Vivica A. Fox is a dynamo who has created a lasting career on her own, through sheer, roll-up-your-sleeves DIY hustle. Every Day I'm Hustling is a personal book with a message Fox passionately believes in: that you make your own luck, that you never ever wake up in the morning thinking somebody’s going to call you and offer you that part or ask you out on that date that’s going to change your life, that you have to wake up and put on your longest eyelashes and fiercest heels and go out and make your life happen yourself.
The actress provides start-today strategies for success in business and “been there” lessons in love, buttressed with stories from her early family life all the way through to today. Always honest and always funny, Fox also tells behind-the-scenes tales from some of her biggest movies — such as Uma Thurman’s life-changing advice during Kill Bill and Will Smith's downtime pep talk on Independence Day. And she maps out exactly what it took to come back with a role on the smash hit Empire and her own frisky show on Lifetime, Vivica’s Black Magic. She also shares her how-is-she-53? secrets to looking your best, no matter the age on your driver’s license.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 I read this book a couple of months ago. But I never got around to writing a review. So I figured I’d share a few thoughts now. Better late than never...right😉!
First, let me start by saying, l absolutely loved this book. It was everything I look for in a great read! Entertaining stories, tons of words of wisdom, short chapters (I happen to love short chapters) and those personal moments of girl talk. I felt like i I was listening to my BFF. Vivica made me laugh. She was real and I loved every minute of it.
What else I absolutely loved about this experience was Vivica’s interaction with me. When l posted about the book, she “liked” and “commented” on my posts. Now, how cool is that? Vivica A. Fox took the time to interact with me, & that made this whole experience that much better. As I reader l enjoy author interaction. It allows me to see that the author appreciates my support. It definitely makes reading the book that much more entertaining.
I definitely recommend this book if you’re looking for a good memoir. It’s the perfect summer read.
First, what I really enjoyed about this book: Vivica Fox is a genuine human being and truly wants others to succeed, even and especially her readers. The book is filled with positive encouragements, and examples of how she crafted her career in Hollywood with blood, sweat and more sweat; this girl was given nothing. She has a good head on her shoulders, learns from her mistakes and above all wants others to flourish. I also enjoyed that she is honest and talked openly about who was difficult to work with on her films, and what it was like dating 50 Cent (not pretty). What was difficult was her writing style. Sentences like "I wore me a cute summer dress and got me a ..." were just the tip of the ice berg. I assume the intention of the book was to be written as if the author was narrating and perhaps it would have been easier to listen to this book on audio because the massacre of the English language was, like 50 Cent, not pretty.
Here and there, I enjoy reading memoirs or autobiographies to grasp some insight or backstory about the person. Vivica A Fox is one of a kind. She breaks her book into parts (5). At times, it is like I am hearing her speak to me because it is conversational type of read.
Ms. Fox shares her life story--her truth--life experiences including other celebrities whom shared their knowledge in which helped her learn about branding and diversifying. These are lessons she learned and taken to heart (seriously). Her haircare line, Vivica Fox Hair Collection is quality, and invites others to join her squad/team or those supportive mentors by adding "don't be afraid to contact people who are successes in the field you want to excel in. (page 32)" I do agree that you network with experts in the field, to learn and know this is what you want to do. I first did the education, then did odd jobs, later got in the field, to see I wasn't even interested. I would tell people intern, or work for free before going to college or vocational opportunities is better to avoid the time and $$. She adds that people laugh at business ideas, like her hair game, and she made it sexy not tired and boring like old lady wigs I used to see. I bought a couple of her wigs but didn't get the blonde one I wanted so did black and red/black one, so many compliments from the red one! The black one, had a guy at work joke that it looked like the lady on New Jack City, yes, the one with Wesley Snipe character, speaking French, that's a compliment in a way because she was deemed as sexy.
A celeb star should be: Humble. Confident. When you are not valued, move on. Stay ready. She gives great advice, nuggets, or instant reminders to keep hustling and moving forward in our lives.
Reaching your REAL goals: 1. job won't let you grow [promote your potential, my words and take on this one] 2. Do a cost-benefit analysis (learning in my 40s) 3. Afraid to try [fear becomes your drive--all me]. Others rise as your stagnant. Going through the motions.
Learn to attack intelligently, reminds me of not working harder but smarter. (Gained all this in part 1 or 50+ pages)
Part 2: Dream exercises (my motto--Dream4More)
I enjoyed the other parts in the book, especially in part 5, "accentuate the positives in your life (230)." We focus too much on the negatives, the failures, flaws, and such, where we are not content with what we have, who we are/will be, and continue to press forward (living a positive life). I am surely working on just that.
disclaimer: I borrowed a hard copy and giving my honest opinion on the read. (I would like to order a copy with our library budget but unable to locate on Follett, so will have to find paperback version in future, good stuff for Brain Project or other challenges offered in library).
What a great autobiography book. I'm so thrilled to have this lovely gem to my autobiography/biography book collection. Very inspirational. I learned a lot from Vivica and what she represents as a successful women.
I first noticed Vivica in the Quentin Tarantino's movie Kill Bill, my second favorite movie all time. I read this book this whole week while I was at work on my breaks and when I would get home. I couldn't put this book down and re read some of the pages just to hear her inspiration on life and to be successful.
My favorite part in the book is the "Turn Your Haters Into Congratulators" page 121 section 3.Dont let someone ruin your workspace. I love when she says "Do you have a snake on the loose in your office? My condolences, but we'll get through this." I so happen to be reading that part while I was in my office at work and had to share this line with my co worker who is dealing with some complications at work lol It was just perfect timing.
Vivica is smart, funny, and the way she explains her life from the beginning sharing her dreams and doing what it takes and learning from her mistakes such as career wise and relationship , and taking on business she is a head strong women. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to meeting her for the first time at Barnes And Noble book signing tomorrow :D
Actually, I didn't read the Kindle edition. I have a signed copy bought at Barnes and Noble. I was looking forward to reading about Vivica's time on "Celebrity Apprentice," and she didn't disappoint. Her brief analysis of the Trump family was very interesting as was the gossip about her battle with Atlanta Housewife Kenya Moore on that show. I also enjoyed reading about her life before she became a star and about her bizarre relationship with Bad Boy rapper 50 Cent. My one problem with the book is I'm clearly not her target audience since she gives advice on career opportunities and how to deal with men, friends, and family. Unlike some other actresses whose memoirs I've read, Vivica, at fifty something, is not only successful enough but old enough to give advice. She's just not as old as I am. However, I could have used one tip from her two years ago. She advises her readers to "take off your Captain Save-a-Ho cape." Unfortunately, in 2016, I hadn't read Vivica's book when I put on what I called my Mighty Mouse--here I come to save the day--cape. All of the other advice Vivica offers I either knew decades ago or never needed. Still, she wrote an entertaining and (for the right audience) helpful book.
I didn't think I would like this as much. Vivica was really real and it felt just like you were talking to your homegirl! She offers a lot of tips for life throughout her years up until the present day. The emotions and stories she presents are really relatable and I think that's what I most appreciated!
I'm not gonna lie. I didn't think I was going to like this book. I thought it was just another "wish it, want it, do it" types. But I must say it's a decent read. Ms. Fox takes us on a journey of her personal and professional life while giving life lessons in the process. We get to meet her immediate family, discover more about her relationship with Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson and get insight into her movie and television career.
What I enjoyed most is the voice and tone of the book. I had the opportunity to meet Ms. Fox last month and the book "sounds" just like her (We also met her brother Marvin who she shares a birthday with). It is written in her voice and her style. I also loved learning more about the movies she appeared in. Learning that Morris Chestnut is a good kisser, that she bought that yellow outfit in the opening scene of Two Can Play That Game herself (cause she wanted to look fly lol) that she was first asked to audition for TT in Set-It-Off, not Frankie, and that her favorite part of Soul Food was the part where her and Ahmad are walking through the park after his game and she says the famous, "I carried you for nine months, went through twenty-three hours, forty-five minutes, and ten seconds of labor. Wiped your little butt while your lil ding-a-ling pee-peed in my face. So Mama knows when you're up to something."
I loved that part as well so to know that was also her favorite part was pretty cool. You feel like you're on the inside and behind the curtains of things that happened and it's neat.
My only dislike is that the book reads like a memoir/self-help book. While I enjoyed the lessons (and highlighted my favorites), I think the book would have read better as simply a memoir or autobiography alone, filled with her life lessons, upbringing, and experience in Hollywood, minus the beauty tips and things.
I’m not going to lie. When I heard she was writing a book, I was like WHYYYYYY 🙄. But yesterday I got a snippet of it and was like, um ok... I didn’t know I needed a memoir of our Hollywood Royalty Auntie/Bestie Vivica A Foxxxxx!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book although she could have left ol boy completely out and it would have been maybe a chapter shorter and that would have been just grand.
I cackled at the “gumbo-ness” of the book cause auntie slid us recipes, quotes, fashions, beauty and dating/marriage tips. Auntie is also quite generous & savvy with her money which made me happy to see as well.
I pray she finds a love that matches... 💚💚💚 would have been a “tops” but that chapter on dude just ruined that for me, what a dickhead. STAY AWAY FROM THESE KINDS OF MEN ladies!!!!
I listened to the audiobook for this book. I must admit, it was better than I thought it would be. I got to learn about Vivica's business acumen and see her 'big picture' in her own words and voice. I'll admit that prior to hearing her story I often wondered why she made the choices she did. They did not seem consistent and, in my opinion, seemed to diminish her 'brand.' But, I did not realize she was diversifying her brand. She knew that she could no longer get roles as a young ingenue or sexpot. I enjoyed her advice and hearing about her beauty regimen. All in all, a fun and honest book.
This book is about 40 percent celebrity autobiography, 55% inspirational self-help book, and 5% favorites/recommendations. I enjoyed this book so much, I am very tempted to purchase a used copy so I can reference parts of it again. My biggest complaint is that someone made the ill-advised decision to write the book in prose meant to evoke Vivica's "round the way girl" persona, which was an unwelcome distraction for me. Vivica's had a very long, busy career, so (understandably) many of her projects are not mentioned at all. I'd say the book does a good enough job of hitting the high points of her career that even a casual fan won't be disappointed.
"Butterflies just mean the work is still important to you."
I really enjoyed Vivica A. Fox's memoir. It wasn't so much her writing style; rather her life story that I enjoyed reading about in her own words. It was like listening to an old head pass on the wisdom that they've acquired over the years. I feel like an in person conversation with her would be so enriching. You can tell that she is the person always dropping gems on younger people in entertainment and business. She seems to be a great mentor!
Vivica A. Fox is an award winning actress, producer and businesswoman who have a passion for her work. She has been in the business for many years and she knows the game well. I found it inspiring to hear her story growing up in Indianapolis to Hollywood to pursue an acting career. She has wisdom for anyone following their dreams. Her story is a memoir about her life as she share her life story with grace.
I really enjoyed this book. I'm a fan of Ms. Fox, so it was nice to get a look in on her life in her own words. Not only that, she is an inspiration. She offers some great advice and just lays it all out there for you, no guessing games no questions. Her advice isn't just geared towards actors either so anyone can prosper from her advice.
Vivica Fox a successful actress with longevity in the entertainment business, shares some of her life experiences, and the lessons she has learned along the way. The tips and advice that she shares, can be applied to each readers life, as he or she seeks their own success. I enjoyed this book, it was a good read.
Full disclosure, I was not going to read the book in its entirety. Hell, I wanted to see what she had to say about Fiddy, I mean an entire chapter dedicated to, THE DEVIL IS FINE, AND THAT’S HOW HE GETS YOU.
However, I did peruse the table of contents and preface, and the matter-of-fact tone piqué my interest. I also have been in memoir mode.
I had no idea who Vivica Fox was before reading this book, just like almost every other TV and movie person... bought this (along with a bunch of other books) because it was 50% off at the Newark airport just before about 20 hours of flying/traveling.
But now I know she dated 50 Cent.
The book had some moderately interesting moments and was a super-quick read.
The entertainment value in Vivica’s hustle is as magnetic as the generous storytelling. The practical advice she gives is particularly insightful and often on point. ‘Stay positive, believe in yourself, give back and help others.’ So much is in here. I can't possibly touch on it all. There's even an Index! So well done. This book is for anyone. I loved it! Highly recommended.
I was surprised to have found this book sitting on the book shelf at the local libraries' monthly BOOK SALE this month, but very glad to have spotted it because I was able to get it for my own personal collection whit Vivica a. fox being one of my favorite celebrities & all. The libraries lost is my gain! The LCT libraries DID YOU WRONG BUT IT'S COOL- I gotcha Auntie Viv!
I enjoyed every page! I loved how transparent and honest she was, in addition to telling us readers her mistakes and lessons learned. She gives us useful and relevant advice, and believe me, I'm using many of them now. Read this book!
You look marvelous darling. Your book is so I informative and real. Thank you for all the great tips. Exceptional, you and the book. May God continue to bless you.
The book starts out with career advice, covers her romantic troubles, then moves on to explain how to have a good life when you are over 40 and have no husband and no children. It can be done! Good for her.
A very light, quick read. Upbeat, entertaining voice telling her story in a conversational tone. I’m not into celebrity, fashion, etc but really enjoyed the content anyway—she’s a strong woman, and I can get behind that!
Appreciate Vivicia sharing her journey to fame in this book. She shares her challenges which she endured , but it also gave her strength to be who she is today! Throughly enjoyed revisting it, as I read it many years ago in the past!
I’ve been a Vivica Fox fan since I saw her on the soap opera Generations and it was enjoyable to see her progression through the entertainment world as well receive her business advice.