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Handbook for an Unpredictable Life
Handbook for an Unpredictable Life: How I Survived Sister Renata and My Crazy Mother, and Still Came Out Smiling (with Great Hair) | Rosie Perez
5 posts | 4 read | 2 to read
Oscar-nominated actress Rosie Perezs never-before-told story of surviving a harrowing childhood and of how she found successboth in and out of the Hollywood limelight. Rosie Perez first caught our attention with her fierce dance in the title sequence of Do the Right Thing and has since defined herself as a funny and talented actress who broke boundaries for Latinas in the film industry. What most people would be surprised to learn is that the woman with the big, effervescent personality has a secret straight out of a Dickens novel. At the age of three, Rosies life was turned upside down when her mentally ill mother tore her away from the only family she knew and placed her in a Catholic childrens home in New Yorks Westchester County. Thus began her crazily discombobulated childhood of being shuttled between the Home, where she and other kids suffered all manners of cruelty from nuns, and various relatives apartments in Brooklyn. Many in her circumstances would have been defined by these harrowing experiences, but with the intense determination that became her trademark, Rosie overcame the odds and made an incredible life for herself. She brings her journey vividly to life on each page of this memoirfrom the vibrant streets of Brooklyn to her turbulent years in the Catholic home, and finally to film and TV sets and the LA and New York City hip-hop scenes of the 1980s and 90s. More than a page-turning read, Handbook for an Unpredictable Life is a story of survival. By turns heartbreaking and funny, it is ultimately the inspirational story of a woman who has found a hard-won place of strength and peace.
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EadieB
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OriginalCyn620 I didn‘t know that about her! 4y
42 likes2 comments
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Wife
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Pickpick

I knew nothing about Rosie Perez. Not familiar with her films or TV work. I often like to read a memoir “cold” like this. She and I were born the same year, so based on some pop culture mentions, I could picture where I was and what I was doing and imagine what it would have been like for me in her world. She had a really tragic upbringing and suffers from PTSD. I wasn‘t as interested in the chapters on her professional life. 3/5⭐️s #DollarTree

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Deborah42
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Pickpick

In her memoir, Rosie Perez recounts a difficult childhood marked by poverty, abuse, and abandonment. Her determination to get out of Brooklyn and create a better life for herself is inspiring. She‘s a survivor.

I have seen her in a few movies, but I had no idea that she was also a choreographer. I‘m adding to my Netflix list after reading her story.

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Deborah42
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Pickpick

In her memoir, Rosie Perez recounts a difficult childhood marked by poverty, abuse, and abandonment. Her determination to get out of Brooklyn and create a better life for herself is inspiring. She‘s a survivor.

I have seen her in a few movies, but I had no idea that she was also a choreographer. I‘m adding to my Netflix list after reading her story.

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MarticaMustRead
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A few of my most #MemorableMemoirs.
Each one of these left me inspired and in awe of each author's struggles, triumphs, and overall journey to where they are now be it in their career or emotionally and psychologically. 👏📚 💪#Booktober #MemorableMemoirs #Inspirational #DiverseReads

12 likes2 comments