Walk Like You Have Somewhere To Go
O'Neal's life story will garner attention because of her famous son, basketball superstar Shaquille O'Neal. Lucille was raised by strict, church-going grandparents and struggled with feeling unloved. She also had low self-esteem, in part because "I was six feet by the time I was twelve." She gave birth to Shaquille when she was 17, eventually marrying a soldier when her son was two years old. Lucille spent the next two decades mothering Shaquille and his three siblings, dealing with army life, and seeing her eldest through college years and his first years in the NBA. Lucille also struggled with drinking and unhappiness, finally coming to terms with life after her mother's death. She returned to school, divorced, and returned to faith; now she says, "I'm the happiest and most satisfied I've ever been." Some may wish for more depth and flair, but the story, like Lucille, is simple and direct. Fans and celebrity followers will gain information and insights into the star's early life, but they'll also come away inspired thanks to Mom O'Neal.Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.