Top critical review
1.0 out of 5 starsI only do 1 star or 5 star review on books. Wait for the bargain bin, that's where it's headed.
Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2019
I always say if ANYONE wrote their autobiography or memoir, they would do a bit of "get even" as well. So Demi does bristle with snark and anger throughout the book and goes full out revenge mode at times. I'm sure justifiably so in some instances, but is written in such a negative fashion; it becomes a burden to read. Maybe a funny story, or witty sarcasm incorporated here or there, would've gone a long way into creating a more compelling account to read. We do want to be captive and feel involved as if it was written for us when reading memoirs, not dragged through unnecessary drama.
Stay with the book; I noted the last half has more style and content into understanding and appreciating her life. However, she does seem ego-bound as if she hasn't learned to admit fault or not fight to be right. That more than likely prolonged her estrangements with her daughters.
Demi grew up with neglectful parents, and it taught her to learn survival, reject before rejected, and with no determined boundaries. No ownership of her body; she had to appease others if she wanted to be valued or loved.
I had a very raised eyebrow and shame on Demi for how she defended child molester Roman Polanski early in the book. She refers to him as "being a gentleman with her, but had been convicted of having sex with a thirteen-year-old girl." She then writes in parentheses "(I saw this dynamic all around me. Thirteen was a little extreme, but in my world, believe it or not, relationships with underage girls was the norm.)" OK...what? Thirteen is merely a "little extreme."?! Also, she uses the phrase "underaged girl"? No, she would be a GIRL. As in barely pubescent and immature emotionally and mentally. She wrote he was "convicted of having sex" NO Demi; it's RAPE of a child, not sex. Also, it's NOT "the norm", it's rampant abuse even when someone like a famous actress call it the norm. Ah-hem. Sheesh.
Ironically enough, a few chapters later, she writes about her devasted fifteen-year-old mind and body when her mother's older male friend grooms, seduces and has intercourse with her (sex as she calls it when it's with a child). Possibly for money, he paid to her mother, but that was never established or concluded in this book even tho used to hype sell the book. How she doesn't see the hypocrisy of her description of Polanski's rape of a 13-year-old girl as merely a little extreme, normal, and having "sex", but views her childhood seduction "and sex" as tragic, devastating, and life-altering and she never got over it. Head scratch moment.
She complains in this book about Bruce's salary compared to her lower pay as a female actress and refers to it as discrimination. Demi comparing her lacking in Hollywood salary to Bruce, was ridiculous. He was and is a talented, extremely popular, and desirable actor on many levels. His movies during this era were huge, entertaining, crazy fun, and not in your face, or statement pieces with harsh overtones. He made movie production companies huge profits, and he deserved a higher pay. Had nothing to do with gender.
There are little mean exposures of others in the book, like referencing the Bush twins hitting a bong at a party, (Who does that? Who outs people for smoking pot nowadays? Uncool.) Or an actress Demi thought had cheated with Bruce and asked her years later, and the actress exclaims she "wouldn't have sex with that old man." She also shares Kushner having multiple sex partners with Demi, and that whole chapter was so offbeat and odd.
Of the privileged Hollywood lifestyle she had; this is what hits the pages? Not the places she traveled, the beautiful surroundings, the people she has met, the fun and excitement of Hollywood events, the actors, and actresses? No funny stories? Not one? None of that is in this book yet she brings up God awful Polanski of all people? I would've instead preferred to read what her favorite tortilla chicken soup recipe was. Everyone has one.
She is seemingly becoming healthier as you read the final chapters, but still really holding on to the ego. She really needs to look at other's perspectives and accept them.
It's as if she jotted down notes on a steno for a few days then rushed to the publication of the book.
This memoir is a fast read, but not well thought out or edited. She needed better advice on what to include and a ghostwriter (No pun intended.)