I loved this well researched background into all things Whitney.

Kennedy did a great job exploring the complexities of Whitney Houston's life, particularly her struggles with identity, addiction, and the pressures of fame.

Anyone who has ever been a fan of Houston will enjoy this.

Didn't We Almost Have It All by Gerrick Kennedy is a beautiful book that fans of our beloved Whitney Houston will love to add to their personal libraries. While I think it is a good book, I feel that a lot of the information written about here has already been shared in other literary spaces and documentaries. All in all, I believe it's a read many will enjoy.

3.5 stars

My two main problems with this book: first, it often feels like a retread of the 2018 documentary <i>Whitney</i> (which Kennedy cites several times)—almost like this was like the "novelization" of that film. My second issue was that the book suffers from verbosity; sometimes that just means repeating the same phrase or idea repeatedly, and sometimes it's because Kennedy supplies 5 or 6 examples to support his point when 1 or 2 would have sufficed. There are some great moments in here, but I feel like it would have benefited from additional editing or something.

3.5/5

This book could have been far better if it weren't one man fanning over Whitney Houston as opposed to telling us more about her and about the life she led.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this read. All opinions are my own.
Great read for anyone who is a fan of Whitney Houston, or who enjoys learning more about the life of talented performers. Whitey was an unparalleled talent of her own time and all of those that follow, and an inspiration to many of the performers who are popular today.

This book was received as an ARC from ABRAMS - Abrams Press through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

I was, and still am a Whitney fan. Her music empowered my generation, and she recorded most of my favorite songs. Gerrick Kennedy really dug to the core of Whitney's life which started with the heart-warming, tear-jerking foreword by Brandy who Whitney mentored throughout her career. Being in the spotlight, and driven by public opinion is damaging to the heart which can cost you your life, and that is what ultimately happened to Whitney. After divorcing Bobby Brown, her life came in a downward spiral which lead to struggles with her daughter Bobbi Christina. This book clearly showed that there was more to Whitney's life that meets the eye and the public only sees part of their life, not their whole life. Whitney sang of empowerment, positivity, and love. Her life on the other hand did not reflect that and it ultimately lead to loss. This book answered the burning questions that has been on the back of everyone's head, and nothing was held back. The truth was uncovered in this book thanks to Gerrick Kennedy, even if it was unpleasant.

A revealing of the truth that shocked the world, and will change the celebrity status for years to come. This book deserves 5 stars.

If you’re a Whitney Houston fan this book is for you. Didn’t We Almost Have It All gives the back story of Whitney Houston’s early life and how she got to become what she was, which is one of the biggest pop starts of her time.

This book felt like the first really honest look into Whitney Houston’s life that I’ve read. Gerrick Kennedy’s admiration for Whitney shines through and it’s obvious that he wants the world to see her as she should be seen.

What a tragedy it was to lose Whitney Houston. This book was a tragic tale of her ascent into superstardom and the amazing fall and ultimate death of one of the great voices of our time. I loved this book even if it made me so sad!!! Thank you NetGalley for the copy to read and review.

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC. I was unable to finish it before it archived . What I did get to was great! I was so anxious to read the rest.

Such a great biography for someone that deserves the kind of respect and attention that the authors gave. Getting the details of the tough life Whitney had is just utterly heartbreaking. I can't believe it's been ten years since Whitney died. The Forward by Brandy was incredible. I encourage you to read this one and please, if you are struggling, reach out for help.

Whitney was a goddess trapped in the body of a human. I don't think any book written about her life will ever tell her story the way it needs to be told. This was not my favorite at the recent attempts at that.

It was not what I was expecting, but still so good. Love it and am glad I gave it a try. I remember my Whitney Houston's days.... So much fun and beautiful music.

Great biography of the singer who had such a bright future ahead of her but made so many decisions that she could not recover from. Great foreward from Brandy also.

#whitneyhouston has been my idol since she took the stage. My little self and saucer eyes hearing that voice. Watching her. She just radiated everything I wanted to be at nine. #didntweallmosthaveitall #indefenseofwhitneyhouston #gerrickkennedy #abramspress this isn’t your usual book. We don’t break down her life and spill the tea. Instead each chapter is a short tale and history surrounding Whitney. This book gives her grace and the respect that she has deserved. If you have ever loved Whitney or been curious about her. This book is one you’ll want to pick up. She has always been and will forever be an icon. #popmusic #biography #bookstagram #whitneyhoustontribute #netgalleyreview #bookstagram #readersofinstagram #musicinabook #whitney

I tried. Like the author, I grew up with Whitney Houston's songs as the soundtrack for my adolescence. But this memoir just bored me to death. The descriptive language was repetitive. How many ways can you say someone is an awesome singer? I read about 20% of the book before it completely lost my attention. I appreciate what he was trying to do --I can see that he's examining Houston's life from many different angles, turning it like a diamond in the sun. But I struggled to maintain interest. This one just wasn't for me.

My childhood soundtrack would have so many Whitney songs on it. I remember her vividly from the 80’s/90’s. Her lush, beautiful voice that could make you cry or dance! Her beautiful, 1000 watt smile that was so contagious. I could still to this day, listen to her songs on repeat. I loved her. As did most of America. And many of her songs bring up very fond memories of my teenage years.

I lost track of her celebrity status after college and didn’t hear all about her drug use and problems until much later. I was shocked. She had it all, what happened?

This book takes a look at Whitney and doesn’t focus so much on her specific actions, but instead tells the story about what happened around her.

How the music industry capitalized on her talent at the expense of her identity. How they mistreated not only her, but other black artists. What it meant to be a black singer in the pop/MTV days is focused on. As is how she lacked the control of being able to pave her own path.

In later days, when she turned to drugs, while the reasons may be unclear, we can guess at many of them. But more importantly, this book asks the question, why didn’t we treat her better? How could society make her a punchline instead of reaching out and being supportive and providing help and understanding.

It’s a great book that focuses on her influences, our music and celebrity culture, and how being black in those industries leads to mistreatment and in some cases identity loss.

Highly recommend for a different view on Whitney’s success and struggles.

Thank you to #abramspress and #netgally for this review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

This book is available now!

I have not read a book by Gerrick Kennedy before, but when I saw this biography about Whitney Houston, I knew I needed to read it. I am so glad that I requested this book, and that I was approved to read this amazing life story. This autobiography is not some tell-all, gossip book. The story of Whitney Houston is told with sensitivity and respect. I thought I knew a lot about Whitney Houston, despite being only 6 when I Want to Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) came out. I grew up with her being in the spotlight, and I remember all of us singing I Will Always Love You on the playgroup in PE. I always blamed Bobby Brown for her troubles, but that, sadly, was not the case. She had troubles before that, including that she sounded like she was playing for the Caucasian audiences. Basically, me. It was hard to read how she was treated by the music industry and those who felt she did not represent the black community. She had so much pressure placed on her, and I am angry there were not enough people standing up for her. Bobby Brown cannot be blamed for all that happened to her, we all can take part in that blame. Or those surrounding her that made her marketable to all of us. This biography was told respectfully and with dignity. I am so thankful I was able to read it.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I will read anything about Whitney Houston - she was beloved by my family and friends. Even with her bouts with drug addiction, she remained a shining example of accomplishing your dreams and striving for excellence in your craft. Her voice has no competition.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Abrams Press for allowing me to read this book and give an honest review. I wasn't able to finish the book before it was archived. I have long been a Whitney fan and remember where I was when I heard she passed. This book lays out Whitney's life so well. I wish I could have finished it but I thank you for the opportunity to start it at least.