Book Review
Britney’s memoir is absolutely shocking. I haven’t followed Britney’s journey much, despite being born only one year later. Of course I heard her songs: “Oops, I did it again,” “Hit me baby one more time,” and “Toxic.” I’m not familiar with most of her other songs. I grew up in Australia and heard less of the Britney Spears news and gossip, especially since my parents didn’t encourage listening to the radio or watching music videos (honestly, I’ve basically never watched them). I had no idea she was depicted as some virginal Christian-ese princess as a teenager, though she’d already had sex and people were simply projecting this ideal onto her, wanting to mold her into a role model she never expected or aimed to be.
I also haven’t followed the more recent story of her conservatorship—her dad’s ownership of her brand, her schedule and basically her entire life for thirteen years. It is appalling to think that a father could treat his adult daughter the way she was treated. Of course, I could understand a father wanting to protect a truly mentally ill, drug-addicted daughter; but to simply paint this picture of Britney as though she is unstable, when, in fact, she has as many faculties as I do; to take control of her finances to make himself and his family rich; to force her to work and not negotiate that work—the whole story is mind-boggling!
I’m taking Britney’s story at face value as mostly true. That is how I treat most memoir. We all misconstrue some of the facts or misremember some things. But I believe most of us are trying to tell the truth about our life experiences. I am deeply sorry that Britney has suffered the way she has at the hands of her own biological parents! They must have some serious issues to use and abuse their daughter this way! Not to mention all the people who worked for “Britney Spears” who couldn’t seem to see what her dad was doing to her. The way they treated her, as a slave, as a job, as less valuable, less honest and less worthy than her father… I hope those people learn and adapt after making such horrendous mistakes!
My one criticism is that this book needed better editing. It seems to me as though Britney has done most of the writing. It flowed from her and it sounds very down to earth. I like the style and voice. There were just some points that were a little repetitious and some other points where I couldn’t understand which order things happened in, that could have used some more dates, or some more chronology and less of a jump from thirteen years ago, to thirteen years later. Maybe this is because I’m less familiar with her story and the details. A mega-fan would understand what she was talking about because they followed her journey. I came to Britney’s book less in-the-know, and just thought it could have been better edited to make a little more chronological sense to outsiders like myself.
As a spiritual person I especially appreciated the spiritual aspects of Britney’s journey. Her references to God, or a higher power. The way she prayed. Her connection with the spirit at different times and in different places. I like seeing the progression of spiritual maturation.
Personally, I would hate to be famous. I couldn’t do Britney’s life, her routine, the paparazzi, and crazy level of attention and intrusion from so many people, not to mention the objectification of her body. I admire her creativity, her skill and talent. I suppose I’m a tad envious of her success, but I can admit I am not willing to pay the price of fame, scrutiny, media slander etc.
My heart goes out to you Britney. I hope your journey in this life continues to brighten, that you experience increasing freedom and connection with spirit, creation and people. Even, if possible, some level of reconciliation with your parents, just as you experienced some reconciliation with your grandfather, June.