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Rabbit: The Autobiography of Ms. Pat
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.
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.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published August 22, 2017
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July 27, 2023
“Life’s a bitch. You’ve got to go out and kick ass.”This is the epigraph for Rabbit, and it seems particularly germane. Of course, unspoken is the damage life does to you before you learn how to fight back.
– Maya Angelou
Rabbit is the nickname Patricia Williams was given as a kid, after she was seen sitting on a porch eating a carrot. The porch in question, where she lived, at her grandfather’s house/24-7-bar/distillery, was not long for this world. When a woman he was paying to have sex with his disabled son insulted him, Gramps shot her. Buh-bye residence, any form of stability, and affection of a non-toxic sort from an adult family member. It goes downhill from there.
Ms. Pat - image from the Washington Post – by Chris Bergin
To the extent that Williams had a childhood at all, it was one Thomas Hobbes described for people bereft of society and laws, …poor, nasty, brutish, and short. She was subjected to serial sexual abuse as a pre-teen, became pregnant at thirteen, and had her second child when she was fifteen, the baby daddy a feckless, twenty-something married man who thought nothing of routinely having sex with a child. Her mother, Mildred, was an alcoholic, who offered Rabbit no affection at all. She was a woman who used a handgun to enforce her wishes at home. She was delusional, and violent, driving away the one good man who was interested in her and her kids. She managed to stay in a relationship with another man who brought the family groceries, allowing him to regularly abuse her young daughters. She enlisted her children to commit crimes. Left to her own devices at 15, when her crack-selling baby daddy (of both her children) got pinched, leaving her with no money coming in, Rabbit did what she needed to do to put food on the table, sold crack on street corners. And she made a living at that, well, until she got arrested and spent some quality time in Fulton County Jail.
This is, I’ll bet, a life very unlike yours or mine. And one must wonder if, faced with the challenges of her upbringing, the barriers, some self-erected, how we might have fared. Would we have managed to make a respectable life for ourselves? Would we have made the many bad choices Williams made, as a kid forced to function as an adult? Today, Patricia Williams, under the professional stage name Ms. Pat, is a successful forty-something stand-up comedian, with a TV series, featuring her life, in development. She has raised four of her own children and plenty more whom relatives had been unable to bring up on their own.
Rabbit - image from WNYC.ORG
What allowed her to break out while so many others remain mired in a toxic culture, many in her own family? One could say that it is making a decision and sticking to it. But many others have made such decisions, and not found the wherewithal. Is it a matter of dumb luck to run into the person who will stand by you, just when you are open to it? Some inner strength? Divine intercession? Dunno. But clearly all the above contributed.
William’s tale is both a chilling and uplifting story, with considerable detail on the depravities of ghetto life, but also on the potential for hope and for goodness when caring people step in to help make things right. At the end of the book she makes a point of noting the people who came to her aid throughout her life, referring to them as “Angels.” Her stories of their impact on her are beautifully told, and incredibly moving. If her story of a remedial teacher who encourages her when others had turned a blind eye to her illiteracy, a teacher who goes incredibly beyond simple teaching to seeing Rabbit for who she is and taking concrete simple steps to nurture her, does not bring you to tears, there is something wrong with your ducts. She found similar nurturing in warm, perceptive social workers, and most of all, in the man she met, and would marry. They don’t make ‘em any better than him.
Williams’s facility with language is considerable. She had a gift for defensive and offensive verbal blasting that served her well in her native environment. You do not want her sizing you up for some straight up put downs. It would hurt. That comes across in the book, but much more so in her performances. (see links below)
Doing Stand-up at Morty’s Joint in Indianapolis - image from WBUR.ORG – photo by Chris Begin if the Washington Post
When she was a kid growing up in an Atlanta ghetto, Williams had a dream of a better life. Inspired by the TV show, she imagined having a Leave It To Beaver existence, a calm, suburban, private home, with a yard, plenty of space, and no gunfire on the street or drug dealing on the corner. She never stopped trying for that, and ultimately saw the dream become a reality. Her life there will be the basis for her show.
I have included in EXTRA STUFF some links to interviews with and performances by Ms. Pat. I strongly urge you to dip in. The book totally captures her actual voice.
While some will point out that Williams contributed to some dark days in American history with her involvement with drug-dealing, among other crimes, it is worth bearing in mind the context in which those behaviors arose, how old she was, and what guidance she had, or didn’t have as a child. Also, that she served time for her activities, and has made a very successful effort to turn her life around. In addition, she has paid forward the love that was given her by raising a slew of children not her own, keeping many of them from repeating the family pattern of adolescent pregnancy, drug abuse, and public dependence. She has made a life out of what could easily have been, and has been for many, a dumpster fire.
Patricia Williams has taken life on, been tough and resourceful, determined and loving. Her book is a remarkable achievement that follows Maya Angelou’s advice. Rabbit kicks ass.
Review posted – August 24, 2018
Publication date
-----hardcover - August 22, 2017
-----paperback – May 22, 2018
=============================EXTRA STUFF
Links to the author’s personal, Twitter and FB pages
Items of interest
-----NY Times - Q. and A. - Tell Us 5 Things About Your Book: Patricia Williams Goes From Crime to Comedy - Auguse 20, 2017 - by John Williams
----- How Ms. Pat overcame drugs, prison and abuse — and rose to comedy stardom - March 8, 2018 - by Geoff Edgers
-----Video - Stand Up Comedy - Live Gotham Comedy Club – hosted by Gabe Kaplan
-----Audio – Here is Ms. Pat’s appearance on Mark Maron’s WTF Podcast - from around 10:00
There are many clips to be found in the usual places
September 10, 2017
If I didn't know people that lived lives like Ms. Pat described, I would think that this book was made up. I had never heard of Ms. Pat, I didn't know who she was or why she would have written a book. It turns out she's a standup comedian, actress, and writer.
Who knew?
She's kind of a big deal!
Ms. Pat grew up in Atlanta in the 1980's. Crack was taking a wrecking ball to black communities all over America. A war was declared on drugs(Haha!) Also there was a "serial killer" (if you believe the police and media) killing little black kids, one of which was her cousin. This is the world that Ms. Pat was born and raised in. She grew up in a illegal liquor house, had an alcoholic mother who should have never had kids, got pregnant at 12 by a 20 year old married man, had two kids by 15. Had to drop out of school in 8th grade, sold drugs to support her two kids and her sisters four kids, also ran a check scam for a bit before meeting her husband and turning her life around and having two more kids and becoming a comedian.
Ms. Pat experienced everything. Life threw its worst at her but she never gave up and came out on top in the end. I loved this book and would highly recommend it to readers who love stories about people who overcame obstacles and like to laugh.
Who knew?
She's kind of a big deal!
Ms. Pat grew up in Atlanta in the 1980's. Crack was taking a wrecking ball to black communities all over America. A war was declared on drugs(Haha!) Also there was a "serial killer" (if you believe the police and media) killing little black kids, one of which was her cousin. This is the world that Ms. Pat was born and raised in. She grew up in a illegal liquor house, had an alcoholic mother who should have never had kids, got pregnant at 12 by a 20 year old married man, had two kids by 15. Had to drop out of school in 8th grade, sold drugs to support her two kids and her sisters four kids, also ran a check scam for a bit before meeting her husband and turning her life around and having two more kids and becoming a comedian.
Ms. Pat experienced everything. Life threw its worst at her but she never gave up and came out on top in the end. I loved this book and would highly recommend it to readers who love stories about people who overcame obstacles and like to laugh.
September 17, 2018
Audiobook...read by the author, Patricia Williams
A true story that’s sad with a happy ending by a terrific natural storyteller!
Some specific details...Patricia shares are so phenomenal and so inspiring...that to not feel at least a little empowered ourselves in our own lives would be a missed opportunity. It’s sooooo True... we are never too old to make a major life change!!!
Excellent Audiobook!
Thank you Erin! I’m lacking sleep - but once I read your review yesterday, and got a copy myself.... started it...
this Audiobook & I were connected at the hip non- stop!!!
A true story that’s sad with a happy ending by a terrific natural storyteller!
Some specific details...Patricia shares are so phenomenal and so inspiring...that to not feel at least a little empowered ourselves in our own lives would be a missed opportunity. It’s sooooo True... we are never too old to make a major life change!!!
Excellent Audiobook!
Thank you Erin! I’m lacking sleep - but once I read your review yesterday, and got a copy myself.... started it...
this Audiobook & I were connected at the hip non- stop!!!
February 15, 2018
The best book I’ve read in 2018. Honest, hilarious, vulnerable & tragic. Absolutely beautiful. My full review will be up on my booktube channel at http://Youtube.com/peterlikesbooks
September 8, 2018
This is a great "as-told-to" autobiography by a woman who lived a horrific childhood and led a very dysfunctional lifestyle in Atlanta during the 1980s until she met her significant other who influenced her to change.
This young lady became a prominent stand-up comic and her story is motivational for anyone looking to transcend their circumstances.
This book is poignant as well as humorous and I read many parts with my mouth wide open in shock. However despite the abusive, callous mother, the absent baby-daddies and burgeoning crack epidemic, the "heroine" found stability and happiness.
In fact, the prologue finds her reminiscing from her suburban Indiana home overlooking an idyllic duck pond.
This young lady became a prominent stand-up comic and her story is motivational for anyone looking to transcend their circumstances.
This book is poignant as well as humorous and I read many parts with my mouth wide open in shock. However despite the abusive, callous mother, the absent baby-daddies and burgeoning crack epidemic, the "heroine" found stability and happiness.
In fact, the prologue finds her reminiscing from her suburban Indiana home overlooking an idyllic duck pond.
July 2, 2017
How do you "review" the story of someone's life? Unlike some memoirs, this is not full of whiny "pity me" diatribes even though the life she lived is full of moments no one should have to experience. She tells her story in a straight-forward way, managing to inject a touch of humor in places where it would be impossible for most to find anything funny. She owns her life, from the moments inflicted upon her to the choices she made for herself.
This is not an easy book to read, but once you start, it is impossible to put down. This was polished off within 24 hours.
This is not an easy book to read, but once you start, it is impossible to put down. This was polished off within 24 hours.
September 23, 2018
I'll admit I did not know anything about Patricia Williams prior to reading this book. However, some of the best memoirs I have read have come from people I was not familiar with beforehand, and I definitely place this book in that category. Her life is full of heartbreaking moments, but yet it still manages to be an uplifting story. She is a perfect example of someone who is a "doer", a person who just knows how to get things done, no matter how many obstacles are in her way. Yes, she might have had a little help along the way, but she deserves all the credit in the world for overcoming really crappy odds.
Pat grew up in Atlanta, one of five children. Her single mother did very little to provide for her family other than stealing and getting donations from just about every church in the area. By the age of fifteen, Pat was a single mother of two. With not many options available to support herself and children, she hustled to get by. But a life of crime usually comes with consequences. When you hit the bottom you can either stay there, or fight your way to the top.
There were two things in the book that just really stood out to me and I won't soon forget. The first was Pat's mom told her white people were better than her. I mean how does that not affect the self-esteem of a child? How would that not crush your hopes and dreams that you could achieve anything you want in life? The other moment was when Pat was told she deserved better than her abusive boyfriend. She said other people told her he was scum, but it wasn't until someone told her she didn't deserve it, that it really sunk in. It just really blew my mind that essentially people were telling her the same thing all along, but it was the specific wording that made her finally understand. It really goes to show that if you know someone in an abusive relationship, don't ever stop telling them that they are worth something until they finally believe in themselves.
The only reason this wasn't a five star read for me is I thought sometimes certain things were glossed over. For example, a pretty big part of the story talks about her difficulty in finding a job and keeping it. But yet it doesn't really get into how she got the job where her husband works. There were a few times in the book that I wished there were more details. Overall though, this is definitely a compelling read and I recommend it to anyone who loves reading about people who overcome difficult odds.
I won a free ebook from Bookshout and the publisher. I was under no obligation to post a review and all views expressed are my honest opinion.
Pat grew up in Atlanta, one of five children. Her single mother did very little to provide for her family other than stealing and getting donations from just about every church in the area. By the age of fifteen, Pat was a single mother of two. With not many options available to support herself and children, she hustled to get by. But a life of crime usually comes with consequences. When you hit the bottom you can either stay there, or fight your way to the top.
There were two things in the book that just really stood out to me and I won't soon forget. The first was Pat's mom told her white people were better than her. I mean how does that not affect the self-esteem of a child? How would that not crush your hopes and dreams that you could achieve anything you want in life? The other moment was when Pat was told she deserved better than her abusive boyfriend. She said other people told her he was scum, but it wasn't until someone told her she didn't deserve it, that it really sunk in. It just really blew my mind that essentially people were telling her the same thing all along, but it was the specific wording that made her finally understand. It really goes to show that if you know someone in an abusive relationship, don't ever stop telling them that they are worth something until they finally believe in themselves.
The only reason this wasn't a five star read for me is I thought sometimes certain things were glossed over. For example, a pretty big part of the story talks about her difficulty in finding a job and keeping it. But yet it doesn't really get into how she got the job where her husband works. There were a few times in the book that I wished there were more details. Overall though, this is definitely a compelling read and I recommend it to anyone who loves reading about people who overcome difficult odds.
I won a free ebook from Bookshout and the publisher. I was under no obligation to post a review and all views expressed are my honest opinion.
September 1, 2018
5 Brightly Shining Hopeful Stars
I cannot decide whether this memoir made me want to laugh or want to cry more often.
SUMMARY
Right up front Miss Pat a.k.a. “Rabbit” tells us that most people think they understand what it is to be poor but they have no idea. I think she is 100% right about that. There were so many things in this book that shocked me. This is the story of a woman who was the fifth and youngest child in a family being raised by a single teenage mom. Miss Pat grew up in “the hood,” in an illegal liquor house/bar that her grandfather ran until he was arrested for shooting one of his customers because she interrupted him while he was watching TV. Isn’t that just the way everyone’s Grandfather acts?? And, I guess I need to blame my middle class upbringing, but I had no idea there was still a such thing as an illegal liquor house. I thought those disappeared with prohibition!
Pat fought her way through poverty at a level most Americans have no idea still exists in our country. This story has a rare happy ending - she ended up happily married and raising her children (along with various the children of family members at any given time) in a beautiful suburban neighborhood.
The road between the ‘hood and a cushy suburban life was not an easy one for Pat. She became pregnant at the age of 13, had two children before she was 15. By the time she was 16, she was living on her own raising not only her two children but four additional family members, supporting them selling crack on the street corner. Sadly even though she was only 16 and selling crack, she was by far these children’s best option as a caregiver/guardian.
There were a few people who helped her gain the life skills she needed along the way to leave her former life behind and become the person she is today. Her husband Michael, who met her when she was still selling crack and showed her a better way to live, patiently supporting her journey along the way. There were two social workers and a teacher who also took an interest in helping her. Also, a very nice man who owned the laundromat in front of which she sold her drugs, he watched her children and helped with their homework while she sold drugs in front of his shop. She always believed that she would do better for her children than her mother did for her and she definitely succeeded.
WHAT I LOVED
Miss Pat tells an amazing story of courage, will power, crazy schemes, unbelievable poverty and does it all with such humor and honesty that I found myself wanting to both laugh and cry simultaneously. At one point she is talking about the boyfriend she had when she was 13. This man was 20. He was also married with a baby and another one on the way. She had no idea about any of those until she found herself pregnant at the age of 13 with his child. She says, “Derrick and I went everywhere together. In the mornings he would pick me up in his Chevy Nova and drive me to Dean Rusk elementary, where I was the only girl in seventh grade whose boyfriend had a car.” Such a horrifyingly sad statement yet the way she says it makes it sound funny.
It was always shocking to me how she was simultaneously so naïve, yet knew way too much for her age. This was the case of babies raising babies with literally no adult guidance. I have an incredible amount of respect for what she managed to achieve. I have a 13-year-old son, I feel very certain he couldn’t even change the baby’s diaper, let alone be responsible for another human being. He has just now figured out how to feed himself by ordering a sandwich from the Jimmy John’s delivery app which, by the way, is connected directly to my debit card.
WHAT I DIDN’T LOVE
The only thing I could say I didn’t love about this book was that some parts were extremely hard to read. Watching this child having to be alone while giving birth at the age of 13, being prayed upon by older man who should have never been allowed anywhere near her. She and her siblings being hungry and never even having a toothbrush. It was difficult to read at certain points to say the least.
OVERALL
Overall this a fantastic book. It was extremely well written. I appreciate Miss Pat sharing her story with us. I also would love to sit down sometime and listen to her tell her stories. I think she is an amazing person and I have a tremendous amount of respect for her.
I cannot decide whether this memoir made me want to laugh or want to cry more often.
SUMMARY
Right up front Miss Pat a.k.a. “Rabbit” tells us that most people think they understand what it is to be poor but they have no idea. I think she is 100% right about that. There were so many things in this book that shocked me. This is the story of a woman who was the fifth and youngest child in a family being raised by a single teenage mom. Miss Pat grew up in “the hood,” in an illegal liquor house/bar that her grandfather ran until he was arrested for shooting one of his customers because she interrupted him while he was watching TV. Isn’t that just the way everyone’s Grandfather acts?? And, I guess I need to blame my middle class upbringing, but I had no idea there was still a such thing as an illegal liquor house. I thought those disappeared with prohibition!
Pat fought her way through poverty at a level most Americans have no idea still exists in our country. This story has a rare happy ending - she ended up happily married and raising her children (along with various the children of family members at any given time) in a beautiful suburban neighborhood.
The road between the ‘hood and a cushy suburban life was not an easy one for Pat. She became pregnant at the age of 13, had two children before she was 15. By the time she was 16, she was living on her own raising not only her two children but four additional family members, supporting them selling crack on the street corner. Sadly even though she was only 16 and selling crack, she was by far these children’s best option as a caregiver/guardian.
There were a few people who helped her gain the life skills she needed along the way to leave her former life behind and become the person she is today. Her husband Michael, who met her when she was still selling crack and showed her a better way to live, patiently supporting her journey along the way. There were two social workers and a teacher who also took an interest in helping her. Also, a very nice man who owned the laundromat in front of which she sold her drugs, he watched her children and helped with their homework while she sold drugs in front of his shop. She always believed that she would do better for her children than her mother did for her and she definitely succeeded.
WHAT I LOVED
Miss Pat tells an amazing story of courage, will power, crazy schemes, unbelievable poverty and does it all with such humor and honesty that I found myself wanting to both laugh and cry simultaneously. At one point she is talking about the boyfriend she had when she was 13. This man was 20. He was also married with a baby and another one on the way. She had no idea about any of those until she found herself pregnant at the age of 13 with his child. She says, “Derrick and I went everywhere together. In the mornings he would pick me up in his Chevy Nova and drive me to Dean Rusk elementary, where I was the only girl in seventh grade whose boyfriend had a car.” Such a horrifyingly sad statement yet the way she says it makes it sound funny.
It was always shocking to me how she was simultaneously so naïve, yet knew way too much for her age. This was the case of babies raising babies with literally no adult guidance. I have an incredible amount of respect for what she managed to achieve. I have a 13-year-old son, I feel very certain he couldn’t even change the baby’s diaper, let alone be responsible for another human being. He has just now figured out how to feed himself by ordering a sandwich from the Jimmy John’s delivery app which, by the way, is connected directly to my debit card.
WHAT I DIDN’T LOVE
The only thing I could say I didn’t love about this book was that some parts were extremely hard to read. Watching this child having to be alone while giving birth at the age of 13, being prayed upon by older man who should have never been allowed anywhere near her. She and her siblings being hungry and never even having a toothbrush. It was difficult to read at certain points to say the least.
OVERALL
Overall this a fantastic book. It was extremely well written. I appreciate Miss Pat sharing her story with us. I also would love to sit down sometime and listen to her tell her stories. I think she is an amazing person and I have a tremendous amount of respect for her.
July 13, 2020
All the stars for this memoir. I think there are times that we believe we must be so different from other people based on how we grew up. There are very talented people in this world that can make us see our similarities. The beautiful similarities and the low down dirty similarities. Patricia Williams is one of those people.
She grew up in Atlanta during the crack epidemic. Although, the people that should have had her best interests at heart, did not...she had others who did. Those who saw how wonderful Rabbit was and helped shaped her into Ms. Pat. How she overcame and paid it forward. A wonderful memoir of redemption through pain...and I think we can all relate so well to that.
I highly recommend this read!!
She grew up in Atlanta during the crack epidemic. Although, the people that should have had her best interests at heart, did not...she had others who did. Those who saw how wonderful Rabbit was and helped shaped her into Ms. Pat. How she overcame and paid it forward. A wonderful memoir of redemption through pain...and I think we can all relate so well to that.
I highly recommend this read!!
September 2, 2019
Great read
Last week on my way to work I caught Ms. Pat on the Rickey Smiley show. I was laughing my butt off. I went and purchased the book on my kindle the same day. And I laughed and cried. And for her to make a living out of telling her story. Is something I wanted to contribute to. Hope to see and hear more from Ms. Pat in the future. 👏👏
Last week on my way to work I caught Ms. Pat on the Rickey Smiley show. I was laughing my butt off. I went and purchased the book on my kindle the same day. And I laughed and cried. And for her to make a living out of telling her story. Is something I wanted to contribute to. Hope to see and hear more from Ms. Pat in the future. 👏👏
February 5, 2018
I kept seeing this book on my Goodreads timeline. Since the people I follow on Goodreads have excellent taste in books, I decided to read this one, and it did not disappoint. To read the rest of this review and to see an interview featuring Ms. Pat on 98 Rock Baltimore CLICK HERE.
March 5, 2018
Ghetto and crack for sale block detail and extremes of every horrific nature for the first 2/3rds of this book.
Patricia is honest and tells this in the language of her original illegal saloon home. And continues in like manner throughout the years up until she is the block organizer and procurer/controller for the local crack sales centered in front of the laundromat.
Her spirit comes through and she is brave to tell some of the minutia she has experienced within the years from 13 to 20. Those years especially.
It's beyond crude language and there is immense abuse coming from nearly all angles. Parental and partner and from each generation to another. Some of it is beyond rational, IMHO. Like after being shot herself, THEN becoming concerned about her kids sitting in a car for 2 or 3 hours at a time when all kinds of action is happening around them. Greatly violent and otherwise. Viewing actions too done in public that no one should ever witness as they are lewd. That hit home because I remember so well my own Mother in great age crying her eyes out because she saw such a sight on her own front porch. No adults to protect the innocent. Beyond that, no innocence exists for them, these babies and children. Not only about the sexual but about the personal or states of disability physical needs or any of their own privacy. Or privacy to others most dire and far more than less than flattering moments. All mostly highly against laws already on the books- but which are daily observable to the children.
I love the picture on the cover. She looks like such a live wire, I can understand the nickname of Rabbit.
She's bright and she is able to cut a terrible tie and she ends up finding a man who helps her do better. I was most touched by his teaching her and braving her ire in return for demonstrating and showing her how to eat in company while holding a fork and other utensils correctly. That's the types of human being most needed- role models. Someone who doesn't enable but demands changes for better, regardless of the back bite they receive. And WILL it come!! She's wants to get a GED and with his teaching of manner, language parsing, style of worth for various material things that all "look the same" to her? All encourages her desire to increase her own worth by not settling for the common accepted daily blows / language assaults and hurt of the entire lifestyle and worldview she is surrounded by. And has become "with" by habit..
Lots of kids in this picture and she ends up at different times supporting up to 8 or 12 (sister's in jail or nieces who never go home] besides her own kids. Lots of honesty. It's not fun to read. All told for the length- it's short. And she deals the dirt of the truth which doesn't put herself into any special light or make generalizations about dozens of others or entire systems. It's not a bad effort at all. I hope her energy lasts and she doesn't cave.
Patricia is honest and tells this in the language of her original illegal saloon home. And continues in like manner throughout the years up until she is the block organizer and procurer/controller for the local crack sales centered in front of the laundromat.
Her spirit comes through and she is brave to tell some of the minutia she has experienced within the years from 13 to 20. Those years especially.
It's beyond crude language and there is immense abuse coming from nearly all angles. Parental and partner and from each generation to another. Some of it is beyond rational, IMHO. Like after being shot herself, THEN becoming concerned about her kids sitting in a car for 2 or 3 hours at a time when all kinds of action is happening around them. Greatly violent and otherwise. Viewing actions too done in public that no one should ever witness as they are lewd. That hit home because I remember so well my own Mother in great age crying her eyes out because she saw such a sight on her own front porch. No adults to protect the innocent. Beyond that, no innocence exists for them, these babies and children. Not only about the sexual but about the personal or states of disability physical needs or any of their own privacy. Or privacy to others most dire and far more than less than flattering moments. All mostly highly against laws already on the books- but which are daily observable to the children.
I love the picture on the cover. She looks like such a live wire, I can understand the nickname of Rabbit.
She's bright and she is able to cut a terrible tie and she ends up finding a man who helps her do better. I was most touched by his teaching her and braving her ire in return for demonstrating and showing her how to eat in company while holding a fork and other utensils correctly. That's the types of human being most needed- role models. Someone who doesn't enable but demands changes for better, regardless of the back bite they receive. And WILL it come!! She's wants to get a GED and with his teaching of manner, language parsing, style of worth for various material things that all "look the same" to her? All encourages her desire to increase her own worth by not settling for the common accepted daily blows / language assaults and hurt of the entire lifestyle and worldview she is surrounded by. And has become "with" by habit..
Lots of kids in this picture and she ends up at different times supporting up to 8 or 12 (sister's in jail or nieces who never go home] besides her own kids. Lots of honesty. It's not fun to read. All told for the length- it's short. And she deals the dirt of the truth which doesn't put herself into any special light or make generalizations about dozens of others or entire systems. It's not a bad effort at all. I hope her energy lasts and she doesn't cave.
September 19, 2017
The struggle nobody talks about is what it feels like to be invisible, or to know in your heart that nobody cares.
I always find it difficult to rate memoirs, as I don't think I can "rate" anyone's life, but this is about rating my reading experience. At first I thought I may not be able to finish this book as it is very much an in your face experience, and I was wondering if the author was trying to shock us with some of the sex talk and profanity, but I then realized this is the way it was, so she can't change that to make me more comfortable. A very quick, sad but inspiring read about how Rabbit turned her life around, but also showing me a world I knew nothing about. I think her husband must be a phenomenal person - he always believed in her, and never said no when he was asked to help out her family.
The Story: This stand-up comedian, who performs as Ms. Pat, grew up in Atlanta during the crack epidemic, one of five children of an alcoholic single mother. By 15, Ms. Williams had two children of her own. She went on to sell crack (she was shot twice) and spent time in jail. Now, living in Indianapolis, she is a regular guest on comedy podcasts and has appeared on television shows This stand-up comedian, who performs as Ms. Pat, grew up in Atlanta during the crack epidemic, one of five children of an alcoholic single mother. By 15, Ms. Williams had two children of her own. She went on to sell crack (she was shot twice) and spent time in jail.
June 8, 2019
3.5 stars
Patricia Williams was called Rabbit as a child and now that she's a comic, is known as Ms. Pat. Maybe you've caught her on a podcast. I haven't and in fact had never heard of her before. Born poor to an alcoholic single mom, she didn't have many choices or chances to improve her life. A 20 year old charmer got her pregnant at the age of 13 and again at 15. Things just got even tougher. Selling crack might make things easier, certainly the money was rolling in; but then her criminal record surfaced (20 pages long when printed), making it impossible to find any legit job outside of McDonald's.
I was given an ebook copy of this a year ago but saw that it was available on hoopla, so... choice made. If you listen to this, it's an experience you won't soon forget! Not only for the in your face, humorous story telling, but for the author's gruff voice and stilted narration. Much of the story focused on her childhood. Well, actually she was living as an adult at 13, raising 6 kids at 16 (not all hers). I would have liked to know more about her life as a comic and the podcasts. This was briefly covered at the end, so a-Googling I will go. All I can say is just sit back and enjoy the ride. The author reading her story, flaws and all, adds an obvious authenticity to it that would have been lacking had I instead chosen to read the ebook. A memorable, unique listen with a message.
Patricia Williams was called Rabbit as a child and now that she's a comic, is known as Ms. Pat. Maybe you've caught her on a podcast. I haven't and in fact had never heard of her before. Born poor to an alcoholic single mom, she didn't have many choices or chances to improve her life. A 20 year old charmer got her pregnant at the age of 13 and again at 15. Things just got even tougher. Selling crack might make things easier, certainly the money was rolling in; but then her criminal record surfaced (20 pages long when printed), making it impossible to find any legit job outside of McDonald's.
I was given an ebook copy of this a year ago but saw that it was available on hoopla, so... choice made. If you listen to this, it's an experience you won't soon forget! Not only for the in your face, humorous story telling, but for the author's gruff voice and stilted narration. Much of the story focused on her childhood. Well, actually she was living as an adult at 13, raising 6 kids at 16 (not all hers). I would have liked to know more about her life as a comic and the podcasts. This was briefly covered at the end, so a-Googling I will go. All I can say is just sit back and enjoy the ride. The author reading her story, flaws and all, adds an obvious authenticity to it that would have been lacking had I instead chosen to read the ebook. A memorable, unique listen with a message.
May 17, 2018
This is going on my favorites list as the best of 2017. I laughed and I cried. I cried a lot of tears of joy and pain for this author’s story. One good thing about Ms. Pat is that she really does know how to make me laugh. She grew up in the heart of the crack epidemic of the 1980’s in Atlanta and I learned much much more from this book than was on the news. She has heart and courage and I applaud her honesty while expressing her feelings and showing the readers how vulnerable little Black girls and grown Black women are in this world. I will carry her story in my mind and heart for quite some time.
December 15, 2017
Great autobiography read by the author. She unflinchingly recounts her struggles growing up poor in Georgia - pregnant at 13, alcoholic mother, abused by her boyfriend, never finishing high school, etc. It’s amazing the challenges people in different life situations can face. She doesn’t try to excuse any of her bad or illegal behavior, instead she recognizes the people who helped her to be better and find a better way.
August 18, 2018
A wonderful, honest, hilarious, and tragic memoir. I loved reading it and I keep thinking about her life. I wish there were more voices like this out there. If I have to read another memoir about some rich person struggling with depression as if they are the first person ever to do so, I might kill myself. Why don't I just stop reading them? Well, I guess I am addicted to memoirs. I just want more like this one.
August 31, 2018
I just finished the Audible version of Rabbit: A Memoir by Patricia Williams!
I always like to give autobiography/memoir authors a huge round of applause for taking the time to perform the narration of their book. As an AUDIBLE book listener, the experience of a book automatically becomes more than learning the writer’s voice through reading words. The experience is heightened by listening to the narrator‘s tones/inflections in their actual voice. When an actor is hired to do this, it kills the experience. Thank you Ms. Pat for performing your memoir!
I enjoyed your accent. I enjoyed listening to you pronounce the words, “Walter Cronkite and triangles.” And I have to admit, because of your accent I couldn’t quite tell if your husband’s name is Micah or Michael? Please forgive me.
I have never heard of Ms. Pat. I have never seen her perform comedy and this book is the first time I’ve had any knowledge of her. This autobiography is about her being challenged by one of many of her ‘angels along the way’ to dream as a child and how she managed to conquer her dreams despite the many obstacles of growing up in the inner city of Atlanta, Georgia. I think that Ms. Pat has experienced more adversity in her first 13 years of life, than many grown adults. The stories she tells are funny, captivating, thought provoking, and even insightful regarding challenges social taboo’s in the African-American community. The authenticity of her story-telling reminds me a lot of Kevin Hart’s comedy special, “Laugh at my Pain,” because Pat chose to respond with the reality of her life experiences through the art of comedy.
When entering this book, I did have the expectation of learning more about the art and development of her comedic work, but this was more about the road that led her to comedy. If you lived through crack and the 80’s and experienced examples of it at its worst, this book may just be a bad memory, and possibly is not for you. If you like raw stories, that don’t fall short of holding back any qualms to meet “socially acceptable good mannered standards” this book would be a great choice for you. This book definitely makes a fantastic "book club" read!
Below are 7 random thoughts and observations from, Rabbit: The Autobiography of Ms. Pat
(I could write 20 random thoughts from this book, but I usually only do 7)
**Caution: SPOILER ALERTS ARE INCLUDED, but they don’t give away the whole story**
1. “Who is Micah/Michael?” Where did this man come from? And what where the exact ingredients and measurements God used in the recipe to create this man’s heart. I kept waiting for this man to evaporate from Pat’s life. When he did the math on Pat and her children’s ages. When he learned about her occupation. When she brought home 4 additional children to care for. When she left hustling drugs for a new criminal occupation. I just knew that he was going to LEAVE. I don’t know if it was a smart decision to stay, because Pat’s life story could have gone in any direction at the time, but damn this man seems to have a heart of PURE GOLD. Can some one who read book, tell me the man's name?
2. DERRICK! I guess I was just mad as hell that Pat was being raped and nobody said a GOT DAMN THING. There was never anyone around to school her on any etiquette for a proper relationship. Her momma didn’t say anything. The got damn neighbors didn’t say anything. Maybe it was the social structure of the hood to mind your own business and not say anything. Maybe it was common where she was growing up. Possibly, nobody gave a damn. All I can say is thank goodness for Ms. Monroe and the role she played in Pat’s life. Not that anyone paid any attention, but she was the only one who brought any awareness that this relationship was wrong.
3. Speaking of Derrick, Pat’s life story could have ended up in a number of ways. The way Derrick was laying it low and spreading it wide, I was just happy that Pat's story didn’t end with HIV/Aids or serving a 25 to life sentence for murder committed as an act of self-defense.
4. Lamont! I really loved how Pat pointed out that in regards to Derrick’s behavior, Lamont was the only that asked her, “DON'T YOU THINK YOU DESERVE BETTER THAN THIS?” This question didn’t make her leave Derrick, but someone in her life finally it made her think about what she deserved.
5. Three tree switches…soaked in the tub…and braided, for an ass whippin! I’ve heard of being beat with leather belts, electrical cords, and wooden paddles. Even as a kid I had to pick a switch from a tree a time or two to take a licking because I acted up in church. Now I mentioned earlier this book is "thought provoking" this whole act of corporal punishment, seemed like a direct remnant of slavery, and it really hurt my heart. Especially if you remember “why” she received the beating.
6. Mildred a.k.a. the Momma! As the saying goes, “When you know better, you do better.” I don’t think the momma EVER knew better. There was no mention of Pat’s grandmother only her grandfather. Soooo, I wondered a lot about who the grandmother was and how she lived.
Since people tend to reflect the behavior they’ve been taught, I just had a sincere desire to know about the mother’s childhood, the life lessons she was or was NOT afforded to learn, and how she developed into an adult. Also because of some of the stories of Pat’s early childhood in her grandfather’s living room and her mother allowing the relationship with Derrick, I tend to think the mother did know about the abuse taking place with Mr. John. What do y’all think?
7. How I imagined my facial expression at the mention of a baby shower for a 13-year-old and inviting 6th and 7th grade classmates…
BONUS #1: The words Pat literally spoke to JIMMY CARTER...
BONUS #2: You know after reading two books about being vegan, in correlation to the way food was presented in this book, I think it almost helps establish the argument about food being a form of racism/classicism. Growing up in Patricia's world Mc Donald's was a rare delicacy. Ketchup sandwiches were nourishment. Even Soul Food cooked by her Grandfather cat head biscuits (something I never heard of, but they did sound good), fatback, chicken fat back...shaking my head. No wonder black folks have such high rates of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Pat, I thought this was an excellent book. And like you mentioned so many out there don't have a voice. I'm glad that you don't have shame or embarrassment about your life story, rather you are honest enough to share it and create the greatest opportunity of all to provide encouragement to someone who will read your testimony.
If comedy truly does take 10 years to develop a voice, I wouldn't mind reading a 2nd book from you describing how you developed yours. I look forward to observing your continued success.
I always like to give autobiography/memoir authors a huge round of applause for taking the time to perform the narration of their book. As an AUDIBLE book listener, the experience of a book automatically becomes more than learning the writer’s voice through reading words. The experience is heightened by listening to the narrator‘s tones/inflections in their actual voice. When an actor is hired to do this, it kills the experience. Thank you Ms. Pat for performing your memoir!
I enjoyed your accent. I enjoyed listening to you pronounce the words, “Walter Cronkite and triangles.” And I have to admit, because of your accent I couldn’t quite tell if your husband’s name is Micah or Michael? Please forgive me.
I have never heard of Ms. Pat. I have never seen her perform comedy and this book is the first time I’ve had any knowledge of her. This autobiography is about her being challenged by one of many of her ‘angels along the way’ to dream as a child and how she managed to conquer her dreams despite the many obstacles of growing up in the inner city of Atlanta, Georgia. I think that Ms. Pat has experienced more adversity in her first 13 years of life, than many grown adults. The stories she tells are funny, captivating, thought provoking, and even insightful regarding challenges social taboo’s in the African-American community. The authenticity of her story-telling reminds me a lot of Kevin Hart’s comedy special, “Laugh at my Pain,” because Pat chose to respond with the reality of her life experiences through the art of comedy.
When entering this book, I did have the expectation of learning more about the art and development of her comedic work, but this was more about the road that led her to comedy. If you lived through crack and the 80’s and experienced examples of it at its worst, this book may just be a bad memory, and possibly is not for you. If you like raw stories, that don’t fall short of holding back any qualms to meet “socially acceptable good mannered standards” this book would be a great choice for you. This book definitely makes a fantastic "book club" read!
Below are 7 random thoughts and observations from, Rabbit: The Autobiography of Ms. Pat
(I could write 20 random thoughts from this book, but I usually only do 7)
**Caution: SPOILER ALERTS ARE INCLUDED, but they don’t give away the whole story**
1. “Who is Micah/Michael?” Where did this man come from? And what where the exact ingredients and measurements God used in the recipe to create this man’s heart. I kept waiting for this man to evaporate from Pat’s life. When he did the math on Pat and her children’s ages. When he learned about her occupation. When she brought home 4 additional children to care for. When she left hustling drugs for a new criminal occupation. I just knew that he was going to LEAVE. I don’t know if it was a smart decision to stay, because Pat’s life story could have gone in any direction at the time, but damn this man seems to have a heart of PURE GOLD. Can some one who read book, tell me the man's name?
2. DERRICK! I guess I was just mad as hell that Pat was being raped and nobody said a GOT DAMN THING. There was never anyone around to school her on any etiquette for a proper relationship. Her momma didn’t say anything. The got damn neighbors didn’t say anything. Maybe it was the social structure of the hood to mind your own business and not say anything. Maybe it was common where she was growing up. Possibly, nobody gave a damn. All I can say is thank goodness for Ms. Monroe and the role she played in Pat’s life. Not that anyone paid any attention, but she was the only one who brought any awareness that this relationship was wrong.
3. Speaking of Derrick, Pat’s life story could have ended up in a number of ways. The way Derrick was laying it low and spreading it wide, I was just happy that Pat's story didn’t end with HIV/Aids or serving a 25 to life sentence for murder committed as an act of self-defense.
4. Lamont! I really loved how Pat pointed out that in regards to Derrick’s behavior, Lamont was the only that asked her, “DON'T YOU THINK YOU DESERVE BETTER THAN THIS?” This question didn’t make her leave Derrick, but someone in her life finally it made her think about what she deserved.
5. Three tree switches…soaked in the tub…and braided, for an ass whippin! I’ve heard of being beat with leather belts, electrical cords, and wooden paddles. Even as a kid I had to pick a switch from a tree a time or two to take a licking because I acted up in church. Now I mentioned earlier this book is "thought provoking" this whole act of corporal punishment, seemed like a direct remnant of slavery, and it really hurt my heart. Especially if you remember “why” she received the beating.
6. Mildred a.k.a. the Momma! As the saying goes, “When you know better, you do better.” I don’t think the momma EVER knew better. There was no mention of Pat’s grandmother only her grandfather. Soooo, I wondered a lot about who the grandmother was and how she lived.
Since people tend to reflect the behavior they’ve been taught, I just had a sincere desire to know about the mother’s childhood, the life lessons she was or was NOT afforded to learn, and how she developed into an adult. Also because of some of the stories of Pat’s early childhood in her grandfather’s living room and her mother allowing the relationship with Derrick, I tend to think the mother did know about the abuse taking place with Mr. John. What do y’all think?
7. How I imagined my facial expression at the mention of a baby shower for a 13-year-old and inviting 6th and 7th grade classmates…
BONUS #1: The words Pat literally spoke to JIMMY CARTER...
BONUS #2: You know after reading two books about being vegan, in correlation to the way food was presented in this book, I think it almost helps establish the argument about food being a form of racism/classicism. Growing up in Patricia's world Mc Donald's was a rare delicacy. Ketchup sandwiches were nourishment. Even Soul Food cooked by her Grandfather cat head biscuits (something I never heard of, but they did sound good), fatback, chicken fat back...shaking my head. No wonder black folks have such high rates of diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Pat, I thought this was an excellent book. And like you mentioned so many out there don't have a voice. I'm glad that you don't have shame or embarrassment about your life story, rather you are honest enough to share it and create the greatest opportunity of all to provide encouragement to someone who will read your testimony.
If comedy truly does take 10 years to develop a voice, I wouldn't mind reading a 2nd book from you describing how you developed yours. I look forward to observing your continued success.
November 28, 2019
My husband is big into podcasts lately. The Moth, Hidden Brain, Armchair Expert, Ear Hustle... he listens to a bunch of them, but those are a few that I can name off the top of my head (because I've listened to them with him). I like podcasts okay, but honestly, I don't see the point of listening to them when I could be listening to a book instead. So, when he learned that Ms. Pat has a book, he decided that we should get the audiobook and listen to it together. And so we did.
Here's the thing though - I would not recommend this on audio. After learning who Ms. Pat is (he showed me some of her podcast clips and stand-up in a bid to convince me to get the book, as though I need a reason to buy a book, pfft. Silly man!) I do not think that this audio performance does her justice. In her podcasts and on stage, she is a fast-talking, no-shit-taking joy to experience. I find her hilarious and love her voice and style. But the way that she read this book was nothing like that. I mean no disrespect here, but it was like listening to a student reading unfamiliar text in front of the class. It was stilted and slow, and just felt awkward and unnatural. All the things that she, and her story and life, isn't. I think it would have been much better had someone else read the audio for this. It's not usual for memoirs or autobiographies to be read by someone other than the subject/author, but in this case, I think it would have been better.
That being said - Everything about this otherwise was wonderful. Ms. Pat is the pull-yourself-up-by-the-bootstraps example that conservatives everywhere love to harp on... though they conveniently ignore the fact that she didn't (and nobody can) do it alone, and had a TON of help and support along the way. She might as well have been raised by wolves on the moon considering how little of normal things she was taught. My 5 year old nephew has savings accounts and a piggy bank and understands budgeting. She didn't learn that until she was in her mid-20s at least. She didn't know anything other than hustling and living on the block. Her recounting of seeing her neighborhood through the eyes of someone from outside of it was fascinating. She didn't see anything strange about crack fiends wandering around, or prostitutes on the corner, or drug deals, or run-down buildings etc. It was just normal for her.
It wasn't until someone questioned whether she wanted better than the guy who beat her and cheated on her that she realized that this isn't love.
It wasn't until someone showed her how credit and savings worked that she even considered putting money aside for a rainy day or an emergency. She'd always lived hand to mouth... if you had money, you used it. There wasn't anything to set aside, and then when there was, she just upgraded the purchases.
Just... so many lessons along the way that taught her that there was more, and better, to life than what she was settling for. That she was more than her upbringing (or lack thereof). But for all of the failures of her mother and society, she always wanted better for the kids in her care, even if she went about it the wrong way, simply because she didn't know better. She always made sure they had food and clothes. She went out of her way to step up when they needed her. That is commendable, considering the atrocious example her own alcoholic mother had been.
I'm glad that she made it, and that she's doing well for herself and her family now. I'm glad that she (and the kids in her care) didn't end up as statistics. This book was fascinating and horrifying and funny all at the same time.
Here's the thing though - I would not recommend this on audio. After learning who Ms. Pat is (he showed me some of her podcast clips and stand-up in a bid to convince me to get the book, as though I need a reason to buy a book, pfft. Silly man!) I do not think that this audio performance does her justice. In her podcasts and on stage, she is a fast-talking, no-shit-taking joy to experience. I find her hilarious and love her voice and style. But the way that she read this book was nothing like that. I mean no disrespect here, but it was like listening to a student reading unfamiliar text in front of the class. It was stilted and slow, and just felt awkward and unnatural. All the things that she, and her story and life, isn't. I think it would have been much better had someone else read the audio for this. It's not usual for memoirs or autobiographies to be read by someone other than the subject/author, but in this case, I think it would have been better.
That being said - Everything about this otherwise was wonderful. Ms. Pat is the pull-yourself-up-by-the-bootstraps example that conservatives everywhere love to harp on... though they conveniently ignore the fact that she didn't (and nobody can) do it alone, and had a TON of help and support along the way. She might as well have been raised by wolves on the moon considering how little of normal things she was taught. My 5 year old nephew has savings accounts and a piggy bank and understands budgeting. She didn't learn that until she was in her mid-20s at least. She didn't know anything other than hustling and living on the block. Her recounting of seeing her neighborhood through the eyes of someone from outside of it was fascinating. She didn't see anything strange about crack fiends wandering around, or prostitutes on the corner, or drug deals, or run-down buildings etc. It was just normal for her.
It wasn't until someone questioned whether she wanted better than the guy who beat her and cheated on her that she realized that this isn't love.
It wasn't until someone showed her how credit and savings worked that she even considered putting money aside for a rainy day or an emergency. She'd always lived hand to mouth... if you had money, you used it. There wasn't anything to set aside, and then when there was, she just upgraded the purchases.
Just... so many lessons along the way that taught her that there was more, and better, to life than what she was settling for. That she was more than her upbringing (or lack thereof). But for all of the failures of her mother and society, she always wanted better for the kids in her care, even if she went about it the wrong way, simply because she didn't know better. She always made sure they had food and clothes. She went out of her way to step up when they needed her. That is commendable, considering the atrocious example her own alcoholic mother had been.
I'm glad that she made it, and that she's doing well for herself and her family now. I'm glad that she (and the kids in her care) didn't end up as statistics. This book was fascinating and horrifying and funny all at the same time.
September 4, 2019
Honestly I’d never heard of Ms. Pat before today. Briefly mentioned in Nobody’s Victim by Carrie Goldberg, I came to engage in this journey and damn, was it a roller coaster ride! At the last page, I was legit speechless.
Definite TW: child abuse, molestation, sexual assault, domestic violence, drug abuse, drug dealing.. every damn bad thing you could think of..
You know — real talks, Patricia Williams is an amazing storyteller. She brings you so deep, telling a story too familiar for young black girls growing up in the hood. Definitely not all young black girls growing up in these conditions have the same story but each detail she described rings bells for so many women I know raised in similar conditions.
I think the fact that “Rabbit” aka Ms. Pat aka Patricia Williams pointed out the fact that no one ever really cared/or cares about the conditions that young black girls grow up in, is a fact that can never be overstated or overlooked. It’s a powerful statement that highlights a truth about how abuse gets perpetuated within our community.
This book is heavy and it’s hard but it’s not all doom and gloom, it’s inspirational in the sense that learning better and trying to do better is not easy and hitting roadblocks and dealing with/navigating fucked up situations is hard, and making your own way out by any means is commendable. Hustling isn’t just about buying fancy shit, it’s about taking care of yourself and others and making your way through. She’s been through so much and she gives back so much. It’s just like a sister to stay giving on top of giving even when in the hardest, most trying, of times. Excluding her mom yo.
This autobiography read kind of like The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah and I think there’s a reason those books are so popular — there’s something about survival stories that gets everyone on a level. On a flip side, I would say that this story is just as good as Tara Westover’s book, Educated. Widely released, a story about overcoming extreme hardship. Widely acclaimed. Excellent writing. Those are just some random comparisons that came to mind, but there are lots of similarities.
Finally, Patricia’s storytelling uses honesty combined with wit to create images that are tragic but hilarious. Moments that can only be described as, you have to laugh or you'll cry at the insanity. The beautiful thing is how far she's come. The ability to look back and detail these experiences so that many a young black girl sees that they are not alone and that they can overcome and that they’re not stupid or responsible for the hand they were dealt by life is a powerful affirmation to your community and it’s deserving of the highest respect.
There is a beauty in truth that’s spoken in a no bullshit way and Ms. Pat delivered that in spades here. This book is a must read.
Definite TW: child abuse, molestation, sexual assault, domestic violence, drug abuse, drug dealing.. every damn bad thing you could think of..
You know — real talks, Patricia Williams is an amazing storyteller. She brings you so deep, telling a story too familiar for young black girls growing up in the hood. Definitely not all young black girls growing up in these conditions have the same story but each detail she described rings bells for so many women I know raised in similar conditions.
I think the fact that “Rabbit” aka Ms. Pat aka Patricia Williams pointed out the fact that no one ever really cared/or cares about the conditions that young black girls grow up in, is a fact that can never be overstated or overlooked. It’s a powerful statement that highlights a truth about how abuse gets perpetuated within our community.
This book is heavy and it’s hard but it’s not all doom and gloom, it’s inspirational in the sense that learning better and trying to do better is not easy and hitting roadblocks and dealing with/navigating fucked up situations is hard, and making your own way out by any means is commendable. Hustling isn’t just about buying fancy shit, it’s about taking care of yourself and others and making your way through. She’s been through so much and she gives back so much. It’s just like a sister to stay giving on top of giving even when in the hardest, most trying, of times. Excluding her mom yo.
This autobiography read kind of like The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah and I think there’s a reason those books are so popular — there’s something about survival stories that gets everyone on a level. On a flip side, I would say that this story is just as good as Tara Westover’s book, Educated. Widely released, a story about overcoming extreme hardship. Widely acclaimed. Excellent writing. Those are just some random comparisons that came to mind, but there are lots of similarities.
Finally, Patricia’s storytelling uses honesty combined with wit to create images that are tragic but hilarious. Moments that can only be described as, you have to laugh or you'll cry at the insanity. The beautiful thing is how far she's come. The ability to look back and detail these experiences so that many a young black girl sees that they are not alone and that they can overcome and that they’re not stupid or responsible for the hand they were dealt by life is a powerful affirmation to your community and it’s deserving of the highest respect.
There is a beauty in truth that’s spoken in a no bullshit way and Ms. Pat delivered that in spades here. This book is a must read.
August 28, 2017
This was an amazingly powerful read and one that I will not forget anytime soon. In this memoir, we meet Patricia "Rabbit" Williams who grew up living in poverty. She gets pregnant while in middle school and has to deal with a mother with substance abuse issues, a cheating boyfriend as well as some rather unsavory jobs including dealing crack. The most remarkable part of this story is that it is both tragically sad but written in a hysterical manner as well. The author never once asks you to feel pity for her but instead to listen to her story. It is certainly a cautionary yet illuminating tale, one of which many people who I know, including myself would know nothing about. This book reminds me of "The Glass Castle" in terms of shock value and memorability.
September 19, 2018
This audible book was such a welcome change from the books and readers I'm used to. Honestly, the readers are all sounding the same to me anymore.
Ms. Pat had a young life that would be hard to overcome but with the help of teachers and others, all of whom she credits, she did it. Pregnant at 13. Selling drugs to support her two babies at 15. Shot, jailed, meeting obstacles at every turn, she is now a comedian making a living by seeing humor in the hard parts of life.
Now that I've finished the book, I miss her.
Ms. Pat had a young life that would be hard to overcome but with the help of teachers and others, all of whom she credits, she did it. Pregnant at 13. Selling drugs to support her two babies at 15. Shot, jailed, meeting obstacles at every turn, she is now a comedian making a living by seeing humor in the hard parts of life.
Now that I've finished the book, I miss her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2017
This is the fucked up part..... as bad as her life was I just kept thinking it could have been so much worse!
August 19, 2025
“I know a lot of people think they know what it’s like to grow up in the hood. Like maybe they watched a couple of seasons of The Wire and think they got the shit all figured out. But TV doesn’t tell the whole story.” - Ms. Pat
Ms. Pat’s memoir “Rabbit” is REAL, RAW, and a MUST READ! I've learned so much about Ms. Pat. She's a true Atlanna (not Atlanta) legend in my eyes! “Rabbit” will forever have a special place in my heart!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ms. Pat’s memoir “Rabbit” is REAL, RAW, and a MUST READ! I've learned so much about Ms. Pat. She's a true Atlanna (not Atlanta) legend in my eyes! “Rabbit” will forever have a special place in my heart!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 25, 2020
This book! This book! This book! When you read this book you are going to question whether or not this is really someone’s life. It's shocking, heartbreaking, inspiring, and jaw dropping! Patricia Williams told her truth and did not leave anything out! Can I really give trigger warnings out on an autobiography? I laughed, I emphasized, but I appreciated her truth and loved the way she pieced together this crazy wild ride of a life through her storytelling. It was provocative at moments but not to the point of being explicit. I experienced this on audio and it felt like I was listening to a close friend telling me the ”tea” about her life. This is a story I will never forget! Y'all put this on your radar quick fast and in a hurry!
September 19, 2019
Ms. Pat, Patricia Williams, Rabbit are all the names of one woman who grew to set the foundation for the future of her family. “It doesn’t show you what it’s like for girls like me; how one thing can lead to another so that one minute you’re a twelve year old looking for attention, then suddenly you end up pregnant at thirteen, with nobody to turn to for help.. It’s easy to pretend that we don’t exist”.
There is so many obstacles Rabbit face in her life and so many that hit close to home but her story brought awareness to what is still a struggle today. Rape culture and what consent truly is. Rabbit as a child, was raped before she even knew what it meant. How drugs can cause a parent to ignore all the signs of their child screaming out for attention but being ignored because the high was to important. Rabbit’s story unwinds so fast and her first 23 years of life almost seems unreal.
The introduction of the crack epidemic into Rabbit’s life came in 1988 due to her no good baby daddy, but that was not the beginning of Rabbit’s illegal lifestyle. Her mother taught her to pick pockets at 7 and that just opened the door to show Rabbit that surviving by any means necessary was the only way to go. Rabbit shares how the crack epidemic tore down her neighborhood and how she played a key role and supplying people with a temporary fix.
There is so much that has happened in Rabbits life, you just can’t help but smile at who she is today. A comedian, a survivor, a woman who learned to adapt so that she could not only raise her children but her families children as well. She is woman who forgave the people who hurt her and helped others while asking for nothing in return.
There is so many obstacles Rabbit face in her life and so many that hit close to home but her story brought awareness to what is still a struggle today. Rape culture and what consent truly is. Rabbit as a child, was raped before she even knew what it meant. How drugs can cause a parent to ignore all the signs of their child screaming out for attention but being ignored because the high was to important. Rabbit’s story unwinds so fast and her first 23 years of life almost seems unreal.
The introduction of the crack epidemic into Rabbit’s life came in 1988 due to her no good baby daddy, but that was not the beginning of Rabbit’s illegal lifestyle. Her mother taught her to pick pockets at 7 and that just opened the door to show Rabbit that surviving by any means necessary was the only way to go. Rabbit shares how the crack epidemic tore down her neighborhood and how she played a key role and supplying people with a temporary fix.
There is so much that has happened in Rabbits life, you just can’t help but smile at who she is today. A comedian, a survivor, a woman who learned to adapt so that she could not only raise her children but her families children as well. She is woman who forgave the people who hurt her and helped others while asking for nothing in return.
June 9, 2020
"When most folks think about the problems of growing up in the hood they think about what it must feel like to be poor or hungry, or to have your lights cut off. The struggle nobody talk about is what it's like to be invisible, or to know it in your heart that nobody cares. Mama didn't want to be famous; she wanted to be seen."
Read books by black authors. Listen to their stories. Books take you out of your own world and drop you into new experiences.
I grew up poor. My parents were 19 when they had me. I went to churches for food and looked forward to Government cheese and peanut butter. But growing up poor and white in the suburbs is nothing like growing up poor and black in the hood (as portrayed in this memoir). So many choices seemed already made for those who were struggling so deeply.
I finished Rabbit's audiobook in 2 sittings. I promise that once you start this book you won't want to put it down.
Read books by black authors. Listen to their stories. Books take you out of your own world and drop you into new experiences.
I grew up poor. My parents were 19 when they had me. I went to churches for food and looked forward to Government cheese and peanut butter. But growing up poor and white in the suburbs is nothing like growing up poor and black in the hood (as portrayed in this memoir). So many choices seemed already made for those who were struggling so deeply.
I finished Rabbit's audiobook in 2 sittings. I promise that once you start this book you won't want to put it down.
June 27, 2018
This book ripped my damned heart out. No one deserves the upbringing Ms. Pat had. It didn’t set her up for a good life. It was endearing to listen to her speak so candidly. It takes so much courage to put yourself out there; the good and the bad. She’s been through some shit, then some more shit, then even more. You get the idea. But you see where she is now. She has a big heart and you can’t help but love her.
June 12, 2024
The story here is not amusing, but heart-wrenching. Only at the end does Williams offer some insight into how her material was re-worked into comedy (perhaps a reader familiar with Ms. Pat's routine would already know how she managed the material).
This book is easy to read, but hard to sit with.
This book is easy to read, but hard to sit with.
January 14, 2021
Ms. Pat was so honest and open in this book, which is really a great way to heal...Ms. Pat you have a warm heat of GOLD! Ms. Pat took care of nieces and cousins, which I believe ultimately save them from possible harm that she unfortunately had to endure. Continued Blessings to you and your family. Thank You for sharing your courageous story with us.
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