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Uphill: A Memoir
One of Oprah Daily 's Best Fall Nonfiction Books of 2022
An empowering, unabashedly bold memoir by the Atlantic journalist and former ESPN SportsCenter coanchor about overcoming a legacy of pain and forging a new path, no matter how uphill life’s battles might be.
Jemele Hill’s world came crashing down when she called President Trump a “white supremacist”; the White House wanted her fired from ESPN, and she was deluged with death threats. But Hill had faced tougher adversaries growing up in Detroit than a tweeting president. Beneath the exterior of one of the most recognizable journalists in America was a need―a calling―to break her family’s cycle of intergenerational trauma.
Born in the middle of a lively routine Friday night Monopoly game to a teen mother and a heroin-addicted father, Hill constantly adjusted to the harsh realities of not only her own childhood but the inherited generational pain of her mother and grandmother. Her escape was writing.
Hill’s mother was less than impressed with the brassy and bold free expression of her diary, but Hill never stopped discovering and amplifying her voice. Through hard work and a constant willingness to learn, Hill rose from newspaper reporter to columnist to new heights as the coanchor for ESPN’s revered SportsCenter . Soon, she earned respect and support for her fearless opinions and unshakable confidence, as well as a reputation as a trusted journalist who speaks her mind with truth and conviction.
In Jemele Hill’s journey Uphill , she shares the whole story of her work, the women of her family, and her complicated relationship with God in an unapologetic, character-rich, and eloquent memoir.
An empowering, unabashedly bold memoir by the Atlantic journalist and former ESPN SportsCenter coanchor about overcoming a legacy of pain and forging a new path, no matter how uphill life’s battles might be.
Jemele Hill’s world came crashing down when she called President Trump a “white supremacist”; the White House wanted her fired from ESPN, and she was deluged with death threats. But Hill had faced tougher adversaries growing up in Detroit than a tweeting president. Beneath the exterior of one of the most recognizable journalists in America was a need―a calling―to break her family’s cycle of intergenerational trauma.
Born in the middle of a lively routine Friday night Monopoly game to a teen mother and a heroin-addicted father, Hill constantly adjusted to the harsh realities of not only her own childhood but the inherited generational pain of her mother and grandmother. Her escape was writing.
Hill’s mother was less than impressed with the brassy and bold free expression of her diary, but Hill never stopped discovering and amplifying her voice. Through hard work and a constant willingness to learn, Hill rose from newspaper reporter to columnist to new heights as the coanchor for ESPN’s revered SportsCenter . Soon, she earned respect and support for her fearless opinions and unshakable confidence, as well as a reputation as a trusted journalist who speaks her mind with truth and conviction.
In Jemele Hill’s journey Uphill , she shares the whole story of her work, the women of her family, and her complicated relationship with God in an unapologetic, character-rich, and eloquent memoir.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published October 25, 2022
150 people are currently reading
6140 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
August 30, 2022
A special thanks to Henry Holt & Co. and Author Jemele Hill for my ARC of “Uphill: A Memoir”. 📚 ❤️ On Sale October 2022
Author Jemele Hill’s memoir really took me back. As a television Chief Meteorologist for years who also covered various stories/packages as well as being an airline pilot for a legacy airline traveling until you’re not sure what city you’re waking up in, I felt a very personal connection with the author. The writing is well-told, including her Detroit background, where she bears her soul. I loved Ms Hill’s frankness about her relationship with God too. You may not agree with her political background but our differences are what make us interesting to each other, and ultimately we’re all one big family, and we all need to listen truly to one another. As a female in tv and in the airlines, there were both men who did everything to block my career as well as men who tremendously helped; those are ultimately the ones worth remembering. A really good read.
Author Jemele Hill’s memoir really took me back. As a television Chief Meteorologist for years who also covered various stories/packages as well as being an airline pilot for a legacy airline traveling until you’re not sure what city you’re waking up in, I felt a very personal connection with the author. The writing is well-told, including her Detroit background, where she bears her soul. I loved Ms Hill’s frankness about her relationship with God too. You may not agree with her political background but our differences are what make us interesting to each other, and ultimately we’re all one big family, and we all need to listen truly to one another. As a female in tv and in the airlines, there were both men who did everything to block my career as well as men who tremendously helped; those are ultimately the ones worth remembering. A really good read.
November 15, 2022
4.5 Stars!
I love Jemele Hill!
I'm not a huge sports fan. I watch the NBA, I'm starting to get into soccer( Go FC Cincinnati!)and I love the Olympics(both Winter & Summer). And I'm really not into sports shows. Most sports shows seem to be about yelling at each other about why LeBron isn't as good as Michael Jordan and that's just not my vibe. I don't think I'm alone in my opinion either, most sports shows seem to be focused on middle aged white men. That's why for alot of people Jemele Hill is seen as a breath of fresh air.
Jemele Hill is a journalist and former ESPN host. Her show His & Hers was 1 of 3 shows I watched on ESPN, the others being SportsNation and The Dan Lebatard Show with Stugotz. All of those shows and they're host are no longer on ESPN and I haven't watched ESPN in over 3 years and I don't know anyone else who watches it either. Jemele Hill was forced out of ESPN for telling the truth. She tweeted that Donald Trump was a white supremacist and from then on her days at ESPN were numbered.
After reading Uphill you will realize that Jemele Hill was built for this. Jemele Hill was raised by a mother who was addicted to drugs. She dealt with sexual harassment and racism before she ever landed at ESPN.
Alot of people describe Jemele Hill as polarizing, and by people I mean white people. The way white people try to describe why the don't like her without saying it's because she's a Black woman. I find the way people talk about her to be hilarious and so does she btw.
If you like Jemele Hill, then obviously read this book.
If you like books about smart women, then read this book.
If you don't like Jemele Hill, don't read this book.
Then only reason it's not a full 5 Stars is because it's too short. Hopefully we get a part 2 because I'm sure she has so much more to share with us.
I love Jemele Hill!
I'm not a huge sports fan. I watch the NBA, I'm starting to get into soccer( Go FC Cincinnati!)and I love the Olympics(both Winter & Summer). And I'm really not into sports shows. Most sports shows seem to be about yelling at each other about why LeBron isn't as good as Michael Jordan and that's just not my vibe. I don't think I'm alone in my opinion either, most sports shows seem to be focused on middle aged white men. That's why for alot of people Jemele Hill is seen as a breath of fresh air.
Jemele Hill is a journalist and former ESPN host. Her show His & Hers was 1 of 3 shows I watched on ESPN, the others being SportsNation and The Dan Lebatard Show with Stugotz. All of those shows and they're host are no longer on ESPN and I haven't watched ESPN in over 3 years and I don't know anyone else who watches it either. Jemele Hill was forced out of ESPN for telling the truth. She tweeted that Donald Trump was a white supremacist and from then on her days at ESPN were numbered.
After reading Uphill you will realize that Jemele Hill was built for this. Jemele Hill was raised by a mother who was addicted to drugs. She dealt with sexual harassment and racism before she ever landed at ESPN.
Alot of people describe Jemele Hill as polarizing, and by people I mean white people. The way white people try to describe why the don't like her without saying it's because she's a Black woman. I find the way people talk about her to be hilarious and so does she btw.
If you like Jemele Hill, then obviously read this book.
If you like books about smart women, then read this book.
If you don't like Jemele Hill, don't read this book.
Then only reason it's not a full 5 Stars is because it's too short. Hopefully we get a part 2 because I'm sure she has so much more to share with us.
November 15, 2022
I received this book for free, this does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Writing allowed me to breath.
Jemele Hill is a writer and tv personality that people in the sports world probably already knew about because of her excellent work on the network ESPN. In 2017 when she tweeted out about Donald Trump being a white supremacist, and then later Trump tweeted about her, Hill found herself more front and center in the battle already engulfing America about civil rights and conservative medias line of too much “woke”. While Hill leads with what probably garnered her the most name recognition, she quickly goes back to her childhood and tells how it all began for her.
I realized the power of journalism, and the power of truth.
When Hill's mother talks about it possibly being unresolved anger that lead Hill to tweeting, Hill looks back at her childhood and the first half of the book is her unpacking those emotions as she tells her story to readers. There was some of her mother and grandmother's past told and I think it's a great idea to add. It's necessary to understand other people's journey, especially the mothers and grandmothers that play such a big role in our lives, because it often has such an impact on those relationships. Hill talks about those two women's own struggles and how that of course affected her own childhood. Her mother battled drug addiction and PTSD from sexual assaults that at times had their relationship in contention. However, the love between the two always was felt and I loved the tradition Hill's mother kept of taking Hill to at least one Detroit Tiger's game a year. There was love but Hill also talked about how the stress of her childhood lead her afraid to open up and being hardened because of being let down by people you trust and love.
Journalists are always taught to prioritize objectivity, but sometimes journalists hide behind that to avoid exposing hard truths. Adding perspective and context is far more important.
The second half gives us more of her career journey, from Michigan State, to Free Press, Orlando, and ESPN. The drive and pride in doing something meaningful shown through and it's clear why Hill has become as notable as she has. She talked about her mistakes, not thinking through some of the things she wrote and said, the apologies and regret but ultimately growing from the experiences. We also get a story of Hill talking about her abortion that feels extra important and brave to share right now and some of her personal romantic relationships. When her career leads her to ESPN, she talks about not wanting to be a tv personality but seeing how much money it could provide and the stress of working in a business that is predominantly white. Her friendship with Michael Smith and how much their show His & Hers meant to her and the eventual end of her time at ESPN as she felt her growth was now stunted there. For ESPN fans, there is a tiny amount of tea spilled about some behind the scenes but this was Hill's story all the way. UpHill revealed the personal journey that lead to Jemele Hill's professional success.
Writing allowed me to breath.
Jemele Hill is a writer and tv personality that people in the sports world probably already knew about because of her excellent work on the network ESPN. In 2017 when she tweeted out about Donald Trump being a white supremacist, and then later Trump tweeted about her, Hill found herself more front and center in the battle already engulfing America about civil rights and conservative medias line of too much “woke”. While Hill leads with what probably garnered her the most name recognition, she quickly goes back to her childhood and tells how it all began for her.
I realized the power of journalism, and the power of truth.
When Hill's mother talks about it possibly being unresolved anger that lead Hill to tweeting, Hill looks back at her childhood and the first half of the book is her unpacking those emotions as she tells her story to readers. There was some of her mother and grandmother's past told and I think it's a great idea to add. It's necessary to understand other people's journey, especially the mothers and grandmothers that play such a big role in our lives, because it often has such an impact on those relationships. Hill talks about those two women's own struggles and how that of course affected her own childhood. Her mother battled drug addiction and PTSD from sexual assaults that at times had their relationship in contention. However, the love between the two always was felt and I loved the tradition Hill's mother kept of taking Hill to at least one Detroit Tiger's game a year. There was love but Hill also talked about how the stress of her childhood lead her afraid to open up and being hardened because of being let down by people you trust and love.
Journalists are always taught to prioritize objectivity, but sometimes journalists hide behind that to avoid exposing hard truths. Adding perspective and context is far more important.
The second half gives us more of her career journey, from Michigan State, to Free Press, Orlando, and ESPN. The drive and pride in doing something meaningful shown through and it's clear why Hill has become as notable as she has. She talked about her mistakes, not thinking through some of the things she wrote and said, the apologies and regret but ultimately growing from the experiences. We also get a story of Hill talking about her abortion that feels extra important and brave to share right now and some of her personal romantic relationships. When her career leads her to ESPN, she talks about not wanting to be a tv personality but seeing how much money it could provide and the stress of working in a business that is predominantly white. Her friendship with Michael Smith and how much their show His & Hers meant to her and the eventual end of her time at ESPN as she felt her growth was now stunted there. For ESPN fans, there is a tiny amount of tea spilled about some behind the scenes but this was Hill's story all the way. UpHill revealed the personal journey that lead to Jemele Hill's professional success.
November 7, 2022
It isn’t often that a sports broadcaster will be the main topic in a debate on social issues, but Jemele Hill became one in 2017 when she named then-President Donald Trump in a series of tweets. She was a host on ESPN’s SportsCenter at that time and while her tweets set off a firestorm of responses in the media, it was not that surprising that she took the action that she did from those that know her. In her memoir “Uphill”, she shows readers how she came to be the outspoken person that viewers saw.
This review is not going to engage in whether or not her opinions are right or wrong, nor will it turn into a discussion about the issues she raises in the book on race and inequity. Instead, it will focus on the quality of the writing and the authenticity a reader will see into Hill’s life. In both cases, this is excellent. For the writing, Hill does so in an engaging manner that is both easy to digest and makes her opinions clear.
As for coming across as genuine, Hill does that as well. There really is nothing phony about her opinions. This has always been her style, no matter the sport or the topic, from her days studying journalism at Michigan State to her work for various newspapers, for ESPN and currently for the Atlantic. Even though she is mostly known for her work on television (which also resulted in her highest salary), she does state that she enjoys writing much more than television work. That is clear in these pages.
What was also an unexpected positive while reading this book was how she was also showing her vulnerability, especially when it came to her personal life. Her relationships, both romantic and familial, are on full display here. She talks about what was good and wasn’t. She also talks about her spiritual life and how her experiences shaped her life. Something that should be noted is that while she gained notoriety because of her outspokenness on racial issues, if one reads this book with an open mind then one will appreciate how she came to her conclusions whether that reader agrees or disagrees.
There isn’t a lot of sports talk in this book despite her career success in sports journalism. That doesn’t mean there isn’t any sports discussion, but they are usually the background or the set-up for a larger discussion on her life or issues in which she has passion. This was one of the better memoirs that I have read this year and it was so because I was able to put aside any pre-conceived notions I had of her work and just let her tell her story.
I wish to thank Press Box Publicity for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
This review is not going to engage in whether or not her opinions are right or wrong, nor will it turn into a discussion about the issues she raises in the book on race and inequity. Instead, it will focus on the quality of the writing and the authenticity a reader will see into Hill’s life. In both cases, this is excellent. For the writing, Hill does so in an engaging manner that is both easy to digest and makes her opinions clear.
As for coming across as genuine, Hill does that as well. There really is nothing phony about her opinions. This has always been her style, no matter the sport or the topic, from her days studying journalism at Michigan State to her work for various newspapers, for ESPN and currently for the Atlantic. Even though she is mostly known for her work on television (which also resulted in her highest salary), she does state that she enjoys writing much more than television work. That is clear in these pages.
What was also an unexpected positive while reading this book was how she was also showing her vulnerability, especially when it came to her personal life. Her relationships, both romantic and familial, are on full display here. She talks about what was good and wasn’t. She also talks about her spiritual life and how her experiences shaped her life. Something that should be noted is that while she gained notoriety because of her outspokenness on racial issues, if one reads this book with an open mind then one will appreciate how she came to her conclusions whether that reader agrees or disagrees.
There isn’t a lot of sports talk in this book despite her career success in sports journalism. That doesn’t mean there isn’t any sports discussion, but they are usually the background or the set-up for a larger discussion on her life or issues in which she has passion. This was one of the better memoirs that I have read this year and it was so because I was able to put aside any pre-conceived notions I had of her work and just let her tell her story.
I wish to thank Press Box Publicity for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
https://sportsbookguy.blogspot.com/20...
October 26, 2022
So I'm going to start by saying, I do not watch ESPN or very many sports in general. I picked up this memoir to learn about a life that isn't mine (cause that's the point of them). Jemele Hill is raw and unflinching in revealing her truth. She rose from the lower levels of Detroit to the primetime Sports Center slot through sacrifice and determination. She doesn't shy away from saying something because it may offend someone and has remained unapologetically herself. She has worked hard for everything she has had in life, and she seems grateful to all of the mentors and kind people that helped her on her way. When she reached the "top" she never stopped trying to open the door for others (or the eyes of others). She stood by thing things she said, even when it looked like it was hurting her professionally. She has endured a level of pain, sexism and racism that I am fortunate enough to have not experienced. She is basically a bad ass and I wish her nothing but the best in life.
November 8, 2022
Nonfiction November has arrived! I have such a love of memoirs and this was such an interesting read.
Transparent, vulnerable and courageous!
I am always so amazed by those who share their stories with the world. What a life Jemele has lead.
Big thanks to Henry Holt & Co for my gifted copy!
Transparent, vulnerable and courageous!
I am always so amazed by those who share their stories with the world. What a life Jemele has lead.
Big thanks to Henry Holt & Co for my gifted copy!
December 27, 2022
Jemele Hill had so much to share and I respect her for getting into all of it: her upbringing, the scandals (which really weren't scandals: just white people tripping), her family, the hard work that it took to get to where she is, the haters. She went in. She gave everything with this memoir and it was great. The audio was fantastic. It felt cathartic and healing.
October 23, 2022
I really admire Jemele Hill and loved getting to know her story better, both her youth and the truth of her ESPN days. She’s a really good writer who makes casual look easy. The memoir in essay style gets a little choppy but overall very good.
April 6, 2023
This was a great memoir. I was unfamiliar with her life so this memoir was a nice mix of her personal life without giving away too many unnecessary details and her professional life, sticking to more monumental assignments. I recommend this book to anyone that likes her personally or likes reading Black women’s memoir especially famous or successful women’s memoirs.
March 31, 2023
Did I listen to this entire book? Yes. Do I feel like I really know Jemele Hill after hearing everything about her life? Not really! If it wasn't for book club, probably wouldn't have finished.
December 15, 2022
One of the greatest things I've done with my reading this year is introduce myself to memoirs and autobiographies. I love learning about different people that I would never learn about through any other means than a book. I love reading about experiences that others have had because it has helped me widen my understanding of how others see and experience the world.
UPHILL by Jemele Hill was one of those books that will stand out for me long after 2022 is gone. Her memoir sits on a mental shelf starting to fill with powerful Black women who have succeeded despite the world being so strongly against their success, and her words of justice and her refusal to cater to others are now added to my growing sense of awareness.
Hill is a woman who had an extremely complicated relationship with her mother, who also had a difficult experience with her own mother. Despite the poverty, her mother's drug addictions, and the racism that Hill faced, she came out on top. She pursued her dreams and broke the generational trauma that she was raised in. Her story is incredible and seeing her form connections and meet people who either helped build her up, or tried to knock her down, is inspiring. I especially loved seeing when her sassiness and no-nonsense behaviour slipped onto the pages. Let's just say that listening to her life story told in her own voice was a treat.
I'm becoming more critical of memoirs and autobiographies, but this one was just such a fantastic and eye-opening read. Please be aware of the TWs since there is mention of r@pe, sexual assault, racism, victim blaming, and physical abuse.
Happy reading!
UPHILL by Jemele Hill was one of those books that will stand out for me long after 2022 is gone. Her memoir sits on a mental shelf starting to fill with powerful Black women who have succeeded despite the world being so strongly against their success, and her words of justice and her refusal to cater to others are now added to my growing sense of awareness.
Hill is a woman who had an extremely complicated relationship with her mother, who also had a difficult experience with her own mother. Despite the poverty, her mother's drug addictions, and the racism that Hill faced, she came out on top. She pursued her dreams and broke the generational trauma that she was raised in. Her story is incredible and seeing her form connections and meet people who either helped build her up, or tried to knock her down, is inspiring. I especially loved seeing when her sassiness and no-nonsense behaviour slipped onto the pages. Let's just say that listening to her life story told in her own voice was a treat.
I'm becoming more critical of memoirs and autobiographies, but this one was just such a fantastic and eye-opening read. Please be aware of the TWs since there is mention of r@pe, sexual assault, racism, victim blaming, and physical abuse.
Happy reading!
March 14, 2023
Jemele brings a refreshing candor to the page and her journey into adulthood was not an easy one. Yet, she doesn’t seem to shy away from even the most difficult aspects. A mother struggling with drug addiction and skirting the boundaries of sex work. For Jemele to be surrounded by this and still keep her eyes on the prize, which for her was a career in journalism, is a testament to her own strength of character and resilience that Black women generally have in abundance for a myriad of reasons.
She unflinchingly takes us into the executive suites of ESPN, and names names. Her story moves well, told in plain prose, keeping the reader engaged through humor and an attitude of I won’t quit. Her outspokenness is not an act, she came by it honestly and it was revelatory to read how her voice found the clarity she was long seeking. A very good memoir that will turn readers into fans. I enthusiastically recommend!
She unflinchingly takes us into the executive suites of ESPN, and names names. Her story moves well, told in plain prose, keeping the reader engaged through humor and an attitude of I won’t quit. Her outspokenness is not an act, she came by it honestly and it was revelatory to read how her voice found the clarity she was long seeking. A very good memoir that will turn readers into fans. I enthusiastically recommend!
October 12, 2022
Thanks to the publisher and Goodreads Giveaways for an ARC of Jemele Hill’s memoir. Honestly, I probably wouldn’t have picked it up otherwise but I’m glad I got the chance to read it!
Memoirs are some of my favorite books to read because I love hearing people’s stories. Regardless of your feelings about the author, she definitely had an interesting story to tell!
Memoirs are some of my favorite books to read because I love hearing people’s stories. Regardless of your feelings about the author, she definitely had an interesting story to tell!
November 12, 2022
Wow! A book I won through Shelf Awareness. Literally picked it up and finished it in under 2 hours. Couldn't put it down. An inspiring look at the battle for a female in the male-dominated sports reporting industry.
February 14, 2024
Jemele Hill is a sports journalist most famous (at least to me) for being an on-air personality at TV network ESPN. She broadened her reach in recent years for tweeting her honest views of the abhorrent actions of former president Donald Trump and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, resulting in name-checked replies from the former president and a strained relationship with the network she ended up leaving.
I was interested in reading Hill's memoir because she's a fun TV personality and a strong, Black, female figure in the professional sports world. Her book details her upbringing with drug addicted parents, sketchy situations growing up in Detroit and how she became an award-winning journalist. As a journalist, I enjoyed reading about Hill's career that took her from newspaper reporter to TV star and could relate to how she detailed the hustle of newsrooms and the important work journalists do.
You can hear Hill's voice as you read. She talks openly about racism she's endured, failed romantic relationships she's had and about her challenging relationship with a mother who meant well and has since been in recovery for many years, but that made growing up a struggle many times.
Like Stephen A. Smith's memoir I recently read, reading about the inner workings of ESPN was also fascinating. The work politics and competitiveness at a network known for covering sports competitions was palpable throughout the pages.
Hill props up her mentors and noteworthy journalists who inspired her and influenced her work. If you're interested in Hill's life, or about the road one successful sports journalist has taken, you might find her memoir interesting.
I was interested in reading Hill's memoir because she's a fun TV personality and a strong, Black, female figure in the professional sports world. Her book details her upbringing with drug addicted parents, sketchy situations growing up in Detroit and how she became an award-winning journalist. As a journalist, I enjoyed reading about Hill's career that took her from newspaper reporter to TV star and could relate to how she detailed the hustle of newsrooms and the important work journalists do.
You can hear Hill's voice as you read. She talks openly about racism she's endured, failed romantic relationships she's had and about her challenging relationship with a mother who meant well and has since been in recovery for many years, but that made growing up a struggle many times.
Like Stephen A. Smith's memoir I recently read, reading about the inner workings of ESPN was also fascinating. The work politics and competitiveness at a network known for covering sports competitions was palpable throughout the pages.
Hill props up her mentors and noteworthy journalists who inspired her and influenced her work. If you're interested in Hill's life, or about the road one successful sports journalist has taken, you might find her memoir interesting.
January 22, 2023
I was driving and listening to NPR and I heard Jemele Hill’s interview. This was the first time I had ever heard of her. I have been watching the ESPN channel daily since September 2022 so when I heard during the interview that she used to work for ESPN that caught my attention right away. I decided then I wanted to read her book.
I was going to Google her and watch her on You Tube whether it was an interview or an ESPN clip but I decided not to. I didn’t know her story, her career or the controversy around her before reading the book. I only knew what I heard in the interview.
She is very opinionated. I discovered that on the first or second page, and throughout the book.
I added some quotes in my Quote Book (a notebook filled with quotes from books) as I read, and I wrote eight pages of quotes!
I enjoyed this book and learning about her, and I wish that I could have seen her on ESPN. After finishing the book I see everything differently when I watch ESPN daily now. I had a behind the scenes tour with this book and now I see things differently when I watch.
I was going to Google her and watch her on You Tube whether it was an interview or an ESPN clip but I decided not to. I didn’t know her story, her career or the controversy around her before reading the book. I only knew what I heard in the interview.
She is very opinionated. I discovered that on the first or second page, and throughout the book.
I added some quotes in my Quote Book (a notebook filled with quotes from books) as I read, and I wrote eight pages of quotes!
I enjoyed this book and learning about her, and I wish that I could have seen her on ESPN. After finishing the book I see everything differently when I watch ESPN daily now. I had a behind the scenes tour with this book and now I see things differently when I watch.
March 6, 2023
This is an absolutely fucking incredible read. Have loved Jemele Hill for years and this book was so awesome to take it. Childhood struggles to career struggles and still finding a way to thrive is so inspiring
January 27, 2023
BRUH!!!!! As a HUGE fan of all things Jemele Hill, I was so excited that @solovesoul was reading her book this month for book club!! First memoir of the year has set the bar very, very high!!
April 13, 2023
I have always been aware of who Jemele Hill was but I had no idea about how she became who she is or how all the drama surrounding her exit from ESPN unfolded. After reading this book I can't help but (1) feel like I missed out on the His & Hers era but I (2) also have so much respect for this woman and her journey. I learned a lot about her, got some insight about how things work when working for a giant like ESPN, and how much time and effort she put into actually getting to that point. I think this was a great memoir. I'm really glad I gave this a listen.
Read
February 23, 2023DNF’d this book at page 119. Jemele went through alot in her childhood. The struggle she dealt with in regards to her mom being on drugs was so sad to read. I couldnt even imagine as a child having to deal with that. Although her mom was on drugs, her mom always protected her; no matter what. I loved that about her. Jemele’s stepdad cheating on her mom and then ending up with AIDS and dying was really wild! Reading memoirs, you never know what a person dealt with in their childhood. Its crazy because although she went through so much in her childhood, she still came out on top.
The only reason i DNF’d this book was because once I got about 50% through, it became slow, monotone and just a series of events of her obtaining new jobs. I am proud of her; especially as a black woman though for never allowing anyone to stop her from fulfilling her dreams. I just think this memoir wasnt for me due to me not being a sports fan and also the last half of the book wasnt as interesting as the beginning.
The only reason i DNF’d this book was because once I got about 50% through, it became slow, monotone and just a series of events of her obtaining new jobs. I am proud of her; especially as a black woman though for never allowing anyone to stop her from fulfilling her dreams. I just think this memoir wasnt for me due to me not being a sports fan and also the last half of the book wasnt as interesting as the beginning.
November 15, 2022
One of the best books I’ve read all year! I finished it in a day. I remember Jemele from her days at ESPN. However I knew nothing of her life story. She left nothing on the table in her autobiography sharing her highs and lows, and everything that made her who she is today. She also shared a lot of behind the scenes information about how ESPN didn’t always support her like they should have and appreciate her especially when she was dealing with attacks from Donald Trump on social media. This book is amazing even if you aren’t a sports fan as it is a raw, authentic story of a black woman’s life who overcame so much and has used what she has lived through to become a voice for others. So proud of Jemele and her bravery to share her life with us.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2023
Jemele Hill has had a fascinating trajectory to the top of her field despite a childhood plagued by poverty and hardships. Her father is not in the picture, her mother battles substance abuse and a beloved stepfather dies of AIDS.
Hill’s sports journalism career is ground breaking. Not many women - let alone Black women - have captivated as much of a presence. And certainly not across genres.
Unfortunately this memoir did not match my expectations. Too much play by play of events and chronology and not enough insight and analysis. I pushed through but ultimately, this is not a memoir I would recommend.
2.5. Listened on audio.
Hill’s sports journalism career is ground breaking. Not many women - let alone Black women - have captivated as much of a presence. And certainly not across genres.
Unfortunately this memoir did not match my expectations. Too much play by play of events and chronology and not enough insight and analysis. I pushed through but ultimately, this is not a memoir I would recommend.
2.5. Listened on audio.
October 27, 2022
4.5 rating! I had known of Jemele through her days writing on ESPN and a little bit about her story growing up in Detroit. This was a very interesting and engaging read that hit all the right notes for me!
January 18, 2023
This book is about a gutsy black reporter who called Trump a "white supremacist" and did not expect the fallout. The White House wanted her fired from ESPN, and she received many death threats. But these hardships were not new. Throughout her life, the author lived through many hardships, like poverty, almost dying in an accident, and more. But she overcame those challenges and criticism to rise up and become a well-renowned journalist known for her honesty and tough opinions. The author knew she had a purpose and worked until she made sure she found it.
The author started the book by talking about her childhood and then went into the backstory of her life with her mom and grandmother. I thought their relationships were so profound and emotional. To me, the experiences they lived through and their relationships with each other were really the heartstrings of the story. The author also writes and revisits her own traumas in an honest and raw way, explaining how she hid in books. She wrote, "I had anger, resentment, fear, and longing bubbling inside me and nowhere to dump those feelings. I was too embarrassed to talk about my mother with any of my friends. I shared some things with my grandmother, but talking to her was difficult because I knew she would just use whatever I told her to badmouth my mother to her friends and other people in our family. Instead of confiding in someone from my inner circle, I turned to two trusted outsiders: Judy Blume and Margaret Simon. Judy Blume was one of my favorite authors. I read everything I could from her, Superfudge, Deenie, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, and It's Not the End of the World, but my favorite book of them all was Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret."
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...
The author started the book by talking about her childhood and then went into the backstory of her life with her mom and grandmother. I thought their relationships were so profound and emotional. To me, the experiences they lived through and their relationships with each other were really the heartstrings of the story. The author also writes and revisits her own traumas in an honest and raw way, explaining how she hid in books. She wrote, "I had anger, resentment, fear, and longing bubbling inside me and nowhere to dump those feelings. I was too embarrassed to talk about my mother with any of my friends. I shared some things with my grandmother, but talking to her was difficult because I knew she would just use whatever I told her to badmouth my mother to her friends and other people in our family. Instead of confiding in someone from my inner circle, I turned to two trusted outsiders: Judy Blume and Margaret Simon. Judy Blume was one of my favorite authors. I read everything I could from her, Superfudge, Deenie, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, and It's Not the End of the World, but my favorite book of them all was Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret."
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...
May 7, 2023
Jemele Hill hits us with a refreshing memoir that is clear, to the point, candid, and vivid. She manages to share a truly singular experience while still carefully weaving in universal truths and struggles about the black experience in America. She doesn’t shy away from discussing the Identity Politics topics that put her into the broader spotlight.
More importantly she shows us how they are important and necessary talking points in sports as much as anywhere else. Illustrating for us how sports manifests itself in who we are as adults in the workplace and how sports is an extension of community as represented by our race and geography. Do you suppress your truth to get along or speak it to move things along.
On the deeply personal level she expounds on the compound effects of generational trauma of every kind; violence, sexual assault, and drugs. Along with the transformational power of success and wealth when all of us are given free and fair access to opportunities. Along with how Religion can be more like a language for communicating ideas than just a belief system.
I also enjoyed the reflective and analytical way she explored what journalistic integrity looks like today. Especially, in the face of a changing landscape of print and broader media as it relates to truth and society. How does one engage the reader, commit to high standards, keep the corporate suits happy, and all the while speak their truth? Not without controversy based on Hill’s own experience.
More importantly she shows us how they are important and necessary talking points in sports as much as anywhere else. Illustrating for us how sports manifests itself in who we are as adults in the workplace and how sports is an extension of community as represented by our race and geography. Do you suppress your truth to get along or speak it to move things along.
On the deeply personal level she expounds on the compound effects of generational trauma of every kind; violence, sexual assault, and drugs. Along with the transformational power of success and wealth when all of us are given free and fair access to opportunities. Along with how Religion can be more like a language for communicating ideas than just a belief system.
I also enjoyed the reflective and analytical way she explored what journalistic integrity looks like today. Especially, in the face of a changing landscape of print and broader media as it relates to truth and society. How does one engage the reader, commit to high standards, keep the corporate suits happy, and all the while speak their truth? Not without controversy based on Hill’s own experience.
November 25, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Jemele’s story and think the title “Uphill” is the best way to describe it. I have nothing but respect for her courage and boldness in fighting for herself, and the black community, and speaking her truth. When the president of the United States is attacking you and you display nothing but professionalism and composure, that’s true strength. She’s worked her way into having a powerful platform to speak about what it’s like being a black woman in America, but it’s sad to think about just how many other amazing black women are out there who have been put down or simply not given the opportunities for which they’ve worked so hard for.
June 7, 2023
I did not finish because I just did not need to hear her thoughts on certain things. Translation: I do not care about what she did on the shows she was on. Her life is what I was interested in not the day to day antics on her shows. I agreed with her statement against the Orange leader and against the horrendous acts of police and White Supremacists against innocent black people but to state that it is all the WHITE people against the blacks was a bit strong. She is a great role model for black girls to look up to and hope she has a great rest of her life.
February 11, 2023
I identify as a black woman, Detroit resident and MSU alum. It was dope being able to listen to Jemele’s story as she is a black Woman, raised in Detroit and MSU alum as well. The Detroit, Michigan and MSU stories were familiar but more so were the themes of family, perseverance and breaking of generational curses. I’m not a sports fan but I did enjoy learning about the world as well as the world of journalism and sports commentary.
October 10, 2023
Yet another example of me reading a book I know I’m not going to like for no good reason. I very much cannot criticize this objectively because I listened to this as a person who despises audiobooks, and as a person who has no interest in sports, sports broadcasters, or memoirs.
November 14, 2022
Admire her a great deal and enjoyed reading about her journey and her outspoken leadership in sports.
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