Britney Spears

The Woman in Me is a brave and astonishingly moving story about freedom, fame, motherhood, survival, faith, and hope. In June 2021, the whole world was listening as Britney Spears spoke in open court. The impact of sharing her voice—her truth—was undeniable, and it changed the course of her life and the lives of countless others. The Woman in Me reveals for the first time her incredible journey—and the strength at the core of one of the greatest performers in pop music history. Written with remarkable candor and humor, Spears’s groundbreaking book illuminates the enduring power of music and love—and the importance of a woman telling her own story, on her own terms, at last.

The Woman in Me

Sashi

There have been so many tinmes when I was scared to speak up because I was afraid somebody would think I was crazy. But I've learned that lesson now, the hard way. You have to speak the thing that you're feeling, even if it scares you. You have to tell your story. You have to raise your voice.

I felt there was no way at the time to tell my side of the story. I couldn't explain, because I knew no one would take my side once Justin had convinced the world of his version.

There's always been more leeway in Hollywood for men than for women. And I see how men are encouraged to talk trash about women in order to become famous and powerful. But I was shattered.

Did I do something wrong? I wondered. I'd just danced my heart out on the awards show. I never said I was a role model. All I wanted to do was sing and dance.

There is so much freedom in being anonymous. I could look out at a crowd who'd never seen me before and think, You don't know who I am yet. It was kind of liberating that I didn't really have to care if I made mistakes.

I was a little girl with big dreams. I wanted to be a star like Madonna, Dolly Parton, or Whitney Houston. I had simpler dreams, too, dreams that seemed even harder to achieve and that felt too ambitious to say out loud: I want my dad to stop drinking. I want my mom to stop yelling. I want everyone to be okay.

Johnny Bobby

I didn’t do anything illegal. That I knew for sure. Id had my moments,. I'd had my wild spell. Id been high on Adderall and acted crazy. But I didn't do anything criminal. In fact, as she knew, I'd been with girlfriends the prior two days. My mom and I had had a sleepover with my cousin Alli and two other girlfriends. "Just come to the house!" she said,"We want to talk to you." So I went to the house with then. The photographer met me there. My mother was acting suspicious. When the photographer got there, he said, "Something's up, right?" "Yeah," I said. "Something's really off" All of a sudden, there were helicopters going around the house. "Is that for me?" I asked my mom."Is this a joke?'" It wasnt a joke. Suddenly there was a SWAT team of what seemed like twenty cops in my house. “What the fuck did I do?" I kept shouting, "I didn't do anything!" I know I had been acting wild but there was nothing I'd done that justified their treating me like I was a bank robber. Nothing that justified upending my entire life.

sina (she/her) 

Shaving my head was a way of saying to the world: Fuck you. You want me to be pretty for you? Fuck you. You want me to be good for you? Fuck you. You want me to be your dream girl? Fuck you.

So I was young, and I made a lot of mistakes. But I will say this: I wasn't manipulative. I was just stupid.

There's always been more leeway in Hollywood for men than for women. And I see how men are encouraged to talk trash about women in order to become famous and powerful. But I was shattered. 

I couldn't help but notice that the questions he got asked by talk show hosts were different fromn the ones they asked me. Everyone kept making strange comments about my breasts, wanting to know whether or not I'd had plastic surgery.

Lindsay

I was rebelling, yes, but I can see now that there's a reason why people go through rebellious times. And you have to let people go through them. I'm not saying that I was right to spiral, but I think to hinder someone's spirit to that degree, and to put them down that much, to the point where they no longer feel like themselves, I don't think that's healthy either. We, as people, have to test the world. You have to test your boundaries, to find out who you are, how you want to live. Other people (and by other people, I mean men) were afforded that freedom. Male rockers were rolling in late to award shows and we thought it made them cooler. Male popstars were sleeping with lots of women and that was awesome. Kevin was leaving me alone with two babies when he wanted to go smoke pot and record a rap song "Popozao", slang for 'big ass' in Portuguese. Then he took them away from me and he had "Details Magazine" calling him Dad of the Year.

I wish back then I'd known the Dolly Parton joke: "I'm not offended by all the dumb blonde jokes because I know I'm not dumb. And I also know that I'm not blonde."

There is so much freedom in being anonymous.

Lea Hi

People might laugh because things I post are innocent or strange, or because I can get mean when I'm talking about people who've hurt me. Maybe this has been a feminist awakening. I guess what I'm saying is that the mystery of who the real me is, is to my advantage - because nobody knows!

I went to Vegas the way everyone goes to Vegas - hoping to win.

What I can see now but couldn't see then is that every part of normal life had been stripped from me - going out in public without becoming a headline, making normal mistakes as a new mother of two babies, feeling like I could trust the people around me. I had no freedom and yet also no security. 

At what point did I promise to stay seventeen for the rest of my life?

I worked so hard on my music and on my stage shows. But all some reporters could think of to ask me was whether or not my breasts were real (they were, actually) and whether or not my hymen was intact.

All I can say is it's a good thing Lucy was a sweet girl writing poems about how she was "not a girl, not yet a woman," and not a serial kiler.

That's probably the moment in my life when I had the most passion for music. I was unknown, and I had nothing to lose if I messed up. There is so much freedom in being anonymous. I could look out at a crowd who'd never seen me before and think, You don't know who I am yet. 

I was a little girl with big dreams. I wanted to be a star like Madonna, Dolly Parton, or Whitney Houston. I had simpler dreams, too, dreams that seemed even harder to achieve and that felt too ambitious to say out loud: I want my dad to stop drinking. I want my mom to stop yelling. I want everyone to be okay. With my family, anything could go wrong at any time. I had no power there. Only while performing was I truly invincible. 

🌞Laur🌞

Once you start to see yourself that way- as not just someone who exists to make everyone else happy but someone who deserves to make their wishes known- that changes everything.

I wish everyone who was managing the conservatorship no peace!

Susan

I love autobiographies, because you can sense a little bit of bias in their stories, because they are alive and well and still got stuff to lose.

I loved to hear about childhood media events from Britney. I remembered everything she talked about somehow, even though I was 3, 4, going up during them. For some reason, she was a big part of my early entertainment memories.

I have a huge sense of sympathy for her, while reading and after, because she really was a prisoner in her family. I cannot imagine how difficult it was to basically be a robot repeating the same day for that long. I’m glad that she now has the freedom to do what she wants. I’ve always thought that it was weird that someone could legally control the money of an adult who isn’t spending money to hurt others? Odd.

Sarah Campbell

I love autobiographies, because you can sense a little bit of bias in their stories, because they are alive and well and still got stuff to lose.
I loved to hear about childhood media events from Britney. I remembered everything she talked about somehow, even though I was 3, 4, going up during them. For some reason, she was a big part of my early entertainment memories.
I have a huge sense of sympathy for her, while reading and after, because she really was a prisoner in her family. I cannot imagine how difficult it was to basically be a robot repeating the same day for that long. I’m glad that she now has the freedom to do what she wants. I’ve always thought that it was weird that someone could legally control the money of an adult who isn’t spending money to hurt others? Odd.
Anyways, great read.

Eye-opening to what Britney had to go through. While not a work of art, you can tell it was personally written by her. I hope it was a healing process for her. 

Emma

When I think of 2000-2010s pop music, it always seemed like a huge party. Numerous bops were released during those times, and Britney Spears's hits are always there. My favorite works of her were in the Circus album, arguably one of the albums with the best runs. I didn't realize during that time she was going through so much pain and sinister stuffs.

I've always known Britney Spears started her career at young age, but despite growing up with her music and read some media pieces about her, I never really deep dive into her profile and life. I was shocked to find out she was only 15 when she released her debut hit, Baby One More Time. She was ... a child. The song and the music video always made me think she was older, in her 20 at least. I know it was her ideas to use that concept, but at fifteen years old, I bet she was trying to look appealing to boys around her age—or only three to four years older, not grown ass men in their thirties.

The stories of her early career in the book solidified my assumption, she was sexualized since she was a child. On broadcasting programs. Britney talked about how she felt uncomfortable when instead of her music, people were more interested in her body, asking all kinds of questions regarding her breasts—at the age of 15!

Things got worse for her not long after, from abortion to break up to divorce to losing in custody battle to her conservatory. The more I read the more I realized how strong she was. Like genuinely, I don't think I can stay alive if I experienced even an ounce of what she went through. But Britney didn't need to be strong, she should've felt safe and cared especially at the hands of her family.

I am glad she has found herself again now. 

mighty dragon 

When I think of 2000-2010s pop music, it always seemed like a huge party. Numerous bops were released during those times, and Britney Spears's hits are always there. My favorite works of her were in the Circus album, arguably one of the albums with the best runs. I didn't realize during that time she was going through so much pain and sinister stuffs.

I've always known Britney Spears started her career at young age, but despite growing up with her music and read some media pieces about her, I never really deep dive into her profile and life. I was shocked to find out she was only 15 when she released her debut hit, Baby One More Time. She was ... a child. The song and the music video always made me think she was older, in her 20 at least. I know it was her ideas to use that concept, but at fifteen years old, I bet she was trying to look appealing to boys around her age—or only three to four years older, not grown ass men in their thirties.

The stories of her early career in the book solidified my assumption, she was sexualized since she was a child. On broadcasting programs. Britney talked about how she felt uncomfortable when instead of her music, people were more interested in her body, asking all kinds of questions regarding her breasts—at the age of 15!

Things got worse for her not long after, from abortion to break up to divorce to losing in custody battle to her conservatory. The more I read the more I realized how strong she was. Like genuinely, I don't think I can stay alive if I experienced even an ounce of what she went through. But Britney didn't need to be strong, she should've felt safe and cared especially at the hands of her family.

I am glad she has found herself again now. 

༺ kat ༻

Brittney is amazing for her strength and kindness in the face of all she’s been through! That said the book isn’t super well written.

Danielle Rose

Kiran Aftab

i’m so happy she was finally able to share her story. she was genuinely put through hell and i don’t know how she did it. i think my critique is that i expected more depth from the book and for it to be well-written.

4 stars bc i feel so insanely horrible about what she was put through by all these awful people in her life, and i will be thinking about this for a while, how all of this played out while she was still in the public eye

not 5 stars bc the writing was a bit...yeah...but thats fine, not important

Stas

4 stars bc i feel so insanely horrible about what she was put through by all these awful people in her life, and i will be thinking about this for a while, how all of this played out while she was still in the public eye

not 5 stars bc the writing was a bit...yeah...but thats fine, not important

radhika dhawan

Angelyn Francis

Embarrassingly, I did not want to read this on my flight tomorrow. So, I started it in the chair while getting braids and finished it by the end of the day. It's the breeziest, most conversational read. Enjoyable, if repetitive and simple. A nice cap on an arc of content that was speaking for her for the last few years (documentaries and fans). Don't know what else to say. Maybe I will watch Crossroads on the plane, unembarrassed.

Giulia Milani

It was hard to read this. The guilt, the sadness, the realization of her suffering. It was hard!

Bria

I wish nothing but the best for Britney. I'm not convinced she's entirely okay, but I really hope she is. She's been through so much and has had so many crappy people in her life. She deserves so much more than that. She deserves peace, good friends, and a good support system.

surprisingly haunting and incredibly emotional 🤍

Sadie Hoffman

Zoe Katherine Clyde

Lauren R

Feels weird to give someone's life story a rating. But shes such a strong woman #freebritney ! highly recommend

Chloé

JUSTIN, KEVIN AND JAMIE COUNT YOUR FUCKING DAYS.
I went into this as a full fledged Britney fan. She was never protected by anyone. She admitted her wrong doings but to me she never did anything a girl in her 20’s did. She tells her story so openly and I’m so proud of her. 

One thing that comes through in this, is how much she loves her kids. SHE ADORES HER KIDS. Her sons are so loved and treasured by their mum.

This book is so written in Britney's voice. I love how much power she is taking back. While I’d love to see her back on stage and hear new music from her, I understand if she never does again. I just want her to be happy, its what she deserves.

Leyla Gulsen

Spears's narrative is a testament to her indomitable spirit, taking readers on a journey through her experiences with fame, motherhood, and a relentless fight for autonomy. The book is a powerful account of her public court appearance in June 2021, a moment that not only marked a pivotal turn in her life but also resonated with millions worldwide, advocating for personal freedom and the right to one's own story.
This memoir is characterized by its honesty and humor, offering an intimate glimpse into Spears's life from her early beginnings at just eight years old. It's both enlightening and heart-wrenching to learn of the constant scrutiny and pressures she faced, often feeling like she couldn't catch a breath amidst the chaos that fame brought into her life. Spears's narrative is a stark reminder of the human behind the celebrity, the woman behind the performances, and the enduring strength it takes to navigate such a public existence.

I’m thinking this has gotta be part 1 because it didn’t even scratch the surface of everything Britney has had to endure. I feel like so much more could have been said but maybe she still  has a little bit of that fear that all will be taken away again in a heartbeat. It’s so sad to think that her parents went so far to abandon her. Probably banking on her to end her own life so they can still come out on top looking peachy and riding that paycheck. I feel like it’s because of the division her parents created for their children that she and Jamie Lynn weren’t able to have that unbreakable sibling bond. 

Anyway, it’s a very easy read but there’s definitely got to be more since her divorce with Sam. Hopefully she gets to reconnect with her boys and they grow to develop strong bonds with their mom. The ending was just so vague and unresolved.

Christa Bell

I’m thinking this has gotta be part 1 because it didn’t even scratch the surface of everything Britney has had to endure. I feel like so much more could have been said but maybe she still  has a little bit of that fear that all will be taken away again in a heartbeat. It’s so sad to think that her parents went so far to abandon her. Probably banking on her to end her own life so they can still come out on top looking peachy and riding that paycheck. I feel like it’s because of the division her parents created for their children that she and Jamie Lynn weren’t able to have that unbreakable sibling bond. 

Anyway, it’s a very easy read but there’s definitely got to be more since her divorce with Sam. Hopefully she gets to reconnect with her boys and they grow to develop strong bonds with their mom. The ending was just so vague and unresolved.

Teresa Bonifácio

I’m glad she was able to tell her story. I can’t even imagine what she has been gone through. To have her family turn on her like this? The people that should have been there for her? I’m not going to judge her because it’s easy for me to say what I should have done if I were her. I’m not so I won’t say anymore than this!

I stayed interested the entire time but some parts were monotonous or repetitive. 

Alicia Evans

This book is heartbreaking. To think how many people and the system collectively failed Britney and kept her prisoner all those years just to line the pockets of some is disgusting! It’s devastating to know all the suffering she’s been through. I’m glad she is free now.

Devika M

gülefşan 

Ashley hartkorn 

I was glad it was in her voice, but there were times that I really had to force myself to keep going. It’s very interesting, but would I pick this book back up again? Prob not… would I suggest it to others? Not as a first choice but more if they have extra time and want something blawh.

This is not a super elevated autobiography but that works in its favour. By simply presenting the facts - after years of obfuscation and speculation by the media that ended up crafting the dominant narrative - Britney manages to truly communicate both her essence as a person, as an artist, and her pain. It is not simply heartbreaking to read - there were moments where I could feel myself tearing up, be it because of Michelle William's narration, be it because of the events depicted - but it opens a very empathetic understanding to what Britney has gone through.

For me, this came particularly strongly when she would discuss the way people treated her (family, lovers, friends) and instead of trying to attack them, she would explains that those things were hurtful to her. She really seems like someone who does not hold onto any hatred in her heart - it was all hurt and pain and fear, and even her breaking off from her family is something she has made peace with. And that is what the most heartbreaking to me.

This is not a super elevated autobiography but that works in its favour. By simply presenting the facts - after years of obfuscation and speculation by the media that ended up crafting the dominant narrative - Britney manages to truly communicate both her essence as a person, as an artist, and her pain. It is not simply heartbreaking to read - there were moments where I could feel myself tearing up, be it because of Michelle William's narration, be it because of the events depicted - but it opens a very empathetic understanding to what Britney has gone through.

For me, this came particularly strongly when she would discuss the way people treated her (family, lovers, friends) and instead of trying to attack them, she would explains that those things were hurtful to her. She really seems like someone who does not hold onto any hatred in her heart - it was all hurt and pain and fear, and even her breaking off from her family is something she has made peace with. And that is what the most heartbreaking to me.

The Woman in Me

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