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Undefeated: Changing the Rules and Winning on My Own Terms
Shaunie Henderson—wife, mother, entrepreneur, producer, and creator of the hit TV show Basketball Wives—opens up about finding love, offers advice for raising strong, smart, grounded Black children in today’s world, and reveals how to define your career and personal life by your own terms in this inspirational memoir.
Today, Shaunie Henderson is a force to be reckoned with—a TV personality, producer of multiple hit reality shows, entrepreneur, philanthropist, mother of five children, First Lady of her husband’s church, and role model. But before she found her voice and her purpose, she was one more young woman trying to find her way as a partner, a parent, and a person.
In Undefeated, Henderson opens up about the struggles, heartbreaks, losses, and triumphs that have made her who she is today—stories that will inspire you to rise up, discover your strength and self-love, and be who you are meant to be. Featuring her relatable voice and filled with candor, Undefeated is so much more than a memoir—it is a stirring guidebook that will change your life for the better.
Today, Shaunie Henderson is a force to be reckoned with—a TV personality, producer of multiple hit reality shows, entrepreneur, philanthropist, mother of five children, First Lady of her husband’s church, and role model. But before she found her voice and her purpose, she was one more young woman trying to find her way as a partner, a parent, and a person.
In Undefeated, Henderson opens up about the struggles, heartbreaks, losses, and triumphs that have made her who she is today—stories that will inspire you to rise up, discover your strength and self-love, and be who you are meant to be. Featuring her relatable voice and filled with candor, Undefeated is so much more than a memoir—it is a stirring guidebook that will change your life for the better.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published May 7, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 27, 2024
I liked that she read her own audiobook, it made it all feel more real. But I was expecting a bit more from this, like getting to know the author better. I haven't seen her show, so I did get introduced to her through this book, but it felt like she kept her readers at a distance, not letting them into her circle.
And she doesn't have to do that, it's her story and she can tell it however she wants, it's just that I don't feel like we got a lot of information in general. Some of it is due to the constant repetition, she'd repeat the same things multiple times in every chapter and it could get tiring.
At first I was a bit sad it's such a short book, but to be honest I'm not sure how much more repetition I could've taken, so it's probably better it was only 6 hours, even less when sped up.
I'd still like to read the rest of her story, if she ever feels like sharing. The parts we got here were interesting, and I'm so glad she managed to forge her own path after the divorce.
And she doesn't have to do that, it's her story and she can tell it however she wants, it's just that I don't feel like we got a lot of information in general. Some of it is due to the constant repetition, she'd repeat the same things multiple times in every chapter and it could get tiring.
At first I was a bit sad it's such a short book, but to be honest I'm not sure how much more repetition I could've taken, so it's probably better it was only 6 hours, even less when sped up.
I'd still like to read the rest of her story, if she ever feels like sharing. The parts we got here were interesting, and I'm so glad she managed to forge her own path after the divorce.
May 23, 2024
I had such high hopes for this memoir. I went to the bookstore and purchased it on the day it was released. I pushed back all the other books I had scheduled to read, and got right into. Unfortunately, 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 did not measure up to my expectations.
I can always tell when I’ve read a great celebrity memoir because I end the book feeling like I’ve just had a long conversation with a friend. I feel like I’ve come to know and like the celebrity more than before. I also get a slight sense of melancholy when the memoir comes to an end. I felt none of these things upon the completion of this book. I don’t know Shaunie anymore today than I did before completing her book. And instead I liking her more, I actually like her less.
Shaunie starts by saying there are many different versions of her. But to me all the Shaunie’s seem the same, they are just in different situations. The Shaunie in this memoir is the same standoffish, self-serving, and disconnected Shaunie I’ve seen weekly on the reality series 𝘉𝘢𝘴𝘬𝘦𝘵𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘞𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴.
Let me give you an example. In a chapter titled, 𝘙𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘮 𝘋𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘐𝘧 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘶𝘴, she talks about colorism and she states how it’s not popular to be a light-skinned person in this country because of the BLM movement! 🤯WHAAAATTT! Shaunie you have got to be kidding me! Are you serious???? This is the most self-serving bull💩 I’ve ever read from a black woman. Reading her opinion really pissed me off! But wait, it gets worse! She then has the audacity to talk about a video shared by a comedian celebrating the beauty of black women. In the video, the comedian celebrates the beauty of dark-skinned black women. He loves on my black coffee, no sugar, no cream sistas (shoutout to the late great Heavy D #RIP). And let me tell you, Shaunie and her friends did not like it at all. She had the nerve to say it’s reverse colorism. And that light skin is not the thing anymore! All because a man posted a video that did not display light-skinned women. Because she’s not the center of attention, it’s reverse colorism! Girl bye! I found her reaction to the video offensive! Why can’t dark skin beauty be celebrated without Shaunie and her friends feeling as if it’s rejecting them? Their views are no different than the ignorant people who believe BLM insinuates WL don’t matter. It’s ludicrous. This is a clear example of how self-centered Shaunie really is. It displays how she only views the world through her privileged tinted Gucci glasses. I could go on and on about this but I digress😒.
There was a portion of the book that did resonate with me. I felt her when she talked about the past. The “good days, the innocent days when summers felt endless”. These were the days before her father passed away, before she got divorced, and before all her kids grew up and moved out. I understood her feelings because I feel the same way. I also miss the days of raising young children with a house full of family and love.
The chapter in which she appeared to be the most vulnerable was chapter thirteen. In it she writes about her father and his health issues leading up to his death. I applaud her attempt at going below the surface. Although it wasn’t a complete success, I give her an A for effort.
Evelyn Lozada and Jackie Christie are the only Basketball Wives Shaunie mentions by name. She did talk about others, but for legal reasons I’m sure, no other names were mentioned.
The most interesting fun fact I learned was that Shaq is not the biological father of her oldest son Myles. Myles was two years old when Shaunie and Shaq met. I had no clue.
Overall, I believe the purpose writing a memoir is to allow your supporters to get to know a side of you they’ve never seen before. It requires a willingness to be open and vulnerable. A great memoir demands the author to go deep, uncovering parts of their emotions that may have been buried even to themselves. Unfortunately, that did not happen in this memoir. And for that reason, I had to give it 3⭐️s.
But like I always say, if you have this book on your TBR, please continue to read it! Just because it wasn’t for me, does not mean it’s not for you.
I can always tell when I’ve read a great celebrity memoir because I end the book feeling like I’ve just had a long conversation with a friend. I feel like I’ve come to know and like the celebrity more than before. I also get a slight sense of melancholy when the memoir comes to an end. I felt none of these things upon the completion of this book. I don’t know Shaunie anymore today than I did before completing her book. And instead I liking her more, I actually like her less.
Shaunie starts by saying there are many different versions of her. But to me all the Shaunie’s seem the same, they are just in different situations. The Shaunie in this memoir is the same standoffish, self-serving, and disconnected Shaunie I’ve seen weekly on the reality series 𝘉𝘢𝘴𝘬𝘦𝘵𝘣𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘞𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴.
Let me give you an example. In a chapter titled, 𝘙𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘴𝘮 𝘋𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘊𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘐𝘧 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘍𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘶𝘴, she talks about colorism and she states how it’s not popular to be a light-skinned person in this country because of the BLM movement! 🤯WHAAAATTT! Shaunie you have got to be kidding me! Are you serious???? This is the most self-serving bull💩 I’ve ever read from a black woman. Reading her opinion really pissed me off! But wait, it gets worse! She then has the audacity to talk about a video shared by a comedian celebrating the beauty of black women. In the video, the comedian celebrates the beauty of dark-skinned black women. He loves on my black coffee, no sugar, no cream sistas (shoutout to the late great Heavy D #RIP). And let me tell you, Shaunie and her friends did not like it at all. She had the nerve to say it’s reverse colorism. And that light skin is not the thing anymore! All because a man posted a video that did not display light-skinned women. Because she’s not the center of attention, it’s reverse colorism! Girl bye! I found her reaction to the video offensive! Why can’t dark skin beauty be celebrated without Shaunie and her friends feeling as if it’s rejecting them? Their views are no different than the ignorant people who believe BLM insinuates WL don’t matter. It’s ludicrous. This is a clear example of how self-centered Shaunie really is. It displays how she only views the world through her privileged tinted Gucci glasses. I could go on and on about this but I digress😒.
There was a portion of the book that did resonate with me. I felt her when she talked about the past. The “good days, the innocent days when summers felt endless”. These were the days before her father passed away, before she got divorced, and before all her kids grew up and moved out. I understood her feelings because I feel the same way. I also miss the days of raising young children with a house full of family and love.
The chapter in which she appeared to be the most vulnerable was chapter thirteen. In it she writes about her father and his health issues leading up to his death. I applaud her attempt at going below the surface. Although it wasn’t a complete success, I give her an A for effort.
Evelyn Lozada and Jackie Christie are the only Basketball Wives Shaunie mentions by name. She did talk about others, but for legal reasons I’m sure, no other names were mentioned.
The most interesting fun fact I learned was that Shaq is not the biological father of her oldest son Myles. Myles was two years old when Shaunie and Shaq met. I had no clue.
Overall, I believe the purpose writing a memoir is to allow your supporters to get to know a side of you they’ve never seen before. It requires a willingness to be open and vulnerable. A great memoir demands the author to go deep, uncovering parts of their emotions that may have been buried even to themselves. Unfortunately, that did not happen in this memoir. And for that reason, I had to give it 3⭐️s.
But like I always say, if you have this book on your TBR, please continue to read it! Just because it wasn’t for me, does not mean it’s not for you.
April 11, 2024
I was so excited NetGalley approved for this ARC! Shaunie is unapologetically herself. I love how the book was written, not a messy tell all but her sharing her past to current life experiences. How she stepped into the roll of First Lady and made it her own is amazing. Speaking about past relationships, current marriage and raising her black children in America and the spotlight. I read this book in one day.There are so many good life lessons in this book as well that come from her parents as well as herself, so many funny moments. I love when people tell their own story and she gave us just sound I really enjoyed it. Seeing her glow up has been a joy and now to hear her story in her own words and not make it a messy tell all is so her classy and true to herself.
May 10, 2024
She did a lot of repetition. It’s was an okay read. I didn’t leave feeling inspired nor did I really find out much about her.
June 25, 2024
I picked up this book because I used to watch Basketball Wives and I was a fan of her ex-husband Shaq honestly. There weren’t any jaw dropping discoveries for me but there were tid bits of goodness here and there.
It was an easy read but it didn’t hold my attention because it gave off generic memoir vibes to me and it’s probably because she’s a private person and doesn’t dish much but to me the whole point of a memoir is to dish stuff! If not, it’s irrelevant and just don’t write a book.
Overall, it was an okay read. Nothing spectacular. I feel like it just ended out of no where to be honest. I wasn’t expecting the ending when I got to it.
It was an easy read but it didn’t hold my attention because it gave off generic memoir vibes to me and it’s probably because she’s a private person and doesn’t dish much but to me the whole point of a memoir is to dish stuff! If not, it’s irrelevant and just don’t write a book.
Overall, it was an okay read. Nothing spectacular. I feel like it just ended out of no where to be honest. I wasn’t expecting the ending when I got to it.
May 28, 2024
Kinda dry!
May 12, 2024
I’ll preface with the fact that I am likely not the intended audience for this book. I don’t follow Shaunie or the basketball wives series, I was drawn in because I love memoirs and the description interested me.
With that, the book is very surface level and repetitive. There were so many things about her life repeated throughout the text and I don’t feel like I walk away inspired or motivated.
With that, the book is very surface level and repetitive. There were so many things about her life repeated throughout the text and I don’t feel like I walk away inspired or motivated.
July 3, 2024
I enjoyed reading Undefeated. I got the opportunity to know the First Lady, Mother, Executive Producer, and, Boss Chick who’s eager to show us her next. While reading this book, Lady Shaunie invited me into her space and shared, part of her story as a youth, her past and present marriages, parenting, and her friendships. Shaunie shared life lessons and how she is dominating in life. I look forward to Shaunie’s future content.
June 4, 2024
I enjoyed listening to Shaunie Henderson reading her own audiobook. I enjoyed it so much that I finished it in one day. I really like the fact that she takes family seriously, especially her children, and I love her for that.
September 20, 2024
An empowering memoir about resilience, self-love, and rewriting life's rules! 💪🏽❤️ With honesty, Shaunie shows us how to rise above adversity and win on our own terms.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
June 3, 2024
Undefeated Changing the Rules and Winning on My Own Terms by Shaunie Henderson chronicles her life from childhood to the present day. I most liked reading about her relationship with her children, and the stories that related to them. Shaunie does seem to have resilience and can bounce back from adversity. Overall, I feel like the reader gets to know Shaunie somewhat better. While reading it did feel like she was ticking things off the list to address, and she contradicted herself on quite a few subjects.
May 7, 2024
Now I have been waiting for this book to drop since she made the announcement that she wrote it. I am a huge @iamshaunie fan I just love her. They could never make me hate you. From when she brought the hit show “Basketball Wives” to our TV Shaunie has been the realest of them all.
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If you are looking for some gossip or looking for Shaunie to spill tea this not the book for you. In this book we got to really listen to Shaunie, she opening up about life after Marriage to Shaq and building the brand that she had created that we watch on Television. She talks about how the downfall of her marriage wasn’t just Shaq’s fault she takes blame for it too.
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.
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She talks about her kids growing up and not wanting for nothing. How Shaq is an incredible father and he made sure they wanted for nothing. I love that when Shaunie left she took nothing from him. She is a certified hustler because she created the lifestyle that she has now with no help from anyone.
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.
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I love how she opens up and we get to know a bit more about Shaunie in this book. I truly felt this book came out at a good time. I feel like she closed the chapter to the past life. I was happy to see that the last name on her book was Henderson and not her ex husband last name. I love that she stated that found the love her of life in her husband Keion.
.
.
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If you are a Shaunie fan you would want to pick up and read this book.
.
.
.
If you are looking for some gossip or looking for Shaunie to spill tea this not the book for you. In this book we got to really listen to Shaunie, she opening up about life after Marriage to Shaq and building the brand that she had created that we watch on Television. She talks about how the downfall of her marriage wasn’t just Shaq’s fault she takes blame for it too.
.
.
.
She talks about her kids growing up and not wanting for nothing. How Shaq is an incredible father and he made sure they wanted for nothing. I love that when Shaunie left she took nothing from him. She is a certified hustler because she created the lifestyle that she has now with no help from anyone.
.
.
.
I love how she opens up and we get to know a bit more about Shaunie in this book. I truly felt this book came out at a good time. I feel like she closed the chapter to the past life. I was happy to see that the last name on her book was Henderson and not her ex husband last name. I love that she stated that found the love her of life in her husband Keion.
.
.
.
If you are a Shaunie fan you would want to pick up and read this book.
May 15, 2024
Undefeated: Changing the Rules and Winning on My Own Terms feels like more of a response than a memoir. Meaning, each chapter “sets the record straight” on topics and gossip that the public may have misunderstood over the years - i.e. Shaunie's relationship with Shaq, issues on Basketball Wives (reality show), meeting her current husband Pastor Keion Henderson, etc.
This may not be the platform for this discussion, but I was really disappointed with how she addressed colorism - an incredibly sensitive and complicated subject. The text, imo, lacked the introspection, depth and context that the conversation deserves.
That aside, I enjoyed reading about her relationship with her children and reflection on her parent’s dynamic (and how that impacted her). It's clear that family is very important to Shaunie and it was nice to read about her children, siblings and parents. More of this would push Undefeated closer to a memoir. Maybe her next book will let us in some more.
This may not be the platform for this discussion, but I was really disappointed with how she addressed colorism - an incredibly sensitive and complicated subject. The text, imo, lacked the introspection, depth and context that the conversation deserves.
That aside, I enjoyed reading about her relationship with her children and reflection on her parent’s dynamic (and how that impacted her). It's clear that family is very important to Shaunie and it was nice to read about her children, siblings and parents. More of this would push Undefeated closer to a memoir. Maybe her next book will let us in some more.
April 3, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher Gallery Books, and the author, Ms. Shaunie Henderson, for an advanced copy of Undefeated in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are my own and there are no spoilers.
Undefeated is a look at the real woman behind the public image that many have come to know and so many have thought they knew. Ms. Henderson has invited the reader into her life to hear from her who she really is. The experiences that she recounts are honest, insight and told from a woman who has learned from her past experiences (no bashing or name calling here). She owns her journey unapologetically telling her story with a level of grace and wisdom that is rare and unmatched in today’s society. I would recommend this book to women, particularly Black women, who want to be inspired, uplifted, cry a bit and laugh. After reading, Undefeated, as a woman, you feel seen, heard, and understood while rooting and applauding Ms. Henderson for sharing her story. I look forward to seeing what heights Ms. Henderson goes to next and encourage everyone to get a copy of her book to learn about her for yourself.
Undefeated is a look at the real woman behind the public image that many have come to know and so many have thought they knew. Ms. Henderson has invited the reader into her life to hear from her who she really is. The experiences that she recounts are honest, insight and told from a woman who has learned from her past experiences (no bashing or name calling here). She owns her journey unapologetically telling her story with a level of grace and wisdom that is rare and unmatched in today’s society. I would recommend this book to women, particularly Black women, who want to be inspired, uplifted, cry a bit and laugh. After reading, Undefeated, as a woman, you feel seen, heard, and understood while rooting and applauding Ms. Henderson for sharing her story. I look forward to seeing what heights Ms. Henderson goes to next and encourage everyone to get a copy of her book to learn about her for yourself.
June 25, 2024
wow that’s all I can say
The book was amazing, I took soooooo many notes and highlights and lots of take aways I am currently in my mid twenties and have been in a relationship for 7 years now since my high school days. This book has taught me that we will go through some things in life that will be some hard lessons and later in life we will understand the why’s of it all and it will connect the dots. Although I don’t look forward to the trials in tribulations I know it will make sense in the future. Thank you Shaunie this book it was Amazing and I look forward to whatever you produce. I’m also a hugeeee fan of the grow zone I definitely look forward to anything you and keion put out with that as well. Thank you again.
The book was amazing, I took soooooo many notes and highlights and lots of take aways I am currently in my mid twenties and have been in a relationship for 7 years now since my high school days. This book has taught me that we will go through some things in life that will be some hard lessons and later in life we will understand the why’s of it all and it will connect the dots. Although I don’t look forward to the trials in tribulations I know it will make sense in the future. Thank you Shaunie this book it was Amazing and I look forward to whatever you produce. I’m also a hugeeee fan of the grow zone I definitely look forward to anything you and keion put out with that as well. Thank you again.
September 23, 2024
This book was informative as what kind of life Shanie led before marrying Shaquille O'Neal.
The book goes on to reveal to the reader how she coped with that the life as a basketball player wife.
The book further goes on how she raised her children and the close involvement she had and still has with them.
She furthers her story about how Basketball wives came about and the book eventually ends with her life as the first lady of the church her current husband Keon Henderson is tbe pastor of.
To me the book was a little too wordy,which caused me to lose interest in the book.
Although the reader is enlightened to Shaunie's life it does get boring.
The book is ok if all of this information about her is what you the reader is looking for..
The book goes on to reveal to the reader how she coped with that the life as a basketball player wife.
The book further goes on how she raised her children and the close involvement she had and still has with them.
She furthers her story about how Basketball wives came about and the book eventually ends with her life as the first lady of the church her current husband Keon Henderson is tbe pastor of.
To me the book was a little too wordy,which caused me to lose interest in the book.
Although the reader is enlightened to Shaunie's life it does get boring.
The book is ok if all of this information about her is what you the reader is looking for..
July 10, 2024
This was a good read by Shaunie Henderson. It's nice to get introduced to her through her book. I like that you want to always be YOU, even as First Lady of The Lighthouse Church here in Houston, Texas. Much love, happiness, understanding and patience for you and your new husband in your loving marriage.
August 15, 2024
4 stars!!!! I loved this for her! I’ve been a serious fan for years, she always carried herself so beautifully on and off the camera to get a glimpse inside her life was amazing. Very easy and quick read. I found myself trying to slow down because i didn’t want it to end!!! The sections she wrote about finding new love gave me so much hope for my future!
May 10, 2024
Definitely Undefeated
The only reason I did not finish in one sitting was because I had to go the bed. I honestly felt as though Shaunie was being very authentic in what she shared in this book. She has definitely changed from who she was before.
The only reason I did not finish in one sitting was because I had to go the bed. I honestly felt as though Shaunie was being very authentic in what she shared in this book. She has definitely changed from who she was before.
May 13, 2024
An excellent account of triumph when surviving the dysfunctional societal and cultural expectations of certain relational dynamics.
This biography is thoughtful and honest without being disrespectful. It’s an honorable delivery of an undesirable hand being dealt and received.
This biography is thoughtful and honest without being disrespectful. It’s an honorable delivery of an undesirable hand being dealt and received.
May 17, 2024
Undefeated
I loved everything about this book. You are an amazing woman and I have thoroughly enjoyed watching and observing your life. I can't wait to see the woman you continue to evolve into.
I loved everything about this book. You are an amazing woman and I have thoroughly enjoyed watching and observing your life. I can't wait to see the woman you continue to evolve into.
May 26, 2024
It was ok. She was all over the place with her timelines, sometimes even contradictory. It wasn’t that I was looking for gossip, it just kind of seemed like an image she was trying to portray at times. There were things I could also relate to. Not something I would read or listen to again.
July 24, 2024
I really enjoyed this one. It provided lots of insight into her process of going from NBA Wife to single mom and then becoming an entrepreneur to care for her family. Of course, the look at her relationship with her new husband was nice bonus material.
September 12, 2024
The truth about this memoir is it isn’t really a memoir. It’s a collection of thoughts, ramblings and chastising. Don’t waste your money. First off she was married when she met Shaquille O’Neal and they started to have an affair leading to the demise of her first marriage. Way too much piety for me.
October 4, 2024
Great biography of a woman's struggles and overcoming them
Wonderful book showing the strength and struggles that even with celebrity status many women of all races and financial differences can relate to
Wonderful book showing the strength and struggles that even with celebrity status many women of all races and financial differences can relate to
May 10, 2024
Real Raw and Relatable
May 11, 2024
Listened to the audiobook in one day. I enjoyed it.
May 17, 2024
I enjoyed this book. I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did. Shaunie’s prospective on certain things is refreshing.
May 31, 2024
Great Read
Kept me intrigued and finished it in less than a week. I really enjoyed reading this book and it was relatable.
Kept me intrigued and finished it in less than a week. I really enjoyed reading this book and it was relatable.
June 1, 2024
*beautifully written
*easy to read and easy to relate to
*personal and written from the heart
*highly recommend
*easy to read and easy to relate to
*personal and written from the heart
*highly recommend
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews