I read The Woman in Me by Britney Spears on a whim. I needed a short and quick audiobook to finish off my Spotify hours before they reset in a few days.
I am surprised at how engaging this book is. I’ve seen mostly positive reviews, including from librarian friends, and I agree with those. History will not look kindly on Britney’s 13-year conservatorship. Britney was her father’s prisoner with the blessing of the US court system. That is just wrong on every level.
Author: Britney Spears
Publication Date: October 24, 2023
Genre: memoir
Recommended for: Grades 9-AD
Setting: Kentwood, Louisiana; Los Angeles, California; Las Vegas, Nevada
Themes: abuse, controlling parent, family problems, celebrities, conservatorships, performers, custody battles, abortion, suicidal thoughts, intrusive media, paparazzi, mental health, postpartum depression
Starred reviews: Library Journal
Pages: 288
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.
I listened to The Woman in Me on audiobook, read by actress Michelle Williams. Britney Spears reads the introduction, and I was thankful the rest of the narration was Michelle Williams. It “grew up” the narration a bit.
I’ve seen reviewers say that Britney’s words in the book sound so young, but I didn’t see that perspective at all. She sounded mature and reflective to me. It makes me wonder if I’d feel the same way if I’d read the print book rather than the audiobook version. Michelle Williams’ voice is deep and smooth and sounds more mature than Britney’s voice did in the introduction.
I liked hearing Britney’s side of the story surrounding certain media incidents. Specifically, I remember the head-shaving story in February 2007 because it happened when I was in the hospital to have my son. I remember watching it on the hospital TV with my own newborn in my arms. Britney’s second child is only a few months older than my son.
The story’s spin – as it was with so many media stories about Britney – was “look at how crazy Britney is.” Seeing it play out on TV, I wasn’t going to disagree. It sure did look unhinged.
But hearing her side of the story really turned that around. Britney struggled with postpartum depression after having two children back-to-back. The paparazzi relentlessly hounded her every move. She says she shaved her hair – one of the assets that makes her beautiful – as a giant “F U” to the toxic industry that both made her and was destroying her.
And suddenly, I get it. I love that she shaved her head. Britney took back some of her power that day, even if it was short-lived.
I also liked Britney’s statement that other celebrities do so much worse and don’t end up controlled under a conservatorship. This is 100% correct. Even celebrities known to be rapists or child molesters or abusers or druggies or even murderers aren’t controlled under a conservatorship. Some of them may go to prison for their crimes, eventually and after lengthy due process.
If Britney were a man, she would never have been under this lengthy conservatorship.
Last, I loved the constant refrain of Britney’s love for her two children. She mentions them frequently, and you can tell she really does love them. I hope as they are entering adulthood, they can see that. Britney made mistakes, as we all do. Most of our mistakes don’t become fodder for unscrupulous media hounds.
Um, nothing really. I was invested in Britney’s story from the first few lines. She’s imperfect, as are we all. She seems to recognize that, and I admire her honesty and humility in telling her story. She could have dragged people through the mud far more than she did.
Britney is a white, female, American performer, known worldwide. Most people mentioned are also white and American, and many are well-known actors and performers.
I don’t know if there are photos in the print book since I listened to the audio.
The cover – a bare-chested Britney covering herself – may be controversial for inclusion in some high schools. I know my mom mentioned the cover as “why would she choose that for her cover?”
But I think the cover works here. She’s standing in a vulnerable position, covering herself, looking at the camera and not smiling. It’s like she’s being photographed against her will, which tracks well with the book.
Would adults like this book? YES, I think many adults will love it.
Would I buy this for my high school library? I would buy it for high school. Probably every high school student knows who Britney Spears is, so there will be interest in her story. Students who enjoy celebrity memoirs will want to read this one.
Would I buy this for my middle school library? I would not. There are some mature topics including abortion and self-harm.
Would I buy this for my elementary school library? No
Language: There was probably some profanity. I don’t remember anything specifically since I listened to the audiobook. Whatever profanity was there wasn’t so gratuitous that I noticed it.
Sexuality: Britney mentions being sexually-active since age 14. She is frequently treated as an international sex symbol from about age 15.
Violence: No physical violence, but Britney was a prisoner under that conservatorship. There is mention of Britney’s father’s abuse by his own controlling father.
Drugs/Alcohol: Britney mentions “over the counter energy pills” a few times. I’m guessing these are caffeine pills?
Other: abortion, suicidal thoughts
