You Got Anything Stronger?

Stories

By: Gabrielle Union

Narrated by: Gabrielle Union

“Funny, tender, and so good.” (Mindy Kaling, number one New York Times best-selling author of Why Not Me?)

Remember when we hit it off so well that we decided we’re going to need more wine? Well, this time you and I are going to turn to our friend the bartender and ask, you got anything stronger? I promise to continue to make you laugh, but with this round, the stakes get higher as the conversation goes deeper.

So. Where were we?

Right, you and I left off in October 2017, when my first book came out. The weeks before were filled with dreams of loss. Pets dying. My husband leaving me. Babies not being born. My therapist told me it was my soul preparing for my true self to emerge after letting go of my grief. I had finally spoken openly about my fertility journey. I was having second thoughts - in fact, so many thoughts they were organizing to go on strike. But I knew I had to be honest because I didn’t want other women going through IVF to feel as alone as I did. I had suffered in isolation, having so many miscarriages that I could not give an exact number. Strangers shared their own journeys and heartbreak with me. I had led with the truth, and it opened the door to compassion.

When I released We’re Going to Need More Wine, the response was so great people asked when I would do a sequel. The New York Times even ran a headline reading “We’re Going to Need More Gabrielle Union”. Frankly, after being so open and honest in my writing, I wasn’t sure there was more of me I was ready to share. But life happens with all its plot twists, and new stories demand to be told. This time, I need to be more vulnerable - not so much for me, but anyone who feels alone in what they’re going through.

A lot has changed in four years - I became a mom, and I’m raising two amazing girls. My husband retired. My career has expanded so that I have the opportunity to lift up other voices that needs to be heard. But the world has also shown us that we have a lot we still have to fight for - as women, as Black women, as mothers, as aging women, as human beings, as friends. In You Got Anything Stronger?, I show you how this ever-changing life presents challenges, even as it gives me moments of pure joy. I take you on a girl’s night at Chateau Marmont, and I also talk to Isis, my character from Bring It On. For the first time, I truly open up about my surrogacy journey and the birth of Kaavia James Union Wade. And I take on racist institutions and practices in the entertainment industry, asking for equality and real accountability.

You Got Anything Stronger? is me at my most vulnerable. I have recently found true strength in that vulnerability, and I want to share that power with you here, through this book.

©2021 Gabrielle Union (P)2021 HarperCollins Publishers

Best listen of the year

This was super powerful.  It felt like sitting down with a friend and yet it was brutally honest and made me stop, think, and re-evaluate.  I laughed and cried.
The story: Dear Isis was heartbreaking for me.  I didn't realize what she went through to bring Isis to the screen as a model black girl and still people thought she(Isis) was the villain of the story. I listened to the audiobook and am glad I did at home. I laughed out loud and I balled. I balled for so many reasons. The Voice of Wisdom: Like she says: we found out there are legit UFO's  and yet we choose not to help women with their bodies. It's BS. This book is so necessary.

Every story is important and fascinating. The way she has crafted these stories brings it all right up front and doesn't shy away from making those truths uncomfortable for white readers. It's good, it's bright, it's necessary. Read this book. Listen to this book. Just do it. You won't be disappointed. 

#this

Exactly what my soul and spirit needed as I prepare to close Chapter 43! It is nice to know that I’m not losing my mind and that other strong black women share in the same daily struggles! Thank you!!!

Completely Enjoyed!

I really enjoyed this book! It’s 2:30am and I just finished listening. Gabby did such a great job, at times she was educating you about the black experience in America and raising a Transgender child and at other times you felt like you were there cheering and witnessing a dance battle with Bruno Mars. Nothing tugged at my heart more than the recounts of miscarriages and the ultimate birth of my most favorite “Instagram but real real life” niece Kaavia! I can’t wait to read more titles by Gabby.

Love it!

Very good book. She touches on some good topics and tells some good stories. I almost look at her in a different light after hearing some of the stories. I had no idea.

Loved the realness of this book!

I enjoyed the Audible version of this book. It felt like I was sitting in Gabrielle’s living room having tea and conversation about real-life topics that are relevant to my life experiences. Thank you Gabrielle for being so real😀

IDENTIFIABLY RAW

Thank you for being so transparent , vulnerable and courageous! You have help us to find our voice without shame!

Amazing

Gabrielle has never disappointed me with any of her book and this book is just great. I love how she is so open about her life and gives us realness

Captivating

I believe every black home should have a copy or purchase the audio version of this book. My wife "full joyed" every moment shared. Thank you & continue to inspire the world.

Regards

Richard A. Brown

I'm already pining for part 3

Gabrielle Union is my birthday twin, through and through - month, day, year. Perhaps that coincidence makes me biased? This may be true but you cannot discount her latest literary offering. She takes you on a transparent, honest, journey filled with stories told from her personal point of view. I always thought she was a great actress. I respected her craft and talent. Now I realize she's much more, so much more. She's a mom, an activist, a creative soul, a wife, daughter, sister, mother and more. I enjoyed listening to this book. I'm looking forward to the next installment.

good read

loved it! Gabriel tells it all. Having the book personally narrated really helped it come to life.