For Once in My Life

The Authorized Biography of Arlinda Willis

by Rob Cole

You must sign in to see if this title is available for request. Sign In or Register Now

Pub Date Aug 27 2026 | Archive Date Sep 08 2026

Margot Erickson Publishing, Inc. | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles

Biographies & Memoirs | Multicultural Interest | Nonfiction (Adult)

Talking about this book? Use #ForOnceinMyLife #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!

Description

In 1963, eleven-year-old Arlinda leaves Alabama's Jim Crow racism to reunite with her mother.

Convinced she must earn her love through achievement, she becomes a national TV dancer, Miss Black Cleveland model, and San Francisco legal secretary. But each fleeting accomplishment only deepens her belief that love must be earned.

Unemployed and enduring a medical system that devalues Black women's pain, a cancer diagnosis strips away her independence and her carefully constructed image of strength.

Left with nothing, she must finally prove she is lovable without the performance.

In 1963, eleven-year-old Arlinda leaves Alabama's Jim Crow racism to reunite with her mother.

Convinced she must earn her love through achievement, she becomes a national TV dancer, Miss Black...

A Note From the Publisher

Additional Book Formats with (ISBN-13):
Hardcover 979-8-9957094-1-1
Paperback 979-8-9957094-2-8
Large Print/Accessible 979-8-9957094-3-5
eBook 979-8-9957094-4-2
Audio 979-8-9957094-5-9

Available Editions

EDITION	Paperback
ISBN	9798995709428
PRICE	$18.99 (USD)
PAGES	304

Available on NetGalley

NetGalley Reader (EPUB)

NetGalley Shelf App (EPUB)

Send to Kindle (EPUB)

Download (EPUB)