UPTOWNflavor

A Love Story

Spotted back in October at the opening reception of the Gatehouse at Harlem Stage were Angela Bassett and hubby Courtey B. Vance. As always, Mr. and Mrs. Vance had a fabulous time and looked fabulous doing it. Just in time for Valentine’s Day they have published a book about their journey towards love.

Happily married actors Basset (Akeelah and the Bee) and Vance (“Law & Order: Criminal Intent”) trade off chapters to tell their parallel autobiographies in this welcoming testament to love, faith and hard work. Basset’s story is the more compelling, moving from her poor, unstable childhood through grade school, drama school at Yale and eventual success with a clear, confident voice. But Vance’s honest, charming tone carries his narrative well, relaying his struggles with insecurity and egomania as he finds early success. Both take readers behind the scenes of stage shows and major films-Boyz N the Hood, Six Degrees of Separation and What’s Love Got to Do With It? among them-but focus just as much on romantic and familial relationships. Long-time acquaintances, the pair quickly fall in love once they start dating in 1996, though readers might grow impatient during the 250 pages it takes to get there. Their stories come together to tackle marriage, the trials of a two-career household and the addition of twins by way of a surrogate mother. Order your copy here