This was a great month of reading. I got through quite a few I rated 4-5 stars!

Book #1 – The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

As someone who grew up a Britney Spears fan, I watched her rise to fame and her sudden disappearance from the public eye. It wasn’t until the #FreeBritney movement that I learned about her conservatorship struggles. While my feelings about her situation are strong, they are separate from my thoughts on her book, “The Woman in Me.”

Britney’s story is a tragic example of how unfairly she has been treated. The conservatorship stunted her mental and emotional growth, causing her to struggle with depression. Based on this book and the Netflix documentary “Britney vs. Spears,” it’s clear that money influenced many people to remain silent rather than stand up for her. Britney did not deserve what she went through, and it continues to impact her psychologically and socially. Although she may be finding herself now, she is still years behind in personal development.

Now, focusing on the book itself, while I love Britney, writing is not her strongest skill. “The Woman in Me” felt fairly juvenile and lacked the deep emotional and psychological connection it could have had. Her story is undeniably emotional—raw, real, and genuine—but it often came across as a tale told by someone who wasn’t very engaging. I didn’t feel a strong connection with her narrative until near the end of the book, where she discusses the “Free Britney” movement.

I started with the audiobook, which was a disappointment. I do not recommend it at all. If you choose to read this book, stick to the print version. The audiobook experience was underwhelming, and overall, the book fell short of expectations.

While “The Woman in Me” provides a glimpse into Britney’s struggles and triumphs, it ultimately lacks the depth and connection needed to make it a truly compelling read. Despite its shortcomings, it is still an important piece for those who have followed Britney’s journey and wish to understand her perspective.

Book #2 – Daisy Jones & The Six

I rated “Daisy Jones & The Six” by Taylor Jenkins Reid a solid 5 out of 5 stars. Despite not being a true story, the story felt incredibly real, almost like a documentary.

One of the standout aspects of the book is its character development. There are quite a few different characters, yet each one is well-developed and distinct, making it easy to keep them apart. The way Reid brings these characters to life makes their struggles and triumphs feel authentic and relatable.

The narrative style is another element I loved. The book is written almost in interview format, which offers a fresh and engaging perspective. When multiple people experience the same event and then recall it years later, their stories can vary widely based on their viewpoints. This method of storytelling is fascinating and adds depth to the narrative, as it highlights the subjective nature of memory and truth. I didn’t know who was asking the questions to solicit specific stories being told until almost the end of the book and that made it even more emotional.

I found myself deeply connecting with the characters, particularly Billy, Daisy, and Camilla. Their struggles with addiction, love, heartbreak, and personal growth were portrayed with raw honesty, making their journeys compelling and emotionally resonant.

“Daisy Jones & The Six” is a captivating read that combines unique storytelling with rich character development. It’s a book that feels real, even though it’s fictional, and it offers an insightful look into the complexities of human relationships and memory.

This is the 2nd book I’ve read by Taylor Jenkins Reid and both were 5-star reads. She’s great.

Book #3 – Finding Me by Viola Davis

I want to start off by saying it’s very hard for me to rate any memoir/ life-story type book lower than 5 stars unless it is just written really poorly, but I have to respect each person’s lived experiences and who am I to say their story is less than 5 stars?

Anyway…onto the review-

Listening to “Finding Me” by Viola Davis was an unforgettable experience. I chose the audiobook over the print version, and I was not at all disappointed. Viola narrating her own story made it so much more impactful, adding a layer of emotion and authenticity that only she could provide. Her voice carries the weight of her journey, making every word resonate deeply.

“Finding Me” is a true success story. Viola Davis rises from a level of poverty that most people can hardly imagine. Her determination and belief in herself, even in the face of overwhelming odds, are nothing short of inspiring. Her journey from struggling in a rat-infested apartment to becoming an Academy Award-winning actress is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work. This story serves as a powerful reminder that success is possible, no matter where you start.

But beyond being a success story, “Finding Me” is also a profound exploration of boundaries and self-protection. Viola shares her experiences of learning when to protect herself from people who do not have her best interests at heart. Her journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about success. She opens up about the importance of setting boundaries and the strength it takes to prioritize your well-being in a world that often demands more than you can give.

This audiobook is a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with moments of vulnerability, pain, triumph, and joy. Viola’s willingness to share her deepest struggles and darkest moments makes the listener feel deeply connected to her. She doesn’t shy away from the hard truths, and it’s this raw honesty that makes “Finding Me” so powerful.

“Finding Me” is a must-listen. Viola Davis delivers a story that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, filled with emotional depth and a positive outcome. Her journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and her narration makes it all the more personal and impactful. I give this audiobook 5 stars for its emotional connection, an inspiring message, and the incredible vulnerability that Viola shares with her audience.

Book #4 – Obviously: Stories from My Timeline by Akilah Hughes

“Obviously” by Akilah Hughes was my first introduction to this talented writer, despite our closeness in age, her popularity, and her great success as a comedian and YouTube sensation. Akilah narrates her own book, and she does so with an entertaining and engaging style. She speaks quickly, so there’s no need to speed up this audiobook!

This coming-of-age memoir is perfect for a road trip, as it’s filled with humor and entertainment, yet also gets real at times, reminding you that this is her life story, not fiction. Akilah’s storytelling captures your attention and keeps you laughing while also offering poignant moments that make you think. She discusses some difficult topics including racism, bullying, eating disorders, and health complications.

One of the coolest aspects of this book for me is that Akilah and I are so close in age, which made many of her experiences feel relatable. She talks about the early days of the internet, when uploading or downloading images and videos took over an hour, and the rise of YouTube over our lifetimes as well as the fashion and music during the 90’s-20’s. These shared experiences made me feel like I was listening to a friend reminisce.

“Obviously” is a great audiobook that combines humor, authenticity, and relatability. Akilah Hughes’ energetic narration and engaging life stories make it a must-listen, especially for those of us who grew up during the same era. 100% encourage you to add this short listen to your next road trip.

I didn’t give it 5 stars simply because it just felt so short. I feel like there’s so much more to her lived experience and although these essays were funny, engaging, and real, it didn’t feel like enough to really have me out here shouting about it from the rooftops.

Book #5 – An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

I never got around to writing a review for this book, but I rated it three stars. I listen to the audiobook vs. read the physical book. It wasn’t a bad story, but I didn’t feel like it was one that really pulled at my heartstrings as much as I thought it would. I was expecting so much emotion and I just didn’t get there. I don’t think I’d add this to my recommend to others list.

---

*You can check out my Book Reviews page or my goodreads page to see what else I’ve been reading this year if you missed any of my previous posts*