Reviews and Comments

I am way, way behind on my book reviews. Who was a top-40, pop-culturally influenced gay in the early 2000s? raises hand This guy. So, even though I don't read many memoirs, of course I read The Woman in Me (back in April).

I've always been a fan of Britney Spears' music, but this book gave me a completely new perspective on her life. Reading this memoir, I was shocked to learn just how much control others had over her during her conservatorship. I honestly thought it was just about managing her finances, but it went so much deeper than that. Everyone around her dictated her work schedule, what she ate, who she could spend time with—basically every aspect of her life. It's no wonder she showed signs of mental and emotional abuse. The level of control was infuriating and heartbreaking to read about.

I had forgotten how young Britney was when she entered the music industry. She shot to fame at just 16 years old. I can't imagine being in the public spotlight at that age—I was still figuring out how to be a person then. I even went back and watched her 2000 Saturday Night Live episode, which she hosted at just 18. Her talent and work ethic were obvious in her performances, but it was uncomfortable to see how many of the show's jokes focused on her sexuality. She writes about this too—that everyone wants women to be sexy but not sexual. You can't have it both ways, and that pressure clearly took a toll.

My only critique is that I sometimes wished Britney had gone even deeper into her feelings and reflections. But she's already sharing so much of herself and her life in this book. It's hard to ask for more when she's been so vulnerable.

Reading this memoir left me with a newfound respect for Britney, not just as an artist but as a person. If she never wanted to perform or be in the public eye again, I wouldn't blame her. This book was a reminder that she's not just a pop star or a tabloid fixture but a human being. She's earned the right to live her life on her own terms, and after everything she's been through, I can only wish her peace and happiness.

In March, after finishing a few books about what ADHD is and how it works, I moved on to "The Couple’s Guide to Thriving with ADHD" by Melissa Orlov and Nancie Kohlenberger. The book is aimed at couples dealing with the unique challenges that ADHD can bring to a relationship, offering practical strategies for improving communication and connection.

I took SO MANY notes from this book.

One of the strengths of this book is its focus on collaboration. Rather than placing blame or focusing solely on the person with ADHD, the authors emphasize the importance of teamwork and mutual understanding: “Neither partner’s experience is ‘right’ or ‘wrong,’ but they can be quite different.”

Each chapter is filled with real-life examples that help illustrate the points the authors are making. These stories make the advice feel more relatable and less clinical. More often than I care to admit, I found myself reacting to chapters with, "Oh gawd, it’s us." The authors describe how common ADHD symptoms like forgetfulness, impulsivity, and distractibility can lead to frustration and misunderstandings in a relationship, offering tips for addressing these issues together.

Finally, I appreciated that the book acknowledged the difficulty of living with ADHD, whether as the partner with ADHD or as the non-ADHD partner. While beneficial, it can be exhausting to learn new ways to communicate and interpret each other’s "language." The book stresses the importance of taking care of yourself to maintain a healthy relationship.

Overall, "The Couple’s Guide to Thriving with ADHD" is a thoughtful and practical resource for couples looking to strengthen their relationship and navigate the challenges of ADHD together.