‘Master of Me’ author Keke Palmer reveals favorite recent reads
Keke Palmer shot to fame at the tender age of 12, starring in the critically acclaimed Akeelah and the Bee. From there, she launched a music career (her debut album, So Uncool, was released in 2007), and a Nickelodeon show True Jackson, VP, among other projects that have allowed fans to grow up with her. So it’s no wonder her recent memoir, Master of Me, was so hotly anticipated. To celebrate its release, we asked the multihyphenate what books she’s read—and loved—and her answers (including a sweet picture book she shares with her son) are below.
In my book, Master of Me, I talk about the three Ps: Power, Purpose, and Performance. There is power in setting boundaries, and I recently had Nedra on my podcast to talk about the importance of doing so. Learning to set boundaries has been a life-changing part of my personal growth and is so necessary to finding purpose…this is the guidebook. —Keke Palmer
Michelle Obama is such an inspiration for me. We both came from the South Side of Chicago, and I find personal strength in her powerful speeches and words. Her rise as First Lady is one that required resilience in the public eye. I hope my son Leo will derive strength from examples of people like Michelle Obama, who is crystal clear on her purpose, and stops at nothing to achieve it. —Keke Palmer
I mention the film adaptation in my book, Master of Me, but this book sits at the intersection of so many themes with these dynamic Black women at its core. It's an ode to strength, friendship, love, honesty, and reclamation. —Keke Palmer
I did a movie with Ms. Tyson, and feel blessed to have experienced her overflowing inspiration firsthand. This is a woman who knew how to find joy in difficult circumstances, and how to healthily detach and confront the parts of herself that needed to be confronted in order to be her most authentic self. She was a legend. —Keke Palmer
I don’t know Jon, but I admire that he is unafraid to put a process around creativity. He has created incredible films that reflect his own identity and have also inspired positive change in the Hollywood system. I love a disruptor, and have long been one myself. Jon says that stories can be a tool to see the world and ourselves more clearly (which is part of why I have always loved being a storyteller!). I like that he provides tools for how to discover and express your own unique point of view. —Keke Palmer
This book celebrates the connections between our communities, parents, others, and with God; and children are encouraged to shine their light and positivity on those around them and to always lift each other up. My parents taught us to stay connected to our community and to God, and to always help others in need and stay positive. I am trying to teach Leo the same thing. —Keke Palmer
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