Will

Consider the relationships with women that Smith describes throughout the memoir. Which are the most and the least successful? What leads to these failures and successes?

What does Smith see as the most important aspects of being a father? In what ways does he live up to these expectations, and in what ways does he fail? What does he learn from his failures?

Based on what you read in the memoir, who would you consider to be the most significant influences on Smith’s professional career? In his personal life? In his personal development?

Describe the evolution of Smith and Jada’s relationship. What do they each sacrifice for each other? In what ways do they hurt each other? What do they learn about lifelong relationships because of each other?

Consider the career choices that Smith decides to include in the memoir as well as the ones he does not focus on as much or at all. Describe why you think he chose the moments to focus on that he did.

Smith learns the importance and the power of words during his time as a hip-hop artist. How do words influence the rest of his life as an actor, father, or husband?

Describe the influence Daddio has on Smith. Why do you think Smith decided to have his father’s death constitute the majority of the last chapter?

Summarize what happens in “The Jump.” What effect does closing the book on this scene have? What themes does it represent that have been prevalent throughout the memoir?