You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.98 AVERAGE
3.98 AVERAGE
I’ve generally started abiding by the idea that you don’t want to or shouldn’t rate memoirs because it feels like you’re rating that person’s life. That being said, there were a few things about the way the story was told that felt a little disjointed to me.
I did listen to the audiobook. I think my new favorite genre is “audiobooks of stars’ memoirs” because it sort of feels like a conversation in the car with a friend. This friend definitely said some things that had me in a bit of shock, but it was interesting to learn about her as a person.
I did listen to the audiobook. I think my new favorite genre is “audiobooks of stars’ memoirs” because it sort of feels like a conversation in the car with a friend. This friend definitely said some things that had me in a bit of shock, but it was interesting to learn about her as a person.
Although I have a weakness for celebrity memoirs, I don't usually go into them expecting much more than learning some informative tidbits and behind-the-scenes gossip, so the wonderful writing featured here was a pleasant surprise. Field's look back in time is very personal, often circling back to her complicated relationships with her mother and stepfather and how both had a hand in shaping the person who she is today. She writes candidly about her experiences as an actress, from her start in the 60s as a TV star all the way to her determination to play Mary Todd Lincoln. I would have liked to read more of Field's memories from the films and shows that she worked on, but those included seem like the ones that had the biggest impact on her professionally and personally. The juiciest portions cover her relationship with Burt Reynolds, who was insecure and controlling; I wanted to cheer when she finally saw the light regarding his behavior. I discovered while reading this that despite regarding Field as an incredible actor, I have not seen a lot of her work, which I intend on remedying as soon as possible.
This book was far more eloquent than I expected it to be. I realized I don't really know much at all about Sally Field, and have, honestly, seen her in only a couple of things (Steel Magnolias, Forrestt Gump), though of course I knew her as a celebrity. Her life was pretty damn sad, as she tells it, and it's clear this book was born out of the death of her (perhaps wrongly) beloved mother. I listened to it as an audiobook so I'm not sure of the spelling, but I found it funny that her nickname for her mother was "Ba"--Chinese for "dad."
I probably first saw Sally Field in Smoky and the Bandit when I was young. I also remember watching Norma Rae. However, my favorite role of hers will always be Nora Walker, the mom on one of my favorite shows, Brothers and Sisters. Sally had such a hard childhood. I didn’t know any of that before reading the book. I felt so bad for her. However, even more surprising was I didn’t like her as much after I read the book. Since she has such disdain for tv shows, including my beloved Brothers and Sisters, it made me sad that something I enjoyed so much she wasn’t enjoying. I also thought that she was often vague and/or irresolute. But my biggest frustration with the book was the big chunk of time condensed down or left out at all., for instance 1980-the early 2000s. She went from having young children to grandchildren with barely a mention that she’d gotten there. She also left out many movies and the plays she did, one of which earned her a Tony! (I googled afterwards.) Overall I just felt disappointed at the end of the book.
A difficult read at times. She survived a hard childhood and challenging relationships.
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
A raw and honest look at Sally Field’s life. For someone known for being cute and bubbly, she’s had a lot of heartbreak and uncertainty in her life. The book is pretty open about her complicated relationship with her mother, which is a theme that starts in Sally’s childhood and continued until her mother’s death. Her stepfather was a jerk, her brother was kind though distant, and none of them really meshed as a family. She loved her work the most, and her marriages went by the wayside as she pursued the kind of work she really wanted. She was honest about her part in the breakdown of her marriages, and her doubts about her abilities as a mother. Ultimately, I think Sally wrote the book as a form of healing more than telling a full story. But in that, she showed her humanness, a side we don’t always get to see in celebrities.
This book was different than I expected - a heavier read. The ending was really moving and powerful. I also enjoyed the experience of the audiobook narrated by Sally Field.
not sure i'd typically rate a memoir but sally's writing was stunning
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Grief
Minor: Death, Abortion, Abandonment