THE WOMAN IN ME
by Britney Spears
Rarely do I read a book that I enjoy, but can confidently tell my mother, “I don’t think this one is for you.” Britney fandom is a prerequisite for reading this book, because otherwise, it’s just a moderately repetitive memoir with a whole lot of trauma. To make it through, the reader should have a special emotional connection we all form with certain musicians whose lyrics speak to us in our early teens. For my mother, an equivalent book might be Linda Ronstadt's story, as told by herself.
I grew up worshiping Britney, and since she is not even four years older than me, I do feel like we grew up together. This book takes you through her years as a young performer, including a brief stint Off-Broadway, and of course, The Mickey Mouse Club. Once her music became a worldwide sensation, it was clear that Britney had neither the support nor the preparation to handle the level of fame she achieved. Her parents were ill-equipped and sometimes abusive. Throughout the narrative, it is clear that what Spears wanted and needed was a grounded, normal piece of herself and her life to return to when everything else got out of control. What surprised me most, other than the disturbing lengths to which her father went to control and manage her during the now-famous conservatorship, was how little Britney did to deserve such “protection.” When the only story we see is filtered through the paparazzi, I think just about anyone would start to seem crazy and out of control.
Overall, The Woman In Me is a fascinating, upsetting memoir about a person it turns out I knew very little about, despite knowing every word she’s ever sung. So if you’re curious about the details, Spears' memoir won’t take you long to read, and it’s chock full of drama. (Lily)
