claudia_bow's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Eating disorder
Moderate: Pregnancy
sharonleavy's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
I listened to this on audio and found it really enjoyable. Melanie C narrates it herself.
Melanie talks about her life, from her childhood in the north of England to her time as part of The Spice Girls and as a solo artist and mother. She speaks openly about the highs and lows at various points in her life, and as a lifelong Spice Girls fan I found it upsetting to listen to some of her experiences in the band. I've read most of the other members' books, and it's always a bit sobering to learn that things weren't so rosy behind the scenes of what looked like a group of women having the time of their life, breaking records and setting the bar so high for those who came after them.
She speaks about her struggles with depression and eating disorders, so do approach with caution if either of these are an issue for you, because she does go quite in-depth (at times more than I'd have liked, particularly in relation to the food). She also name-drops a TON, but it comes off as a mate telling you that they can't believe who they've just met, rather than a famous celeb trying to gain clout by association. Melanie doesn't need clout - she has achieved so much both as a band member and a solo artist. Commercial success isn't everything - Melanie has proven that over the past few years as she has gotten to do some projects that meant the world to her.
It's a lovely listen, she has the perfect voice for audio, and I'm really glad she has figured out who she is and what makes her happy.
Melanie talks about her life, from her childhood in the north of England to her time as part of The Spice Girls and as a solo artist and mother. She speaks openly about the highs and lows at various points in her life, and as a lifelong Spice Girls fan I found it upsetting to listen to some of her experiences in the band. I've read most of the other members' books, and it's always a bit sobering to learn that things weren't so rosy behind the scenes of what looked like a group of women having the time of their life, breaking records and setting the bar so high for those who came after them.
She speaks about her struggles with depression and eating disorders, so do approach with caution if either of these are an issue for you, because she does go quite in-depth (at times more than I'd have liked, particularly in relation to the food). She also name-drops a TON, but it comes off as a mate telling you that they can't believe who they've just met, rather than a famous celeb trying to gain clout by association. Melanie doesn't need clout - she has achieved so much both as a band member and a solo artist. Commercial success isn't everything - Melanie has proven that over the past few years as she has gotten to do some projects that meant the world to her.
It's a lovely listen, she has the perfect voice for audio, and I'm really glad she has figured out who she is and what makes her happy.
alonsonm's review
5.0
As a HUGE fan of the Spice Girls, and particularly of Sporty Spice, this memoir was a very beautiful read. It took me back to my childhood and brought many memories, while Mel C was sharing hers with me. The book made one of my idols feel more personable. Mel C is very eloquent and honest with her story and the one she shares with the rest of the spice girls. I appreciated the way she reflected on her success and fame, and I was very impressed on how empathetic and informed she was when she shared her struggles with mental health and eating disorders. Full review: https://www.instagram.com/p/CkalaKxLs94/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
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