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illstoptheworldandreadwithyou's review against another edition
4.0
In this honest and genuine memoir, Foster--of Broadway, Bunheads, and Younger fame--weaves the stories of the different crafts she has made into the timeline and narrative of her life. I was impressed with her candor in sharing her experiences.
Considering the breadth of what Foster has experienced, any reader or listener should expect to have at least one emotional reaction to the book. I cried while reading it.
I recommend listening to the audiobook version.
**Spoilers contained in the content warnings**
Content warnings: anxiety, strained family relationships, cheating, agoraphobia, divorce, grief, cancer, heart disease, death of a loved one--including hospital scene, infertility, IVF, miscarriage, adoption
Considering the breadth of what Foster has experienced, any reader or listener should expect to have at least one emotional reaction to the book. I cried while reading it.
I recommend listening to the audiobook version.
**Spoilers contained in the content warnings**
Content warnings: anxiety, strained family relationships, cheating, agoraphobia, divorce, grief, cancer, heart disease, death of a loved one--including hospital scene, infertility, IVF, miscarriage, adoption
sdt0087's review against another edition
5.0
I love Sutton Foster, and this book only made me love her more! Her quirky personality, vulnerability, Broadway stories, of course craft tales made this such a fun read. Ready to jump into my next craft project!
blogginboutbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I had no idea who Sutton Foster was when I starting listening to this memoir. I've never seen any of the TV shows or Broadway plays she's been in, nor am I even very familiar with any of them. I'm not a celebrity follower and I know very little about musical theater in general. So, why did I read this book? (1) I needed a new audiobook to listen to and this one was immediately available at my library, (2) I needed a book that fit a reading challenge prompt for "A Memoir By Someone Who Might Use Glitter Regularly," and (3) I was curious to see how crafting could save someone's life. Even though I probably would have liked this book a lot more if I was a Sutton Foster fan who wanted to learn more about her life, I still found HOOKED to be a decent read/listen. Not phenomenal, but engaging enough that I listened to the whole thing and enjoyed it for the most part.
Even though I have little interest in theater or TV, it was interesting to get an insider's view into those worlds. Foster has been performing for a long time and has a wide variety of experience in theater, TV, and stage. Although I don't relate at all to Foster's glamorous life, I do understand crafting (at least cross-stitching) as a way to soothe anxiety, channel anger, work through grief, and create multi-generational bonds. I'm not heavy into other crafts, so I actually liked that—despite what its title suggests—Foster's memoir focuses less on crafting and more on her life experiences. The idea of talking about her life within a framework of her arts/crafts pieces appealed to me, although I did find the book's non-chronological timeline confusing and repetitive at times, which definitely got annoying.
Since I use audiobooks to make tedious things like driving, exercising, and doing housework more bearable, I never listen to anything too heavy. While Foster's book does touch on serious subjects like mental illness, infertility, anxiety, grief, etc., it's mostly a lighter listen that is, on the whole, engaging and entertaining. Foster narrates her own book and her voice is upbeat and easy on the ears. For these reasons, I finished the book. Like I said above, I enjoyed it for the most part.
If I could, I would give HOOKED 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I rounded up.
Even though I have little interest in theater or TV, it was interesting to get an insider's view into those worlds. Foster has been performing for a long time and has a wide variety of experience in theater, TV, and stage. Although I don't relate at all to Foster's glamorous life, I do understand crafting (at least cross-stitching) as a way to soothe anxiety, channel anger, work through grief, and create multi-generational bonds. I'm not heavy into other crafts, so I actually liked that—despite what its title suggests—Foster's memoir focuses less on crafting and more on her life experiences. The idea of talking about her life within a framework of her arts/crafts pieces appealed to me, although I did find the book's non-chronological timeline confusing and repetitive at times, which definitely got annoying.
Since I use audiobooks to make tedious things like driving, exercising, and doing housework more bearable, I never listen to anything too heavy. While Foster's book does touch on serious subjects like mental illness, infertility, anxiety, grief, etc., it's mostly a lighter listen that is, on the whole, engaging and entertaining. Foster narrates her own book and her voice is upbeat and easy on the ears. For these reasons, I finished the book. Like I said above, I enjoyed it for the most part.
If I could, I would give HOOKED 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I rounded up.
wild_dog's review against another edition
3.0
This might have been more engaging if I knew who this lady was (as she's a celebrity) but it was engaging regardless. I read a lot of memoires, and hate most of them, but this one did NOT fall into that category. Foster has a great tone, she comes across as very genuine and tells a series of stories that have real weight. This was just all around a nice read.
booksaremypeople's review against another edition
4.0
You may know Sutton Foster as Eliza from the series Younger, but she is also a renowned 2-time Tony Award Winner and she is currently starring on Broadway with Hugh Jackman in the Music Man. Hooked is a memoir perfect for crafters and fans of musical theater. Foster takes readers through various projects she has made as the backdrop to important moments throughout her life; her fraught relationship with her mother, becoming a performer and her struggles with infertility. This was a really moving, funny and inspirational book about resilience and determination, and the will to persevere and finish projects! Learn more on my book recommendation podcast, Books Are My People.
kriswilli's review against another edition
4.0
Listened to audiobook while reading hardcover. I wanted additional information like crochet patterns so I got both versions.
erinkayata's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars really - A must-read for Sutton Foster fans. I appreciated how this was not your typical straightforward memoir but instead weaved Foster's experience craft (ha!) in with her life experience, never becoming dull or bogged down in details. Foster's voice is straightforward, yet light and I found myself laughing out loud as I listened. Would recommend the audio version because she has the voice for it!
sarahk24's review against another edition
5.0
Oh my goodness, I am a huge theater nerd, Sutton Foster was always someone who I felt meh about. This memoir changed my mind on that. Hearing her internal struggles, toxic mother/daughter relationship and stage experiences felt honest and vulnerable. I came out with more understanding and compassion. I felt like Sutton made her story universal and less "look at me" as other memoirs have made me feel. The added bonus of crafting and keeping your hands busy is something we can all relate to. Whether you're a theater nerd or not I highly recommend, also Sutton does a great job narrating the audiobook.