Hello, I come back…
Let me start here, I did watch Jada Pinkett Smith’s Red Table Talk with her husband, and I still read the book. In fact, I only watched it because all the loved ones I mentioned to that I was reading the book eluded to that conversation and urged me to watch it. I did, and Jada also spoke about what really happened in that video, in front and behind the scenes. Seeing that video actually made for an even more interesting read. Now that that’s out the way, let’s review her book, Worthy.
Breaking Free from Expectations
Most of the book, Jada takes us through her childhood in Baltimore, growing up with a mother battling drug addiction and a father that is absent from her life. Her transparency about the wounds of her past was refreshing, because too often, we are expected to be “strong” without acknowledging our struggles. She narrated so well her days as a drug lord, her days at art school and her family. She also speaks very fondly of her grandparents and aunty who played a pivotal role in her upbringing. While I read the book it felt like I was reading about a movie because who would’ve thought? Jada selling drugs? And also, almost dying for being one of the best selling drug lords?
One of the people she wrote about as well is Tupac, I honestly couldn’t wait to read about their relation; how did they met? Were they dating? Where was she the day Tupac died? I began the journey into the book with those questions, and she answered all the questions I had. Let’s just say, Tupac was a colorful character who played a huge role in Jada’s life. I was both shocked, and amused when I read the chapters with Tupac in them.
The Reality of Love and Marriage, according to Jada
Of course, Worthy wouldn’t be complete without addressing the whirlwind that is her marriage to Will Smith. While Will’s autobiography focuses on his career, more than his internal world, Jada’s book focuses on her internal world more than her career highlights. In the book, Jada explores her own journey toward self-worth, showing us that marriage does not complete us—it must complement an already whole person.
For those of us who grew up seeing marriage as the ultimate validation, her book challenges us to rethink that narrative. It’s a call to define love on our own terms, not according to societal expectations. I’ve come to realize through reading this book that that their way of doing things would never work for anyone else. I would go as far as saying these two humans are equally yoked. They describe themselves as dysfunctionally functional, together and individually. Who are we to judge what they say is working for them?
Her Healing
Perhaps the most powerful aspect of Worthy is its message about healing and owning your own story. I can’t even begin to imagine how Jada, and her family deal with the scrutiny of healing in public. I’m glad I read this book, it was interesting to see things from Jada’s POV. It was also a reminder to question everything.
What I didn’t like about the book is the “therapy” sessions, or reflection moments after every chapter. I read a few of those in the beginning and skipped the rest. I had no interest in a diary session where I could see myself in her shoes.
I went through her Instagram page while reading the book and she still gets so much backlash, especially for her marriage with Will. She speaks about a lot of moments like the Chris Tucker slap, and the entanglement. Writing this book with all of these moments brought to light must’ve taken a lot of courage, and I hope reflecting on her life like this brought some sense of healing for her.
What are you currently reading my love?
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