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3.13 AVERAGE
3.13 AVERAGE
She had good intentions but this book failed to keep my interest. I wish she had done it in more of an essay format. Very disappointing, just Mediocre
This book was written in stream of consciousness. Very repetitive, as if Bateman was speaking it instead of typing. There are several references to theories that never get fully explained, but it was a nice leak into the life cycle of fame.
Wasn't exposed to Bateman's celebrity growing up, so I don't have that point of reference for her relevance. Lots of interesting thoughts shared here, but wrapped up in a lot of "this isn't a memoir" whinging and stream-of-thought gibberish. It's clear from what did make that cut that her stories and experiences could've been woven through the deeply factual draft she mentions several times in the finished text. Would've loved to see that book meet the light of day instead.
3.5 and rounded up. The stream of consciousness can be repetitive, especially in the beginning when the ferocity of fame is most intense. But the second half of the book becomes an incredibly thoughtful reflection on confidence and navigating your place in the world. It’s about her and about anyone. We’re all part of some social hierarchy somewhere.
Raise your hand if you LOVED Family Ties as a kid! And had a crush on Alex P. Keaton? And wanted TO BE Mallory!?! Justine Bateman was an idol of mine in the 80's. If I could be like her, or look like her, I pressed my parents to give me a sister just like her! But I got stuck with a brother. Boo!
It's funny, because when I first heard about this book, I said first thing, "Whatever happened to her?" in that snarky, snide voice - like oh, she was has-been, she didn't do anything after Family Ties, she's a one-hit wonder.... And THAT is exactly the type of attitude Justine addresses in this book. (I'm totally sorry for what I said btw Justine and I still love you!)
If you're looking for the behind the scenes secrets and juicy scandal of the beloved sitcom - this is not the book. If you want the scoop on MJ Fox and hanging with child stars of the 80's - nope, not that book either. In fact, one of the first chapters in the book fully explains this - the book is NOT a memoir. It's an exploration of fame. Justine dissects everything from childhood fame in the 80's, to reality star "fame" of today, as well as both the construction AND destruction of fame that social media can make happen. I was fascinated by her take on all things fame. I felt for her - being an actress on a hit TV show, and only being seen for THAT. That her education, and directing, and successes in business mean nothing - cause the "whatever happened to her" mentality translates to - well, if we haven't seen her on TV anymore - she must be a failure in life.
I loved reading this - she's frantic, and passionate, and, OK I'll say it- a bit crazy, yes - but do you blame her? Imagine people saying about you "Boy, she sure has let herself go" on a public forum, on google searches, on Twitter. Just cause the last time they saw her she was 21 - and now she's 50. Well, clearly she's aged - duh. Obviously she doesn't LOOK the same!
I gobbled up every chapter and loved her take on how crazy it is to be famous, but how much crazier it is today. Sure, there's some namedropping, some mentions of Michael J. Fox, Sarah Jessica Parker, and more - and there's even a bunch of color photos in the book that she talks about and references throughout the book, which I loved. I didn't need the juicy gossip, as I felt like it made me understand celebrities more and totally got me out of that mentality of "Oh, they wanted to be in the spotlight, so they are just automatically targets." No. I feel terrible now for ever ragging on a celeb in the spotlight - especially the young ones out there.
But I'm still not laying off the reality "stars" ;) haha.
It's funny, because when I first heard about this book, I said first thing, "Whatever happened to her?" in that snarky, snide voice - like oh, she was has-been, she didn't do anything after Family Ties, she's a one-hit wonder.... And THAT is exactly the type of attitude Justine addresses in this book. (I'm totally sorry for what I said btw Justine and I still love you!)
If you're looking for the behind the scenes secrets and juicy scandal of the beloved sitcom - this is not the book. If you want the scoop on MJ Fox and hanging with child stars of the 80's - nope, not that book either. In fact, one of the first chapters in the book fully explains this - the book is NOT a memoir. It's an exploration of fame. Justine dissects everything from childhood fame in the 80's, to reality star "fame" of today, as well as both the construction AND destruction of fame that social media can make happen. I was fascinated by her take on all things fame. I felt for her - being an actress on a hit TV show, and only being seen for THAT. That her education, and directing, and successes in business mean nothing - cause the "whatever happened to her" mentality translates to - well, if we haven't seen her on TV anymore - she must be a failure in life.
I loved reading this - she's frantic, and passionate, and, OK I'll say it- a bit crazy, yes - but do you blame her? Imagine people saying about you "Boy, she sure has let herself go" on a public forum, on google searches, on Twitter. Just cause the last time they saw her she was 21 - and now she's 50. Well, clearly she's aged - duh. Obviously she doesn't LOOK the same!
I gobbled up every chapter and loved her take on how crazy it is to be famous, but how much crazier it is today. Sure, there's some namedropping, some mentions of Michael J. Fox, Sarah Jessica Parker, and more - and there's even a bunch of color photos in the book that she talks about and references throughout the book, which I loved. I didn't need the juicy gossip, as I felt like it made me understand celebrities more and totally got me out of that mentality of "Oh, they wanted to be in the spotlight, so they are just automatically targets." No. I feel terrible now for ever ragging on a celeb in the spotlight - especially the young ones out there.
But I'm still not laying off the reality "stars" ;) haha.
medium-paced
Bateman offers insights into fame: the experience of becoming famous, perceptions of others vs living in it, and what happens when fame declines. While not a memoir in the traditional sense, her feelings and experiences are woven in with those of others and sociological analysis of the dynamics of celebrity and fandom. Overall the book felt less structured than I anticipated, but it probably was a choice to communicate the experience of having little control over the chaos of fame and the way it impacts self-esteem.
I was reminded of my own brush with being adjacent to fame. When arriving at a Hollywood premiere, my family exited a limo. We heard: “Who is it!?! Oh, it’s nobody.”
As she says, this not NOT a memoir. It is also not an academic work although it is clear she has an academic background to analyze her own experience with fame. Perhaps Meditations on Fame is the most accurate. The best chapter was her experience as a famous/formerly famous person trying to interact with famous people and understanding the perspective of both sides of that bizarre social interaction.
As she says, this not NOT a memoir. It is also not an academic work although it is clear she has an academic background to analyze her own experience with fame. Perhaps Meditations on Fame is the most accurate. The best chapter was her experience as a famous/formerly famous person trying to interact with famous people and understanding the perspective of both sides of that bizarre social interaction.
slow-paced
This book is spectacularly good. I highly recommend the audiobook, because it's performed by the author. Not just read - performed. Justine Bateman is wonderful at recreating these emotional vignettes of incidents in the past or imagined thoughts of a fan or hater. She's also thoughtful and cerebral about analyzing these vignettes and contextualizing them psychologically and sociologically.
Also, I just find her really likable? Not in a bland, commercial way, but in that way where someone is so genuine and generous.
Also, I just find her really likable? Not in a bland, commercial way, but in that way where someone is so genuine and generous.
This is so poorly written. It’s like she just chugged an energy drink and then sat down all pissed off to rant in a google doc. It could have been really interesting and enlightening but she chose to just word vomit instead.