It Takes a Woman

by DeVon Franklin

There’s an African proverb that says “It takes a village to raise a child.” Hollywood producer in best-selling author DeVon Franklin offers a personal twist: It takes a woman. In this riveting and soul-stirring audible original, Franklin introduces us to the women who raised him— a “village of love” that selflessly came together to shape him into the man he is today.

For the first time publicly, Franklin and his family discuss the aftermath of his father’s untimely death and the despair that could have destroy their future. It takes a woman offers listeners and emotional journey of tragedy, triumph, and healing as Franklin, his mother, and his five living great-aunts recall how the women heated the call to help raise him and his two brothers. The candid conversation— covering everything from marriage, death, divorce, and regret to colorfully Frank advice about dating, sex, and money— uncover old wounds that are still fresh and pain that is still piercing, as well as a family bond that is unbreakable.

The women’s willingness to open their hearts and souls elevate this listen beyond simple memoir. Guided by their faith, they share decades of hard-earned life experiences and inspiring lessons. It’s the foundation of love and communication that nurtured Franklin and his brothers, and one that will inspire listeners to embrace this village as their own.

It Takes a Woman, one families true story of hope, faith, and resilience, honors the sacrifices of a remarkable village of Black women as experienced through the eyes of a Black man. It’s also a universal celebration of the power of women to alter an and enrich the lives they touch.

©️DeVon Franklin (P) 2022 Audible Originals, LLC.

Genres: Memoir

Audiobook

First published April 21, 2022

About the author

DeVon Franklin is a bestselling author, spiritual success coach, former Sony Pictures executive, and the CEO of Franklin Entertainment, a production company in conjunction with 20th Century Fox. Variety named him one of the “10 Producers to Watch” and Beliefnet called him one of the “Most Influential Christians Under 40.” Franklin is the author of the New York Times bestseller The Wait (co-written with his wife, award-winning actress Meagan Good) and Produced by Faith. He lives with Meagan in Los Angeles, California.

Reviews

[Brandice · Rating 4 out of 5]

It Takes a Woman is an Audible Original short story by DeVon Franklin, in conversation with his mom, Paulette, and 5 of his Great Aunts.

Devon’s father died when he was 9 years old, leaving Paulette a single mother to 3 young boys. She leaned heavily on her aunts for help and to provide guidance to her sons. This family’s story embodies the saying “It takes a village.” Their love and support for each other is clear.

It Takes a Woman is the second book I’ve listened to by DeVon and I’m a fan — He is an actor, producer, and a preacher. His faith is very important to him and his family, evident in both books I’ve now read. As someone who is not very religious, I have not found this aspect of his stories overwhelming — You do not need to share all the same beliefs or live the same lifestyle for DeVon’s messages to resonate.

[Angela M. Artis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think I was going to like this story. I Loved this story !!! Devon Franklin, his aunts, and mother speak about lessons they taught him and what they learned. Everyone knows and speaks of 'The Village.' It DEFINITELY "takes a village," but a village of STRONG women is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT and Very ESSENTIAL.

[Alivia Brown]

DNF

[Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐️ I was interested in DeVon Franklin after watching him on Red Table Talk. Unfortunately, while this book has good intentions it fell flat for me. There’s nothing new or refreshing or enlightened that I haven’t read before. Ultimately, the premise is faith will get you through anything….

[Chandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book about faith and family. I felt like I got to know his village, and now I want to meet them all in person. Such a beautiful story of answered prayers. Only available on audible.

[Ben M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not so meh!

[Chrissy Shea Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Life story of Devon Franklin about how what, on paper looked like the perfect black American family holding it together after their father’s tragic death with a village of great-aunts, grandma, and mom.

Since it’s an audio-only book (Audible Original) I wish Franklin had introduced who’s speaking in Part (chapter) 1. The ladies (great-aunts and mom) just start talking as part of the memoir. While they are clearly a tight supportive family, they all had their roll and all five living great-aunts and Devon’s mom contributes to the audio in interview form. So who’s who? Formal I introductions finally happen in Part (chapter) 2. This would have bee useful right away, after an introduction to the book. With that said, all of the great-aunts participate so much in the conversation of the book that they should be listed as authors.

I wasn’t as interested in the spiritual ties and church stuff, but listening to how they all helped each other, through generations was interesting. However, much of this is written as a self-help for single black mothers raising boys (the “Let’s talk about sec” chapter is especially interesting given the taboo of the subject). I think most, but not all, could be interesting and useful for all families. But that’s okay, as written it is important to acknowledge the unique needs of this group. And it can be read as a traditional memoir (vs. self help, which is definitely not my genre of choice).

Most negative thought while listening to a relatively interesting story - how many times can he (they) say “to this day!”? For your next book, please edit out overused phrases.

[Katrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t love this book for a few reasons. The format was a little different than i’m used to, with the parts read by Devon sounding like an audiobook but the parts by his family sounding more like they were having a conversation with him so it seemed like a mix between an audiobook and a podcast/radio documentary? I wasn’t overly keen on this format. Also his family were introduced in part 2, roughly 50 minutes into the audio, but they had been contributing during part 1 and I had no idea who was talking. To be fair even after the introductions I struggled to figure out who was who as there was no clear signposting. There was a focus on religion which I wasn’t expecting, if I had done a little research on the author beforehand I would have realised this before going in but the blurb did not reveal this. Im not opposed to hearing about religion in books if it’s relevant to the story being told and it was for the most part but I just didn’t really find it interesting. If you don’t mind listening to mixed format audios then you might enjoy this.

[Devon Darden · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those have grown up with the support of a woman, her tribe, her village and fully understand, this book will make you cry, laugh, reflect, and appreciate the strong women that have made the strong impact. I could see every bit of my mom and her sisters in this book. So, so, so many parallels. I cried at the end.

[Alicia J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the candidness and transparency that DeVon and his aunts and mom shared. Giving insight on his upbringing, the women who shaped his growth and some of the struggles each one endured was inspiring. Their faith really shaped how they see life, interact with people, and how they live their lives.

[Roxane · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit preachy for my personal taste, but very well laid out. I listened to the audio book, so I heard personally from his family members and got a well-rounded view of generational trauma and its impact on those that follow.
He sounded a lot like how Will Smith sounds when aiming for being inspiring.

[Ericka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome listening experience. To hear and experience the life of Devon and his family from the members of his family made this a great experience. I could hear the joy, the sadness, and the love!

[Maggie N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible tale of a beautiful and present village.

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh. I'm not crying, you are. So good.

[Itsbarbiesbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this audiobook. It’s beautiful when family supports you and makes you feel wanted and important. Great story.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to on Audible. Author’s heartwarming story of the impact of having a village of loving women raise him.

[Tonya Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Audible Original that's been in my library for a while. Enjoyable story that shows IT REALLY DOES TAKE A VILLAGE!! We need to get back to this way of living.

[Syreeta Kinnard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice family village example book. Good insights to the village raising concepts and a family of overcomers. Appreciate the wisdom shared.

[Sandy Rechtsteiner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an audiobook and it is a fun loving story of this family’s heartbreak and triumph

[Queen Rosalind · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read.

[Ambi L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! That first chapter hurt, but the rest? Amazing!