A very inspiring story of a woman who never gave up on her dream or compromised her beliefs in a world where it is too easy to do so.

One of Oprah Daily's Best Fall Nonfiction Books of 2022 An empowering, unabashedly bold memoir by the Atlantic journalist and former ESPN SportsCenter co-anchor about overcoming a legacy of pain and forging a new path, no matter how uphill life's battles might be. Jemele Hill's world came crashing down when she called President Trump a white supremacist; the White House wanted her fired from ESPN, and she was deluged with death threats.

This memoir was a selection for my book club to read for discussion. I had not heard or knew of the author, Jemele Hill, even though she is from my native town of Detroit’s west side and Mumford High School, otherwise I wouldn’t have read the book.

It was so ironic to hear her say how poverty allowed and made way for her to attend college, when affirmative action has recently been reversed and gives challenges to minorities in a higher education system.

I was bored with chapters 11-12. All the acronyms and sports figures that I couldn’t identify with left me emotionless. I wanted to hurry to the conclusion. However, I kept reading and discovered the racial injustices that blacks have endured in the sports media while the white races have tried to silence our voices in bringing exposure to the conflicts in pay, equality, and black lives to the forefront for conversation and debate. The high jacking of the term “woke” to encourage a cultural war and used to redefine its original definition. Hill, faced scrutiny, misogyny, and racism as a black woman in America while trying to achieve her dream career.

I felt that this memoir had a happy ending, in that Hill found true love, a rewarding career, and a permanent place to call home. ( )

I read this as part of the Michigan Radio Book Club.

Jemele Hill was born to make waves, starting when her private journal created dissonance between Jemele and her mother. From there she practiced, studied, and interned as a journalist. Due to her fearless opinions and unshakable confidence, Jemele quickly became a known for her honest journalism and gained respect from the masses. Eventually all these experiences lead to a position at ESPN. Onward to becoming a SportsCenter prime time cohost of SC6 with Michael and Jemele. Later that same year, Jemele changes from waves to tsunamis in a series of tweets directed at President Donald Trump. The impact of these tweets created turbulence between the viewer, ESPN, and Jemele.

Jemele Hill did the narration of her memoir Uphill which solidifies the reader’s dedication to knowing her story. The reader navigates through Jemele’s experiences with generational trauma, journalize, religion, romance, and drugs. For a book that mentions political dispute in the synopsis, foreword, and conclusion, there was surprisingly little throughout the book. Uphill was written and produced immaculately, keeping the reader invested from start to finish. ( )

I'm not a sports fan so I'd never heard of Jemele Hill, but I think I remember something about Donald Trumps issue with her. Anyway I like memoirs, I like putting myself in someone's shoes who I wouldn't normally understand, and I like reading about successful women, this one met all those very well! She writes very well, has an interesting story, and is someone I can admire for her talent, courage, and ability to speak her truth, and to keep focus on what is right for her. Thank you to Librarything for the free copy. ( )

Interesting perspective and story about the rise of a well-known ESPN talent. I am familiar with Hill through ESPN and her recent outspokenness on many political and social issues. Hearing about her background and path to success gives a better appreciation of where she came from and how she got to where she is today. 3.5 stars.

Thanks to the publisher for a copy in exchange for a review. ( )