Jennifer Hudson is best known for her appearance as a finalist on American Idol as well as her role in Dreamgirls. I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down, an autobiography covering her rise to success and weight loss journey, is her first book.
The book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the American Idol audition process. It continues with detailed stories of her days on Idol, where she made fans across the country and finished seventh. Hudson also writes extensively about being cast in Dreamgirls, shooting the film and her reaction to winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for the film.
Hudson is candid about her struggle with weight issues, including how upbringing told her looks were more important than health and how the birth of her son inspired her to start living a healthy lifestyle. After suffering a personal tragedy when her mother, brother and nephew were killed in 2008, Jennifer took awhile off to regroup and returned as a Weight Watchers' celebrity spokeswoman in 2010. Since that time, she's lost more than 80 pounds and become a positive and encouraging role model to millions searching for weight loss success. In the book, she offers an introduction to the Weight Watchers plan as well as tips on how she's adopted healthy habits.
American was first introduced to Hudson in 2004, when she appeared on the third season of American Idol. Dreamgirls followed just two years later. The film was praised by audiences and critics alike, and won Hudson an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, an NAACP Image Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
"Anyone who is a Jennifer Hudson fan, a Weight Watchers member, or just a person who has struggled to overcome obstacles in their life will love this book! I Got This is an autobiography that serves as an inspiring and motivational tool. JHud recounts her early career aspirations, rise to fame and the importance OTHERS put on her weight, weight gain and weight loss along the way. She goes into great detail of how she made the decision to become healthy and why Weight Watchers has worked for her. She even includes information on how 5 of her family members have consequently been inspired by her to start the program on their own. As of the printing of the book- her family members had lost over 2000 lbs! I loved this book because Jennifer is so open, honest, encouraging and joyful about her career and weight loss journey and the unique ability she has to improve the lives of others through her actions and fame. It's obvious that her greatest joy is educating people about weight loss through Weight Watchers. As a member of WW and a fan of the author - it was a pleasure to read this book."
— Tiffany (4 out of 5 stars)
A personal and inspirational memoir from Grammy and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, focused on her amazing transformation as she embraced a healthy lifestyle and lost over eighty pounds.
Soulful and sultry, Jennifer Hudson wowed the world with her powerful voice in American Idol's third season, and then took Hollywood by storm with a star turn in Dreamgirls that won her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. But before we knew her as an American Idol standout, Jennifer was singing in her church choir in the Southside of Chicago. This uplifting memoir tells the story of Jennifer's meteoric rise from American Idol to Dreamgirls to her amazing weight loss on the megablockbuster Weight Watchers diet plan. With the Weight Watchers brand endorsing her, Jennifer gives her fans tips for embracing a healthy lifestyle in order to lose weight and reclaim their bodies. Full of stories from her American Idol days, her experience acting in Dreamgirls, and how her son inspired her to want to live healthfully, this book is a gift for her millions of fans and an inspiration for anyone struggling with weight issues.
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" Somewhat repetitive, but inspiring story. Good read for weight watcher users with needed motivation! "
— Melissa, 2/18/2014" A good inspirational read, quick, several good quotes. Way to go Jennifer! "
— Pat, 2/14/2014" One of the worst books I've ever read... well, I can't even say that. I stopped reading 3/4 of the way through. I used to find Jennifer Hudson intriquing but this book expanded on none of what makes her tick and she came off sounding, well, boring and not inspiring. Bad. "
— Tanya, 2/13/2014" Really 3.5 stars. Loved the beginning and then the end was her love of Weight Watchers. I really respect her lifestyle and attitude about her stardom and she seems really down to earth in the book. It just felt at the end that Weight watchers was promoting the book. Happy for her change of life. "
— Cynthia, 2/1/2014" While I liked this book, I didn't really feel like it could be called a biography. It was, but it was more specifically about her self image in relation to her body and how she has changed her outward appearance. which I guess is what the book was supposed to be about, it's not really her life story. I enjoyed the book and it is a good motivator if you are trying to lead a healthier lifestyle. "
— Chivon, 1/21/2014" Advertising for weight watchers, with a personal twist. Enough said. "
— Mariam, 1/20/2014" Disappointing. The beginning was enjoyable but I suppose I was expecting too much of an autobiography so the distinct lack of almost anything personal made it almost boring. Also its' basically an ad for Weight Watchers, ugh -_- "
— Caitrin, 12/21/2013" Parts were inspiring BUT it was a super easy read. "
— Jenny, 12/18/2013" Motivating. I joined Weight Watchers after reading. Lost 9 lbs so far. :) "
— Robin, 12/17/2013" Loved this book. I hope I can take the inspiration to reinvigorate my weight watchers journey "
— Briana, 12/16/2013" This book was interesting if you care about Jennifer Hudson. She has been through a lot in her life, and I expected the book to be more motivational than it was. There were some things she mentioned that made sense to me in regards to weight watchers. A light, quick read that was ok. "
— Allison, 12/13/2013" While Jennifer seems very sweet I just found this book to be redundant and quite boring. "
— Claire, 12/11/2013" I always enjoy an auto biography. I like how she just puts it out there. It is all about what you put your mind to. And the choices you make are yours. "
— Michelle, 10/27/2013" This is a great book, if you are interested in her weight loss journey. As a current WW member, I loved it! But it could be a turn off if you think you're buying a biography about her entire life. It's mostly weight loss related - and I love her attitude! "
— Kelli, 10/26/2013" A quick read, good for those who have struggled with weight. Love the behind the scenes of American Idol and especially Dreamgirls. True talent always wins! :) "
— Candace, 10/21/2013" I love her and I love Weight Watchers. A little repetitive, but a good insightful read. "
— Kelly, 2/7/2013" While I admire her immensely, the book didn't share much about her life or struggles that hadn't already played out in the press. "
— alexandra, 12/21/2012" This was not great, sorry JHud. I wanted to get inspired but this was underwhelming. Repetitive and too choppy, it was hard to follow at times. "
— Meghan, 11/19/2012" I liked reading about Jennifer Hudson's weight loss story. "
— Julie, 11/17/2012" I Really A Biggest Fan Of Jennifer Hudson And The Jennifer Hudson Audiobook Too. "
— Angel Oneil, 8/31/2012" I enjoyed this book. I learned many things that I didn't know about her. Overall it was good and interesting. "
— Jessica, 8/17/2012" I found this to be a very inspiring book. Very quick read as well. "
— Katie, 8/7/2012" Good information about Weight Watchers but she should stick to singing and acting. "
— Patti, 7/31/2012" Didn't expect much but got less than even that. It was superficial, amateurish, and self righteous. I only bothered finishing it because I'm stubborn and it took only a couple of hours. "
— Carrie, 7/22/2012" I thought the book was well written and I brought the book to gather the insight of someone whom actually lost weight the right way. Worth reading if you are looking for that inspiration... "
— Virginia, 2/8/2012Jennifer Hudson is an American actress and singer. In 2004, she earned a spot on American Idol, gaining exposure and a loyal fan base. In 2006, she played a Motown-era singer in the film Dreamgirls, for which she won a Golden Globe and an Oscar. She also won a Grammy in 2008 for her debut album.