Audiobook Review: The Woman In Me By Britney Spears

Blurb: 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.

Review: From when this was first announced it was definitely something I wanted to read. Although, in saying that I knew it would be a novel that took over my emotions. It took me a while in deciding whether I would read or listen. I decided I would listen to it via my library, there was undoubtedly a short wait but it became available when I was off work so at the best time…I devoured her words in a few days. In each chapter I became more and more saddened how an entire family could treat a superstar in the way they did.

Britney was a child star and I still remember when I first purchased her first single Baby One More Time…she was a breath of fresh air and a welcome change. I’ve always loved a boyband but she had sass and cuteness. I hadn’t been that bothered by American stars until Britney. Being a superstar everyone knew somewhat of her struggles but in listening to her story it’s heartbreaking to think she struggled for so long, long before the conservatorship.

It’s also hard to hear the reasonings behind the shaving of her head – the ultimate cry for help. Her mum and sister should feel ashamed profiting from her downward spiral. When in all honesty Britney wanted to be a mum. It’s also sad to hear how much her Las Vegas shows made her sad. She had so many ideas that would have been amazing if only she was allowed to create her own shows rather than simply continuing the same show – which bored her and she stated was unfair on her fans.

Some of what she suffered as a child she shouldn’t have. I mean from her words she fully understands that a lot of her childhood wasn’t normal, yet she’s still a kindhearted person that wanted to live her life her way.

I’m not a mother but I cannot understand how someone who is supposed to be family – someone who loves you unconditionally could keep her apart from her children and as an adult to not be able to spend her own money. Let’s face it she earned it.

A memoir that will leave you feeling differently about the world of celebrity and what you think you know. Considering everything she went through Britney is still a kindhearted soul and as much as she may post some bizarre things from time to time. I fully understand why – she’s now living her life on her terms. I’ve always been Team Britney but even more so following listening to this.

Book Review: Hear Me Out By Sarah Harding #HearMeOut

Blurb: ‘I can’t rewrite history; all I can do is be honest and wear my heart on my sleeve. It’s really the only way I know. I want to show people the real me. Or perhaps remind them. Because, somewhere – amongst the nightclubs, the frocks and hairdos, the big chart hits, and the glamour of being a popstar – the other Sarah Harding got utterly lost. She’s the one who’s been forgotten. And all I want is for you to hear her out.’

Sarah Harding is best known as the wild member of Girls Aloud, whose reputation for partying, drinking and dating made her a tabloid favourite. But where does the celebrity Sarah Harding end and the real Sarah begin? 

Faced with a devastating cancer diagnosis that turned her life upside down, Sarah has decided that now is the time to write her story. Her truth.

This is Sarah Harding in her own words.

Review: Here Me Out is the real, raw and truly heartbreaking story of Sarah Harding. I urge every single person who has ever judged or thought they knew the REAL Sarah to pick up Hear Me Out – the book aptly named after the Girls Aloud track that is Sarah’s song. I can wholeheartedly say you will be amazed at how wrongly you have judged her, and how much the press have spun stories to make her look a lot worse than she ever was.

Those of you in my inner circle will know that I was an absolute fangirl of Popstars the Rivals which then became Girls Aloud and One True Voice, plus Clea and Phixx.

Sure initially it had been mostly about the boys – I’ve always been a sucker for a boyband. But on the opposite side of that coin I’ve always had a lot of gumption and Girl Power.

Sarah was most definitely one of my favourites from the start and in meeting her that intensified. Sarah Harding is a truly humble soul with time for anyone and everyone. What I have always loved about her was how grateful she was for the opportunity, us being girls she didn’t think we would want to talk to her and that was so far from the truth. I remember during the show it was Sarah’s birthday so we couldn’t go to the studios without a card – her face I will always remember how chuffed and thankful she was.

In these type of books I always love looking at what photos have been chosen. I think Sarah has included a gorgeous selection showcasing just what she’s achieved in her career, I am also super proud to say my very good friend Kelly is on the fan page and that made me smile – the picture of Kel and Sarah is a gorgeous one.

Now I knew this would be a hard read and I was tearing up at the prologue. I honestly didn’t realise just how much heartache and sadness Sarah has endured in her life. What astonishes me most is how humble she is and how much even in her darkest hours she’s looking out for others, the act of a truly selfless woman. I’m saddened by Sarah’s diagnosis and I’ve always said she’s a tough cookie I want nothing more than for her to beat this.

In the beginning of this review I said people who have judged Sarah should read this and I was so angry by the number of occasions where the press have spun a story to totally ridicule Sarah and that saddens me, the theatre aspect was horrible to read and I wish she was given the support she needed during this time as this could have been a springboard for her in the most amazing of ways, rather than feeling deflated when she shouldn’t have.

An enlightening and truly heartbreaking read. There were many memories I could smile at and still a lot that I didn’t know. There are also two chapters on Sarah one by Nadine and one by Cheryl. I found aspects of these words hard to read and there were a number of tears. I also found myself crying again in the later stages of the book I hate that Sarah has regrets and wishes and I long for her to realise just how amazing she is and how loved.