Tis Me Michelle

Right after I finished The Woman in Me, I wanted another one! I was reminded that Jessica Simpson had written her own memoir a few years back, so I figured it was time to check it out. I listened to the book on the Libby app, which I highly recommend! You can borrow e-books or audiobooks for free with a library card! My friend mentioned it and I was solely a physical book reader, but that habit is expensive. I know, I know, you can get books from the library. But the pressure of finishing it on time is too much that it never works out. Listening to a book is much quicker for me, especially these memoirs, so even if there is a timeclock on how long I can borrow – I can usually finish in time. Definitely check it out!

Much like Britney’s book, we get a glimpse into Jessica’s upbringing and her rise to fame. The beginning of the book follows how she grew up with her family, their life in the church, and some of the trauma she experienced as a child. Then we go into her finding her voice and really leaning into her music career. I followed Jessica’s music career and saw how she was often in the shadow of Britney & Christina’s shadow, but I don’t think I realized just how often and for how long. I’ve always thought she has an incredible voice and wish she did have more success consistently over the years. A good chunk of the book also goes into her relationships.

An area that she hit on often, is how much attention there was on her body. From a young age, people who truly had no business commented on her body – specifically her breasts. Growing up in the church, it seemed people would criticize her for it. How she was an abomination just trying to lure people to sin essentially. As though it was something she had control over… And yet, the adults who made these comments had full control of their thoughts and words. It’s so gross how people project their own problems, especially onto children. In later years, looking back on that time now it is so obvious how much the media scrutinized her weight. She was never ‘overweight’ by any means, but the way society picks apart women’s bodies is crazy. The fact that people in the industry told her from a young age she was ‘too big’ is absolute nonsense. I felt for her because it comes to show that regardless of the body you are in there is always a concept of what ‘ideal’ is. The pressure and the chase are neverending.

The juicy parts of the book were definitely about her relationships. She gave us details about her relationship with Nick, but I felt like she was easy on him. I am glad that even though he tried to play the JT game, his career didn’t take off the same way. John Mayer on the other hand, I appreciated her dragging him a bit. I loved how she kept saying he was obsessed with her and finally made the connection that he kept breaking up with her so that he could get material. I mean, that is another level. Even with all the things we’ve heard about him over the years, he hasn’t truly had any repercussions. Especially in comparison to the current JT dragging. I am so happy that after some pretty public relationships, she found her someone and built a lovely family.

She does talk about her addiction to alcohol and pills, mentioning it at the top of the book. Throughout the book, she mentions moments where the addiction originated and a few moments where it was too hard to ignore that it became a problem. I didn’t really feel like it went into much about how she dealt with her recovery, but maybe that is an ongoing process right now. I did appreciate that mentioned it. Because the way she talks about it is how many experience addiction. Drinking occasionally with friends becomes having a drink when you’re nervous. Which then leads to needing a drink before every event. And then needing a few drinks cause one doesn’t do it for you anymore. It’s gradual and seems so normal, but then it builds up and becomes hard to stop. An important topic I’m thankful she shed light on.

I feel like she doesn’t get as much credit as the other pop stars of her time. But she basically paved the way for reality TV and has a highly successful fashion line. Don’t underestimate this southern belle. She did a fantastic job on this memoir. I appreciated that she narrated the audiobook. You can hear in her voice the places that she struggled and her humor we grew to love on The Newlyweds. A super quick listen that’s worthwhile!

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️