The Ugly Cry

A Memoir

By: Danielle Henderson

Narrated by: Danielle Henderson

“They say comedy equals tragedy plus time: This very funny account of an often miserable childhood is proof.” (People)

“What a strong, funny, heartbreaking memoir, with a voice that is completely its own (written by a woman who very much seems to be completely her own, as well.) I loved it.” (Elizabeth Gilbert, New York Times best-selling author of Big Magic and Eat, Pray, Love)

An uproarious, moving memoir about a grandmother’s ferocious love and redefining what it means to be family

“If you fight that motherf**ker and you don’t win, you’re going to come home and fight me.” Not the advice you’d normally expect from your grandmother - but Danielle Henderson would be the first to tell you her childhood was anything but conventional.

Abandoned at 10 years old by a mother who chose her drug-addicted, abusive boyfriend, Danielle was raised by grandparents who thought their child-rearing days had ended in the 1960s. She grew up Black, weird, and overwhelmingly uncool in a mostly white neighborhood in upstate New York, which created its own identity crises. Under the eye-rolling, foul-mouthed, loving tutelage of her uncompromising grandmother - and the horror movies she obsessively watched - Danielle grew into a tall, awkward, Sassy-loving teenager who wore black eyeliner as lipstick and was struggling with the aftermath of her mother’s choices. But she also learned that she had the strength and smarts to save herself, her grandmother gifting her a faith in her own capabilities that the world would not have most Black girls possess.

With humor, wit, and deep insight, Danielle shares how she grew up and grew wise - and the lessons she’s carried from those days to these. In the process, she upends our conventional understanding of family and redefines its boundaries to include the millions of people who share her story.

©2021 Danielle Henderson (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

Most Anticipated Book of the Summer with Good Morning America | TIME | EW | Bustle | Bitch | PureWow | HelloGiggles | The AV Club | Yahoo! Life | CBS

“What a strong, funny, heartbreaking memoir, with a voice that is completely its own (written by a woman who very much seems to be completely her own, as well.) I loved it.” (Elizabeth Gilbert, New York Times best-selling author of Big Magic and Eat, Pray, Love)

“I’ve struggled writing this blurb because hyperbole is unbelievable. Except the Grand Canyon really is astonishing and the universe does fill us with awe and Danielle Henderson’s memoir, The Ugly Cry, is the funniest memoir I have ever read. It is also achingly sad. And powerfully redemptive. The Ugly Cry raises the bar on how hilarious and brave and weird and crazy and screamingly brilliant a memoir can be. Danielle Henderson has knocked it out of the park and into the stratosphere with this debut.” (Augusten Burroughs, number-one New York Times best-selling author of Running with Scissors)

"Henderson writes with an incredible amount of vulnerability, presenting her story with a cleareyed compassion for her mother, grandmother, and, ultimately, herself. A redemptive memoir about a Black woman’s victory over childhood abuse, racism, and mental illness.” (Kirkus)

Listen to this now

Absolutely loved this book — equal parts laugh out loud funny and heartbreaking. Read by the author, so worth the listen rather than the read. You can hear her joy, love and amusement when she talks about her grandmother

Loved every minute

Danielle writes from her heart. She shows the vulnerability that so many of us fear showing to others. Her humor and humanity brought me joy during these uncertain times.

Book Review

I loved this book. The narrator was wonderful. I was sorry when the reading ended.

Great listen

A story of tough love, really deep pain and triumph. You are truly a survivor!

Excellent

While many of us had effed up childhoods, the fact that Ms. Henderson shared hers with us with humor, grace, and candor definitely supports the old adage that your past does not predict your future. I am her fan now! Love this book.

Worth every penny!! Loved this book!

This book was so funny! The authors description of her grandmother was touching, hilarious and poignant. It truly had me laughing out loud. Highly recommend!!

Excellent memoir

This book was funny, touching, heartbreaking, and a commentary on the devastating effects abuse and trauma. Loved the vulnerability and her ability to find humor in things. Great book club book!

So good

Growing up in the 80’s and 90’s in a small town, I related to this book. Danielle tells a great story of her childhood and the love, support and endurance shown to her by her grandmother. Her grandma’s spirit was brought to life in this story, feeling like someone we all personally know.

I Loved This Book

This book was beautiful and touching. The author does an amazing job of reading it

80s kid here

I really enjoyed this story because Danielle and I are both the same age. We grew up way different. I enjoyed the nostalgia of the 80s!!