Reviews

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

susandeathe's review

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informative slow-paced

3.0

clairewilsonleeds's review

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4.0

Really enjoyed listening to this, even though the second half was a little bit cringey in places (e.g. the parts about her being in choir, her crushes etc)

eyleen's review

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2.0

Ugh!
I was so excited to learn about how she became an actress and what it was like on the movie sets and so on. I got about three sentences about that.
All the rest was about depression, self-loathing, worrying too much and being an outsider.
If you want your mood to go down: Read this.
Huge disappointment :(

kimball_hansen's review against another edition

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4.0

I love learning about the life of stars. Even if they were only childhood ones. It makes them more human - this one especially. I enjoyed her three main films, Mrs. Doubtfire, Miracle on 34th Street, and Matilda (I haven't seen any of the other stuff she's done). I had always wondered what happened to her. The articles you read about "where are they now?" like to state that Mara just wanted to get out of acting aren't entirely true. So this was a neat book for me to read. I wouldn't say her fame is accidental though.

Matilda was probably her biggest hit and biggest influence on her and she does a neat chapter comparing fictional Matilda to real-life Mara and how they affected each other. They were going to make a Mrs. Doubtfire sequel. That would have been neat. I'm a sucker for sequels.

I liked how honest and frank her mom was. Seems like she had great parents. I would have liked more details and stories about them. Plus more stories about the other stars she knew. I'm sure there were a lot more things she could have said.

Mara has the same thoughts on forever that I do: wanting to disappear/not exist during some of the eternities for a bit then come back and see how everything is. Instead of just existing the whole time because that freaks me out when I stare off at the wall and think about it. I recently learned that it is called this phobia. She also said "Depriving myself of joys is one of the great joys of my subconscious." I think I can relate to that and finally put it into words.

She narrated the book but sounded nothing like I thought she would.

I thought she'd talk about how she's bi.

nadinee's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

3.5

daidui's review

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5.0

Where Am I Now by Mara Wilson isn't just a memoir; it's a lifeline for lonely bookworms like me who navigate the maze of life with the added weight of OCD as adults.

From the moment I delved into Wilson's world, I felt an instant connection. Her journey from child star to introspective adult mirrors my own quest for identity and belonging. Through her words, Wilson invites readers into the depths of her experiences, offering a glimpse into the tangled web of fame, loneliness, and self-discovery.

As someone who has often sought solace in the pages of books, Wilson's story felt like a warm embrace. Her candid reflections on the complexities of fame and the relentless pursuit of authenticity resonated deeply with me, serving as a reminder that it's okay to feel lost in the vast expanse of the world.

What truly sets Where Am I Now apart is Wilson's unfiltered portrayal of her battle with OCD. As someone who grapples with the same demons, her honest discussion of intrusive thoughts and the daily struggle to find balance struck a chord within me. Through her journey, Wilson shatters the stigma surrounding mental health, offering a beacon of hope to those who feel trapped by their own minds.

In the pages of Where Am I Now, I found not only validation but also inspiration. Wilson's courage in sharing her vulnerabilities reminded me that strength lies in embracing our imperfections and finding beauty in the midst of chaos.

Where Am I Now is more than just a book; it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of storytelling to heal and connect. For anyone who has ever felt adrift in a sea of uncertainty, Mara Wilson's memoir is a guiding light—a reminder that our stories, no matter how messy, are worth sharing and celebrating.

90sinmyheart's review

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4.0

About a 3 star but an extra star for all the tea this book spilled.

pages_n_puzzles's review

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4.0

Book riot live prep. Great on audio

highkites's review

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3.0

Entertaining to see behind the scenes and in the eyes of a child growing up with a film set environment. Quite an insight to the way in which child actors think, develop and perceive the world through to adulthood.

daniellerobb's review

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5.0

So good!
I finished it in 1 day and it made me cry 5 times!