The Woman In Me by Britney Spears
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.
For the Reading Challenge(s):
2024 Nonfiction Reader Challenge
2024 Audiobook Challenge
2024 Library Love Challenge
The Reason
I grew up with Britney and enjoyed a lot of her music. I was aware of the drama and all the criticism she faced, and I’ll be honest and say that I bought into a lot of it as well. I don’t know why I decided to read this book, but I’m so glad I did because I learned a lot about myself even as I learned about Britney.
The Quotes
“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.”
“If no one is used to you being assertive, they get very freaked out when you start speaking your mind.”
“I wanted to hide, but I also wanted to be seen. Both things could be true.”
“Everyone thought it was hilarious. Look how crazy she is! Even my parents acted embarrassed by me. But nobody seemed to understand that I was simply out of my mind with grief. My children had been taken away from me.
“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.”
The Narrator
Michelle Williams. I think she did a great job. The way she narrated Britney’s story felt full of emotion and compassion, and at times, I felt like I was truly listening to Britney’s voice.
My Thoughts
I was a fan of Britney’s music but only ever just a casual fan. I didn’t really follow her career past the few couple of albums, and I have to admit I believed a lot of what the media said about her. All the criticisms and misogynistic opinions, including those that came from people very close to me, made me feel like they must be true. Reading this book made me examine my own thoughts about Britney at the time, and other female celebrities and women in general, and wonder why I never realized the double standards. To be fair, I did apply those double standards to myself too because of the social expectations and cultural beliefs in my world. I’m still unlearning a lot, and relearning new things.
The bottom line is that Britney’s story is horrifying. What her family did to her was horrifying. What she went through was horrifying. And the fact that she went through so much of it publicly, without empathy or compassion from the media, that’s horrifying. We made fun of her, yes I did too, for her public meltdown, but I know that if I went through half of what she went through, I wouldn’t have half the strength she had to get past it.
My Feels
I have so much love and respect for Britney. She inspires me to keep going, to keep fighting for myself no matter how tough it seems and no matter how alone I feel. She reminds me to advocate for other women, to check myself of my learned prejudices, to remember that there is a person beneath the public persona. She reminds me to extend that compassion to myself, remember that I’m also a person, a flawed human being.
I’m horrified at what she went through, but I’m inspired by her journey and I’m glad she’s doing better now. I wish her so much love and happiness, and I hope things keep getting better for her.
My Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 stars.
Have you read this book? Would you read this book? Did you like the book or do you think you would like it?
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