Everybody's Got Something

by Robin Roberts, Veronica Chambers

"Regardless of how much money you have, your race, where you live, what religion you follow, you are going through something. Or you already have or you will. As momma always said, "Everybody's got something."

So begins beloved Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts's new memoir in which she recounts the incredible journey that's been her life so far, and the lessons she's learned along the way. With grace, heart, and humor, she writes about overcoming breast cancer only to learn five years later that she will need a bone marrow transplant to combat a rare blood disorder, the grief and heartbreak she suffered when her mother passed away, her triumphant return to GMA after her medical leave, and the tremendous support and love of her family and friends that saw her through her difficult times.

Following her mother's advice to "make your mess your message," Robin taught a nation of viewers that while it is true that we've all got something -- a medical crisis to face, aging parents to care for, heartbreak in all its many forms --- we've also all got something to hope, encouragement, a life-saving transplant or a spirit-saving embrace. As Robin has learned, and what readers of her remarkable story will come to believe as well, it's all about faith, family and friends. And finding out that you are stronger, much stronger, than you think.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Audiobook, Biography Memoir, Inspirational, Autobiography

272 pages, Hardcover

First published April 22, 2014

About the author

There is more than one author by this name on Goodreads.

Robin René Roberts (born November 23, 1960) is an American television broadcaster. Roberts is the anchor of ABC's morning show Good Morning America. After growing up in Mississippi and attending Southeastern Louisiana University, Roberts was a sports anchor for local TV and radio stations. Roberts was a sportscaster on ESPN for 15 years (1990–2005). She became co-anchor on Good Morning America in 2005. She has been treated for breast cancer and for myelodysplastic syndrome.

Though born in Alabama, Roberts grew up in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where she played basketball and tennis, among other sports. She attended Pass Christian High School and graduated as the class of 1979 salutatorian. She is the daughter of Lucimarian Tolliver and Colonel Lawrence E. Roberts. In a 2006 presentation to the assembled student body at Abilene Christian University, Roberts credited her parents as cultivating the "three 'D's: Discipline, Determination, and 'De Lord'." She is the youngest of four, following siblings Sally-Ann, Lawrence, Jr. (nicknamed Butch), and Dorothy. Her father was a pilot with the Tuskegee Airmen.

Roberts attended Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana, graduating cum laude in 1983 with a degree in communication. She followed in the footsteps of her older sister Sally-Ann Roberts, an anchor at the CBS affiliate WWL in New Orleans.

She joined ESPN as a sportscaster in February 1990, where she stayed until 2005. She became well known on Sportscenter for her catchphrase, "Go on with your bad self!" Roberts began to work for ABC News, specifically as a featured reporter, for Good Morning America in June 1995. In 2001, Roberts received the Mel Greenberg Media Award, presented by the WBCA. For many years, Roberts worked at both ESPN and Good Morning America, contributing to both programs. During that time, she served primarily as the news anchor at GMA. In 2005, Roberts was promoted to co-anchor of Good Morning America. In December 2009, Roberts was joined by George Stephanopoulos as co-anchor of GMA after Diane Sawyer left to anchor ABC World News. Under their partnership, the Roberts-Stephanopoulos team led Good Morning America back to the top of the ratings; the program became the number-one morning show again in April 2012, beating NBC's Today, which had held the top spot for the previous 16 years.

Roberts is a practicing Christian. In 2007, Roberts was diagnosed with an early form of breast cancer. She underwent surgery on August 3, and by January 2008 had completed eight chemotherapy treatments, followed by 61⁄2 weeks of radiation treatment.

In 2012, she was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a disease of the bone marrow. Be the Match Registry, a nonprofit organization run by the National Marrow Donor Program, experienced a 1,800% spike in donors the day Roberts went public with her illness. She took a leave from GMA to get a bone marrow transplant, and went home in October 2012. She returned to GMA on February 20, 2013. Roberts received a 2012 Peabody Award for the program. The Peabody citation credits her for "allowing her network to document and build a public service campaign around her battle with rare disease" and "inspir[ing] hundreds of potential bone marrow donors to register and heighten[ing] awareness of the need for even more donors." ESPN awarded its Arthur Ashe Courage Award to Robin Roberts at the 2013 ESPYs.

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robin Roberts and I have very little in common; she's tall, I'm short, she's black, I'm white, she's athletic, I'm not...but I have watched her on GMA for years. Little did I know that following her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in 2007 would prepare me for my own BC diagnosis in 2008. The tone of her book was as if you sat down with Robin and she told you her story. An easy read, but well worthwhile.

[Lilli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Because of her career in broadcast journalism, Robin certainly knows how to deliver a story. The audiobook was engaging and much of her story is so relatable. I learned a lot about cancer of the blood and was even encouraged by this book to sign up for the bone marrow donation registry. If I can save a life with my bone marrow, I will have served my purpose. I read this book along with the By the Book Podcast with Kristen Meinzer and Jolenta Greenberg and am anxious to hear the episode as I am unsure how this is a self-help book. I did appreciate the sentiment repeated several times in the book of "make your mess your message" and admire Robin for her positivity, resilience, and determination. However, her privileges as a wealthy celebrity makes her experience a lot less relatable. She does a decent job of acknowledging this, but the acknowledgment feels lost in all her name-dropping. I loved hearing about her family most of all. She is fortunate to come from such a special one.

[Steph's Romance Book Talk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a whole new look at Robin Roberts!! I knew that she dealt with cancer; however, I had no clue everything that she went through. This is her story told by her with all the emotion that she obviously felt as she went through some very difficult times in her life. Being a public figure I was very surprised by how honest, real, and revealing this book was.

This specific video review will be included in the November 2018 wrap-up.

For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.

[Marilyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robin Roberts did exactly what her mama told her to do, "Make your mess your message." And, what a message she had to tell. Robin is a strong, positive, faith-filled woman. She sets a fine example for anyone going through difficult times.

[Jackie Stanton · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's impossible to not admire the grit, determination and character with which Robin Roberts has faced (and overcome) daunting health challenges: breast cancer followed by MDS. However, her fame and huge circle of prominent supporters can be both a curse and a blessing as she deals with both illness and being in the public eye during her life-and-death struggles. How many others who face huge health crises have the wealth, support and access to premium health care that she has had? Those are the ones who might have difficulty relating to her message of faith and "make your mess your message". Yes, "everybody's got something"...but some have it way worse than others. Some have to face these challenges alone. As uplifting and inspiring as Robin's story is, it's exceptional; I can only wish it were the norm.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick read. A very quick read.
My friend sent it me, after my latest health nonsense and I'm glad she did. I needed the messages Roberts has to say.

As a today show girl, I don't know Roberts-- feel an attachment to her. So maybe the way she writes is her authentic self. Perhaps, she is this normal, down to earth and so forth. Maybe she really is the type of person who truly understands that if her chosen docs weren't includes in her insurance plan, she would have significant costs to endure. Or that she is blessed because she could fly on a private plane....don't know.

I liked how she articulated what it feels like to be the person dx with a disease. No one wants to be the "now what" friend, she wrote. And isn't that the truth. If this book can help folks understand that part of being dx with a disease-- it's a win.


Because by not watching her in the am, it does come across as a bit .... Much. A bit of a ploy for the "mini mafia" to feel connected.

And then there was the name dropping. So many celebs are her close personal friends. Again, it was a to much for me and felt like in her attempt to be normal she just seemed... Not.

All that said, the messages are excellent ones:
*be comfortable with your docs. Don't worry about hurting feelings. Pick those who work for your style
*make your mess, your message.
*we all got something
And the one that will stick with me forever: when fear is knocking answer with faith.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robin Roberts has always been a huge inspiration to my life. In fact, whenever I watch her interview celebrities,she always makes the best effort to make them feel relaxed. I do not know much about her personal life, so this was a huge eye opener. Although I am aware that she had cancer, this book was really about how supportive her friends were. There are many books I read with similar content, but the pictures really epitomized the beauty of this novel. I really enjoyed this book, it was really substantial and enlightening about overcoming trials.

Despite my fickle feelings about how much filler this book contained, it was a remarkable read.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this a 4.5. Robin Roberts gives an honest heartfelt account of her dealing with a life threatening illness. A few years after battling breast cancer Robin is diagnosed with a rare blood disorder. She finds that she needs a bone marrow transplant. She needs to find a match that could save her life or she would face only two more years of life. Thank goodness her sister Sally -Ann is a perfect match.
Sadly just before Robin starts therapy her beloved mother dies at 88 years old. Robin and her family are very close to each other. Sally-Ann donates her blood marrow and Robin does through a grueling five months. chemotherapy again, hair loss, she looses 30 pounds. cannot see visitors for awhile because while going through the transplant and the long time it takes for everything she had to be careful about getting any kind of infection.
She has to take off six months from work. She is very upfront about what she went through. talks about her family and friends life partner Amber and what they all meant to her during this time.
I have always liked Robin Roberts and liked getting the chance to know more about her, and her family and friends and even her dog KJ. I found myself rooting for her though out the book.
So glad she is doing fine now. A very well done heartfelt book about love and survival.

[Erin | snappshelfbooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Audiobook-

I still can’t allow myself to DNF a book, but this should’ve been the first one I did. I don’t watch GMA, I have no vested interest in RR. I read this book as it was on a list of books suggested for women with breast cancer, as I’m compiling a collection for my mom as she goes through her second battle. Overall, it’s repetitive and mostly boring.

I’m genuinely happy for RR and how she has survived two life threatening illnesses. However, I feel like this book was a who’s who on her friends list and the unlimited amount of resources she had available. In addition to general celebrity status perks, her job security, her large and supportive family, a whole list of celebrities that visited her in the hospital, private jets, her ability to hire anyone for any service she needed. If I was experiencing a life threatening illness this book would be the last thing that provided comfort, it would mostly do the opposite.

[Marla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think Robin Roberts is a pretty neat person. She seems very approachable and really seems to care about other people. This was very interesting to listen to. Robin reads her own story in the audiobook and talks about what it was like going through her treatment, how she was cared for and how she really understood that everybody has got something going on in their lives. This book made me like her even more.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Along with many people in the country I became aware of Robin Roberts diagnosis of MDS and pending bone marrow transplant while watching Diane Sawyer on ABC Nightly News. This book is astonishingly honest and refreshingly upbeat as Roberts tells the shock of discovering once again she had to fight for her life. Roberts, a hall of fame college basketball player and host on ABC’s Good Morning America T.V. show tells the story of her recent bone marrow transplant. This new diagnosis was apparently an unusual complication of her prior chemotherapy for breast cancer. All her family was tested for a match and her sister Sally Ann was a match and was willing to donate her bone marrow stem cells to Robin. Just prior to beginning the critical phase of the procedure her Mother died. She tells how she manages to deal with the grief and the transplant together. The books co-author is Veronica Chambers. Roberts tells about all the people from close friends, family, colleagues from ABC and ESPN as well as viewer of GMA supported her in her recovery. She tells how fortunate she has been in having a great supportive family. Following her mother’s advice to make her mess her mission, Roberts is pushing for publicity for transplant donors. The book is well written with candor and optimism and is a remarkable book that offers a blueprint for handling crisis in one’s life. I read this as an audio book downloaded from Audible. Robin Roberts did an excellent job narrating the book.

[Carol Miletti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book. It was a good and clear look at bone marrow transplants and what the steps are.
It seemed to be extremely upbeat, as opposed to what you would expect-guessing the hard days were left out.
This next part might seem catty, but many of my friends, as well as me, have a rare disease. We cannot afford private jets to the Super Bowl parties so we can avoid germs. We cannot afford a party on the beach in Italy right before a major procedure.
I get on planes several times a month to work in a field to promote awareness and better care for our disease group. Even with a defective immune system, I am one with the germs.
I guess money changes so much. The end result might be the same, but the journey so different.
But, this was Robin's story, not mine. I stayed with it, not because it was compelling, but more to read how she told it.

[Laura Planton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite the story of Robin Roberts year of her bone marrow transplant. She makes good points about the highs and lows, needing a good support system, the loss of her mother and how that affected her recovery and the roll her belief in God played. Very repetitive. Not enough to make a book so let's repeat.
Also you can't help but feel her struggle was "easier" based on the financial, star culture she lives in.

[Deacon Tom F. (Recovering from a big heart attack) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful tale of bravery and sacrifice.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was interested to know about RR's illness and story but the flow was repeatedly interrupted by the minutia in accounting for every single person she'd come into contact with and who had helped her through the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. I thought, save it for the end of the book, and low and behold the end of the book had an extensive "thank you" section where she must have re thanked those same people once again. I also found it presumptuous that early in the book RR assumes the reader is a Today show viewer - I don't watch the show and was purely interested in learning more about MDS.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I interrupted my reading of Insurgent to read this book. It was a quick interesting read
as was her previous book. I found myself writing down the name of a book that she had
recommended and taking notes on some of her mother's favorite quotes such as "make your mess
your message". I recommend this book to anyone who has enjoyed Robin's reporting on Good Morning
America, readers interested in books with a strong component of faith in action and especially
to cancer patients.

[Donna Kubiak · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fellow cancer survivor, I could empathize with robin's journey through cancer. But she went through a second journey that wore me out just reading about it. Her courage and tenacity are inspiring. At the end of the book, I felt a closeness to her and her mother, who must've been an inspiration herself! I couldn't hardly put the book down...I read almost all of it in one night. I am strengthened by reading her story.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should be so lucky to have the support and love of a wonderful family and great friends as Robin Roberts has in her life. Her story in this memoir is an inspiration to us all. She is a genuinely good person and classy lady. She has endured her illnesses with her head held high. Her memoir was a life lesson for me.

[Rosemary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't watch GMA so I have no vested interest in Robin Roberts. I'm sure she's a lovely woman and I, of course, have always noticed her great smile and warm energy. Having said that I really don't like this type of autobiography-where she doesn't want to leave out anyone who helped her along her journey but to a reader, it just comes across as name dropping.

[Helen Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was an excellent book, I thoroughly enjoyed reading Robin Roberts memoir and how her life was and how her health issues came about and how her family and friends were there for her though everything and always had her back no matter what, I recommend this book to anyone

[Lois Plantefaber · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Robin Roberts! And I expected to love this book. While I thoroughly enjoyed her story and amazing strength to live her journey, the book was poorly written which lessened my enjoyment and did not have the emotional "punch" that I wanted/expected.

[Sharon Orlopp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robin Robert's memoir about her personal journey through two life-threatening health situations is heart warming and filled with inspirational advice about optimism, perseverance, faith, and the love of family and friends. Best advice was from her Momma, "Make your mess your message."

[Jo Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of course I know who Robin Roberts is; however, I've never seen a single airing of Good Morning America (I haven't watched television for almost twenty years). Regardless of whether, or not, I am a GMA fan, I'd read about her book and - given some VERY minor, by comparison, health and wellness challenges I've recently experienced, I was very much looking forward to reading her story.

In 2012, Robin Roberts was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a blood disorder she had contracted from the treatment she received for breast cancer in 2007 - MDS is rare. As a result of the MDS diagnosis, she endured 10 days of chemotherapy and a stem-cell transplant.

An article in FORBES' Magazine reflected her thoughts . . “The process was brutal. I lost over 30 pounds and I couldn’t walk.” Sadly, before she could grieve for herself, she needed to grieve for her beloved mother, who'd passed away a few days before the stem-cell transplant.

Everybody's Got Something is a celebration of life - on so many levels - an acknowledgment of loss AND a testament to the power of family, love and the resilience of the human spirit. I found her faith-filled story to be uplifting, inspiring and immensely encouraging. I was especially glad that Robin Roberts narrated the audiobook . . her voice - the voice of experience - added a great deal. 4.5 stars - RECOMMENDED.

[Linda Lipko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Those of you who watch Good Morning America (GMA), are familiar with Robin Roberts who sits prominently in the middle of the three key people who bring news, interesting health information, and a host of other tidbits that are fascinating.

Robin was at the 2012 Academy Awards where she hosted "Oscars Red Carpet Live, a pre Oscar show. she realized something was wrong, she simply did not feel well. After surviving breast cancer, Robin thought her body was through with cancer.

Sadly, tests showed she had a severe cancerous effect as a result of chemicals used during her fight with breast cancer. She now was in need of a marrow transplant. Needing a donor who would be willing to have healthy cells harvested and planted inside of Robin, after her cells had to be removed to make ready for the healthy ones.

The book primarily talks about her journey, and her faith, and the friends and family who got her through this gruesome procedure. Fortunately, her sister was a match and readily became the donor.

Robin's journey included the fact that her beloved mother died while Robin was getting prepared for the procedure.

This is a story of love, hope and spirit that shone through the very difficult illness.

[Sydney Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Via Audio) Robin's mother anyways told her that regardless of who or what you are in life, regardless of what you do or don't do, you'll go through hardship, "Everybody's got something." She also told her to "Make your mess your message." So Robin proceeds to do just that in this book as she shares her hardship of going through a bone marrow transplant at the same time her elderly mother faces failing health.

I've always just loved Robin Roberts. She is a breath of fresh air, a ray of sunshine, a heart of compassion (and a spice of the Southern woman!) in morning news. I'm so glad she read this book, which is so her voice even though it was cowritten. Whether you are going through hardship or not, there is so much wisdom shared here - I grabbed hold of some new game plans for many different situations in my life. I was just going to read it as I wanted to, the way I do most nonfiction, but I couldn't put this one down.

Being a part of #teamRobin on Twitter from the day of her announcement of her new battle, and being a part of my own team for very close friends, this book helped me so much and reminded me how I am a part of a larger community. Highly Recommend.

[Lauren Ukkerd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robin Roberts outdid herself on this book. This was such an inspirational and inspiring story of the trials and tribulations that Robin has gone through over the last few years. The one constant that I took away from the book was the gratitude and appreciation she has/had for her family and especially her parents. Through it all her family, friends and colleagues fought her battle right beside her which gave her the strength, determination and motivation to keep going even on her darkest days. One other thing I thought was very nice was how Robin continually mentioned the fact that it saddens her that many people have gone through or are going through the same thing she did but they don't have the resources that she does to get the best medical care, have the best doctors, etc. She was really blessed that her sister was a perfect match. This was an easy read and I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is going through something in their life, not necessarily the same thing as Robin.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robin shared numerous personal stories about her challenges with breast cancer and leukemia. Everyone is different, but I enjoyed Robin's stories of things people did to help boost her morale. It's so tough. I often want to help, but don't know what to do. As Robin says...cheers from the sidelines, sending cards with positive thoughts and comments, is helpful!

My dad believed in being a happy person and making others laugh. I have always tried to follow in my dad's footsteps in this way, especially when someone is down or there are tough challenges like this. Robin shared numerous ways in which she remained laser focused on positive aspects of her treatment and beating the diseases.

I liked Robin's mantra - - "Make your mess your message"! If you can turn your mess into a message that helps someone else then you have purpose!

[Karen B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Robin's battle and survival with MDS. Little did she know that the life-saving treatment she had received for Breast Cancer would lead to her problem with MDS. This time she needs a bone marrow transplant and Robin tells the story of her journey, the people who were there to support her and her deep feelings during the process. I love the title, we are all battling something and our attitude towards the cure is part of the cure itself. Of course we know that not all our troubles can be healed by an upbeat attitude but it helps us to cope. I think Robin was prepared if the bone-marrow transplant didn't work and prepared for the struggle of the procedure. She portrays her family as the loving, supportive people they are and gives us a view of how Robin acquired her upbeat attitude. This was a book about not survival, but thriving.

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this on audio book because I love Robin's soothing voice. This was a lovely tribute to all of the people who helped get Robin through her second battle with a life threatening illness. I don't think she could have squeezed more love, appreciation, and sincere thankfulness into the book than there already was. As her mother told her before, "you can't put a limit on gratitude." It was refreshingly honest and real, and at the same time so full of heart and determination. I would recommend this to anyone who likes Robin Roberts and could use a positive outlook to help get them through their own 'something'.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very inspiring account of the serious illnesses Robin Roberts has had to face down in life. She did it with courage and she had an immense support group of friends. She also had a great example in her equally strong family members.

This book was about her illnesses and the fight she had to lead. She stuck to her "message" and didn't stray from that. I don't know much about her. I don't follow sports. I didn't watch ESPN. I don't watch morning TV. So, as an autobiography, I was left feeling I would have liked to have had more info about her life. More about her trials and triumphs in life that led her along in life that gave her the strength to stand tall and fight.