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Act Like You Got Some Sense: And Other Things My Daughters Taught Me
From Academy Award-winning multi-talent Jamie Foxx, a hilariously candid look at the joys and pitfalls of being the father of two daughters. Jamie Foxx has won an Academy Award and a Grammy Award, laughed with sitting presidents, and partied with the biggest names in hip-hop. But he is most proud of his role as father to two very independent young women, Corinne and Anelise. Jamie might not always know what he’s doing when it comes to raising girls—especially when they talk to him about TikTok (PlikPlok?) and don’t share his enthusiasm for flashy Rolls Royces—but he does his best to show up for them every single day.
Luckily, he has a strong example to follow: his beloved late grandmother, Estelle Marie Talley. Jamie learned everything he knows about parenting from the fierce woman who raised him: As he puts it, she’s “Madea before Tyler Perry put on the pumps and the gray wig.”
In Act Like You Got Some Sense —a title inspired by Estelle—Jamie shares up close and personal stories about the tough love and old-school values he learned growing up in the small town of Terrell, Texas; his early days trying to make it in Hollywood; the joys and challenges of achieving stardom; and how each phase of his life shaped his parenting journey. Hilarious, poignant, and always brutally honest, this is Jamie Foxx like we’ve never seen him before.
Luckily, he has a strong example to follow: his beloved late grandmother, Estelle Marie Talley. Jamie learned everything he knows about parenting from the fierce woman who raised him: As he puts it, she’s “Madea before Tyler Perry put on the pumps and the gray wig.”
In Act Like You Got Some Sense —a title inspired by Estelle—Jamie shares up close and personal stories about the tough love and old-school values he learned growing up in the small town of Terrell, Texas; his early days trying to make it in Hollywood; the joys and challenges of achieving stardom; and how each phase of his life shaped his parenting journey. Hilarious, poignant, and always brutally honest, this is Jamie Foxx like we’ve never seen him before.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published October 19, 2021
117 people are currently reading
5294 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 419 reviews
October 16, 2021
This is a pretty short read. You can probably get through it in a day. I really enjoyed it! Learning a bit more about Jamie Foxx is interesting and hysterical. His take on professional life and, his love for his family is beautiful and honest. This guy is so funny. I cannot imagine living in a house with him. A book that will brighten your day ya know. Inspire you, make you giggle. One of those. I really liked it. I think any fan will throughly enjoy reading this.
October 27, 2021
Oh my god. Please listen to this shit on audio because, as I suspected, Jamie is funny as fuck.
I loved every minute of this.
This is a GREAT memoir.
But only on audio. >:3
I loved every minute of this.
This is a GREAT memoir.
But only on audio. >:3
June 25, 2025
Hilarious audiobook about raising his daughters, his grandmother, his absent parents & his career.
April 21, 2022
Entertaining and candid, Foxx offers a good look at what it takes to become a star. I don't have kids, so I didn't listen to it for parenting advice.
December 20, 2021
I actually enjoyed this story and Jamie Foxx's story telling style....this book didn't necessarily go in any particular order....Jamie Foxx was sort of all over the place....but oddly, it worked for him and the way he told his story and the things he learned from his daughters. Jamie did the narration himself and he did a great job.
April 25, 2022
After awhile, you just want to be with the one who makes you laugh.
December 10, 2021
It was nice to get more insight into Jamie Foxx's background but the book seemed a little all over the place to me.
April 23, 2022
Act like you got some sense by Jamie Foxx is a great Memoir. I really enjoyed this one and have recommended it to several people. This is a great story of success and life. What I most enjoyed were his stories about parenting. I listened to this on audible and always like when the author reads their own story. Jamie Foxx performed a great narration. This book was filled with great stories about family, life, success, failure, and comedy.
January 10, 2022
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Read! Anyone who knows me knows how much I love me some Jamie Foxx, so much so that when my cat was adopted from the shelter, her name was already Foxey, I changed it to Foxxi so it could match Jamie’s. 🥰 I have loved Jamie since I first saw him on the TV show In Living Color and watched his multi hyphenated magic come to fruition over the years.
This book talks about him being raised by his no nonsense grandparents, becoming a Hollywood star, and struggling with his craving for the love and attention of his mostly absent biological parents. But Jamie’s true focus is to talk about navigating the difficult job of parenting. His daughters are his pride and joy and talks about his desire to somehow balance what he learned from his granny (my favorite parts of the story) and the modern times we live in.
I listened to the audiobook while following along in the paper book. I recommend listening just to the audiobook. Jamie has always been a great storyteller as evidenced by his many TV interviews and it is very clear that he ad-libs his stories, so that many times the phrasing he uses doesn’t 100% match each word printed as he reads. But he does a fantastic job of telling his story. Of course there is humor. He had me hollering out loud at points (warning: people will side-eye you if you listen to this in public spaces, 😂) and he also did voice impersonations of different celebrities he mentions, which he’s very good at. But it was when he did granny that I loved the most. I know how much he loved her (dedication was to her as I well expected) and all her dialogue was HILARIOUS 🤣 😂 and just down to earth and smart.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I knew I would and highly recommend this being bumped to the top of TBRs.
This book talks about him being raised by his no nonsense grandparents, becoming a Hollywood star, and struggling with his craving for the love and attention of his mostly absent biological parents. But Jamie’s true focus is to talk about navigating the difficult job of parenting. His daughters are his pride and joy and talks about his desire to somehow balance what he learned from his granny (my favorite parts of the story) and the modern times we live in.
I listened to the audiobook while following along in the paper book. I recommend listening just to the audiobook. Jamie has always been a great storyteller as evidenced by his many TV interviews and it is very clear that he ad-libs his stories, so that many times the phrasing he uses doesn’t 100% match each word printed as he reads. But he does a fantastic job of telling his story. Of course there is humor. He had me hollering out loud at points (warning: people will side-eye you if you listen to this in public spaces, 😂) and he also did voice impersonations of different celebrities he mentions, which he’s very good at. But it was when he did granny that I loved the most. I know how much he loved her (dedication was to her as I well expected) and all her dialogue was HILARIOUS 🤣 😂 and just down to earth and smart.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I knew I would and highly recommend this being bumped to the top of TBRs.
October 26, 2021
Wow, I really enjoyed this book.
October 19, 2021
Omgosh! Jamie Foxx has been my favorite since he first arrived on the scene as one of many characters on “IN LIVING COLOR” and went on with his skills as a performer, singer and ability to impersonate just about anyone. My favorite ILC character was Wanda, I literally cried laughing every time. He has come so far and this book is so real on coming up from nothing and having his first daughter to his thoughts on marriage and everything a true fan or not will want to read about. Because when you’re done, you’ll truly love this man as much as I do.
February 13, 2022
Get the audiobook. So. Very. Funny!!
November 2, 2021
Jamie Foxx never fails to crack me up. He is a charismatic and entertaining storyteller. In this witty memoir, Jamie takes the readers on a journey from his childhood to his current role as a father. He included some stories and hard life lessons he learned from his beloved grandmother who raised him as well as lessons he has learned from his two daughters.
Jamie, as a parent, comes off relatable and his stories about trying raise his daughters to be humble and hardworking are values that I am sure most parents can identify with. I did laugh at his youngest Anelise's antics because it reminds me of my son who is also flashy and feisty.
When you are read this book, it will feel like Jamie is talking to you because the book is conversational. You will laugh, nod and feel like you just had a "catch up" lunch date with a college friend. It was a witty memoir with some nuggets of wisdom he picked up along the way. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy the humor of the academy award winner Jamie Foxx.
Special Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for the paperback given in exchange for an honest review.
Jamie, as a parent, comes off relatable and his stories about trying raise his daughters to be humble and hardworking are values that I am sure most parents can identify with. I did laugh at his youngest Anelise's antics because it reminds me of my son who is also flashy and feisty.
When you are read this book, it will feel like Jamie is talking to you because the book is conversational. You will laugh, nod and feel like you just had a "catch up" lunch date with a college friend. It was a witty memoir with some nuggets of wisdom he picked up along the way. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy the humor of the academy award winner Jamie Foxx.
Special Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for the paperback given in exchange for an honest review.
April 13, 2023
This book was amazing it will literally have you laughing out loud. I listened to the audiobook as I read along and it definitely makes the experience so much more enjoyable. I love Jamie Foxx as an actor, singer, and comedian so this was a pleasure to read. It talks mostly about his family, raising his daughters in the entertainment business, and what it’s like being a father.
I really enjoyed learning about his childhood, upbringing, and the way his grandparents impacted his life. The stories about his grandmother will definitely have you laughing. It was so easy to relate to some of the things he experienced growing up. Just goes to show a lot of black households were raised the same back in the day.
Page 118 and 124 😂😂😂
Overall, this was a great book it’s a quick and easy read plus it’s raw, honest, and funny. It’s not your typical memoir and I think that’s why I enjoyed it so much. Listening to the audio you get to experience Jamie Foxx being Jamie he even hit a few notes as he was narrating. It’s not up for debate I highly recommend you listen or read his book‼️ Special thanks to @grandcentralpub for my gifted copy it was so worth the read.
I really enjoyed learning about his childhood, upbringing, and the way his grandparents impacted his life. The stories about his grandmother will definitely have you laughing. It was so easy to relate to some of the things he experienced growing up. Just goes to show a lot of black households were raised the same back in the day.
Page 118 and 124 😂😂😂
Overall, this was a great book it’s a quick and easy read plus it’s raw, honest, and funny. It’s not your typical memoir and I think that’s why I enjoyed it so much. Listening to the audio you get to experience Jamie Foxx being Jamie he even hit a few notes as he was narrating. It’s not up for debate I highly recommend you listen or read his book‼️ Special thanks to @grandcentralpub for my gifted copy it was so worth the read.
October 21, 2021
A quick, entertaining memoir/slash parenting advice book by celeb actor Jamie Fox with guest appearances by his daughter. This was full of laughs, as well as personal family stories and anecdotes about his career and struggles balancing work and family life. Very honest and relatable and great on audio narrated by the author and his daughter.
November 21, 2021
Such an enjoyable read/listen! The audiobook is narrated by Jamie himself and it didn't even seem like listening to a book, it was like a stand up show or sitcom. Jamie is such a great story teller and gives some great life lessons and parenting advice. Thank you so much to Grand Central Publishing and Hachette Audio for the book to read/listen and review.
February 18, 2022
So glad I listened to this on Audio. Jamie narrates it himself and it brought out all the emotions: happy, sad, funny, content. So glad I took a chance on this audiobook! Full review TC
December 25, 2023
Loved the audiobook, hearing Jamie’s voice read his own story was really entertaining
March 26, 2022
Thank you SO much to Grand Central Publishing for the advance reading copy which I won in a GR giveaway.
I was excited to read this "celeb memoir" in particular because I am NOT a follower of Mr.Foxx--was not too familiar with his résumé-and so was curious about that, and also curious about him as a person. (For me, a teeny bit of that curiosity was that also, until he moved out of Los Angeles, he had lived around the corner from my sister's family).
So I came at this not as a "fan"--thus, I think, as an objective (& avid) reader. Plus a fan of memoirs!
It is an enjoyable book with both touching aspects and humor. Oriented more towards parents, of which I am not one...although I would guess from my reading and those I've seen parent, that there is a dearth of profoundly useful parenting advice here.
While I appreciate that he wrote in his own voice, meaning lots of swear words on most every page, I also felt it was a bit over the top, insofar as even the pages where he quoted Oliver Stone, Stone seemed to be talking in Foxx's parlance. I don't know if it's my whiteness speaking here, so I will give it that~~it's good to read out of ones comfort zone for sure. But, this isn't a book for those who will find constant cussing distracting (I did at times) or offensive.
Overall, the book just feels a little uneven...not to mention full of himself. He mentions his daughter's mothers (each has a different one) in passing, but makes it sound in the book like most all of the parenting has been his, which clearly it is not. He tells aspects of his very interesting early life story, funny anecdotes, and instances of how his upbringing and values came into various moments with his girls. But, the feeling is choppy...like trying to wield his own pain, accomplishments, & pride in his girls, into some kind of vehicle to tell stories and pseudo parenting advice with no cohesive arc.
I'm critiquing heavily as while I write this, there are only 15 reviews and almost all the ratings are 5 stars so I feel I should justify my giving it only 3! But it is not a bad book, and should you have an interest, you can polish it off in a few hours, and you will not be the worse for it.
Finally, I was particularly intrigued to find out that he starred in the film Just Mercy about real life lawyer Bryan Stevenson, which I still have not seen, but am interested in, having recently read the riveting memoir The Sun Does Shine--in which Stevenson also was a key figure.
I was excited to read this "celeb memoir" in particular because I am NOT a follower of Mr.Foxx--was not too familiar with his résumé-and so was curious about that, and also curious about him as a person. (For me, a teeny bit of that curiosity was that also, until he moved out of Los Angeles, he had lived around the corner from my sister's family).
So I came at this not as a "fan"--thus, I think, as an objective (& avid) reader. Plus a fan of memoirs!
It is an enjoyable book with both touching aspects and humor. Oriented more towards parents, of which I am not one...although I would guess from my reading and those I've seen parent, that there is a dearth of profoundly useful parenting advice here.
While I appreciate that he wrote in his own voice, meaning lots of swear words on most every page, I also felt it was a bit over the top, insofar as even the pages where he quoted Oliver Stone, Stone seemed to be talking in Foxx's parlance. I don't know if it's my whiteness speaking here, so I will give it that~~it's good to read out of ones comfort zone for sure. But, this isn't a book for those who will find constant cussing distracting (I did at times) or offensive.
Overall, the book just feels a little uneven...not to mention full of himself. He mentions his daughter's mothers (each has a different one) in passing, but makes it sound in the book like most all of the parenting has been his, which clearly it is not. He tells aspects of his very interesting early life story, funny anecdotes, and instances of how his upbringing and values came into various moments with his girls. But, the feeling is choppy...like trying to wield his own pain, accomplishments, & pride in his girls, into some kind of vehicle to tell stories and pseudo parenting advice with no cohesive arc.
I'm critiquing heavily as while I write this, there are only 15 reviews and almost all the ratings are 5 stars so I feel I should justify my giving it only 3! But it is not a bad book, and should you have an interest, you can polish it off in a few hours, and you will not be the worse for it.
Finally, I was particularly intrigued to find out that he starred in the film Just Mercy about real life lawyer Bryan Stevenson, which I still have not seen, but am interested in, having recently read the riveting memoir The Sun Does Shine--in which Stevenson also was a key figure.
January 10, 2022
"Real love means nothing is bigger than your needs"
I really enjoyed for it's funny stories. Especially, the stories of growing up in Terrell, Texas as that is my hometown. The stories center around how he was raised by his adoptive grandparents and the lessons he has learned from raising his two daughters Corinne and Anelise. He talks a little about Hollywood life, but it's more focused on his parenting style. The audio was more enjoyable as Jamie Foxx narrates. The downside is the book did not follow any type of format.
I really enjoyed for it's funny stories. Especially, the stories of growing up in Terrell, Texas as that is my hometown. The stories center around how he was raised by his adoptive grandparents and the lessons he has learned from raising his two daughters Corinne and Anelise. He talks a little about Hollywood life, but it's more focused on his parenting style. The audio was more enjoyable as Jamie Foxx narrates. The downside is the book did not follow any type of format.
March 17, 2022
Hilarious and fresh! Jamie Fox does an amazing job of showing his personality and sharing stories and memories from his life as an actor, comedian, musician and all around entertainer! You can tell how much he adores his daughters and how they changed him for the better. Such an enjoyable and funny book on audio!
October 17, 2021
Jamie Foxx tells it like it is and I wouldn't have it any other way in Act Like You Got Some Sense.
It's candid, funny, honest and it's an engaging book of Jamie's wisdom to the two girls in his life.
5+ touching stars 🌟🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟+
It's candid, funny, honest and it's an engaging book of Jamie's wisdom to the two girls in his life.
5+ touching stars 🌟🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟+
February 23, 2022
*Overdrive app*
3.5 stars 🌟
Narration: 4 stars 🌟 Narrator Jamie himself.. I actually had to slow down the audio because how he talks haha 😄 but I enjoyed listening to these tales and lessons he learned from his life.
3.5 stars 🌟
Narration: 4 stars 🌟 Narrator Jamie himself.. I actually had to slow down the audio because how he talks haha 😄 but I enjoyed listening to these tales and lessons he learned from his life.
February 16, 2022
A great audiobook with some hilarious parts. I want to hear so much more about his grandmother! Those were the best stories.
February 5, 2022
Several laugh out loud moments, and while this is titled as a book about his journey through parenting it had a lot of personal stories from his childhood and his start in the entertainment industry.
Short, funny, and very enjoyable. I learned several fascinating things about Jamie Foxx in this book that I hadn't known. For example his uncle new Harvey Fuqua (famously the former manager of the late Marvin Gaye) who got him on stage at a comedy club where he would later be signed.
His daughter is executive producer on his new Netflix show, his step-father lives with him now, as well as his mother after being estranged for most of his life.
I had no idea how talented a pianist Jamie Foxx is. As this focused more on his parenting journey he didn't go too much into the details of his career. When and if Jamie Foxx ever sits down to pen a true memoir I will definitely be reading it.
Short, funny, and very enjoyable. I learned several fascinating things about Jamie Foxx in this book that I hadn't known. For example his uncle new Harvey Fuqua (famously the former manager of the late Marvin Gaye) who got him on stage at a comedy club where he would later be signed.
His daughter is executive producer on his new Netflix show, his step-father lives with him now, as well as his mother after being estranged for most of his life.
I had no idea how talented a pianist Jamie Foxx is. As this focused more on his parenting journey he didn't go too much into the details of his career. When and if Jamie Foxx ever sits down to pen a true memoir I will definitely be reading it.
March 20, 2023
Act Like You Got Some Sense: And Other Things My Daughters Taught Me
I Picked Up This Book Because: Celeb Memoir
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: PW Public Library
Dates Read: 3/9/23 - 3/12/23
Stars: 3.5
Narrator(s): Jamie Foxx
This is a memoir told through the experience of raising his own children with a lot of compare and contrast to the way he was raised in rural Texas in the 70s and 80s. Vastly different times. Jamie is of course charming and witty. He is a gifted storyteller with a complicated family.
I Picked Up This Book Because: Celeb Memoir
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: PW Public Library
Dates Read: 3/9/23 - 3/12/23
Stars: 3.5
Narrator(s): Jamie Foxx
This is a memoir told through the experience of raising his own children with a lot of compare and contrast to the way he was raised in rural Texas in the 70s and 80s. Vastly different times. Jamie is of course charming and witty. He is a gifted storyteller with a complicated family.
February 28, 2023
3.75 ⭐️
I was surprised how much of the book was about being a parent. Jamie really highlights his love for his family, particularly his children. He hasn’t ever focused on a traditional family but has been committed to supporting his children and their interests.
This was a quick audiobook and interesting but there was no wow moment for me. Enjoyable but probably won’t stand out for me in a few months.
Read if you enjoyed: Not My Father’s Son, The Storyteller or Stories I Only Tell My Friends
I was surprised how much of the book was about being a parent. Jamie really highlights his love for his family, particularly his children. He hasn’t ever focused on a traditional family but has been committed to supporting his children and their interests.
This was a quick audiobook and interesting but there was no wow moment for me. Enjoyable but probably won’t stand out for me in a few months.
Read if you enjoyed: Not My Father’s Son, The Storyteller or Stories I Only Tell My Friends
February 21, 2022
Jamie Foxx definitely loves his daughters and this book is about to tell you just that. This is a book that puts all of the magnificence of his daughters in your face and it isn't bad afterall.... Come on! It's Jamie Foxx. The funny and witty Jamie Foxx.
This book is an easy and enjoyable read. The witty and comical approach makes it easy to digest with a smile or even a laugh unknowingly invading your face as you read it.
It is great how he idolises his grandparents and never for once disagreed with the strict but loving upbringing they gave him.
Jamie Foxx is a people person and a forgiving and loving person at that. This book proves it.
The book was not following any particular direction. Don't be hard pressed about getting any mind-blowing life lessons to raising your children here but the bits he drops and the generalisation of just being there for your kids is enough to go on with.
A good read. Well deserved 4 stars!
This book is an easy and enjoyable read. The witty and comical approach makes it easy to digest with a smile or even a laugh unknowingly invading your face as you read it.
It is great how he idolises his grandparents and never for once disagreed with the strict but loving upbringing they gave him.
Jamie Foxx is a people person and a forgiving and loving person at that. This book proves it.
The book was not following any particular direction. Don't be hard pressed about getting any mind-blowing life lessons to raising your children here but the bits he drops and the generalisation of just being there for your kids is enough to go on with.
A good read. Well deserved 4 stars!
March 23, 2022
I had checked out the book from the library, but after seeing so many reviews saying the audio was phenomenal, I got that too. I am so glad I did! Foxx was terrific at reading his own book. He has a very distinctive way of speaking, and it leant itself perfectly to this rambling reminiscence. Of course!
Foxx jumps all over the place, often skipping not just years, but decades, ahead, and then back again. When I was reading, I found this hard to follow, but when I switched to listening, it really just felt like a good, long conversation with the man. His daughter reading the chapter titles was a lovely touch!
I didn't expect to learn anything from this, and I can't say I did, but Foxx is a deeper human being than I would have imagined. He is confident in his talent, and yet still seems to retain humility and grace. If you are looking for a few entertaining hours, listen to this. It would be the perfect road trip listen.
Foxx jumps all over the place, often skipping not just years, but decades, ahead, and then back again. When I was reading, I found this hard to follow, but when I switched to listening, it really just felt like a good, long conversation with the man. His daughter reading the chapter titles was a lovely touch!
I didn't expect to learn anything from this, and I can't say I did, but Foxx is a deeper human being than I would have imagined. He is confident in his talent, and yet still seems to retain humility and grace. If you are looking for a few entertaining hours, listen to this. It would be the perfect road trip listen.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 419 reviews