Believing in Magic: My Story of Love, Overcoming Adversity, and Keeping the Faith

(Paperback)

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In her powerful and inspiring memoir, Cookie Johnson, wife of NBA legend Earvin Magic Johnson, shares details of her marriage, motherhood, faith, and how an HIV diagnosis twenty-five years ago changed the course of their lives forever.

On November 7, 1991, basketball icon Earvin Magic Johnson stunned the world with the news that he was HIV-positive. For the millions who watched, his announcement became a pivotal moment not only for the nation, but for his family and wife. Twenty-five years later, Cookie Johnson shares her story and the emotional journey that started on that dayfrom life as a pregnant and joyous newlywed to one filled with the fear that her husband would die, that she and her baby would be infected with the virus, and that their family would be shunned. Believing in Magic is the story of Cookies marriage to Earvinnearly four decades of loving each other, losing their way, and eventually finding a path they never imagined.

Never before has Cookie shared her full account of the reasons she stayed and her life with Earvin Magic Johnson. Believing in Magic is her very personal story of survival and triumph as a wife, mother, and faith-filled woman.

Reviews

"Believing in Magic is for real. A story about growing as an individual, a couple, andthen asa family. Great adversity leadthemto a challenging life, but beinganchored by faith broughtabout the greatest love of all. Cookie and Magic have lived, loved, learned and now leave a great message for all.Have Faith." -- Pat & Chris Riley
"Cookie and Magics relationship exemplifies strength, love, commitment through faith holding steadfast to the original design of marriage. Were blessed to call them friends." -- Pauletta & Denzel Washington
"With humor and a God given sweet spirit, Cookie Johnson captures our attention. With humble sincerity and candor, she draws us into the heart wrenching story of her life with one of world's most famous athletes and powerful billionaire businessman. We are awed by the superior strength of her unwavering faith, as she determines to keep her loving family alive and together. Powerful and life affirming." -- LaTanya and Samuel L. Jackson
We couldnt put our friend Cookies book down. Though we haveknown Cookies strength of character for decades--reading this book indelibly rebranded her in our eyes . . . She took us on her remarkable life journey with transparency, humility, humor, pride and confidence. What a stellar testimony to the power of love, faith, family and friendship. -- Rodney Peete & Holly Robinson Peete
"Some experiences we go through are made more difficult by fame and fortune. Believing in Magic is an example that ones true treasure lies in faith, tenacity, and a sense of ones own purpose in life." -- Courtney Vance & Angela Bassett
"In 1991, Cookie and Earvin (Magic) Johnson came to West Angeles Church amid a crisis greater than most couples ever experience. It has been an honor to know them, serve them, and love them and their family unconditionally as they have journeyed from then until now.We are convinced that this exciting and well-written story will touch and thrill the hearts of many for years to come."

-- Bishop Charles and "Lady Mae" Blake, West Angeles Church of God in Christ
"Cookie has never been one to seek the spotlight and I'm thrilled that she is now sharing her story. Her beautifully written book will inspire and empower others to overcome any challenges in their lives. Cookie Johnson believes in Magic and I believe in her."

-- Robin Roberts
"A poignant account of their time together. This book answers many of the why's of their relationship, but more importantly it shows Cookie's strength, tenacity, intelligence and sheer will to raise her family, live an authentic life and support her soulmate. A must read!" -- Tonya and Dave Winfield
Cookie is an amazing woman!! Her family's journey has been truly INSPIRING & MAGICAL . . . We love & admire you big sis and big bro! -- LL Cool J & Simone I. Smith

Author Bio

Cookie Johnson is a devoted philanthropist and, as Secretary of the Board of Directors for the Magic Johnson Foundation, a passionate spokesperson whose focus is on addressing the health, social, and educational needs of underserved communities. She joins her husband, Earvin Magic Johnson, in the fight against HIV/AIDS by spreading the word on ways to help reduce new HIV infections in underserved communities, educating minority women about the disease, and providing helpful tools for prevention and testing. The Michigan State University graduate lives with her husband in California; she is the mother to their three children, Andr, Earvin Johnson III (EJ), and Elisa. She is the author of Believing in Magic.

Denene Millner is aNew York Timesbestselling author and frequent contributor to publications such asEssence, NPR,Redbook,andGlamour. In 2008, Millner foundedMyBrownBaby, a critically acclaimed and award-winning blog that has worked with top brands, including Disney and Target. She also cohosts Georgia Public BroadcastingsA Seat at the Table, a talk show about black women; hosts the podcastSpeakeasy with Denene, a celebration of the beauty of the African American experience; and makes appearances on theTodayshow, NPR, and more. Millner has authored thirty-one books, among themAct Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, cowritten with Steve Harvey;Around the Way Girl, a memoir with actress Taraji P. Henson;The Vow, the novel on which the hit Lifetime movieWith This Ringwas based; andFresh Princess: Style Rules, the second in a series inspired by Will Smiths iconic character. Millner is the editorial director of Denene Millner Books, a Simon & Schuster imprint that publishes books featuring African American children and families. In the imprints debut year,Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cutwon Newbery and Caldecott Honors and the Kirkus Prize for Childrens Literature. Millner lives in Atlanta with her two daughters and adorable Goldendoodle, Teddy.