In her revealing memoir, the 'View' co-host discusses her family's battle with mental health, showcasing the enduring strength and resilience that shaped her life.
- May 2, 2024
AceShowbiz - Whoopi Goldberg, the acclaimed actress and co-host of "The View," shares a poignant narrative of love, loss, and resilience in her memoir "Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me." The book is set to hit shelves on May 7, revealing deeply personal stories from Goldberg's life, including her mother's two-year hospitalization following a mental breakdown that led to memory loss after she underwent electroshock therapy.
Goldberg's mother, Emma Harris, was admitted to New York City's Bellevue psychiatric hospital after attempting to take her own life when Goldberg was just eight years old. This period marked a defining moment in Goldberg's childhood, profoundly shaping her approach to life.
Harris, a teacher, didn't remember Goldberg or her late brother Clyde following her hospital stay. It wasn't until 40 years later that Harris revealed this painful secret to her daughter. This confession unveiled the unwavering strength and determination of Harris to cope with her altered reality, a trait that Goldberg admires and cherishes.
"She said, 'I didn't know who you were when I got out of the hospital,' " Goldberg recalled in her book. "I had no idea who you were. I just knew I never wanted to go back to that hospital. So I had to do everything I could. If they said the sky was green, and I could see it wasn't green, and it was blue, I'd say, 'Yes, the sky is green. 'Cause I never wanted it again.' "
As her TV co-hosts were appalled that such treatment was allowed, Goldberg explained, "There was a time in this country when … any man involved in your life could make medical decisions for you."
Despite the trauma and uncertainty, Harris's legacy lives on through Goldberg and the lessons she passed on, both as a mother and an educator. Goldberg reflects on her mother's influence, emphasizing the empowerment and curiosity Harris instilled in her students and her own children.
This memoir not only chronicles Goldberg's family's history of mental health struggles but also celebrates their journey of overcoming adversity and the powerful bonds of love that held them together.
Goldberg's candid narration extends beyond her mother's illness and recovery, touching on her brother Clyde's untimely death from a brain aneurysm and the lasting impact of their shared experiences. Throughout her storytelling, Goldberg navigates the complexities of grief, memory, and personal growth, offering a vulnerable and touching insight into her life.
"Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me" serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of family love. Goldberg's story resonates with anyone who has faced the challenges of caring for loved ones through illness and loss, providing hope and inspiration to overcome life's most difficult moments.
For young people, Goldberg's memoir is not just a recounting of past events; it's a beacon of understanding for anyone grappling with similar challenges, underscoring the notion that even in the face of adversity, one can emerge stronger and more compassionate.
