The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

I thoroughly enjoyed The Woman in Me by Britney Spears. I acquired this from the Woodland Public Library– the queue was very long! I think I was something like the 349th person in line to read this book. It was worth the wait.

Reading this book felt like Britney was my gal pal for about 300 pages. She’s so honest, and straight forward, and gentle in her storytelling. I had no idea that Justin Timberlake forced her to have an abortion in their apartment because he was too scared to take her to a doctor– fearing the public finding out that she was pregnant. I think J should be ashamed of himself.

In addition, this book reminds me of several moments in the 1990s/early 2000s when Britney was being bullied by the media. When she shaved her head, I remember people really freaking out– I recall my own reaction was something like, what’s the big deal? As a young person who had often buzzed my hair (still do as an older person) I didn’t appreciate that so much of her celebrity identity was tied up in her hair. Wowzah.

In addition, her father is a total douche bag. He really took advantage of his daughter and it’s disgusting. She was never in need of a conservatorship – and her mom didn’t do much to protect her from this awful situation. Keven Federline is another piece of work — for anyone who ever judged Britney for her behavior, you’ll think twice after you read her story.

I think she should be really proud of this book. Of course it’s not fine literature or anything, but it’s her story in her voice. She’s such a gentle person with an interesting past. She’s too good for the celebrity life and she’s done a good job getting herself out of the limelight while still maintaining her artistic abilities.

If you come across this, give it a read – it won’t take long and you’ll learn a lot. Thanks Britney — stay strong girl.