What an amazing ride! I pre-ordered this book when it first became available because I wanted to be a voyeur, but I ended up being inspired by the way Britney took back control of her life. There are some salacious details, many of which were leaked ahead of the book, and they were “fun” to read about, but what stands out more than anything for me is the story of a person finding her power amidst so many others who tried to dampen it. She put her heart and soul into this book. Aside from the more serious aspects, this was also a nostalgic trip back through the 90s and 2000s, when I was finding my own way through the world. ( )

I literally read this book cover to cover in 3 days, spaced out between the days. This book is so heartbreaking...I just wish I could give her one big hug ( )

I always had a feeling things weren't so great for Britney, beginning with the breakup from JT. I won't go into all the things this incredible woman has had to endure in her life. I'll simply say that I am awed and inspired by the strength and courage Britney has shown in obtaining her freedom, and knowledge about looking out for herself and knowing what she needs in life. Nobody should have to go through even a percentage of the trauma she's dealt with. And yet she's still a kind, generous, forgiving soul.

Also, I'm blown away by the quality of writing and the brilliance with which Britney expresses herself! Very well written (yes, I know she had a ghost writer--I still believe she had much to do with it). ( )

The heartbreak, so much heartbreak.

I don’t normally pay attention to celebrities or their memories but, Britney’s is one that every woman (and person) can relate to. She openly talks about her depression and the abuse she endured by those who “loved” her. I’m incredibly saddened by the treatment that she received from her family and the POS men who were in her life that caused to much heartache for over 13 years.

She’s just like any other woman or person. She has hopes and dreams and I hope she knows that by telling her own story so authentically and so honestly, she’s setting a lot of other survivors free too. ( )

TW: Alcoholism, Suicide, Infant Death, Abuse, Sexual Abuse of a Minor (mentioned), Car Accident, Blood, Pregnancy, Abortion, Anxiety, Drug Use, Profanity, Abandonment, Depression, Cancer, Teen Pregnancy, Miscarriage

C – I can’t really speak for the credibility of this book. It feels trustworthy to me, and that’s about all I can go off of. But because of that, this book leaves me deeply sad and angry for Britney. She was wronged in so many ways, most of all by her own family.

A – I feel this book is authentic. It brings what Britney felt, and probably contradicts her mom’s and sister’s books that they put out. I may try to find and read those sometime, just to see what they say. But only if I can find them through the library or somewhere free—I refuse to give money to either of them.

W – The writing felt really good to me, easy to read and it flowed well. It kind of reminded me of how I write, so perhaps that’s why I like it so much.

P – There was… a lot in this book. It hit me hard. I had only known bits and pieces from the media, and we all know how the media loves to contort things. But this does show that sometimes, you have to fight for yourself. It might mean waiting until the right moment, but your own freedom is important to your mental health.

I – I wanted to keep reading this book whenever I looked away from it, and often had to keep myself from going back to it because I knew I needed to sleep/do other things.

L – I mean, the conservatorship didn’t make a bit of sense, but it happened anyway, didn’t it? Ridiculous. I’m just glad she managed to get out of it. Thirteen years though…

E – Is “enjoy” the right word for this book? I learned a lot about Britney through it, but I’m not sure if I’d say I enjoyed learning those things. But I do feel like I understand her better now, so for that I’ll give her high marks. ( )