I read this book in high school. I am so glad that I did, because I did not have to be influenced by the film that came out years later. I felt the book was far more superior to the film. Although the film showcased the superb talents of Angela Bassett, Laurence Fishburne, Vanessa Bell Calloway, and Jenifer Lewis, among others, I still did not feel the film captured the full essence that the book was able to illustrate to me. I understand that films essentially take creative license, for me the film took too many liberties with Tina's full story. I am glad that as a teenager I was able to read the book because it really opened my imagination and helped to see what Tina saw in her life. She truly had a very difficult and heart-breaking life, but it made me see HER and appreciate her talent that much more. I absolutely recommend this book to anyone who wants to read about the life, loves, and talent of one of the greatest entertainers that has ever lived.