Review: "Never Make The Same Mistake Twice"
Posted by Susie Kopecky on Aug 30, 2009 - 4:46:37 AM
ATLANTA—You
may
know her name from a show called "The Real Housewives of Atlanta."
Nene Leakes can also add "author" to her long resume, with her debut
book "Never Make The Same Mistake Twice: "Lessons on Love and Life
Learned the Hard Way." This title is published by Simon & Schuster.
Leakes is just as entertaining as a writer, as she is as a performer...
which is a good thing. Leakes stands out in the Atlanta-based cast of
the Bravo show, which seeks to provide outsiders with an inside look at
the lives of rich Atlanta women.
Courtesy of Simon & Schuster
Leakes is a good performer: on the show, she knows how to entertain,
enthrall, and keep viewers coming back for more. As she explains in her
biography, Leakes has had plenty of experience performing and working
with a wide variety of people, so her insight into the human condition
should come as no surprise.
Leakes writes comedically about everyday experiences and her journey
into adulthood, but also writes on very serious issues, particularly
her own experiences as a victim of domestic abuse, while also
struggling as a single mother. Leakes' portrayal of her own mission in
life to help others, and reach out to those in need, is inspiring.
Don't worry, though, it's not all preaching about living perfect lives.
Leakes also proudly owns up to various episodes of her own past,
including a weekend stuck in a jail cell, giving in to an abusive
boyfriend, working as a stripper and putting men thrown the mill to
prove their affection. Her candor and apparent desire to lay everything
on the line, is affectively charming and disarming.
Of course, the book would not be complete without some juicy gossip
about the other housewives, both of the Atlanta show, and from the
other "Housewives" shows, based in Orange County and New York. It's
entertaining and fun to read Leakes' descriptions of the other women,
who we have never had the opportunity to see her interact with. Also
included (near the end) are juicy details on her own interactions with
her fellow "Real Housewives of Atlanta" castmates, and those seeking
drama will not be disappointed. Those familiar with the cast of
characters will have some real meat to sink their teeth into, in this
book.
Cheers to a fun read, and a book which can be gobbled up quickly.
Looking forward to the next "Real Housewives of Atlanta" episode!
