What a special and important book. I am a huge Destiny's Child fan, and I always treasured following the band member throughout their careers since then. What a raw and honest book about Michelle Williams deciding to put herself first and give her mental health the attention it deserves. Thank you to NetGalley and Nelson Books for a copy of this book for an honest review.

I'm always interested in other people's mental health experiences, celebrity status not required. It's such a common experience any more, especially in these pandemic days, that I appreciate when folks are willing to talk about it and share their experiences.

This book was received as an ARC from Nelson Books, Thomas Nelson in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I am a fan of Destiny's Child have seen some documentaries on MTV on Destiny's Child especially when Michelle was in the group and I remember her being energetic and outgoing but, after reading Checking In, I've learned that she kept all of her real emotions bottled up and "swept under the rug" so to speak and that made Michelle realize that she needed help mentally and emotionally. I have always admired Michelle when she was in Destiny's Child but after reading Checking In, I admire her even more now for her bravery and courage for checking herself into an institution and getting the help she needs, but checking in with herself in reminding herself what her true purpose is and as long as she believes that, she has no reason to feel any kind of negativity even when others surround her.

We will consider adding this title to our Biography collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.

Did not finish this book. Wasn’t what I expected. Will leave average review for you. Thanks for the opportunity to give it a try.

I’ve been following with Michelle’s journey since Destiny Child’s days and I can’t express my joy at receiving a copy of her book.
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In her first book, Michelle courageously shares the hidden secrets that nearly ended her life; the importance of her faith, family, and friends; and the lessons she learned about prioritizing her mental health. She is on a quest to increase mental health awareness and urges others to understand the importance of “checking in” with themselves, God, and others. Her candid, often humorous, and incredibly brave book will inspire readers who desire hope for their own difficult times.
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I love everything about this book, Michelle’s is transparent as she  shares her journey and experience with us. I love how she continuously point us to God truth and his presence .
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This is much more than a book to read, in each of the of chapter , Michelle’s own honestly propels me to check in with myself and  ask the hard questions.

I didn't quite know what we readers would be getting here, but let me tell you! This book gave what it was supposed to give! Michelle is honest without telling all her and her folks' business, while doing her part to advocate for mental health awareness. 

Checking In pleasantly surprised me. Ms. Williams was a guest on my sorority's program about mental health awareness right before the book was released. I decided to register to drop in for a few and hear her. You know, see what was what. She was amazing! I loved her personality and knew I had to read this book. I'm glad I did!

This book is part memoir, part self-help. It does have a Christianity slant but she's not overly preachy. Religion doesn't take over the entire book. So if religion isn't quite your thing, you can skip/skim it and keep on pushing to the next paragraph. 

Additionally, for those y'all who wanna get in her business, yes, she discusses her relationship. For the record, I thought doing the show was a bad idea. Unless you NEED the money and your relationship is solid as a rock, chile, no. I digress..


Anyway, I appreciate Michelle's candor, vulnerability, and advice. If I don't do anything else now, I check in with myself, especially when I feel the crazy start to creep up. Listen, none of us are exempt from life. There will be ups and downs; there will be disappointments, grief. There will also be happiness. Check in with yourself; listen to yourself and your intuition. Seek help if you need it. There is no shame in taking care of your mental health. 

In short, I immensely enjoyed this book and recommend it. I learned a lot about Michelle. I identified with her, related to her, and hell, I like her! I'm so happy she decided to share her story. Sharing helps others, and you never know who you could be saving.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Thomas Nelson Books, for granting me an ARC to read and provide my honest review!

I'll start by saying I am a huge Destiny's Child fan and I've long thought Michelle to be underrated and frankly, treated very unfairly. We've all seen the memes and the 'Beyonce, Kelly and the other one' references. She is a fantastic talent and I believe any true DC fan will know that. I was aware of her struggles as I follow her closely on social media and so was so happy to receive this copy of her book to review.

She is very honest throughout and so damn funny! I really laughed out loud several times. She is someone who seems very self-aware and knows her mistakes and is willing to admit to them. She gives some wonderful advice and I highlighted so many inspiring words and quotes from her. I found it very helpful. I read it in two days! I kind of thought it would be like the usual wishy-washy celebrity does a self-help book thing but it was completely different. I've read self-help books from actual professionals who gave me less helpful advice than Michelle does here!

I know she has strong faith and is a true believer in god, which I am not, so was a little worried that it may be too 'Bible' for me. And yes, she does quote the Bible and talk about God a lot, but it is never preachy and I found her quotes very helpful actually.

Yes, she mentions DC and the other girls but only briefly and if you are looking for celebrity gossip then you won't get any here. She respects her true friends and would never do Bey and Kelly like that. If you want some real talk about depression and anxiety and to know that even beautiful, wealthy, famous people suffer from it, then this is the book for you.

Frank, honest and well-written, I think Michelle may have found another talent as a great author!

This book is definitely 5stars hands down! Michelle shares stories that are funny, authentic, touching, revealing and honest. I didn’t want to put the book down. Her witty personality really comes through. I also realize we have a whole lot in common.
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Reading her story didn’t feel like I was reading the story of a member of one of the most successful girl groups of all time. It felt more like reading my BFF’s story. And that’s what I’ve always loved most about Michelle. She is so down-to-earth.
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Throughout the book she tells us how her depression showed up in her life & relationships (and I must say, a lot of women will definitely relate to her stories). She also tell us when she knew it was time to check herself into a facility. She reveals how she felt after changing her name to Michelle to become a member of Destiny’s Child (this happens to be one of my favorite stories). She also shares how she felt once the group broke up.
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This memoir is laced with just the right amount of advice for those that are prone to depression. But I don’t want you to think this is a book only for people with depression! Absolutely NOT! This is a very good read for everyone!
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I did not want this book to end! I soooo wish it wasn’t over! I don’t want to put my friend on the shelf😩😂. But as they say, all good things must come to an end.

This book was a page turner from beginning to end. A honest look into what depression can look like and how she survived.  I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I requested this book because I’m a music lover and was a Destiny Child’s fan but she covered so much more: relationships, mental health, and spirituality just to name a few. I flew through this book and really enjoyed it. Thanks to NetGalley and Nelson Books for the copy in exchange for my honest review!

Checking Is an honest and vulnerable self-help book that shines a light on mental health. Michelle Williams shared her experiences with anxiety and depression that will ultimately have the opportunity to help others including myself with their own struggles.

I am and will always be a fan of Destiny's Child so I was eager to read about Michelle's life. I liked that she gives readers a backstory into her life. It helps us understand how she grew up and how she grew into the person that she is today. It is refreshing to see her open up and tell her truth. Normally, we put celebrities on a pedestal assuming that because of their fame they are immune to everyday struggles but Michelle dives deep into her own issues to prove everyone wrong.  

In this book, Michelle opens up about her childhood, her issues with feeling less than, and her struggles with anxiety and depression. She does even experience having suicidal thoughts. Something like this could break a person down, but Michelle gives credit to God and the concept of  'checking in' as her saviors.  Michelle introduces checking in with yourself, God, and others as a way to help you live your most honest life. Like she says in the book a person that is depressed is probably the best liar.  So, she explains why checking in can help everyone live a healthier and more positive life.

I give Checking In 4 stars. I think this book will reach so many people who have ever struggled with mental health and insecurities. Her experiences are raw, vulnerable, and relatable. She introduces the concept of checking in to help individuals stop thinking that they are defined by what others think. This book provides times for reflection and motivation to help you realize that you aren't alone in your struggles and remember that you have to put in the work to stay healthy in all aspects of your life.

Checking In by Michelle Williams is an excellent memoir and self-help guide that truly resonated with me and that I truly enjoyed.

I grew up listening and looking up to Ms. Williams, so it was refreshing to read about her personal life and how she has experienced trials and struggled just the same as others in the past. It was also wonderful to see how she was able to work through her depression, continues to admit to being a work in progress (I mean aren’t we all?) and gives us some of the tools and ideas she has used to help overcome her obstacles. 

The flow was smooth, the pacing appropriate, and the content flowed nicely, which kept my interest throughout. She offers insights and suggestions that she herself has used to help. She is real, honest, and open. It was so wonderful to see her self-reflections as well as her faith playing an intricate role in her journey. It really gave me several ideas to help with my own processes.

5/5 stars 

Thank you NG and Nelson Books/Thomas Nelson for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion. 

I am posting this review to my GR, Bookbub, Instagram, Amazon, B&N accounts immediately. Publish date 5/25/21.

At first, I would like to thank Netgalley and Nelsonbooks for allowing me to review this book. Keep in mind that my review, however, is my true opinion on this book.

“Checking In - How Getting Real about Depression Saved My Life---and Can Save Yours” by Michelle Williams. Even the title is wonderful! This is such an inspiring book!

When life gets hard, you need to check in. You need to check in with others, and you need to check in with yourself. 

Michelle Williams is a Grammy Award–winning singer, but she has been through more than you might be aware of. Anxiety and depression. Planning her own funeral. She needed help. And she realized that. But sometimes, people do not realise, or realise too late. And that is why you need to check in!


I read half of the book, without really realising who Michelle Williams is. From the story, I could definitely tell that she was successful and had a lot of pressure. But I did not realise until later on, how much success she and Destiny’s Child actually had. But maybe this was a good thing. I read the book, like Michelle Williams was just a completely normal human being. Because she is. Even though she might be an award-winning singer, she is a human being just like everybody else. And everybody can go through anxiety and depression. 

In this book, Michelle Williams is very honest and truthful in her way of telling her story and helping you!

The book is well written, it has an incredible message, and this is a beautiful book!

So here is my message (and partly Michelle Williams’ as well) for you today: Check in with those around you! Make sure that you and others are doing alright!

“It takes practice to release the hold we have on our stress and anxiety. But God wants us to. He wants us to because he loves us. Because he cares.” - Michelle Williams 

Checking In is a book that debuted right on time with May being Mental Health Awareness Month. In true Michelle fashion, she is candid and brutally honest with her mental health journey. I expected to read about her journey with battling mental health and being in the spot light. What I was not expecting was how detailed she was. Part of me applauds the bravery and part of me feels like I want to offer her a hug. As a depression and anxiety warrior myself, I loved everything about this book. I really feel that it wasn’t just for entertainment or education purposes- it’s a book that everyone can read and find themselves with an, “aha moment”.  There is nothing that I would change about this book because Michelle gets it and I can tell this was not a rushed book. It takes a lot of vulnerability and soul seeking to put the things that are in this book in black and white. Very good job and I highly recommend. I will definitely purchase and go back and reread because there were things that I need to highlight. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I've been a supporter of Michelle's since she was in Destiny's Child, and still as a solo artist. I'm so proud of her growth as someone that is living with depression and anxiety. She has taking all of her tools she's learned and out it into this book. Anyone that has been following her for years knows how funny she is and how her faith has led her through amazing strife's in life. I enjoyed the book and it's a quick read. You will NOT want to put it down! I actually wished it was longer, I wish her all the best moving forward in her mental health journey and look forward to the journal that's coming!

As a long-standing fan and supporter of Michelle Williams, I was excited to be a part of the team that had an early read of the book. The book does not disappoint; we finally get to experience Tenitra. As whimsical as this seems, we sometimes establish fictitious aspects of what a "celebrity" should or should not experience. Depression is a real thing and I thank her for sharing her story to inspire individuals like myself who dealt with depression and suicidal thoughts in the past. The book is written as a conversation so you feel as though you are talking to her as a true friend in person and not just in your head. I would recommend this book because it reminds me how I continue to over my depressive episodes over the years which are the three pinnacles of this book: Checking in with yourself, Checking in with others, and most importantly, Checking in with God. I am looking forward to great things from Tenitra Michelle Williams.

I highlighted all over this book. Michelle Williams  book checking  was written very well.  You're definitely going to find yourself highlighting full paragraphs on almost every page. Michelle did not just drop some nuggets, she left you with something to get full off of and have long-lasting conversations about. I read her book twice. Most of the self-help books that I've read would drag a scenario on for hundreds of pages just to give you something that you could've Googled however, Michelle gives a more realistic approach to mental health by incorporating  some of her own personal experiences that people can relate to. This was Michelle's "8 Mile" #Eminem mic drop moment. She addressed the critics,  owned up to her mistakes, shared her embarrassing moments, and most of all let us know that she still learning and growing. Michelle's book checking in is by far the most relatable book I've ever read in my life. It almost felt like she was a distant cousin sending me this long text in physical book form saying ""hey sis i'm checking on you. Let me tell you "how getting real about depression saved my life- and can save yours. " I needed this book!! This is the true definition of the gift that keeps on giving. This book is going to bless so many lives the same way it did mine Thank you Michelle!!! ❤❤❤

Michelle Williams' "Checking In" is a conversational and easygoing read. 
At times, you feel like you've pulled up a chair and had coffee with her, just to chat about some of her most personal and professional memories –– lessons in love, family, relationships and career. Other times, feeling like you've been let in on her moments with God and her own daily self-talk. 
All in all, she's giving you some wisdom about each instance (how she learned to check-in –– with others, with God, with and for herself), all gained during her experience with depression. 
She's honest with herself and encourages the reader to be the same. 
Mental health and mental health conditions have been a taboo topic, and that's becoming less and less so because of people like Michelle, people who refuse to be shamed by stigma.
While everyone's story won't and can't be public, her bravery in publicly discussing exactly how depression has affected her and her relationships, and how she's journeyed through time and time again –– with faith, love, family and friends, treatment, and perseverance –– is commendable. And I do appreciate how she reminds us to talk to somebody, the right somebody for you, if or when we struggle. 
I admire her for this open self work and for her advocacy.

This was a great read. Michelle used a conversational tone-it made me feel as if I was "checking in" with her. I really enjoyed her self disclosure and use of her life experiences to explain key points. This is definitely material that talks about the "heavy things in a light way," and sends the reader off with information you can put into practice immediately

An amazing read. It’s almost like having a conversion with Michelle Williams. Having had my own battles with depression and anxiety I can relate to Michelle so much. Being a church boy/girl and believing in God however not trusting self. This book give a in-depth look to the things that led to her treatment, and it also provides ways to check in with God, self, then other. Thank you Michelle for your vulnerability and honesty. #checkinginbook #checkingin