Sheryl Lee Ralph’s latest book set for April release

Emmy Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph is updating her author’s shelf with her newest book, You Better Love What You See, which will be published on April 6, 2027.

The actress made the announcement earlier this week. In her social media post, Ralph shared, “This book is a guide for anyone who wonders if they’re enough, who wants to lead with love and heal themselves, or who still battles with self-doubt.”

With this latest book, Ralph is putting that message in print. Published under William Morrow, part of the HarperCollins Publishers family, the book will cover various areas of her personal life, as well as career milestones, including being the only person of colour at the Catholic school she attended and her historic first Emmy nomination and win in 2022.

Ralph spoke with PEOPLE in an exclusive and shared that “My hope is that it reminds readers that it’s never too late to become more of who you were meant to be — that your story is still unfolding, your voice still matters, and your best chapters may still be ahead”.

Her message of resilience and self-worth is one she has also shared with Jamaican audiences. Ralph appeared at the 2025 staging of the biennial Calabash International Literary Festival, where she was interviewed on stage by Poet Laureate of Jamaica Kwame Dawes, co-founder and artistic director of the festival. During the appearance, she spoke about her journey and her previous book, Diva 2.0: 12 Life Lessons From Me For You.

Justine Henzell, co-founder of the Calabash International Literary Festival, said Ralph’s presence at the festival left an impression.

“What struck me when Sheryl Lee was at Calabash is how she can be aware of her incredible presence and talent and simultaneously be humble about those gifts. Honest about the challenges along her journey and have a remarkable sense of humour. She is amazingly generous and patient with all her fans, and the other thing that was striking was the beautiful and mutually supportive relationship that Sheryl and her husband, Senator Vincent Hughes, share. It is inspiring to watch.”

Hughes and Ralph tied the knot in 2005.

Henzell believes Ralph’s message resonates because of her willingness to be open about the challenges she has faced.

“Sheryl’s message resonates because she is honest about mistakes made and that obstacles are not always overcome in the moment or how you wish them to be. That life can be hard, but if you grab opportunities with determination, hard work and confidence, the world will reward you,” said Henzell.

You Better Love What You See takes its name from Ralph’s viral acceptance speech during the 2023 Critics’ Choice Awards.

In her speech, she spoke directly to those watching virtually. Pointing to the camera, Ralph memorably said: “People don’t have to like you. People don’t have to love you. They don’t even have to respect you. But when you look in the mirror, you better love what you see. You better love what you see!”

This latest addition from the actress comes three years after her last title, Diva 2.0: 12 Life Lessons From Me For You. Y ou Better Love What You See is now available for pre-orders.

Meanwhile, Henzell said that the next staging of the Calabash International Literary Festival is set for May 21 to 23, 2027, at its home in Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth. As it has been since the festival’s inception, “Passion is the only price of entry”.

ruth-ann.briscoe@gleanerjm.com