The Ugly Cry: A Memoir by Danielle Henderson
Released June 8, 2021
I learned of the brilliance of Danielle Henderson through her film podcast, I Saw What You Did, which she co-hosts with her friend Millie De Chirico. This podcast is such a delight to listen to each week. Henderson and De Chirco bring listeners two films that fall into a theme that they have thought up. Such as the theme, “Was it good or was I just horny?” in which they go on to discuss the films Gleaming the Cube and Memphis Belle. Their film choices are excellent, but I come back each week for the hilarity these two bring at the beginning of the podcast with their gab/catch-up session. Listening to these two women is like having a “coffee talk” with my best friend. I could write a full glowing review on just the greatness of this podcast. But I shall move on to the book.
Along with being a podcast host, Danielle Henderson was also a TV writer and the creator of the famous viral Feminist Ryan Gosling memes.
In The Ugly Cry: A Memoir Danielle Henderson delivers her story with such honesty that it will make you laugh and cry (sometimes simultaneously) from the raw emotion that she shares of her childhood. Henderson’s memoir tells about how she and her brother were abandoned, at a young age, by a mother who chose her drug-addicted, abusive boyfriend. Danielle was raised by grandparents who thought their child-rearing days had ended. We follow Henderson as she recalls growing up in 1980s upstate New York as one of the only black kids in her primarily white small town. Then there is Grandma, who is such a rich character of toughness and love. Danielle Henderson details what it was like to be raised by her cursing, Nintendo-playing, horror movie-watching, tough love Grandmother. Danielle grew into a tall teenager who struggled with how to cope with her mother’s life choices. But through the struggles, she also learns the strength to walk through life with her head held high—all with the guidance of her fiercely loving grandmother. Henderson’s memoir ends, but she leaves readers hoping more will come.
This brilliantly written memoir is a page-turner that you will not want to put down. With humor, sharp wit, and raw honesty, Danielle Henderson shares her story of learning to survive the trauma and finding the love you need.
Always support your local library and go there first to find a book. Librarians are there to help you find what you need! But here are a few links to purchase The Ugly Cry: A Memoir by Danielle Henderson.
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