Synopses & Reviews
From an inside peek at the inner workings of Hollywood to the backstage drama of Broadway, from a poignant look at the black upper class to an honest look at the WASP elite, this elegantly wrought memoir of an extraordinary family has something for everyone.
Growing up with a black Auntie Mame-like mother (who performed with the likes of Lena Horne) and an Anglo sea-faring father, Susan Fales-Hill moved seamlessly between many worlds. But it was from her mother -- a woman who was dressed by Givenchy and sculpted by Alexander Calder, yet rejected by many a casting agent for her "dark," unconventional looks -- that Susan drew inspiration, particularly when she faced challenges in her own career as a television writer in Hollywood, a town that wasn't always receptive to positive images of people of color. As a result the two developed a bond that mothers and daughters everywhere will find inspiring. Both a universally touching mother-daughter story and a portrait of a dazzling American family, Always Wear Joy is a memoir readers won't soon forget.
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“[An] extraordinary story.” Essence
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“At last, at last a memoir by a daughter who appreciates and loves her mother, at last.” Bill Cosby
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“This love-filled, uplifting book will gladden your heart, moisten your eyes, and leave you smiling at the end.” Malachy McCourt, author of A Monk Swimming: A Memoir
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“Moving and beautifully rendered.” Town & Country
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“A distinguished memoir as well as an important contribution to black cultural history.” Kirkus Reviews (Starred)
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“A daughters ode to her mother who showed her ‘infinity instead of . . .limitations. This is no Mommie Dearest.” Vogue
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“A moving tribute from a daughter to a mother [and] a book about the undefeatable spirit of black women everywhere.” E. Lynn Harris
About the Author
Susan Fales-Hill is an award-winning television writer and producer. She has worked on shows ranging from The Cosby Show to A Different World, Linc's, and Suddenly Susan. Her writing has also appeared in Vogue, Town & Country, and Travel & Leisure. She lives in New York City.