The Road Is Good

How a Mother's Strength Became a Daughter's Purpose

By: Uzo Aduba

Narrated by: Uzo Aduba

A powerful, timely memoir of Black immigrant identity, the story of an unforgettable matriarch, and a unique coming-of-age story by Nigerian American actress Uzo Aduba.

The actress Uzo Aduba came of age grappling with a master juggling act: as one of few Black families in their white Massachusetts suburb, she and her siblings were the unexpected presence in whatever school room or sports team they joined. But Aduba was also rooted by a fierce and nonnegotiable sense of belonging and extraordinary worth that stemmed from her mother’s powerful vision for her children, and their connection to generations of family in Nigeria. The alchemy of being out of place yet driven by fearless conviction powered Aduba to success.

The Road Is Good is more than the journey of a young woman determined to survive young adulthood — and to create a workable identity for herself. It is the story of an incredible mother and a testament to matriarchal power. When Aduba’s mother falls ill, the origin of her own power crystallizes and Aduba leaps into a caretaker role, uniquely prepared by the history and tools her mother passed along to become steward of her ancestoral legacy.

Deeply mining her family history—gripping anecdotes her mother, aunts, and uncles shared in passing at family celebrations and her own discoveries through countless auditions in New York and her travels to Nigeria—Aduba pieces together a life story imbued with guiding lessons that are both personal and profoundly universal.

Critic reviews

With wit, insight, and heart, Aduba constructs a captivating self-portrait that doubles as an ode to her remarkable mother. In this powerful autobiography, even readers unfamiliar with Aduba’s acting work will be spellbound.
—Starred Review, Publishers Weekly

This modest, thoughtful memoir pays less attention to [Aduba’s] successes than to her family, cultural heritage, Christian faith, and particularly her strong relationship with her mother. Reflective and infused with gratitude, the memoir is as much about the conflicts and comforts of growing up Nigerian-American as about those of becoming a working actor.
—Booklist

Poignant and well-written, this memoir not only celebrates the achievements and talents of its author but also grounds readers in the customs of Nigeria. It is a must-have for fans of Aduba or Orange Is the New Black and for those wanting to read about the African diaspora.
—Starred Review, Library Journal

“Uzo Aduba once lamented to her mom, Nonyem, that her classmates couldn’t pronounce her full Nigerian name, Uzoamaka. Nonyem wasn’t having it: “If they can learn to say Tchaikovsky, and Dostoyevsky, and Michelangelo, then they can learn to say Uzoamaka,” she told her young daughter. That memory takes on new significance in the actor’s debut memoir, the title of which is both the translation of her name and a thematic undercurrent in the book. The Emmy winner dubs herself the “family historian” and tells the story of her and Nonyem’s pasts with remarkable clarity and gratitude.”
—Bustle

“With The Road Is Good, Uzo Aduba not only celebrates her mother’s life but also offers an inspiring narrative of perseverance, cultural pride and the unbreakable bond between a mother and daughter that transcends fame and fortune.”
—The Lagos Review

A daughter’s heartfelt journey with her mother’s guidance!

I loved her details of all family members characters and situations. Her account of the most intimate and happy events in her life!

Family and Culture

The author’s narration, especially with the Nigerian accents, is simply outstanding. Uzo’s intensity as an actor is equaled by her intensity as a storyteller who conveys the universal experience of an immigrant family’s devotion to its own culture and to accepting and extending the promise of living in America.

Perfect voice & pace

She has such a nice voice that kept me captivated the whole time. Her story was so relatable and I learned she grew up not too far from me!

This book is good!

I remember being excited when learning Uzo was writing a book and added it to my list early, but as it often does, LIFE. It's taken me a while to read this book, but I am so glad I did!
The flow and order of this book seamlessly takes you along Uzo's journey as she grows up, not just telling you what's happening, but bringing you in. Her voice is smooth, sure, and warm, and I especially loved when she spoke in Igbo (especially as her mother).

"The Road is Good" is an excellent book anytime, but this was the perfect time for me to read it, as I am taking strength from both Uzo and her mother.

I will be reading this again and again, as well as gifting it to others!

Personal story well told

Uzo’s history is a uniquely American story that needs to be told. She made it personal and macro or meta at the same time. And, as always, entertaining.