Written by Shona, Branch Librarian at Birr Library
Photo of Britney Spears by Eddie Hernandez Photography via Wikimedia Commons
The Woman in Me by Britney Spears
From the moment Britney Spears’ incredibly anticipated memoir became available on Borrow Box, I downloaded the eBook immediately and finished reading it within two days. It was a quick read at just 288 pages, and I was hooked from the first word. I have been a fan of Britney’s since her debut album and have followed her career since its inception.
The Woman in Me is a vulnerable and empowering memoir, detailing Spears’ early life, relationships and the highs and lows of her iconic career and the truth behind her devastating conservatorship. This book provides a look at some of the most turbulent and challenging times of her life and how everything was not always as it seemed. Writing this memoir must have been cathartic for the popstar, as she did not hold back when sharing her true feelings towards her family, along with those who took advantage of her and the music industry that aided the abuse.
Above all, this is a truly insightful and empowering read. I enjoyed hearing about how Britney found hope in the Free Britney movement that was happening online during her conservatorship. This was a campaign that fans started in support of Britney and her freedom from the conservator ship. Britney admits that her fans saved her life with their support and standing up for her human rights.
Photo of Michael K.Williams by Eddie Hernandez Photography via Wikimedia Commons.
Scenes from My Life: A Memoir by Michael K.Williams & Jon Sternfeld
This is my favourite book of the year thus far and my favourite memoir of all-time. It is an especially gut-wrenching read since the tragic passing of Michael. K Williams, who suffered with addiction and his own personal demons. In this memoir, he leaves no stone unturned when it comes to his vulnerabilities, and it is clear to see that his ability to display raw emotion has played a massive part in his acting career. Michael was someone who threw himself into the abyss in order to give incredible performances on screen. Personally, his role as Omar Little in The Wire had a profound impact on me and through reading this memoir, I have deepened my admiration for Michael and his work. This book recounts his childhood in East Flatbush, New York, and his early years struggling to find himself as a person and as a creative. There are many parallels between Michael and the characters he portrays, and it is evident that he left a piece of himself behind with every role he dedicated himself to. From his acting to his advocacy, he has left a legacy beyond his own comprehension.
Photo of Paris Hilton by Office of Congressman Ro Khanna, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
Paris: The Memoir by Paris Hilton
What is in a name? Well, the name Paris Hilton produces a variety of reactions. The hotel heiress rose to fame in the early 2000s and has secured a spot as a pop culture phenomenon as one of the most recognisable faces in the world. Constantly being dismissed as “famous for being famous,” Paris gives us a peak behind the curtain at the true story behind the brand and the empire that is, Paris Hilton. This memoir strips away the façade of the character she portrayed on the hit TV show The Simple Life and shows us her life as a daughter, a survivor of abuse and a new mother. When reading this book, I was shocked by how much Paris revealed about her personal life. Including her experiences of being sent to “emotional growth boarding school,” where she survived and witnessed over two years of mental, physical, and sexual abuse. After decades of tabloids controlling the narrative surrounding her name, Paris explains her side of the story to the reader in a way that challenges us to question our role in her story and the narrative society has created, surrounding her celebrity.
Photo of President Richard Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon with Actresses Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher from: Series: Nixon White House Photographs, 1/20/1969 – 8/9/1974 Collection: White House Photo Office Collection (Nixon Administration) Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher
Carrie Fisher is known for her iconic role as Princess Leia in the Star Wars franchise and for being a daughter of the Old-Hollywood legend, Debbie Reynolds. I must be honest; I have never watched the original Star Wars films (GASP. I Know. Don’t judge me!) and I read this book knowing nothing about Carrie except that she looked cute in space buns. However, by the end of this book I became a huge fan. She is hilarious, brutally honest and introspective to a fault! Wishful Drinking is a memoir about battling addiction, mental illness, celebrity, and the demanding agony of being an icon who transcends the cultural zeitgeist. A short read at 163 pages, this memoir will stay in my memory forever and has made me a Carrie Fisher fan for life.
Photo of Jennette McCurdy by Brian Kimskey via Wikimedia Commons.
I’m Glad my Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
I know what you’re thinking. What a shocking title. This tragic and hilarious memoir by Nickelodeon child-star, Jennette McCurdy, is one of unflinching detail. Chronicling her career from her first audition, the murky landscape of Hollywood, her struggles with an eating disorder and her toxic relationship with her mother. Janette navigates the treacherous waters of recovery and therapy to understand more about herself and how to process your emotions when your abuser dies. I’m Glad My Mom Died is a story of resilience and deep reflection on what it means to be truly independent of one’s own life. With the success of the recent documentary Quiet on Set, an exposé surrounding the horrors of working on Nickelodeon in the 2000s, this memoir provides a deeper insight into the mind of a Nickelodeon child actor during this time period. A harrowing read but an ultimately uplifting tale of survival.
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