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fuguballoon's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
2.5
This was an entertaining read! I'm a fan of Sutton Foster, and she really pulls back the curtain on her personal life in her memoir. She says at the beginning that she wrote this book so that her daughter could better understand both Sutton and her (Sutton's) mom, and it definitely shows in the way certain issues are highlighted and framed. I thought there would be more of a crafting angle, given the title, but 80-90% of Hooked is straight memoir.
I wouldn't recommend this book if you're not already a fan. Some celebrity memoirs have so many compelling stories or gossip that they are fun to read even if you're not a diehard fan of the person (think Barbra Streisand's book). Hooked doesn't have much of that type of detail (except on Sutton's relationship with Bobby Cannavale), and instead leans into her relationships with her parents, her therapeutic journey as an adult, and the infertility journey that led to her daughter's adoption. For being a celebrity memoir, I was surprised at how few behind-the-scenes details there were about certain shows she's done.
Another reason I say this is a book for fans only is because, while Sutton is a once-in-a-generation performer, writing is not her biggest strength. She worked with a ghostwriter, but I think she wrote a lot herself because the line-level writing doesn't sound as polished as other celebrity memoirs.
Finally, a trigger warning for adoptees: Sutton is an adoptive parent, and there is a lot of strongly pro-adoption content (both domestic and transracial/international), almost all from parents' perspectives. It's uncomfortable at times (iykyk), especially coupled with the spiritual, slightly Christian-sounding language around her infertility and daughter's adoption being fate.
I wouldn't recommend this book if you're not already a fan. Some celebrity memoirs have so many compelling stories or gossip that they are fun to read even if you're not a diehard fan of the person (think Barbra Streisand's book). Hooked doesn't have much of that type of detail (except on Sutton's relationship with Bobby Cannavale), and instead leans into her relationships with her parents, her therapeutic journey as an adult, and the infertility journey that led to her daughter's adoption. For being a celebrity memoir, I was surprised at how few behind-the-scenes details there were about certain shows she's done.
Another reason I say this is a book for fans only is because, while Sutton is a once-in-a-generation performer, writing is not her biggest strength. She worked with a ghostwriter, but I think she wrote a lot herself because the line-level writing doesn't sound as polished as other celebrity memoirs.
Finally, a trigger warning for adoptees: Sutton is an adoptive parent, and there is a lot of strongly pro-adoption content (both domestic and transracial/international), almost all from parents' perspectives. It's uncomfortable at times (iykyk), especially coupled with the spiritual, slightly Christian-sounding language around her infertility and daughter's adoption being fate.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Panic attacks/disorders, and Death of parent
Moderate: Animal death, Infidelity, Medical content, and Medical trauma
Minor: Cultural appropriation
juanat77's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Cancer, Death, Infertility, Miscarriage, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
blissofalife's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Told through the art and crafts she’s made during the ups and downs throughout her life, she makes beautiful connections to each era and piece throughout. I appreciated how frequently she would share an experience, and follow it up with her reflection or understanding of it now through therapy and the things she created. Quick read, if you’re crafty you’ll definitely relate.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death, Bullying, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Infertility, Panic attacks/disorders, Terminal illness, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
She is careful not to go into any details regarding potentially triggering subjects, though they are still mentioned. At no point does she make you relive any traumatic experiences with her.stefhany's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Death, Infertility, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
samchase112's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
3.25
I adore Sutton Foster, mainly for her work with Amy Sherman-Palladino (including Bunheads, so good!!) so when I learned she had a memoir, I was 100% in. This was such an interesting peek into Sutton's life and relationship with those around her, especially her mother. I enjoyed learning about the progression of her career, and how it coincided with the progression of her life. The book felt disjointed at times, especially the beginning, and after reading Cheryl Strayed's memoir, I couldn't help hoping for even more openness and honesty from Sutton (although, of course, that's selfish of me). All in all, I really enjoyed this listen, and highly recommend the audiobook!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Medical content, and Death of parent
Moderate: Bullying, Grief, and Pregnancy
bodagirl's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
This is one of the better memoirs I've read. I can hear Foster's voice very clearly and I identify with her crafting journey. I too tie certain projects to points in my life, maybe not as concretely as she does, but I get flashes of memory when I pick up certain projects. The writing style is simple and clear, but the chapters "Owl Blanket" and "Character Portraits" truly moved me.
I can't wait to discuss this with my yarn club. I also used the "Buddy Read" function with @hayleyrandol and I really enjoyed it. Leaving and replying to comments as you read with a friend - it's perfect for virtual clubs, though I think there is a limit to the number of people who can join. Even without the buddy feature, I'm enjoying SG's journal feature; I think it could make me more intentional with my reading
I can't wait to discuss this with my yarn club. I also used the "Buddy Read" function with @hayleyrandol and I really enjoyed it. Leaving and replying to comments as you read with a friend - it's perfect for virtual clubs, though I think there is a limit to the number of people who can join. Even without the buddy feature, I'm enjoying SG's journal feature; I think it could make me more intentional with my reading
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content and Death of parent
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Infertility, and Mental illness