailed, everything is very much on the surface so I don't feel like I actually learned much about her joy, tears or tales. From the few photos included in the center of the book I saw that Kim's maternal grandmother was quite beautiful. And Kim, herself, was a very cute kid. But I knew that already because when I was a kid I watched Facts of Life. Kim seems like a really sweet person. This book though was super boring.

[Lynn Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kim Fields’ Blessed Life was an easy read as she shares her journey from child actor to her present moment as a wife and mother of two boys. She is one of the few child actors who have made it to adulthood while still grounded and on sure-footed path. Faith, strong maternal love from Chip Fields, her aunts and sister and those in her personal village have sustained her during the difficult times. Our beloved Tootie of The Facts of Life and Regine of Living Single is truly a woman now who is continually charting out her buoyant course day by day.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read/listen. I listened to the audio which Kim read herself. I really enjoyed her story and have always been a fan of Kim Fields. She is very spiritual, smart, funny and insightful. As is her life and her love for her family and friends. Truth be told "Regine" is responsible for many women wearing wigs and extensions in our time. She made it both fashionable in the 90's. Up until then wigs were something are moms and grandmothers wore and kept in hidden!

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is always an insightful journey getting to go behind the 'scenes' of someone you've grown up watching and enjoying, with Kim this was no exception. She definitely was willing to reveal her innermost search for clarity, understanding and balance, which I appreciated. Not the most astute and or inspiring memoir I've read; however, for a Woman not yet turned 50 this makes sense for there is much more of her odyssey and the comprehension of that yet to come.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kim Fields is probably best known as "Tootie" from that old sitcom, "The Facts of Life". Of course, her career has moved on from that role but fans will enjoy hearing about her journey. As you can tell from the title, her faith is very important to her, and is mentioned very often throughout the book.

I enjoyed hearing about her time as a young actress on one of my favorite shows, as well as her devotion as a wife and mother later on. It was a fun read.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Kim Fields autobiography...I learned a lot about "Tootie" from "Facts of Life".

O.K. I had to edit my star rating because although I really enjoyed the book, Kim does hammer through the book about her faith which I don't share so that wasn't relatable. However, I did learn a lot about the "Tootie" I grew up with and the "Regine" I loved on "Living Single". She is a woman of many talents and I admire her drive.

[Key · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this biography. I knew of her of course but became more intrigued when I viewed her on RHOA. I felt connected to her character finally someone like me on a reality show.

Reading this book verified that she is truly a grounded,god fearing person and that makes a great difference when dealing with life circumstances.

I appreciate the history lesson that as told throughout. Overall pretty entertaining read.