Uphill

A Memoir

By: Jemele Hill

Narrated by: Jemele Hill

This program is read by the author.

"[Hill] narrates the facts of her path with understandable pride but without bragging. Even difficult career choices, such as her decision to leave ESPN, are presented in a thoughtful way, though it is clear that Hill still feels deeply about the choices she made. Every story told is more powerful for being narrated by Hill."- AudioFile Magazine

An empowering, unabashedly bold memoir by the Atlantic journalist and former ESPN SportsCenter coanchor about overcoming a legacy of pain and forging a new path, no matter how uphill life’s battles might be.

Jemele Hill’s world came crashing down when she called President Trump a “white supremacist”; the White House wanted her fired from ESPN, and she was deluged with death threats. But Hill had faced tougher adversaries growing up in Detroit than a tweeting president. Beneath the exterior of one of the most recognizable journalists in America was a need—a calling—to break her family’s cycle of intergenerational trauma.

Born in the middle of a lively routine Friday night Monopoly game to a teen mother and a heroin-addicted father, Hill constantly adjusted to the harsh realities of not only her own childhood but the inherited generational pain of her mother and grandmother. Her escape was writing.

Hill’s mother was less than impressed with the brassy and bold free expression of her diary, but Hill never stopped discovering and amplifying her voice. Through hard work and a constant willingness to learn, Hill rose from newspaper reporter to columnist to new heights as the coanchor for ESPN’s revered SportsCenter. Soon, she earned respect and support for her fearless opinions and unshakable confidence, as well as a reputation as a trusted journalist who speaks her mind with truth and conviction.

In Jemele Hill’s journey Uphill, she shares the whole story of her work, the women of her family, and her complicated relationship with God in an unapologetic, character-rich, and eloquent memoir.

A Macmillan Audio production from Henry Holt and Company.

©2022 Jemele Hill (P)2022 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

One of Oprah Daily's Best Fall Nonfiction Books of 2022

"Jemele Hill is an undeniable force. Her fearlessness has helped her break countless glass ceilings in her career, making her a stalwart example of possibility. She has consistently used her platform to be a voice for the voiceless, for which I have so much admiration. It’s an honor to know her and call her friend." —Sunny Hostin, Emmy Award-winning journalist, cohost of ABC’s “The View” and New York Times bestselling author of Summer on the Bluffs

“Jemele Hill's fearless reporting and advocacy for the truth are the central elements of a good journalist. But she takes it all one step further by championing new voices, and new perspectives, by making sure no one is forgotten. She takes risks, looks forward and backward, and never stops growing and pushing ahead.” —Soledad O'Brien, CEO, award-winning journalist and producer, and philanthropist

"Jemele Hill's commitment to truth telling is unparalleled. Whether she is exposing white supremacy or being radically transparent about her own history, Jemele's resolve remains steadfast. She makes you want to lean in and listen, but more importantly, she encourages us all to use our voices to tell necessary, hard truths." —Gabrielle Union, New York Times bestselling author of We're Going to Need More Wine and You Got Anything Stronger?

My goodness, so VERY GOOD!

The reading of this memoir was so freaking good. I yelled Amen several times to points Jemele made and fist bumped my own two fist in reacting to her. I might need to listen to this again. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Must listen... Must read! Wow!

What a powerful, motivating, and insightful read/listen from one of my absolute favorite women and sportscaster. This is a must-read for anyone in search of intelligent life in the media. Thank you, Jemele Hill!

Detroit stand up!

It was great to hear the progression of Hill’s rise through media. The ups and downs and how everything played out was very captivating.

Michelle M

It was great to hear the story of Jemele Hill’s journey to where she is and how she got there. She’s ambitious and has integrity. I admire her drive and authenticity. I really enjoyed it!

Amazing biography

Jemele Hill takes us on a journey of how she became the person she is today. Although she is far from over it has been a riveting ride so far. Thank you for allowing us a glimpse of the chapters of your life so far.

Detroit Girl at Center Stage

Loved it, could relate being from Detroit. Really enjoyed listening to it in her own words

Excellent

While I’m a longtime fan of Jemele, there was so many insights and reveals that made this review of her life and career intriguing and thought provoking.

Just Wow!

I’ve always admired Jemele. This memoir is story of triumph and overcoming hills of poverty, hatred bigotry. Jemele is an excellent storyteller and communicator. In my opinion, this will be a best seller..

Great read and/or Listen

I resonated with Jemele's story from growing up to her professional career. Loved it!

Dope Ass Chick

Finished the book in 3 days. So much of it was so familiar from her grandmother's love and fire to the fact that Jemele always had a sense of purpose and direction... defined by self
kujichagulia.

The audacity of this diligent, fiery, intelligent woman to not settle into someone's else's dream. To not be satisfied with what other's thought she should be grateful for. Not take any shit she did not decisively chose to take.
badd ass.

I purchased for my 11 you daughter to read one day.