I wisely used my Pollyanna to get something that I wouldn't normally purchase on my own. But boy was I pleasantly surprised. 

I'm not normally the biggest fan of Gabrielle Union. Though I cheer on any black woman doing anything, I'm just not necessarily a fan per say. I think she can be a little crass, a little mean girlish, but that's all about personal opinion. Either way, I put "We're Going to Need More Wine," on my list and opened it up on Christmas. 

The break was the perfect time to dive into something light. The book is a collection of essays. and I was surprised how much I laughed. Although her stories of growing up in Nebraska and then the West Coast were very different from mine, I could also find similarities in what it means to grow up black anywhere really. 

I went from laughing heartily about Queeshaun, to being near tears in her essay recounting her rape when working at Payless. She kept it classy in regards to her insight on Hollywood and I loved hearing about the parties with Prince. Although, I am insanely sad that I'll never be invited to one now. Rest well Purple One. And I appreciated the candid essay about the perils of her first marriage which often celebrities wouldn't dare expose. 

In the book, she also solidified what previously kept me guarded against fandom when she mentioned thriving off negativity while accepting the Essence Fierce and Fearless Award in 2013. She mentioned not remembering being positively affirmed as much as her siblings in the household and looking elsewhere to build that self-confidence. Which, can totally fuel a mean girl persona. 

It was refreshing to see her growth displayed from childhood to the 44-year-old woman she is today. That's the most that any of us can ask for, growth, progress and to have more grace than we had before. 

The stories were filled with humor, perspective, and most importantly honesty. An easy read, I would definitely recommend picking it up and thanks to my pollyanna gift giver, as DJ Khaled would say, "You da best." 

Ashley Coleman is the EIC of Permission to Write. A writer, pen toter, and love advocate that explores life, love, and dreaming in color through words. Follow her @writelaughdream.