I'm going to be honest: I mostly read this for the "Glee" bits. Over the past few months, but especially during coronavirus quarantine, I've been consuming "Glee" content and just wanted more, so I read this. On the whole, this was a quick read that I found interesting in some parts, like when Rivera explains about Coogan accounts, or her funny retail stories. But other parts were either pretty abrasive, off-putting, or just stuff I'm never going to remember. I enjoy a good biography, but Rivera just isn't someone whose life story was one I personally care to dwell on or think about after reading, and her writing was nothing special either. None of it moved me, and I'm okay with that. That all being said: the "Glee" portions were good! It was fun learning more about stuff going on behind the camera and hearing Rivera talk about her co-stars, and I agree with Rivera about loving drama. ;) ( )

[b:Sorry Not Sorry: Dreams, Mistakes, and Growing Up|28815372|Sorry Not Sorry Dreams, Mistakes, and Growing Up|Naya Rivera|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1472121482l/28815372._SX50_.jpg|49031395]
To Glee or not to Glee. I totally Glee
I have had my need for memoirs more so this year then in the past and I am so glad that this made it on my kindle. I am not sure if I did one of those accidentally buys, or if I meant to actually get it, either way it is Christmas day Merry Christmas to everyone and not even four hours I finished yet another book.
I read the whole thing in one sitting. Not at all what I was expecting, but 100% worth it. Ms. Rivera comes across as intelligent, funny, frank, and quite authentic. There's some pretty good gossip (engagement to Big Sean, fights with Lea Michele/Ryan Murphy, etc.) that you can probably snatch from reviews on the typical celebrity websites, but in my opinion, you'd be missing out by not reading this book in its entirety.

As someone to whom Glee is very near and dear to my heart, I was of course the most interested in the parts of the book that dealt with that period in her life. And, although she doesn't linger on it nearly as long as I thought she would, there is still plenty here to read. I was lucky to see the cast of Glee do an interview at are local mall here in NJ my first year in college and knew I had to see the show. there are Lots of fun anecdotes, reflections, and a quite sobering/touching passage about the death of Corey Monteith. The parts that weren't about Glee, though, were equally as good: for starters, there's lots of boy drama. She talks openly about issues such as abortion, anorexia, being a minority, and a girl's right to be a whore (yes, you read that right. It's awesome.) I was particularly surprised by her openness about her Christian beliefs; she brings up her relationship with God quite frequently throughout. Not in a preachy way at all. In fact, I think it would have been a shame if she hadn't included it. It's clearly a major part of who she is. Overall I think it was her truths written her way and I am here for it because honesty is always needed.


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I just want to say that all these 1 and 2 star reviews are from Big Sean fans or Rachel lovers (I joke). Now, on to my VERY BIAS review. I say bias because I currently have a huge crush on Naya (thanks Step Up)

I read her bio in 2 days. Front to back. Everything. Every little thing. That’s rare because I hate sappy intros, dedications and whatever. Honestly, I would have read it one day if I stayed up a bit and read when I got home from work. Also, yes you read that correctly.... I read this while at work. This book came out in 2016 so I’m a little late to the game. Regardless, it was a good read.

Now, Naya didn’t flat out say this but I felt that her parents (mostly her dad) was toxic and boy so I relate to those with toxic parents. Her father seems very unlikeable, charging your 18 year old kid rent? No bueno. Also her mother did some guilt tripping to get her to audition for shows. I relate on the guilt tripping. Also, I related to her being biracial and always being checked off as “other”. I related to that 150%. Being too Hispanic for the black clique at school and too black for the Hispanic clique. Honey, I felt it to my core.

At the end of this book I was left with 4 things. Naya is cool as heck, I should really finish Glee (on season 1 episode 6... I know I’m late), Big Sean is a d-bag, and Lea Michele isn’t as nice as she seems. When this book came out everyone gave Naya a hard time, they were doubting what she was saying about Lea was true, and now 4 years later it turned out to be nothing but the truth (google Lea Michele tweets).

I would really like a part 2 because this book came out when she was married and now she’s divorced.

This would have got 5 stars from me EASY if the structure was different. A lot of the timelines jump around and I wasn’t a fan of that. I also wish she would have gone a bit more in depth about her home life because I feel like she left some things out.

Naya rocks.
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I was actually thrilled by this book. I only know of Rivera by her role in Glee and honestly, I didn't watch Glee that much. I wasn't expecting a huge amount from a celebrity memoir but her honesty and thoughtfulness regarding difficult topics like money, race, and abortion blew me away. There was just enough of the "tell-all" vibe to satisfy the gossipy part of me but the real meat of her writing was clear-headed and captivating, incredibly insightful and felt true to her person. This book was great. ( )

Sorry Not Sorry: Dreams, Mistakes, and Growing Up

I Picked Up This Book Because: Curiosity… I guess.

The Story:

Naya has lived an interesting life. Not as wild and crazy as some Hollywood child stars but definitely different than your traditional upbringing. Going into this book I only knew Naya from her role as Santana Lopez on Glee. While listening to this book I discovered she’s been acting all her life. Turns out one of her first big rolls was a character I loved on the TV sitcom Family Matters. (Little Richie’s friend/girlfriend Gwendolyn)

Naya takes us through her memories as a young actress, a huge bout of teen angst including her struggles with anorexia, racial identity, an abortion and her ever evolving relationship with her mother. She also speaks briefly about two significant romantic relationships the most importantly her husband. Some of Naya memories are crushingly honest and I felt for her struggles.

The Random Thoughts:

3.5 Stars ( )