This audiobook is PHENOMENAL! I laughed and cried all within the first 2 chapters! My earliest memories of Whoopi are from her one-woman show, and I loved how she could tell a funny, heartwarming, sad, and endearing story all in one! This audiobook has that same energy from her one-woman show. Books are good when the author reads them, but Whoopi takes reading a book you authored to a new level!
The listener can't but feel an array of emotions while listening to her best memories of her mother and brother. You could feel the love Whoopi has for them both, jumping out of the speakers. I have to admit I am envious of the relationship Whoopi had with her mother, and I admire her mother for showering Whoopi with unconditional love and support. You can't help but want to know her mother yourself.
One of my favorite parts is when Whoopi talks about scary movies, and she mentions Trilogy of Terror, the same movie (the 3rd story), that if you are 50+, may have also left you scarred! See celebrities are just like us!
You don't have to be a fan of Whoopi to appreciate this novel. It is incredibly entertaining, heartwarming, sad, and hits you right in your heart! I can't wait to listen to it again!

A Joyride of a Memoir

Bits and Pieces is an enlightening and entertaining autobiography by Whoopi Goldberg, whose real name is Caryn Johnson. I listened to the audiobook, which was narrated by the author and thoroughly enjoyed it. In this life story, she opens up about her close relationships with her wise and encouraging mother, Emma, and her protective, big brother, Clyde.

Goldberg’s writing is not just fluid, it's a joyride. The audio production feels like she's right there, having a lively conversation with us, sharing all the laughter and tears of her life. I often found myself both laughing and crying along with her anecdotes! If you've ever seen her on the big screen, this book is a must-read. Whoopi shares some of her fondest and somberest memories of growing up in the projects in New York City.

My favorite part is hearing Whoopi reminisce about her mother in such a kind, loving, and thoughtful way. Particularly the stories of how she would ask her mom questions about her past and her mom would ask her Why do you need to know that? Or why are you asking that? Her mom gave her the confidence she needed to succeed.

I sincerely thank Whoopi Goldberg, Blackstone Publishing, and Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.



“Not everybody gets to walk this earth with folks who let you be exactly who you are and give you the confidence to become exactly who you want to be. So, I thought I'd share mine with you.”


Publisher Blackstone Publishing Audio
Published May 7, 2024
Narrated Whoopi Goldberg
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com

I love most of the memoirs I read, but I really loved this one! Would absolutely recommend :) I feel so grateful for Whoopi’s vulnerability and telling of her life story. The trials of losing both a mother and brother that were dearly loved are shared. Whoopi shared a lot about being a person of color in a timeline where diversity wasn’t the standard. She also explores her family’s lived experiences with misogyny and how husbands were the ones making healthcare decisions for their wives & answering for them, etc.

I loved the flow of this. It felt like Whoopi was telling me her life story rather than reading a book to me. The audio quality was amazing and this book is read by Whoopi herself. If you enjoy Brené Browns audio style, you will love listening to it in this format. Though I’d recommend it in any format, audio is definitely the way to go!

A quote that really stuck out to me was “It never occurred to me that I was seeing a space that I wasn’t in” when referred to all white groups. This is so true of my lived experience growing up. It wasn’t until college that I was able to put to words the feeling of being the only person of color in the room and that I began to acknowledge what that feeling was. It’s not that I didn’t notice before, but that I didn’t know being the only POC in some of my classes was a feeling I could acknowledge.

This book made me want to watch The Color Purple — but I have to read the book first!

Thank you for telling your story, Whoopi!💗 thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. :)

What a blast! I've always been a fan of Whoopi and her book increased my admiration for her, if that's even possible.
Her book gave me insight into her life. Of course, she accomplished that mission with a balance of humor and sincerity.
No one could have or should have narrated this book other Whoopi. A great audio experience.

As a long time fan of Whoopi's, I couldn't wait to listen to this book. Her story is mesmerizing, and I loved hearing about her life in front of and behind the cameras. She's such an amazing storyteller and her voice as the narrator just made the audiobook even more special

This book elicited every possible reaction from me.. I laughed out loud at some moments, and at others my jaw dropped in shock. This book hit every emotional note you can imagine. Hearing it in the author's voice made it all the better.

As someone who has been a fan of Whoopi Goldberg from almost her beginning in show business, this was nothing but pure joy for me. Listening to her [good golly she knows how to tell a story] talk about her mother [WHAT an amazing woman she was!] and her brother, mixed with stories about herself was just what I really needed [without knowing I needed until I got started].

Just fantastic!!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Whoopi Goldberg, and Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for providing this audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for a copy of the audiobook for review. What an enjoyable book to learn more about Whoopi as well as her mother and brother who were such an important part of her life. I really enjoyed the stories she shared. Her mother, especially, was such a vibrant character in this book.

What an insightful book this was on the connection of Whoopi with her mother and her brother, and how they really were here center, and what a beautiful thing it was. In hearing her tell it in her words, she almost glowed with pride in speaking her truth of how her mother would never really answer a question and how everyone would gravitate to her brother. So well put, all these memories and stories, a pleasure to hear.

Special thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this book. This was a quick, short read with a small glimpse into the life of Whoopi Goldberg. I've always liked Whoopi and this was an interesting book giving more insight into where Whoopi (Karen) came from and how she became the Whoopi we know.

Love love love! This book was mostly an ode to her mother and brother. I loved hearing the stories from her youth about her family and their dynamic. What a sweet loving family! This was read by the author and I couldnt put it down - 5 stars!

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced reader!

Publish date 05/07/2024

What a touching and beautiful sentiment to her brother, mother and life.

I like that it was narrated by the author also. It always adds another level of personality when they narrate their own story

Let me start with Whoopi’s real name is Caryn Johnson!?!?! Wow, I just thought her name was always Whoopi Goldberg. Also, wow did I enjoy learning about her! Sister Act was a favorite of mine growing up. It was so fascinating to hear about her life, her personality and her family. I truly enjoyed feeling the love coming off the pages for her mother and brother. It made me sad I never got to know them, that’s how well Whoopi described them.

Quote:
"Not everybody gets to walk this earth with folks who let you be exactly who you are and who give you the confidence to become exactly who you want to be. So, l thought l'd share mine with you."

Having the audio book read by the author Whoopi Goldberg herself enhanced the experience so much. I loved how it felt like we were just sitting back and having a real conversation. It was all so spot on. Her mother was a single black woman raising two children to be the best they could be and she taught them so much. We could all learn from her in these pages. Do yourself a favor and listen to this audiobook, the author performs (not reads) and it all comes to life.

Thank you to Blackstone Publishing, the author Whoopi Goldberg and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the audio book!

I really enjoyed this memoir. Whoopi shares stories from her life that are interesting and reflective with humor and openness. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook read by Whoopi.

I would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I was interested in listening to this audiobook because Whoopi narrates it herself and she does not disappoint. It is like the two of you are sitting down over a cup of tea and some snacks telling stories about her mom, brother and her film/tv career. Interesting read.

Whoopi Goldberg has always been one of my favorite actresses! This memoir allowed me to learn even more about her life story and those that she cared about. I felt every emotion as she talked about her relationship with her mom and brother. Having her narrate this book made it feel like she was talking to me personally.

I had no idea what to expect listening to Whoopi’s memoir since my knowledge is pretty limited to Sister Act 1 and 2, but it was enjoyable! Whoopi Goldberg narrates and it feels like you’re having coffee with a friend. She laughs, she tears up, and she tells her family’s story. Mostly centered around her mother and brother, Goldberg weaves a love story of family. If you want a quick listen, pick this one up!

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone
Publishing Audiobooks for the ALC.

This is such an awesome tribute to Whoopi's mother and brother. Having her narrate it is even better. You can just hear her relive her history when she is retelling these stories. You can feel the love and admiration she has for both of them. It was of course well written, but the love for these people and the retelling of her life comes alive when you listen. I loved it . Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC.

Better than I was expecting. Whoopi Goldberg was the narrator of her memoir and did a great job. She laughed at parts and you could just see the story she was relating. Interesting knowing about the strong bonds she has with her mother and her brother and the influences they had on her and the life she made.

Celebrity memoirs can be hit or miss. Personally, I love them, usually on audiobook as read by the author, so I can learn more about the person behind the celebrity straight from the star herself. Whoopi Goldberg is well known for her many roles on the stage and screen. In her new memoir Bits and Pieces, she opens up about who she was before she became “Whoopi.” Listening to this book is like having a conversation with the star.

However, Bits and Pieces is much more than a celebrity memoir. It’s a look at life in the projects through the eyes of a child. Readers are invited into the special relationship between young Caryn, her older brother Clyde, and her mother Emma. While there are stories of stardom, and the memoir jumps around quite a bit, I found it to be one of the more touching celebrity stories I have read in recent years. Mental health issues, racism, and sexism are also touched on in relation to her life experiences. Stick around until the end of this quick read to hear her thoughts on processing the grief of losing a loved one. It was a truly well written portion of the memoir.

Those interested in hearing a tale of success and loss will enjoy this book. It is also great for fans of Whoopi and would make a great road trip listen. Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own.