A review by chelsss_ann
Mean Baby: A Memoir of Growing Up by Selma Blair

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad fast-paced

4.75

 I've been wanting to read or listen to this memoir since I found out Selma Blair was writing one. I knew with her MS diagnosis that it would be one that really intrigued me. While Selma Blair doesn't talk much about her diagnosis until near the end of the book, she does tell a story that shows how she's struggled with this disease for most of her life without ever knowing what was causing the pain and hardships. And it makes me wonder how many other people go through life undiagnosed with some disease because they either think the pain is normal or because people have let them down. 

I found her relationships with her parents to be quite interesting. Her perception of her childhood really set the scene for her choices and struggles as an adult. I'm not sure how her father could have acted the way he did. It's just mind boggling to me. I admired how Selma was very self aware throughout this book, including in the acknowledgments when she mentioned how our view of our childhoods revolves around us, so we might not describe it as others would. 

As for Selma Blair narrating this herself...I think I could listen to almost anything she narrates. She is an amazing narrator and her voice (unless she's crying) is just so soothing to me. I found myself wanting to listen to this not just because she's a great writer, but because I kept being drawn to her voice. This is a beautiful memoir, and one I highly suggest anyone listen to. However, she does talk about her struggle with alcohol, sexual assault, and an eating disorder, so be aware if any of this is a trigger for you. 
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