Vanessa Williams had a plan or, it might be accurate to say Vanessa Williams' mother had a plan: The birth announcements for her daughter read "Here she is: Miss America." To the young Vanessa, that really wasn't part of her dream agenda. She wanted to study drama at Yale and then pursue a career on Broadway. Somehow though, against her best intentions, she became a beauty pageant. In 1983, she surprised herself and the nation (but apparently not her mom) by becoming Miss America, the first African-American to be so honored. The surprises, however, didn't stop. Ten months after she took the crown, a scandal over nude photographs erupted and Williams was forced to resign. And that notoriety, believe it or not, sparked a great entertainment career that has included major roles in Desperate Housewives, Ugly Betty, and The Right Stuff. In You Have No Idea, Vanessa (and, of course, her mother) reflect on an improbable, exciting career.
— Edward Ash-Milby
From the Publisher
A revealing portrait of a fearless daughter and her feisty mother.” — Essence
“A great, gossipy, advice-filled read for anyone, but moms, especially, will understand.” — Ebony
“Vanessa Williams is a beautiful human being with a fascinating story—one of dignity in the face of adversity, determination leading to triumph. She is a wonderful mother, a devoted daughter, a gifted actress, a brilliant performer, and a dedicated friend who has always shown up for me—and so many others—when it mattered most.” — Maria Shriver
“Vanessa Williams is such an inspiration, and her mother, Helen, is a dynamo. You Have No Idea is a book that will make you laugh, cry, and will ultimately leave you empowered to face whatever challenges life throws at you with grace and poise—just like these ladies have." — Kristen Chenoweth
“I have known Vanessa for many years and have had the great pleasure of working with her in the past. She is a strong, dynamic, and truly remarkable woman and her story is one for the ages. You Have No Idea is a must read!” — Diahann Carroll
“Vanessa Williams is one of the most beautiful, talented, elegant and complex women I have ever come to know. Her story is sure to be an inspiration and a path for many who find themselves challenged but determined to succeed against all odds.” — Debbie Allen
“It's about time Vanessa Williams wrote a book about her life. Few have triumphed in as many aspects of show business and few have survived as much personal adversity. I promise you will be entertained, touched and inspired by this wonderful woman's story. (And if it sounds like I have a crush on her, I totally do.)” — Marc Cherry, Creator and Executive Producer of Desperate Housewives
Marc Cherry
It's about time Vanessa Williams wrote a book about her life. Few have triumphed in as many aspects of show business and few have survived as much personal adversity. I promise you will be entertained, touched and inspired by this wonderful woman's story. (And if it sounds like I have a crush on her, I totally do.)
Debbie Allen
Vanessa Williams is one of the most beautiful, talented, elegant and complex women I have ever come to know. Her story is sure to be an inspiration and a path for many who find themselves challenged but determined to succeed against all odds.
Diahann Carroll
I have known Vanessa for many years and have had the great pleasure of working with her in the past. She is a strong, dynamic, and truly remarkable woman and her story is one for the ages. You Have No Idea is a must read!
Kristen Chenoweth
Vanessa Williams is such an inspiration, and her mother, Helen, is a dynamo. You Have No Idea is a book that will make you laugh, cry, and will ultimately leave you empowered to face whatever challenges life throws at you with grace and poise—just like these ladies have."
Maria Shriver
Vanessa Williams is a beautiful human being with a fascinating story—one of dignity in the face of adversity, determination leading to triumph. She is a wonderful mother, a devoted daughter, a gifted actress, a brilliant performer, and a dedicated friend who has always shown up for me—and so many others—when it mattered most.
Ebony
A great, gossipy, advice-filled read for anyone, but moms, especially, will understand.
Essence
A revealing portrait of a fearless daughter and her feisty mother.
Library Journal
The former Miss America and Desperate Housewives star speaks up about work, love, and life with mom. Refreshingly not a Mommie Dearest; buy for your celeb followers.
