Grace Will Lead Me Home (Hardcover)

by Robin Givens (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Robin Givens may be best known for her abusive marriage to the volatile boxer Mike Tyson and its cataclysmic ending. But in this vividly evoked, intelligent memoir she makes it clear there is much more to her life. She recounts the legacy of life-threatening domestic violence that has haunted her family for three generations and how she has managed to survive, and, ultimately, thrive.

It was Oprah who convinced Robin to tell her story. As an honor student at Sarah Lawrence, she landed a job on the Cosby Show. She was a golden girl; success came instantly. And then she met Mike Tyson, the most powerful man on earth who made her feel safe. For a time. She vividly remembers Mike’s first punch, delivered coldly, dispassionately, and easily tossing her 105-pound frame across the room. As she details in the book he sliced her clothing to ribbons and nearly choked her to death -- yet she remained determined to love him enough to save them both. And at some point, she realized that if he didn’t kill her himself, he would drive her to do it (a taunt he made constantly).

When she left, the campaign of destruction continued. She went from being selected as one of People’s Fifty Most Beautiful People to being vilified in the press. Robin tried to focus on her career, but motherhood provided the clarity she needed. It is through her children, and her stalwart mother and sister, that she has been able to come to terms with her choices, her faith, and ultimately herself. Grace Will Lead Me Home is her extraordinary, yet poignantly universal story.

About the Author
Robin Givens attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and Sarah Lawrence College. A theater, film, and television actress, she was nominated for the Black Reel Award as Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Hollywood Wives. She lives with her sons in Florida and California. This is her first book.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Miramax; 1 edition (June 5, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401352464
• ISBN-13: 978-1401352462
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #462,189 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Debut for an Often Misunderstood Woman, June 11, 2007

By	Mgbteach "Michael Brown" (Jamaica, NY) - See all my reviews

Having followed Robin Givens' career since the beginning, I was immediately interested in reading her memoir. I've always felt that this young woman hasn't deserved the reputation that unfortunately, in many cases, the media has bestowed upon her. In her book, Givens is finally given the opportunity to express her side of the story, and she does it with heartfelt dignity and grace.
The book traces Givens' family history for three generations. She has been blessed with especially strong women who, in turn, created several opportunities for her; exposing her to a fine, well-rounded education in the academics as well as the arts. Readers are also treated to the success story behind her mother who is quite an accomplished businesswoman.
For those readers who were expecting that the entire book would focus on her marriage to heavyweight boxing champion, Mike Tyson, you'll be surprised, but not disappointed. Those of us who admired this talented young woman prior to her nuptials to Mr. Tyson will enjoy references to her vast body of work and creative and professional associations with Bill Cosby as well as Oprah Winfrey.
Most of all, the book serves as an inspiration for not only women, but also men who wish to become who God truly intended them to be. It's a book about a journey of self-discovery. It's a book about family. It's a book about faith.
Having recently had the chance to hear Givens emotionally read from her book in New York City, it is clear to see that writing the book was most likely a very therapeutic experience for her. I'm so glad that I was able to meet her in person and offer her support and congratulations for the life that she has successfully developed for herself and her children. I would love to have the opportunity to learn more about this dynamic young woman. Kudos, Robin! Indeed, Grace shall lead you home.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not a tell-all book about Tyson - and that's a good thing!, July 3, 2007

By	Gayle Williams "GreenburghMamaDay" (Greenburgh, New York USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

While many people might think that Robin Givens would simply like to dish dirt on her ex-husband, this book is actually (and thankfully) a testimony of her life and the lives of her mother and grandmother. And it's a story of her journey back into God's arms. It's a beautifully written book and really a pleasure to read. All of those naysayers who thought (and still think) that Robin Givens was a goldigging hustler need to give this a crack to see what her life was actually like. A great debut and I hope there are more books to come from Ms. Givens.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb Literary Work By Ms. Givens!, September 2, 2007

By	The Reader "Kalaia" (Houston, TX United States) - See all my reviews

I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and Robin Givens has excellent writing skills! Unfortunately, she is someone who has often been misunderstood. However, there was always something about Robin that I understood, as one can tell that she has a good heart and much compassion. After reading this book, you will get a true understanding of who Robin is and has always been, a strong woman.

This book tells the stories of three generations of strong women who endured and overcame obstacles in life, including Robin, her mother, and grandmother. All of these women experienced a childhood without a father, and somehow ended up in abusive relationships. However, through God's grace, they all persevered into a life of purpose. I cannot express how much I was deeply engrossed in this book. As Robin told her story, I could feel her pain, sorrow, and sadness, as well as her happiness, strength, and faith. She grew up without a father, and I can understand her insecurities and the choices she made, particularly when deciding to get involved with Mike Tyson. Although he was definitely not the right person for her, I could see how a young insecure girl who lacked the love and guidance of a father would fall into such a trap. Robin learned the hard way, but it has made her a better person, and most importantly, she has finally experienced the love and guidance of her true Father who is God Almighty. I really wish that more people would read this book, and highly recommend it to any woman who has experienced growing up without a father.

Robin, thank you for sharing your story, and I hope to see you in more acting projects soon. I have always been a fan of yours.