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whalens2's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
3.5
Fun short read, a lot of reflection. I enjoyed it.
thechanelmuse's review against another edition
4.0
“I wanted to write a book that was real. One that was inspiring and that shed some light on the fact that growing up is hard, and that, contrary to what people try to tell you all the time, there is no such thing as a perfect life.”
I didn’t know what to expect upon picking this memoir up on the 1 year anniversary of Naya’s tragic passing. I used to watch her on Family Matters as a kid. (We were born the same year.) Who would’ve thought that timid little girl who smiled a lot at little Richie would grow up to be a funny, sarcastic, blunt person whose personality is lathered all through these pages? My kind of person.
I laughed out loud a number of times while reading along with the audiobook. It’s so sad that Naya’s no longer here to continue to blossom in all stages of life. I actually could’ve pictured her writing more books and even a comedic coming-of-age screenplay. She had the fitting humor.
Rest in paradise, Naya and thank you for sharing these intimate moments of your life with this memorable ass book. Feels like I knew you. Def will be rereading it.
I didn’t know what to expect upon picking this memoir up on the 1 year anniversary of Naya’s tragic passing. I used to watch her on Family Matters as a kid. (We were born the same year.) Who would’ve thought that timid little girl who smiled a lot at little Richie would grow up to be a funny, sarcastic, blunt person whose personality is lathered all through these pages? My kind of person.
I laughed out loud a number of times while reading along with the audiobook. It’s so sad that Naya’s no longer here to continue to blossom in all stages of life. I actually could’ve pictured her writing more books and even a comedic coming-of-age screenplay. She had the fitting humor.
Rest in paradise, Naya and thank you for sharing these intimate moments of your life with this memorable ass book. Feels like I knew you. Def will be rereading it.
angelrose's review against another edition
5.0
I loved Naya's book! It was the perfect quick audiobook for car trips. I was expecting a LOT of tea to be spilled (and don't worry, there definitely was) but it was also very inspiring and full of lessons to learn. I was surprised at Naya's background as a child actor and how later, she couldn't get work and developed severe money problems. She definitely shares plenty of mistakes that she's made so you won't have to make the same ones. I loved how open she was about EVERYTHING. This girl doesn't hold back. I also loved the element of her faith. I was really surprised to hear she's a Christian but it's also so refreshing to hear a Hollywood actor share their faith like that! Naya really has a good head on her shoulders. For any Glee fan, you definitely have to check this out to hear what she says about Cory's death, Santana's arc, and bonding with her castmates behind the scenes. I had a great time listening to this book and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys celebrity memoirs! I had no idea I loved Naya Rivera so much but after reading this book, I have a whole new level of respect for her!
charliemaryann's review against another edition
5.0
(5 Stars for the purpose of Good Reads, I don’t typically rate real life stories because it doesn’t feel good to my soul)
I picked up Sorry Not Sorry for a source of comfort following Naya’s death. She and Diana were always my favourite out of the Glee cast and I was able to see myself in Santana and her storyline on Glee. I grew up with Glee, it was a huge and important part of my teenage years, something that I looked forward to in my week. When the news broke of Naya’s death I was extremely heartbroken and eventually came around to listening to the audiobook. I feel like I know her now and I’m grateful to have existed in the same lifetime as someone so vibrant and bright. She was a wonderful soul. Despite the early death, this book shows just how full her life was, although heartbreaking when she talks about her future. This book reads like you are having a conversation with a wise older sister or friend. It’s impossible not to feel so close to Naya when you hear her story. I felt myself feeling so angry for her at certain parts, epesically with her having to go to set the day after her abortion. I’m happy that Jose has this book to read to or even listen to when he’s older. His mother will forever be remembered and have a place in our hearts
I picked up Sorry Not Sorry for a source of comfort following Naya’s death. She and Diana were always my favourite out of the Glee cast and I was able to see myself in Santana and her storyline on Glee. I grew up with Glee, it was a huge and important part of my teenage years, something that I looked forward to in my week. When the news broke of Naya’s death I was extremely heartbroken and eventually came around to listening to the audiobook. I feel like I know her now and I’m grateful to have existed in the same lifetime as someone so vibrant and bright. She was a wonderful soul. Despite the early death, this book shows just how full her life was, although heartbreaking when she talks about her future. This book reads like you are having a conversation with a wise older sister or friend. It’s impossible not to feel so close to Naya when you hear her story. I felt myself feeling so angry for her at certain parts, epesically with her having to go to set the day after her abortion. I’m happy that Jose has this book to read to or even listen to when he’s older. His mother will forever be remembered and have a place in our hearts
livyalusk's review against another edition
4.0
It's hard to make a review on, you know, someone's actual life, but here goes. This will be brief.
Though I have little experience with them, I believe this book is close to the perfect way to write a memoir. It just seems so open and reflective, neither fake-perfect nor bitchy. It's just a genuinely understandable story that made me feel like I was her best friend chatting over dinner, though perhaps a best friend that occasionally acts as a therapist.
I did find it hard to relate to her faith in God, but it was easy to understand why she has it.
She seems like someone who really thinks about herself. That has been unhealthy to her at times as she can be very critical and competitive, but it's also admirable in some situations and you can tell with all the reflection she does that she's become much more well rounded than she was in those tough times. I love that she included a section on what she learned writing this book and how that experience was for her.
It was very interesting (and heartbreaking lol) reading this knowing of the two horrible things that happened after this book was published: the mess that was made of the marriage that seems so wonderful in this book, and her untimely death that makes all the thoughts of the future here painful to read.
Though I have little experience with them, I believe this book is close to the perfect way to write a memoir. It just seems so open and reflective, neither fake-perfect nor bitchy. It's just a genuinely understandable story that made me feel like I was her best friend chatting over dinner, though perhaps a best friend that occasionally acts as a therapist.
I did find it hard to relate to her faith in God, but it was easy to understand why she has it.
She seems like someone who really thinks about herself. That has been unhealthy to her at times as she can be very critical and competitive, but it's also admirable in some situations and you can tell with all the reflection she does that she's become much more well rounded than she was in those tough times. I love that she included a section on what she learned writing this book and how that experience was for her.
It was very interesting (and heartbreaking lol) reading this knowing of the two horrible things that happened after this book was published: the mess that was made of the marriage that seems so wonderful in this book, and her untimely death that makes all the thoughts of the future here painful to read.
dembury's review against another edition
3.0
I'm going to be honest: I mostly read this for the "Glee" bits. Over the past few months, but especially during coronavirus quarantine, I've been consuming "Glee" content and just wanted more, so I read this. On the whole, this was a quick read that I found interesting in some parts, like when Rivera explains about Coogan accounts, or her funny retail stories. But other parts were either pretty abrasive, off-putting, or just stuff I'm never going to remember. I enjoy a good biography, but Rivera just isn't someone whose life story was one I personally care to dwell on or think about after reading, and her writing was nothing special either. None of it moved me, and I'm okay with that. That all being said: the "Glee" portions were good! It was fun learning more about stuff going on behind the camera and hearing Rivera talk about her co-stars, and I agree with Rivera about loving drama. ;)
pippamillerxoxo_'s review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Body shaming, Eating disorder, and Grief