You know that feeling, when you think you know someone, but then you hang out together and end up talking alllll night long and suddenly realise there is so much more to this person than you could’ve EVER POSSIBLY IMAGINED? And so you love her even more than you did before. For all she’s been through and all she’s achieved. For being brave enough to share things that are so private, things you would never in a million years say out loud, but now kind of feel like you can because why the hell not if SHE’s brave enough to share them?
THAT is how I felt after reading Busy Philipps’ book, “This Will Only Hurt A Little.” It’s honest and funny and heartbreaking and inspiring. And it makes me want to be brave, like Busy. My review below…Maybe you’ll feel the same way too? xo Nehal
Busy Philipps is the girlfriend we all need in our lives. Because no matter what you’re going through, she’s probably been through it too and she’s not only – quite gloriously – survived it, she confidently and hilariously lives to tell the tale.
“This Will Only Hurt A Little” is a collection of defining moments in Busy’s life, from her childhood in Arizona to the sets of Freaks and Geeks, Dawson’s Creek and Cougar Town to the challenges of being a working mum. And in true Busy-style, she doesn’t hold back. Whether it’s reliving the trauma of being raped at 14 or going through an abortion, admitting her overwhelming desire to be liked or calling out the boys club in Hollywood, openly acknowledging her mental health issues or meeting the love of her life and wanting to divorce him too. YEP, it’s all there. Honest, raw. Warts and all.
Her voice is so clear, her tone so easy-going, as you turn each page, it feels like she’s sitting right there with you telling you about the time James Franco was a “fucking bully”, or the time Chad Michael Murray was there for her, or the time she was there for Michelle Williams – all this stuff that’s shaped her life and made her the sparkly (as Busy likes to put it) woman we know today. (Honestly, it’s THAT good, you don’t even need to get the self-narrated audio book, but if you really want to, you can check it out HERE.)
You’ll cry with her. You’ll feel her pain and embarrassment so deeply and then punch the air in excitement when she gets back on her feet. And of course, you’ll laugh. A lot.
From the very beginning we learn there’s just no stopping her. If Busy wants to do something, she’ll do it. If she puts her mind to something, she’ll make it happen. And for every rejection, or major stuff up or general disaster in her life, there’s also a story of great success that follows. This girl knows how to keep going, no matter what life throws her way – and by sharing some of her most intimate stories, Busy is reminding us that there is life beyond the painful moments. And the embarrassing ones. And the heartbreaking ones.
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She is brave and honest, and it’s inspiring: First of all, Busy names names. There have been more than a few people who have treated her poorly over the years, not just in Hollywood but in her personal life too, and she tells us all about them. I mean, no sugar-coating. It’s there – IN WRITING. There’s no way to backtrack, like, EVER. But then again, why would she need to? Busy OWNS her opinions.
Secondly, she tells us about the times she actually confronts these people. Sure, most of us wish we could tell people who’ve wronged us exactly what we think but BUSY ACTUALLY DOES IT! And quite frankly, if these stories don’t inspire you to stand your ground and call out injustices, then I don’t know what will.
She’s also extremely honest about the people who are good to her – her mum Barbara being one of them. While their relationship is far from perfect, it’s clear who the rock is in Busy’s life and it’s heartwarming to read about the simple acts of kindness Busy picks up from her mum.
Busy also gives us quite the insight into Hollywood – we hear about the beautiful friendships formed with cast mates and how women like Courtney Cox and Tina Fey have supported her career, but we also learn of an industry rife with sexism and making women feel bad about their bodies. Isn’t it crazy to think someone as gorgeous as Busy could ever feel anything less than gorgeous? (Plus, there’s a rather funny reference to Harvey Weinstein in there. Hot tip: Make sure you’re not drinking anything when you read that bit or I promise, it will end up coming out of your nose!)
If you think this book will only appeal to the Busy-fans, think again. It’s for every woman and every girl who has ever felt alone, or voiceless or powerless or invisible. By sharing these stories, Busy is letting us know that we don’t have to be any of those things – because LOOK WHAT HAPPENED when she spoke up and made herself visible and reclaimed her power at times when it seemed impossible! This girl has an epic list of movies and TV shows to her name, is nailing the social media scene AND hosts her own late-night talk show.
Yes, we all need a bit of Busy in our lives, if not for the inspiration, then definitely for the good laughs.
Have you read the book yet? What did you think?