Book Review: Never Make the Same Mistake Twice

CNN's Anderson Cooper has called her his favorite Housewife. She won Bravo's A-List Award for TV's Guiltiest Pleasure. No doubt about it, the "Real Housewives of Atlanta's" Nene Leakes has become a Reality TV phenom. And along with Reality TV fame comes the requisite book (see Bethenny Frankel's New York Times best-seller Naturally Thin and Class with the Countess by Countess LuAnn de Lesseps). Leakes' entry into the fray is Never Make the Same Mistake Twice: Lessons on Love and Life Learned the Hard Way.

At 228 pages, Never Make the Same Mistake Twice is a quick read and is part memoir, part primer on the fabulousness that is Nene, in case you hadn't heard. It's obvious Leakes does not suffer from lack of confidence. In the first few chapters of the book, Leakes touches on how she landed the "Real Housewives of Atlanta," and takes shots at Housewives from other cities. She also addresses the numerous rumors surrounding her alleged eviction and financial situation. In addition to being fabulous, she'd also like us to know she's far from broke.

The most compelling parts of the book delve into Leakes' tumultuous family history. Loyal "Housewives" viewers know during the show's first season, Leakes discovered the man she always believed to be her father was indeed not related to her. The book reveals even more tangled webs, including allegations that her biological father is actually her father's best friend. Leakes also details the strained relationship she had with her mother, who allowed Leakes' aunt to raise her and her brother, Anthony. Even after her mother married and achieved stability, Leakes and her brother continued to be raised by her aunt (who, along with her husband, eventually adopted the siblings). Leakes makes it clear the negative impact her mother's absence had on her and how it shaped her own relationship with her two sons.

Leakes goes on to describe the mental and physical abuse she suffered at the hands of her first son's father (who she does not name) and as the Internet has been buzzing about, she was indeed a stripper for three years. Leakes admits she wasn't prepared for questions about her stripper past and came up with the "I strip for my husband," answer to combat the inquiries.

Leakes' arch enemies, fellow castmates Sheree Whitfield and Kim Zolciak each get a chapter and Leakes pulls no punches in her dislike of them. According to Leakes, Big Papa (Zolciak's mystery sugar daddy) isn't the only married high roller Zolciak has employed over the years to keep her dripping in Dolce and diamonds. As for Whitfield, Leakes says they had always been friendly and was surprised when their friendship soured. She also alludes had it not been for her, Whitfield wouldn't have made the "Housewives" cut.

Each chapter ends with Leakes' summation of what she's learned and how she's applied it to her life and relationships. The last chapter gives her take on twenty ways to be a better friend, wife, mother and person. Though a co-author is listed, this book is all Leakes - you can literally hear her talking to you as you read. Bottom line, if you're a "Real Housewives of Atlanta" fan (or more specifically, a Nene Leakes fan), you'll enjoy Leakes' no bull narrative on everything from knowing when you've found Mr. Right to handling fake people.