This Is Me - Metz

Title: This Is Me: Loving the Person You Are Today

Author: Chrissy Metz

Genre: Memoir
Rating: 3/5- Good. Read it, have a good time and move on. Or not.

Book Source: Library
Recommended if you like: Memoirs, Family and Loss, Celebrity Memoirs

 
What Its About:  

Alternating between autobiographical chapters and self-help essays, Metz shares her history from an unavailable father to meeting Oprah and getting a life-changing role on one of the most loved dramas on television today.

Growing up, Metz craved the attention and support of a father who walked out one day, leaving the family to struggle, and eventually established another family. Metz' mother worked menial jobs to support her family as best she could. Moving was common when rent was due. When Metz' mother remarried, she and her siblings moved into her stepfather's (and step sister's) home with hopes of a normal family life. But Metz was quickly labeled the odd child out (her biological sisters were older and younger enabling them to establish a different role in the family) and was often the brunt of her stepfather's abuse, both verbal and emotional. Metz searched for respite and found it in singing and acting. 

She eventually found herself faced with the decision to stay in Florida or to make the move to Los Angeles with some like minded artists.  She opted for change and made the trek from east coast to west coast. But performance opportunities are difficult for large woman to find in Hollywood. She took work in casting and struggled to make ends meet, supporting her husband's failing dream for years. After divorcing and facing dwindling hope that things would change, she admitted that to be successful, she had to actually be auditioning and trying to make her dream happen. She quit her job and put her whole heart into finding roles, until the dream finally found her.

The Bottom Line: 
Metz shares her story with such optimism and hope. She is an entertaining woman, on TV and in her writing. Her acceptance of herself, despite what culture tells her is beautiful, is awesome and her positive attitude about the future is invigorating. I enjoyed reading this very much.