The Woman in Me by Britney Spears Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
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Synopsis:
The Woman in Me is a brave and astonishingly moving story about freedom, fame, motherhood, survival, faith, and hope.
In June 2021, the whole world was listening as Britney Spears spoke in open court. The impact of sharing her voice—her truth—was undeniable, and it changed the course of her life and the lives of countless others. The Woman in Me reveals for the first time her incredible journey—and the strength at the core of one of the greatest performers in pop music history.
Written with remarkable candor and humor, Spears’s groundbreaking book illuminates the enduring power of music and love—and the importance of a woman telling her own story, on her own terms, at last<The Woman in Me is a brave and astonishingly moving story about freedom, fame, motherhood, survival, faith, and hope.
In June 2021, the whole world was listening as Britney Spears spoke in open court. The impact of sharing her voice—her truth—was undeniable, and it changed the course of her life and the lives of countless others. The Woman in Me reveals for the first time her incredible journey—and the strength at the core of one of the greatest performers in pop music history.
Written with remarkable candor and humor, Spears’s groundbreaking book illuminates the enduring power of music and love—and the importance of a woman telling her own story, on her own terms, at last.
Review:
I usually don’t read nonfiction, but I have been a fan of Britney since the beginning, and I devoured this audiobook in no time at all! Britney’s stories made me feel all of the emotions. I cried for her. I hurt for her. I also felt so much anger. From all the way back to when she was a child, so many had done her wrong over the years. Where was the love and protection? It didn’t ever exist. Those in her life were just users. So watching time and again as she put her trust in others, and then that trust was blown up? Ugh it hurt each time. Mental health, sexism, betrayal, and hurt bled from the pages and left me wishing I could just give her the hugest hug ever!
“There have been so many times when I was scared to speak up because I was afraid somebody would think I was crazy. But I’ve learned that lesson now, the hard way. You have to speak the thing that you’re feeling, even if it scares you. You have to tell your story. You have to raise your voice.”
Let it be known that I never liked Justin Timberlake. I didn’t understand why others adored his music or him. He always came across as creepy to me. This book shined a solid light on how he wasn’t a golden boy. It definitely solidified my feelings towards him and left me with so much anger and sadness. Justin was just yet another one, in a long string of people in Britney’s life, who left her damaged and alone. The way the media treated her was horrific. Not only did they paint her as the naughty girl, but as the villain too. So I was glad that she talked about the interview with Dianne Sawyer. It was just another example where her family or management allowed her to be put in yet another situation that would leave her hurt and damaged. Dianne used Britney for her ratings all the while leaving another scar on her soul. And what we learned of her family? Oh my gosh. You hope that your blood will do what’s best for you. Will always have your back. But from the moment she was a tiny little girl, she was alone while listening to her mom scream while her dad was drunk. She was alone when her babies were taken from her when they were still a few months old. Even though she was taking care of her family financially, they still left her out continually and she was alone. So when Britney got to the part of her story where her family locked her up multiple times, especially that last time? My heart shattered. Who needs enemies when you have family like that.
“I was treated like a criminal and they made me think I deserved that. They made me forget my self-worth and my value. Of all the things they did, I will say the worst was to make me question my faith. I never had strict ideas about religion, I just knew there was something bigger than me. Under their control I stopped believing in God for awhile. But then when it came time to end the conservatorship I realized one thing: You can’t fuck with a woman who knows how to pray. Really pray. All I did was pray.”
I am shocked that Britney has remained quiet for so long. Her politeness and kindness seemed to overrule her ability to stand up for herself. To out others who hurt her. Or to show the world that she wasn’t the villain as the media painted her. It hurt so much. So I’m grateful that she finally found her voice. That she shared her story with the world. It was an emotional one to get through! And while I’m sure there is still so much she could tell us, not only did she give us a look into her past, but she also gave us insight into her now. I now get why she makes the Instagram videos that she does. Why she will sometimes jokingly talk in a British accent. It all makes sense after listening to this book. I’m hoping she can find peace after letting this all out, and that she can finally be the woman and mother she always has hoped she could be!
And this quote right here created so many meaningful conversations with friends…
“Think of how many male artists gambled all their money away; how many had substance abuse or mental health issues. No one tried to take away their control over their body and money. I didn’t deserve what my family did to me.”
I did like Justin Timberlake. I thought he was funny, and liked his voice and dancing. But after hearing my sister talk about this book and what was said, well I have had some second thoughts about him now. Great review!
Thank you so much, Lisa! The things we learned about him in this book made me so sad for Britney. The double standard, the choices, it was all so depressing ugh.