kpat719's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
ekbehren's review against another edition
4.0
Accidentally read this whole thing this afternoon when my boss brought it back from the bookstore
courtthebookgirl's review against another edition
4.0
As I feel like I always say, I hate rating memoirs because I am NOT rating a person’s life experiences; instead, the rating reflects my reading experience. That said, in 2024 I may just stop rating memoirs altogether.
I really enjoyed Kerry’s memoir, having been a fan of hers since I saw her on Save the Last Dance (and then in her quintessential role on Scandal). I love her acting and was compelled to read more about her life.
I listened to this on audio, with the Kindle version as my companion, and loved that Kerry narrated it herself.
There’s no question Kerry has lead a challenging life, and there were parts of this that I found heartbreaking. Much of the book focused on her complicated relationship with her family, but she also delved into body image issues, mental health, and more. I feel like it kind of scratched the surface, but this isn’t a complaint - it was hard to read in spots without more detail, and I don’t think she has any reason to bare her whole soul for our entertainment.
Through it all, she clearly persevered and has become a truly iconic woman, actress, and activist. I am glad I read this and know more about a person I already admire.
I really enjoyed Kerry’s memoir, having been a fan of hers since I saw her on Save the Last Dance (and then in her quintessential role on Scandal). I love her acting and was compelled to read more about her life.
I listened to this on audio, with the Kindle version as my companion, and loved that Kerry narrated it herself.
There’s no question Kerry has lead a challenging life, and there were parts of this that I found heartbreaking. Much of the book focused on her complicated relationship with her family, but she also delved into body image issues, mental health, and more. I feel like it kind of scratched the surface, but this isn’t a complaint - it was hard to read in spots without more detail, and I don’t think she has any reason to bare her whole soul for our entertainment.
Through it all, she clearly persevered and has become a truly iconic woman, actress, and activist. I am glad I read this and know more about a person I already admire.
feliciasrose's review against another edition
4.25
I was crying a lot during this book regarding the family pieces. There are several pieces about her family that I don't want my daughter to witness. I hope that I can provide a better model for her. I don't want to stay with a man just because I feel bad for him. It should be rooted in love and desire to be there for them so yeah this fucked me up a little. The mother daughter dynamic also hit me because I'm mom to one daughter right now and I may never have another. I want to keep her close always and not keep her at a distance so it was hard to hear about how Kerry felt.
agiecummings's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
This book was very slow to get through at the start. The back and forth timeline, in addition to the very abrupt cliffhanger at the end of chapter one, kept me from moving through this book very quickly.
It’s still a beautiful story, and one with a very interesting conclusion, but it’s not a compelling start. It picks up at the end. And low key I wish there was more tea at times about the people she’s worked with - even if just to say she loved them haha. Some tea was spilt, but I think the tea was focused on her and her parents, not her previous costars.
There is some beautiful discussion of motherhood and infertility and just general struggles of women, but there were a few ways in wish I wish it was easier to read.
It’s still a beautiful story, and one with a very interesting conclusion, but it’s not a compelling start. It picks up at the end. And low key I wish there was more tea at times about the people she’s worked with - even if just to say she loved them haha. Some tea was spilt, but I think the tea was focused on her and her parents, not her previous costars.
There is some beautiful discussion of motherhood and infertility and just general struggles of women, but there were a few ways in wish I wish it was easier to read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infertility