Rabbit: The Autobiography of Ms. Pat

Co-written with Jeannine Amber, this gritty, no holds barred memoir is heartbreaking and inspirational as it details Patricia Williams' experience as a Black child who grew up in poverty within a neglectful family and a social system that was built to keep her down. 

As a young child, Patricia Williams' family life included a moonshine selling, shotgun loving grandfather and an alcoholic mother who was neglectful and abusive. Patricia became pregnant at an early age by a much older boyfriend and to take care of her growing family, 'Rabbit' as she was nicknamed, sold drugs, ended up in jail and later found that her past followed her despite her attempts to find legitimate way to make a living.

I had never heard of this author/podcaster before but was intrigued by a fellow bookstagrammer's review. I decided to listen to the audiobook since I love hearing people tell their own story. Patricia narrates her book which adds authenticity, but I couldn't help but feel that the way she read it was often disjointed and awkward - like she was reading her own words for the first time. This was surprising considering her podcasting experience and unfortunately, I felt that her reading style didn't do her remarkable life story justice. 

Patricia doesn't excuse her past decisions and shows a deep appreciation for the people who supported her along the way to becoming a successful stand-up comic and podcaster. She shows her indomitable spirit, bravery and vulnerability as she shares her compelling life story.

My Rating: 3.5 stars

Author: Patricia Williams

Genre: Autobiography

Type and Source: eAudiobook from public library

Narrator: Patricia Williams

Run Time: 7 hours, 23 min

Publisher: HarperAudio

First Published: 2017

Book Description from GoodReads: You want to know about the struggle of growing up poor, black and female? Ask any girl from any hood. You want to know what it takes to rise above your circumstances when all the cards are stacked against you? Ask me.

Comedian Patricia Williams, who for years went by her street-name "Rabbit," was born and raised in Atlanta’s most troubled neighborhood at the height of the crack epidemic.

One of five children, Pat watched as her alcoholic mother struggled to get by on charity, cons and petty crimes. At seven Pat was taught to roll drunks for money. At 12, she was targeted for sex by a man eight years her senior; by 13 she was pregnant. By 15 Pat was a mother of two.

Alone at 16, Pat was determined to make a better life for her children. But with no job skills and an eighth-grade education, her options were limited. She learned quickly that hustling and humor were the only tools she had to survive.

Rabbit is an unflinching memoir of cinematic scope and unexpected humor that offers a rare glimpse into the harrowing reality of life on America’s margins, resilience, determination, and the transformative power of love.