Put on Your Crown: Life-Changing Moments on the Path to Queendom

Such an uplifting book of courage and healing….

This is Queen Latifah's inspirational guide for women of all ages, covering topics ranging from beauty to money. I've always liked the image that Queen Latifah portrays of herself and have liked her in any shows or movies I've seen her in. She definitely has an aura of girl-power, so I was excited to read some tips from her on self-esteem.<br /><br />Queen Latifah holds nothing back, she divulges private information (as well as her private feelngs) about situations like her brother's death and even her brief time as a broke celebrity. It takes a strong person to talk about things like this so publicly and in doing so, she's showing the reader that she "practices what she preaches."<br /><br />Two parts of the book stood out as my favorites. First, the section on beauty, which celebrates the beauty of all shapes, sizes, and colors. I also loved the section about Queen Latifah's mother, who seems like such a strong woman. Queen Latifah's love for her mother is evident in every word spoken about her and she even gives her a few pages to write her own thoughts and guidance.<br /><br />Some of the sections didn't interest me all that much, Queen Latifah is a bit of a daredevil, so I didn't quite connect with her cliff diving and motorcycle analogies to conquering fear.<br /><br />This book is a short read and packs a lot of inspiration in a small amount of pages. I think my favorite mantra that I've taken from the book is on page 157:<br /><br />"You have to hold your head up and look at the horizon, because if you don't, if you keep gazing down at the ground, your crown's gonna fall right off."<br /><br />I recommend this book to fans of Queen Latifah because you can really tell she's writing from her soul and sharing her own private experiences and feelings to help and inspire others.<br /><br /><br />I received this book for review from Hachette Books.<br /><br /><br />reviewed for <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com/">http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com/</a><br /><br /><br />

First you should know I really enjoy all of Queen Latifah's movies. I picked this audio book up in the hope of getting to know the woman behind the actress , and it did not disappoint. <br />Dana Owens (Queen Latifah)is quite the woman!!As you get to know her ,and her family in this book you see she gained a lot of her sensible attitude and sunny disposition from her family, esp her mother ,brother and father. Her mother,Mama Owens, was a teacher who went above and beyond for her students,my favourite parts of the book were when Dana talked about her and her relationship with her. <br />We get to hear a lot about the good parts in her life , but she does not shy away from the sadder moments like when her brother died in an accident. Her description of that moment almost broke my heart , I could feel a tear running down my face reading that and hearing the pain in her voice. <br />Throughout the book one thing stands out, her sunny attitude to life!!<br />This woman had problems in her life with friends , money etc but she remains optimistic and a happy soul and it did me a world of good listening to her and helped me to remember to take a moment to live in the moment .

This is a bit memoir and part advice book. Queen Latifah -aka- Dana Owens. writes a nice helpful book about her life and what she has learned. She shares tidbits about her life, the ups and downs that have happened to her. such as the loss of her beloved brother, "Winki" who was killed in a motorcycle accident. this left her devastated and angry. the success she has had with her career but also the period of time she went broke and lost a lot of that money. She shares with us her religious belief.her closeness she has with her mother that she gives a lot of credit for what she has learned for her mother. I get the impression that Queen Latifah has a good head on her shoulders. Has learned from her mistakes. { she was very honest about sharing with her readers the mistakes she has made in her life] I like her outlook on life. a good fast read.

Before Lady O[prah] starting taking over the media and influencing millions of women everywhere, before Queen B[eyonce] began to conquer the charts, the big screen, and the world of cosmetics...even before Mary J. Blige was crowed the Queen of Hip Hop Soul...there was our original queen of entertainment: Queen Latifah.<br /><br />With the summer 2010 release of her book "Put on Your Crown: Life-Changing Moments on the Path to Queendom," Queen Latifah easily entered another area of entertainment, by penning her life story and getting comfortable in the world of publishing.<br /><br />And rightfully so. She has excelled at essentially every other area she's touched, since we were first introduced to her in 1998.<br /><br />Because Dana Elaine Owens is in the media and relevant all the time, it's easy to overlook her contribution to urban entertainment, and now mainstream pop culture.<br /><br />Of course we remember her best for her 1989 album "All Hail the Queen" and the way she would command the stage, decked out in Afro-centric attire, rapping hard, and at the same time embracing her femininity. She made sure to tell you what you could and could not call her...she reminded us as young girls that we should stand tall in who we were: "who you callin' a bitch?" was a classic female hip hop lyric that spoke volumes.<br /><br />And somehow in the span of her almost 25 year career, we haven't even had the chance to see how smoothly Latifah went from a New Jersey rapper to an Academy Award nominated entertainment icon.<br /><br />Now along with her Grammy, she also has a Golden Globe and a SAG award. She has Emmy nominations, and she's an easy go-to-girl to host shows from the BET Awards to the People's Choice Awards. Latifah is loveable, dependable, and she's proven to be a consummate entertainer, on all fronts.<br /><br />Her book "Put on Your Crown" chronicles her journey from a young girl in New Jersey, up to the present time. While it's neither a detailed autobiography nor a specific self-help book, it's kind of a combination of the two genres. She tells her story, and throws in words of advice and inspiration along the way.<br /><br />I enjoyed reading her first-person accounts of many of the memorable moments in her life, good and bad. From when she received a star right next to Michael Jackson's on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, to when her brother Winki was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident in 1992.<br /><br />Greatly influenced by her mother Rita, Latifah shares many of the lessons she learned as a result of great parenting (despite her parents divorce at age 10), and as a result of maintaining self-esteem regardless of her circumstances, appearance, or expectations around her.<br /><br />At age 40, you still get the impression that there is so much more to see from Queen Latifah. And while it's obvious that she's already done so much in her career, it's actually pretty rare that the viewing audience has yet to tire of her.<br /><br />In fact, as I was finishing up the book in the elevator today, an elderly (like really elderly) yet nosy/fass neighbour was staring at my book cover, and smiling. "Oh, I really like her," she said to me, pointing at the cover of my book. And I had to agree: EVERYBODY likes Queen Latifah. It's official.<br /><br />Admittedly, sometimes I get annoyed to discover that everyone and their mother also has a book. Literally. As a writer, you can't help but become jaded when Snooki from Jersey Shore, Paris Hilton, the Kardashians, and every other person making over a million is given a lucrative publishing deal and churns out a full-length book in a matter of month.<br /><br />But I digress.<br /><br />Something can be said for having an interesting life experience, and apparently readers will always pick up a copy of "literature" as long as it's written by a famililar face. This is one of the "celebrity" books that I really and truly can't be cynical about. It is what it is: a legendary female figure telling her story. And my ability to whiz through this book showed me that Latifah did a good job telling it.<br /><br />There's nothing groundbreaking on the pages. Most of it we already know. We know about the fabulous movies (Last Holiday and Bringing Down the House were my personal favourites), and the hit songs and hip hop classic albums. We know about the Flavor Unit, and her sidekick from time, Shakim.<br /><br />I was kinda wondering if she'd finally drop some bombs about her often-questioned sexuality. Latifah's been rumoured to date her personal trainer Jeanette Jenkins, whom she also reportedly bought a house with...but the rumours will remain that, as she often addresses previous boyfriends in the book and regrets for not having children earlier in life...but Latifah totally stays away from the topic of present-time relationships, or even the fact that her sexuality has always been a hot topic (especially after that role in Set if Off that we remember her playing all too well in 1996).<br /><br />She went broke in 2000, despite her fame. She was molested at age 5 by a neighbour. There were a few things I didn't really know much about...but again, there was no juicy gossip, just lots of sugary sweet words of encouragement:<br /><br />"We all need people to help us and lift us up. and other people need our help. When you put that together, you can create something really powerful."<br /><br />"You make your own oppotunities."<br /><br />"You have to be constantly improving yourself."<br /><br />"We can rise up only when we stand on the shoulders of those who went before us."<br /><br />"Whatever your religion or belief system, the key is to have an active inner life that radiates through all your actions..."<br /><br />Nothing exceptionally unique or "deep," but definitely taken to heart, given the source it's coming from, and the context it's written in.<br /><br />But I liked the level of detail that was introduced. For example, I loved to know that her bond with her business partner Shakim is so deep that he actually jumped in front of her to protect her from danger/bullets when an event they were at went awry.<br /><br />It was endearing to read how she often escaped the madness of her ultra-busy schedule to sit next to her brother's grave and speak to him for hours on end. Moreso, to learn that the scar on her forehead that she refuses to cover with makeup or airbrush, despite suggestion, was a scar she received at age 3 while playing tag with her brother.<br /><br />And again, I'm fascinated by "celebrity" life because at its core there is always a regular ol' individual trying to make it, who has the faith, determination--and if they're as lucky as Latifah--the support of family and grounded friends to help build those dreams and fantasies into an easy reality.<br /><br />Yes, there were downfalls in her professional journey as well. I don't know about you, but I definitely didn't buy her 2004 jazz CD "The Dana Owens Album." I also didn't watch her daytime talk show from 1999-2001. Like any career, there were definitely some misses...but it's safe to say that overall, Latifah's had an awesome career...up to here.<br /><br />And while she came on to the scene as a dope female MC, I think her true legacy will be being able to capture the screen, and make us laugh through her television and film roles. Living Single was a staple TV show while growing up in the 90s, her roles in House Party 2, Juice, and Jungle Fever, are roles we're all familiar with. I love her comedic relief in my favourite movie, Brown Sugar.<br /><br />So this rapper-turned-actress-turned-Cover Girl is still, and will always remain, a true Queen on so many fronts. She has personified elegance, grace, and just genuine congeniality. It's hard to NOT like this woman.<br /><br />Keep givin' it to 'em, Queen!<br /><br />"Take the time to check in with yourself, regularly. Don't lose yourself." ~Queen Latifah<br />

I can't say when I purchased this book. What I can say is I was slapping myself for waiting too long to read it and waiting even longer to put on my bookshelf. From her rap career, films, talk show, Cover Girl contract, acceptance of her size and the love that she has always expressed to her family and friends....I've followed her career. She has always been authentic. She has never given excuses or been pretentious about her arrival on the scene.<br /><br />Put On Your Crown is a simple straightforward piece of work that is about accepting who you are.....working with what you have....and going for what you want. It's about acknowledging and understanding that there will be challenges and that there will be doors opened and closed, successes and failures....but....you have the right stuff to have success...positive self-esteem...amazing confidence...an indelible spirit....and mountaintop experiences....if you believe in you and what you bring to the table. No need to be apologetic.<br /><br />Put On Your Crown drops nuggets to young girls as well as women. It highlights situations that everyone can relate to and it causes you to pause and reflect on situations in your life....how you may have responded...how you can change the way you deal with the elephant in the room...and how everyone that you come in contact with...can help or hinder. The chapters focus on real issues/issues we wrestle with: success, beauty, money, love, loss, strength, fear and joy.<br /><br />It's not written for the faint. As I said, she offered no apologies for her reign. Neither should we offer any excuses for ours. Yep, we reign supreme. As the queen pinpoints " life has given us all opportunities for a number of incredible experiences.” We can and have become distracted far too many times by comparing ourselves to others....defining ourselves in the manner that others have or have attempted. We must take the 'life stopping life changing' opportunities for what they are." Putting On Our Crowns means we have arrived at a healthy destination......a destination of self love (no more superficiality). Note: Get the book. Gift it to your favorite girl! It's a quick read...but powerful.....

I was feeling sorry for myself one day at the library so thought maybe Queen Latifah might have something to say to me. Being a mother of 4 daughters, her mother's life spoke to me more so than the author's. I was struck by the dedication of her mother who got 3 jobs and went back to school when her husband left when QL was 9. Her determination not to stay in the projects but to move through them impressed me of someone whose isn't basing their ID on outward things but inward character. Her mother's continued dedication and perseverance in teaching at a rough urban school helping troubled young people discover their true selves encouraged me to speak firmly into the lives of those around me. QL did have some great thoughts. Accumulating personal wealth isn't about stuff, but about empowerment (having the tools to do the things you want to do). In the area of success, connect w others who will bring out the best in you. Beauty isn't about perfection. It's those little flaws that make you the real person that you are. Fear cripples and prevents you from doing the things you most want to do; don't over analyze--just do it. QL lost her brother in a motorcycle accident shortly after he'd settled into a career as a policeman and begun to think of having a family. Guilt accompanied the pain, for she had given him the bike. Though you learn to deal w the pain and move on, you never get over it. Though others can't understand your pain, it helps you understand theirs. In the area is strength, QL urges us to dare to disappoint others by following our dreams and sticking to our values vs. caving into pleasing others. I enjoyed this book and hope that no one thinks I'm disrespecting the author by using initials for her name--it's just shorter!<br />She seems to have an inner resilience that I don't think others can artificially reproduce, but hopefully her words will inspire younger girls to persevere and make the most out if their lives.

This was light reading as far as self improvement books go, but the book contained a lot of common sense written in plain language. If hearing the advice from a celebrity would make them more likely to listen and follow it, I would recommend this book to young women everywhere. Self esteem issues, financial advice, toxic friends, abuse...she covers it all.<br />I also learned a lot about Queen Latifah's life. She seems like a down to earth person who would be fun to have over for dinner. If I ever run into her at our Wal-Mart, I'll invite her.<br />I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.<br />

I love Queen Latifah. I wouldn't say I'm a mega fan but she is on my list of people I'd love to meet. I was surprised to find out that she grew up in a Baptist background and she talks a lot about God in this book. She makes sure not to alienate her fans by saying they should find their own God, whether it be Allah or Buddha or someone else, but she refers to God and the Christian Bible and as a Christian I really appreciated that.<br /><br />This book is full of nuggets to help boost your self image and self esteem and I love that she addresses the issue that many young girls face in today's society where they view themselves as invaluable or unworthy. She talks about doing things for your body that are good and healthy and make you feel good. <br /><br />As a plus-size woman, Queen Latifah talks about her curves and how she loves them. She does talk about exercise, but it's never in a way that she needs to lose weight or change herself; it is strictly to get healthy. I greatly appreciated this because I think too often that books are geared to make plus-size women exercise in hopes that they will change and lose the shape that God gave them. Exercise should be about being healthy, not crushing yourself at the gym to fit a beauty standard that isn't even everyone's of tea.<br /><br />I listened to the audiobook and it was narrated by Queen Latifah, but because of all the little nuggets I found myself wanting to highlight, I wish I had a physical copy of this book (I just ordered it off Amazon). This is a book that is great for anyone struggling with there self esteem or self worth and I have a feeling I will reference this book a lot in my life since those are things I greatly struggle with. Overall a great book. Would definitely recommend.

Great inspirational read. Starting a new chapter in my life and the pointers found in this book was a great help in to giving me a fresh start. Also being able to have her (Queen Latifah ) own voice was more that just a plus.