From the host of fabulous and popular show Bevelations on SiriusXM’s Radio Andy channel, Bevy Smith’s irreverent and inspiring memoir about learning to live a big, authentic, and unapologetic life―and how you can, too
Bevy Smith was living what seemed like a glamorous dream as a fashion advertising executive, blazing a lucrative career for herself in the whitewashed magazine world. She jetsetted to Europe for fashion shows, dined and danced at every hot spot, and enjoyed a mighty roster of lovers.
So it came as quite a shock to Bevy when one day, after arriving at her luxury hotel in Milan, she collapsed on the Frette bedsheets and sobbed. Years of rolling with the in-crowd had taken its toll. Her satisfaction with work and life had hit rock bottom. But Bevy could not be defeated, and within minutes (okay, days) she grabbed a notepad and started realizing a truer path―one built on self-reflection and, ultimately, clarity. She figured out how to redirect her life toward meaningful creativity and freedom.
In her signature lively and infectious voice (there’s no one like Bevy!), Bevelations candidly shares how she reclaimed her life’s course and shows how we too can manifest our most bodacious dreams. From repossessing her bold childhood nature to becoming her own brand to envisioning her life’s next great destination (which will feature natural hair, important charitable giving, and a midcentury house overlooking the Pacific Ocean), Bevy invites readers along on the route of her personal transformation to reveal how each of us can live our best lives with honesty, joy, and, when we’re in the mood, a killer pair of shoes.
Bevy Smith, is the host of SiriusXM’s Bevelations on Radio Andy and a former cohost of Bravo’s Fashion Queens and the entertainment news show Page Six TV. She is a beloved motivational speaker, brand ambassador, pop culture aficionado, television personality, and businesswoman. Quintessential Harlem girl and lifelong New Yorker, Bevy was born, raised, and still lives and LOVES in Harlem, New York.
Bevelations is a witty, lighthearted self-help/memoir that’s filled with great words of wisdom (aka Bevelations). Bevy provides a mega dose of optimism and humor in every chapter while delivering advice on a variety of topics.
What I enjoyed most about the book is that Bevy is very relatable. The title of the book is very fitting. Reading her stories really did feel like I was listening to my “bestie” as she talked to me about what’s been going on in her life.
One of the book’s most important lessons is that it’s never too late to change directions in life. If you’re not happy with where you are, or what you’re doing, try something new. Go after your dreams. Live authentically. Bevy does a great job of using her life as an example to show us exactly how this can be done.
It is good reading!
The book ends on a heavier note as Bevy addresses the extremely tough times the world is currently facing. She also shared the heartbreaking story of her late father who sadly lost his life due to COVID-19. That chapter was hard for me to read. My heart and prayers go out to Bevy and her family🙏🏽.
Overall, I found this book entertaining and filled with good practical advice. There were many laughable moments, along with a few that were emotionally touching. And it is for all the above reasons, that I give Bevelations: Lessons From A Mutha, Auntie and Bestie, 4/5⭐️s.
Absolutely amazing memoir. I feel like I knew Bevy personally. As a woman in my late 30s, The “Bevelations” she shared were timely and valuable as I navigate this part of my life thats fueled with regret and apprehension. This book inspired me to march to my band, and create my path irrespective of what others tell me I should pursue. Bevy is an amazing business woman and fashion connoisseur, her story is one of optimism and agility. I admire all that she’s accomplished and feel blessed to have read such an honest and inspiring memoir. Thank you Bevy for sharing your experiences and lessons learned with a broader audience. This book is worthy of a admirable and illuminating 5 stars!
The one thing I miss about commuting to work is listening to Bevelations on the way home. On her show, Bevy is smart, funny, engaging and at times eye opening. I wasn’t sure what to expect from her book but I knew I wanted to read it and it does not disappoint! Part memoir/part self-help, Bevy Smith’s personality shines through. She says people think of her as a mutha, auntie or bestie and that’s the best way to describe this book. Imagine your good friend is a very successful career woman and agreed to let you pick her brain - bring a pen and highlighter and take allllll the notes.
What I liked: Bevelations has real take aways on how to build your personal brand and go for that goal you’ve had on the back burner; and unlike most self help books I’ve read, Bevy doesn’t sugarcoat it takes work to be successful and you may have set backs. She also addresses my goal and her goal might be different (we can’t all be on tv) but we can still be the best at what we do. My main takeaway: figure out who I am and how I want to be perceived then my choices should reflect that brand.
I also loved that one of Bevy’s mottos is “it gets greater later”, I think society tells us if we don’t reach a goal by our late 20s it’s too late. It’s refreshing to hear that it’s never too late and our experiences will actually help us reach those goals. She also believes we need to share our goals and plans with our friends and connections, so often we’re told not to discuss our job or ask for help. I will now be putting all my goals into the universe.
There are moments of sadness (the chapter about her dad), laugh out loud asides, and real talk about life’s ups and downs.
What didn’t work for me: I loved this book so I have no complaints. She references sharing more juicy details in book two; my question is, when is book two coming out?
Who should read it: I think this book is still a good read even if you don’t listen to her radio show or aren’t familiar with her work. If you’re questioning your life path or want help building that elevator speech about who you are, this is a fresh and different take on that. If you’re not into self-helps read it as a memoir, her career from temporary assistant to advertising sales to radio host is interesting.
Thank you Henry Holt Books for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I started following Bevy on Twitter several years ago and loved her wit on social media. I'm a few years younger than her and I like that she changed the trajectory of her life in her late 30s. It gets greater later!! Thanks for that saying, Bevy Girl!!! Blessings to you on everything you touch!
I laughed out loud a couple of times reading this book. Bevy is self-aware, wise, relatable, refreshing and so funny! While the stories are entertaining, the lessons are priceless.
Loved all the realness in the coming of age and still continued story of little brown Bevy. Ill definitely remind myself and others that it gets greater later.
I’m a huge Bevy fan! I listen to her Sirius XM show a lot and I thought that this book was just so well written. It was like her sitting down with us readers and having a conversation about her life. It was relatable, funny, enlightening, and motivating! I love her NY edge and accent. She’s very down-to-earth and that showed through. I especially loved the chapter about her courageous father, who unfortunately passed away due to COVID 19.
Auntie Bev, I love your story... what a journey that isn’t quite over! Let’s go to that last continent together as I’ve heard stories about it & think it’s doable 🛩.
3.5 Stars "When you ask the hard questions, you may receive hard truths, but not knowing something doesn't make the issues go away". I think if this is the first self-help book you've ever read then this would be great. As someone who loves a good self-help book and read memoirs exclusively for years this just didn't have anything original in it. It was a great reminder of things I already knew but haven't been practicing. But there was nothing especially eye-opening for me. I had never heard of Bevy Smith until I saw her on a morning talk show promoting this book. I was intrigued by the idea of someone giving up their career later in life to start over and find their passion. I definitely think Bevy is a strong, hard worker. She wouldn't be where she is today without her work ethic. But I also felt like because she had a successful career making lots of money before she went on her journey to find herself it was much easier for her than someone without all the previous connections. If I learned anything from this book it is that networking is very very important. I'm a fan of Bevy's after reading this book and I do admire her. I really liked the chapter on her father. If more of the writing had been in that style I would have probably rated this higher. I liked the more emotional stuff. Overall, I am glad I read it. I was reminded of some lessons I needed and found a new person to follow and be inspired by.
I'm not a fan of memoirs, because most of the self-written books by celebrities or the celeb-adjacent over the last 5-6 years have been tossed to my "I'm not finishing this" pile for trying too hard. However, Auntie Bevy Smith did not come to play (and yes I'm under 35 and meet her standards for calling her "auntie." Don't drag me). This book definitely helped me start 2021 off with a bang, coronavirus be damned.
"Bevelations: Lessons from a Mutha, Auntie, Bestie" is just the right amount of tell-all, self help, and body positive read I needed. Bevy's book is unapologetic, just like her, and I loved every single minute of it. I'll definitely be revisiting some of her advice. I've gotta sit with it for a while, because she read me.
My one critique is that the story isn't written in a linear fashion, so we often started at the end of the story, jumped to the end, and then came back to the middle. But if you've ever sat with your storytelling uncle at a BBQ then you should be fine. The plus side is that since the book isn't linear, a reader could definitely skip around and jump into chapters on a whim, which can be good for a re-read or skim.
Bevelarions was one of 141 books I read in 2020 (it’s a pandemic..I have a little extra time for reading).
I approached this the same way with everything I read; an open mind and no expectations.
As someone that is also deeply involved in self - growth and self - help, I have read is every best selling book in that space.
I didn’t know who Bevy Smith was (I’m horrible at watching TV), but from the first page, it’s like real talk with your fun, best girlfriends. The stories and tips are so authentic and filled with Bevy personality, and comes across not at all preachy or holier than thou. Her story is so unique but relatable. I enjoyed every moment of this book, and if you are reading or thinking about reading it for the first time, I’m a little jealous of you right now. :)
About halfway through the book, I sent Bev a message on Instagram, and she responded and is the same real, down-to-earth, vernable person as in the book.
Bevy does a great job of including the reader in her accomplishments, “Bevelations”, and failures; and also offers a great insight into how to balance or in some cases prioritize one’s life goals alongside/over corporate success. I enjoyed the final chapter that reflected more directly on her father and his story overall and wish there was more of this level of introspection and comparison in the earlier chapters, but am completely satisfied with what was written. This was an easy and comforting read, albeit slightly long considering it’s structure. Without any major climax, this book felt at times like a long, one-sided chat with a friend over the phone, but I think any reader will enjoy the raw honesty and New York realness that Bevy brings to the table. I almost wish she had waited a few more years to add more to the story, but this read excites an anticipation in me for her next, no doubt more successful, installment of Bevelations
I was not familiar with who Bevy Smith is prior to reading this book. Interesting read of her life story thru all the ups and downs. Success and failure help define who you are as a person and how you deal with them shows what kind of person you are. I liked the down to earth attitude and wittiness of Bevy's personality. I need to look her up and watch her live so I can really see her personality play thru the T.V. I loved that she reminded people that you are never to old to do what you love. I absolutely love what I do working in home health and hospice care. With the pandemic this last year it's made me really think how long I can keep doing this line of work. What else am I passionate about. This book is a reminder to value yourself first always and follow your dreams even when they take time to come to fruition. I won this book in a goodreads giveaway thank you!
Some memoirs about a person's evolution can feel unrelatable because they are so catastrophic and tragic you have no way to commiserate...you are just like: "i hope he/she gets out of her drug addicted dungeon relationship with that abusive sex cult leader!" Not Bevy Smith's -- this is a woman who grew up in Harlem with two hard working parents, with a good head on her shoulders and a passion to succeed. Despite her ascent into the fashion world, she slowly realized that her advertising career track was not what she wanted. The best parts of this book, for me, are when Smith describes all the self-work she did to get where she is - the journaling, the financial sacrifice, the inner struggles, the morning pages, the acting classes, the writing classes, the deep realization of who her core self is, and all the protective personas she had been using to cover this core persona in very fashionable armor. This book helped me perceive my own personas I have put on for decades (the funny gay man). One big takeaway: you dont have to get RID of those personas you created to get to your core self. Those personas are part of you too. (You can be aware of your past and still, like Smith, look amazing and have a killer wardrobe.) She wanted to create and be an artist and she did the work to get there. She is not one of those "i was discovered" people (also unrelatable) but someone who followed her passion and worked her ass off to get there. And she is funny as hell. Loved it.
Omg.. This book was EVERYTHING i got this as an ARC but i started it a little late and didnt know it came out as i was reading it.
I did not know who bevy was and i love me a good memoir and the cover caught my eye and trust me im so happy i read this because this book was great. She talks to the readers the whole time i felt like she was reading it too me. She touches down on alot of stuff in her life etc and things she went through and brand deals and just alot of information for people who want to go into the field she is in. and she is just HERSELF the whole time and i just loved reading this story. She is super funny as well.
Im glad i found this book because now i know who this wonderful woman is! Great book bevy!!
If you like memoirs and self help books this one is great.
I have already known for years that I love Bevy! I first became familiar with her when I watched her host “Fashion Queens.” Then I noticed her as a regular guest on Wendy Williams. But I’m most familiar with her from listening to her daily radio show on Radio Andy on Sirius XM. She’s funny, smart, worldly, and relatable to all ages, races, and genders. After reading this autobiography, I realize how much Bevy and I have in common. If the stars were aligned differently, I just know we could be besties. This book is very motivational and has given me a boost of much needed hope and inspiration as I go forth into my 50s. Give yourself a treat and not only read it, but also listen to her read the audio.
Bevy Smith has been on my radar since I started reading Vibe in the mid 90s and I've always tuned in for anything she's done since then. I was excited when she announced she was writing a book because I knew it would be amazing and Bevelations really exceeded my, already high, expectations for this book. As she does in all her ventures, she brought her whole unapologetic self to this book and gave us gems on life, career, and just the usual transitions in life that most people sometimes try to resist. Reading this was really like having a casual conversation with (depending on your age) your mutha, auntie, and bestie (for me).
I thoroughly enjoyed "Bevelations" and I'm pleased with my choice to purchase the audio version. It was wonderful to her Bevy read the story to me in her New York accent, although I do feel like I missed out on some of the photo references. This book felt like I was hearing advice on life from the big sister that I've never had. I enjoyed Bevy's charm and wit throughout the book. After reading this book, I am working on my "red sole proposition" and remembering to dream big. "Bevelations" is a book that I was sad to see end, but it certainly has my wheels spinning and left me with a lot to reflect on. Thank you for sharing your story Bevy!
This felt like sitting down with my fancy big sister and having some good old heart-to-heart girl talk. I so appreciated Bevy’s candor and honesty. I live by “It gets greater later,” so reading this was a must. It did not disappoint. Reading about an unambiguous, full-bodied, dark brown Black woman living a life of luxury and fabulousness did my heart well. In addition to glamor and jet setting, she has a way of going deep and asking us to peel back our layers and ask ourselves the hard questions while modeling how she’s done the work and still doing it.
Thanks to Coffee and Books podcast and Hoda Kotb’s Making Space podcast for interviewing Bevy Smith and introducing me to a woman of wisdom and wit. 👠 This book is her career journey from junior high to age fifty-five. She talks about going after dreams, finding fulfilling work, making money, traveling, auditioning, dating, and moving through the entertainment world with innovation, substance, and integrity. 🎤 I hadn’t known about Bevy Smith before, but I’m glad to get to know her now. -Patron R.A.
Bevy Smith gives her lessons she learned in life during this book. Full of life lessons, triumphs, and challenges. She uses this to navigates from working as a receptionist at Rolling Stones to having a successful t.v. career. I like how she honestly revist things in her life with relationships, work events and situations and made the best out of all situations. As she says" it gets greater later". Throughly enjoyed reading this book and if you are looking for motivation for the new year please read this book. It also is offered in audiobook as well!
This book was hard for me to put down. Unlike the other celeb memoirs I’ve read, Bevelations, read like a really encouraging self-help book with advise given from experience. Also surprising to me was the honesty around job loss, eviction notices after she’d “made it”, malaise with an outwardly impressive life, and how long it she felt it took to turn it around. Before finishing it I’d id already recommended it to people! I laughed and cried.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Bevy is a force of nature who always uses her power for good - to uplift those who are often unseen and to remind us all that it really does get greater later. I have the privilege of saying I worked with her when she was one of my hosts on Andy Cohen’s channel on SiriusXM hosting her radio show of the same title as her book. She has a way of inspiring, keeping it 100% at all times, and making you laugh and learn at the same time.
I had never heard of Bevy Smith before reading this book. I was browsing the "new" books section of my library and the cover screamed for me to pick it up. Bevy is real and honest about her life in the fashion world and her revelations a.k.a. Bevelations on life. I did find myself laughing at different points in the book. There are a few things that were off-putting for me (which accounts for the reduced stars), but overall the book was interesting and I am glad that I picked it up.
Bevy bared her soul, and I'm thankful for her transparency. There are so many lessons and advice, aka "Bevalations," in this book. I will come back to this book and review some of the lessons. Being a New Yorker myself as well as someone who has been in Bevys orbit, you don't know ones story or shared experiences. I'm happy to see that indeed "gets greater later," but it starts with the mindset. Popular sayings as of late love to call someone or something a "mood," but Bevy is a nindset!
Love love love! Bevy shares her story of going from a 6-figure fashion advertising executive to her current life as a tv personality and businesswoman. She is honest, insightful, and hilarious. She details how she leaves behind a dream life for her dream life, giving reads the encouragement to create their own dream life. Must read
Bevy was transparent about the ups and downs of her journey and how she was able to remain positive throughout it all. I enjoyed the messages about daring to dream, life getting greater later, and the power of great friendships/business relationships.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. Thanks Henry Holt and Co!
Bevy’s book was a true delight. It is definitely more than a regular memoir. It read like a conversation with a trusted friend who gives it to you straight with no chaser. This is a book I can envision giving a second or even third read in the future. The book left me looking forward to what comes next for her and all of us. #ItGetsGreaterLater