Reviews

Where Am I Now? True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame by Mara Wilson

labunnywtf's review

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4.0

Jennifer, a moody creative writing major who was my friend until I found out she and another "friend" had both gotten drunk and kissed my boyfriend, comes back to school in the fall claiming she had an 'existential crisis' that summer. Big deal, I think. I've had those since I was five.

I secretly am that pretentious

If you're looking for your average Hollywood memoir, this isn't the book for you. If you're looking for a Lohan-esque romp down the perils of being a child star, this also isn't for you.

Mara Wilson was in a movie that defined my childhood, and in the movie adaptation of a book that defined my childhood, so there is a major space reserved in my heart for her well being. In this book, she is very witty, very smart. She addresses being a child star in Hollywood, and the reasons why she left the business. But she also talks about her mental health, and losing her mother at a young age, and being a child, and a person, outside of being "that girl that played Matilda".

I love her as an adult more than I loved her as a child. And I'm pretty sure we would never be friends, because I am not nearly cool enough. I did as much googling as I could, but I can't figure out who the child actors she talks about being friends with were, and it's going to drive me insane for months. She could've given me a few hints here.

I don't think Hollywood has changed enough since Mara was a child. Reading about how reporters asked her about Hugh Grant getting arrested (W.T.F.), or who she thought was the sexiest celebrity at the Golden Globes.

SHE WAS 7.

Go read about the Stranger Things cast. Hollywood has not changed. It's gross.

Mara is five years younger than me, and far smarter, far cooler, than I could ever hope to be. I adore her for it.

asletmoe's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted reflective slow-paced

4.0

kenf25's review

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medium-paced

3.5

rexicorn's review against another edition

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funny informative lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

papertraildiary's review

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4.0

Where Am I Now? is a great read – something you can pick up and put down or read all the way through, something everyone can find something to identify with, and overall, it’s totally enjoyable and interesting.

Full review and five reasons why you need to read it at The Paper Trail Diary.

newdayvow's review

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4.0

Strong start with some interesting stories and thoughtful messages, but it wavered in the doldrums of show choir stories and too many names to keep track of. If you're going to read this book, though, listening to the author read it is the only way to go. The audiobook gives the stories an authenticity that let me make believe I was at a storytelling event in NYC.

ktshpd's review against another edition

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funny reflective medium-paced

4.5

amlibera's review

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4.0

Charming, quirky, and fascinating book of essays by writer, comedian, and former child star Mara Wilson.

harvestwitch's review

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4.0

3.5 ⭐️

lemonjade's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

3.5