(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

Neither Brooke Shields nor the life she's led has ever been considered ordinary. Her parents divorced when she was five months old and she was primarily raised by her Newark-tough, larger-than-life mother. Brooke began modelling at the ripe old age of eleven months. This launched a career that made Brooke the most famous and recognizable child, and then teen, of her generation.
All this success came with her mother at the helm. Teri acted as mother and manager and would allow no other outside personal or professional assistance. In their public life, Teri fiercely protected Brooke from the pitfalls and temptations that derail so many child stars. But in private, Teri was troubled, sometimes verbally and emotionally abusive, volatile, and drinking so excessively that at thirteen years old Brooke spearheaded and staged an intervention.
The bond between Brooke and her mother was impenetrable, shaped by both laughter and tears. Yet their inseparable relationship became strained as Brooke sought her independence as daughter and actress. When Brooke grew into adulthood, the pair made choices and sacrifices that would affect their relationship forever. Later, when her own daughters were born, Brooke found that her experience as a mother was shaped in every way by the woman who raised her. Yet despite all the fears and challenges in the past, when Teri died in 2012, Brooke was by her side, living and conflicted to the end.
Only Brooke knows the truth of the remarkable, difficult, and complicated woman who was her mother. And now, in an honest, open memoir about Brooke's life and this layered relationship, she will share the story of her journey. Although played out in the public eye, these are experiences and feelings relatable to anyone who has ever had a mother.

I will start by saying that I haven't really known that much about Brooke Shields apart from her Hollywood status. I didn't know who her mother was, or her background. I thought this book would be a great insight into Brooke herself, but also the dynamics of that family.

And there were some interesting insights, no doubt. Especially her childhood. Crazy, mixed-up life she led. All very interesting...

But, ultimately (and disappointingly so), this appears to be Brooks way of saying "Did you know my mother was an alcoholic?" - and say it 322 times. Throughout the whole book, that was the message I got. Also, Brooke's choice of outrage at her mother's decision-making when Brooke was young screams of "poor me" yet again.

This wasn't anywhere near as interesting and captivating as I had hoped.


Paul
ARH