The Woman in Me

I am way, way behind on my book reviews. Who was a top-40, pop-culturally influenced gay in the early 2000s? raises hand This guy. So, even though I don't read many memoirs, of course I read The Woman in Me (back in April).

I've always been a fan of Britney Spears' music, but this book gave me a completely new perspective on her life. Reading this memoir, I was shocked to learn just how much control others had over her during her conservatorship. I honestly thought it was just about managing her finances, but it went so much deeper than that. Everyone around her dictated her work schedule, what she ate, who she could spend time with—basically every aspect of her life. It's no wonder she showed signs of mental and emotional abuse. The level of control was infuriating and heartbreaking to read about.

I had forgotten how young Britney was when she entered the music industry. She shot to fame at just 16 years old. I can't imagine being in the public spotlight at that age—I was still figuring out how to be a person then. I even went back and watched her 2000 Saturday Night Live episode, which she hosted at just 18. Her talent and work ethic were obvious in her performances, but it was uncomfortable to see how many of the show's jokes focused on her sexuality. She writes about this too—that everyone wants women to be sexy but not sexual. You can't have it both ways, and that pressure clearly took a toll.

My only critique is that I sometimes wished Britney had gone even deeper into her feelings and reflections. But she's already sharing so much of herself and her life in this book. It's hard to ask for more when she's been so vulnerable.

Reading this memoir left me with a newfound respect for Britney, not just as an artist but as a person. If she never wanted to perform or be in the public eye again, I wouldn't blame her. This book was a reminder that she's not just a pop star or a tabloid fixture but a human being. She's earned the right to live her life on her own terms, and after everything she's been through, I can only wish her peace and happiness.

Absolutely insane how much violence was inflicted on Britney from all angles, family, media, and those she thought she trusted most. I work with patients trying to get them LSAT and T-cons, different types of conservatorship but none have ever been as fast as Britney's conservatorship or as restrictive. Additionally, she was of sound mind, AOx4. Not sure how they pulled conservatorship on her but glad she's now free, healthier, and finding herself again. While it wasn't the best writing I really did feel like Britney wrote most of it and of course had an editor. She wrote a lot about very human desires and experiences. Its also a very interesting take on what it means to be a woman in society, a woman in media, and a woman to toxic men, family, lover, or friend. Violence against women doesn't always have to be physical. It can be systemic, emotional, psychological, financial, etc. Abuse, neglect, and violence comes in many forms. The writing is simple but again the theme is very ubiquitous. For 6 hours, it was a good short listen.