Many thanks to my friends at @simon.audio for the #gifted copy of this audiobook.  

 

Did I download this the very moment it became available? You bet I did. 

 

Do I think Britney deserved so much better from her family and society?  Absolutely. 

Do I hope she is embarking on a healthy new journey? Heck yeah. 

 

In The Woman in Me, Spears tells her own story on her own terms.  It’s a sad and tragic look at her life, from early fame to family-sanctioned imprisonment to freedom from conservatorship (finally!!!).   She touches on her success and struggles while also explaining many of the jaw dropping moments seen in the media.  

 

Many times, Spears mentions feeling as though she is aging in reverse.  More of a girl than an adult.  And that felt accurate of both this content and writing.    

 

Often, I had to remind myself that this book was written by present-day, 40-something Britney rather than the young pop star in her twenties.  While she doesn’t show the kind of maturity that moves beyond mere explanations, she does indicate a commitment towards growth.  

 

Pondering this read, I hope it truly does represent Spears.  I also hope she finds peace in whatever she does next.  

 

“It’s time for me to pay attention to the little things.  To slow down.  It’s time for me to not be someone who other people want.  It’s time for me to actually find myself.”  

-Britney Spears, The Woman in Me

 

🎧 At just 5 ½ hours, the audiobook is a quick listen.  I was incredibly impressed with Michelle Williams narration.  Her execution felt very reminiscent of Spears, to the point that I almost forgot Britney was not reading it herself.