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The Woman in Me (memoir)

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The Woman in Me
In stark black and white, Spears poses on the left, covering her bare breasts by wrapping her arms around herself. Her bleach-blonde hair is complemented by dark make-up around her eyes.
AuthorBritney Spears
Audio read byMichelle Williams
LanguageEnglish
GenreMemoir
PublisherGallery Books
Publication date
October 24, 2023
Publication placeUnited States
Media typePrint (paperback)
Pages288
ISBN9781668009048

The Woman in Me is a memoir by American singer Britney Spears. It was published on October 24, 2023, by Gallery Books, a division of Simon & Schuster. The book was released in 26 languages. Michelle Williams narrates the audiobook.

The Woman in Me received praise from critics. Within a week of its release in the United States, the book became a #1 New York Times best-seller, selling 1.1 million copies in all formats. As of January 2024, it has sold over two million copies in the US with an estimated three million copies in print globally.[1] A film adaptation directed by Jon M. Chu and produced by Marc Platt is currently in the works at Universal Pictures as of 2024.[2]

Background and release

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On February 21, 2022, it was reported that Spears signed a $15 million book deal for her then-upcoming memoir, one of the biggest book deals of all time,[3] three months after a Los Angeles Superior Court Judge formally ended her conservatorship.[4] On July 11, 2023, Spears announced that the book would be titled The Woman in Me, and would be released on October 24, 2023.[5] The title is a reference to a lyric in her song "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" (2001), where she sings "I'm just trying to find the woman in me".[6] It was reportedly ghostwritten together with journalist Sam Lansky.[7]

The book contains 288 pages comprising 49 chapters, and was released in 26 languages.[8][9] The memoir was released in audiobook format simultaneously with the other editions.[10] Spears confirmed she would not fully narrate the audiobook due to its "heart-wrenching and emotional" content, enlisting actress Michelle Williams to record the main bulk of the audiobook, while Spears would participate by reading its introduction.[10][11] She promoted the memoir in People by providing insights into its content, accompanied by a cover photoshoot, which she had not done since 2016.[12]

Synopsis

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The Woman in Me chronicles Spears's journey to stardom, the publicized challenges she faced, and her endeavors to break free from a longstanding conservatorship that once controlled her life.[13]

In the beginning of the memoir, Spears writes that her paternal grandmother, Emma Jean Spears, was sent to an asylum by Spears's paternal grandfather. Their three-day-old baby had died and Emma Jean was overwhelmed by grief. While at the asylum, Emma Jean was put on lithium; later she shot herself over the child's grave. Spears added that "tragedy runs in my family".[14][15]

Spears also writes that she was marketed as innocent, even though she had been a regular smoker since the age of 14 and lost her virginity around the same time.[16] In 2002, her then-boyfriend Justin Timberlake dumped her by text on the set of a music video.[16] When she became pregnant by Timberlake, she writes that he persuaded her to undergo an abortion.[17] Spears writes that Timberlake continuously cheated on her: "Photographers caught Justin with one of the girls from All Saints in a car."[7] After the break-up, her public image suffered, she started to burn out, and began abusing the prescription drug Adderall.[7] She also admitted that she cheated on Timberlake with dancer Wade Robson.

She described her two-week sexual fling with actor Colin Farrell in the memoir. Spears wrote that the reason for her 55-hour marriage to Jason Alexander was, that she was "drunk and very bored." She wrote that her family got angry after finding out about her marriage. Spears wrote: "They made way too big a deal out of innocent fun. Everybody has a different perspective on it, but I didn't take it that seriously. I thought a goof-around Vegas wedding was something people might do as a joke. Then my family came and acted like I'd started World War III. I cried the whole rest of the time I was in Las Vegas."[18] Spears also dives into the rocky relationship with her sister Jamie Lynn and apologizes to Jamie Lynn's Zoey 101 co-star Alexa Nikolas (referring to Nikolas as "that young actress") for yelling at her, adding that she was pregnant and emotional at the time.[19]

Spears discusses her relationship with Kevin Federline and the struggles she faced after becoming a mother, including suffering from postpartum depression. The memoir also goes into further detail and provides new perspective about widely publicized events in Spears' life, including shaving her head and attacking a paparazzo with an umbrella.

Reception

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Critical

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The review aggregator website Book Marks collected 16 reviews on the book, seven of which were classified as "rave", eight were classified as "positive" and one as "mixed". Overall, the reception was summarized as positive.[20]

The book received acclaim from The New York Times,[21] Time,[22] and The Los Angeles Times.[9] In a BBC review, Mark Savage called the book "an angry, cautionary tale,"[16] while The Independent called it "raw, unfiltered and breathtaking in its rage."[7] Writing for Forbes, Toni Fitzgerald stated that the memoir "changes the conversation on mental health" and child stardom.[23]

Commercial

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Before its release, The Woman in Me debuted atop the Amazon's best-selling "new release" books.[citation needed] Following its publication, it appeared on weekly book sales charts in multiple countries.[24] In the United States, it sold 1.1 million copies in its first week. The sales figures include pre-orders, print sales, e-books, and audiobooks. The memoir became a number-one New York Times best-seller in its first week of release.[25] On January 8, 2024, Publishers Weekly included the book in their top ten best-sellers list of 2023 with 908,000 printed copies sold in the US.[26] As of January 11, 2024, The Woman in Me has sold over two million copies in the US.[27]

In the United Kingdom, The Woman in Me sold 90,656 print copies in its first week, securing the top spot on the Official UK Top 50 chart. This achievement marks it as Simon & Schuster's quickest-selling title. It became the second best-selling memoir of 2023, only behind Spare by Prince Harry. The audio version also debuted at number one and sales through all print and digital versions combined reached 170,000 units.[28] In Germany, the translated version of the book debuted at number one in the non-fiction category, whereas the English version started at number five on the same chart. Overall, it achieved sales of 120,000 copies.[29] In France, the book debuted at the number one spots in the top large-format literature and top essay charts and reached sales of 15,000 copies.[30] Worldwide, as of November 1, 2023, it sold an estimated amount of 2.4 million copies in print sales.[8] Three months after its release, the memoir was deemed the "#1 listened to title on Spotify".[31]

Impact

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The release of The Woman in Me was credited as a factor to help drive UK book market growth. The book was highlighted as one of the releases to boost sales ahead of Christmas.[32]

The book release generated significant increases in streaming and sales for Spears. In the four days leading up to the release, her catalog experienced a 21% surge in official on-demand U.S. streams, totaling 8.89 million compared to its previous October 13–16 tracking period, which had 7.34 million streams. Additionally, digital sales in the U.S. for Spears more than doubled during these four-day periods, rising from under 1,000 sales from October 13–16 to 2,300 a week later.[33]

Public responses

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In the book, Spears stated that Timberlake had acted inappropriately and put on a blaccent when meeting the singer Ginuwine.[34] However, in December 2023, Ginuwine stated, "I can tell you I don't remember that happening. I truly don’t remember that happening [...] If Justin would’ve did something like that, I probably would've looked at him like, "Why are you acting like that?" If he did that, that would be something that I would remember. That would’ve definitely stuck out."[35][36]

Possible sequel

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In October 2023, Spears teased on her Instagram that she is already writing a follow-up book and said it will be released in 2024.[37]

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Category Nominee Result
2023 Goodreads Choice Awards Best Memoir & Autobiography[38] Won
2024 Audie Awards Best Non-Fiction Narrator[39] Michelle Williams Nominated
British Book Awards Book of the Year – Non-Fiction: Narrative[40] Nominated
World of Wonder Best Book (The Reading is Fundamental Award)[41] Nominated

Release history

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Release history and formats for The Woman in Me
Country Release date Edition Publisher Ref.
Various October 24, 2023
Simon & Schuster [42]
Audiobook Simon & Schuster Audio [43]
CD [44]

Publication history

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References

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  1. ^ "Gallery Books Reports More than 2 Million Copies Sold of Britney Spears's the Woman in Me". January 11, 2024. Archived from the original on January 12, 2024. Retrieved January 12, 2024.
  2. ^ Frank, Matthew. "Exclusive: Britney Spears' Biopic Lands at Universal in Massive Deal". theankler.com. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
  3. ^ Voytko, Lisette (February 22, 2022). "Britney Spears' $15 Million Book Deal Shows Why Success Is The Best Revenge". Forbes. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved June 16, 2022.
  4. ^ Evans, Greg; Patten, Dominic (February 21, 2022). "Britney Spears Lands Multimillion-Dollar Book Deal". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on August 19, 2023. Retrieved February 22, 2022.
  5. ^ Leonard, Elizabeth (July 12, 2023). "Britney Spears Sets Fall Date for 'Brave' Memoir 'The Woman in Me' — See the Book Cover Reveal (Exclusive)". People. Archived from the original on October 17, 2023. Retrieved July 15, 2023.
  6. ^ Allaire, Christian (July 11, 2023). "Britney Spears's Memoir, 'The Woman in Me,' Has a Release Date". Vogue. Archived from the original on October 25, 2023. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  7. ^ a b c d "The Britney memoir is raw, unfiltered and breathtaking in its rage – review". The Independent. October 24, 2023. Archived from the original on October 24, 2023. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
  8. ^ a b Saunders, Angel (November 1, 2023). "Britney Spears' Memoir Sells Over 1 Million Copies in First Week: 'I Am Grateful to My Fans and Readers'". People. Archived from the original on November 2, 2023. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  9. ^ a b Shepherd, Julianne Escobedo (October 20, 2023). "Review: Britney Spears' memoir is a Gothic horror story". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on October 21, 2023. Retrieved October 21, 2023.
  10. ^ a b Leonard, Elizabeth (October 13, 2023). "Michelle Williams to Narrate Britney Spears Memoir The Woman in Me: 'I Stand with Britney' (Exclusive)". People. Archived from the original on October 23, 2023. Retrieved October 23, 2023.
  11. ^ Kaufman, Gil (October 13, 2023). "Britney Spears 'The Woman In Me' Memoir Audiobook to Be Narrated By Actress Michelle Williams". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 25, 2023. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
  12. ^ Leonard, Elizabeth (October 17, 2023). "Britney Spears Opens Up: Why She 'Finally' Feels 'Free' to Share Her Story in Bombshell Memoir, New Interview — 'No More Lies' (Exclusive)". People. Archived from the original on October 18, 2023. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
  13. ^ Jacobs, Julia; Coscarelli, Joe (October 19, 2023). "'I Had Been Exploited:' Takeaways From Britney Spears's Memoir". The New York Times. Archived from the original on October 19, 2023. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
  14. ^ Thomas, Holly (October 27, 2023). "Opinion: Britney Spears' howl of rage is one we all need to hear". CNN. Archived from the original on October 27, 2023. Retrieved October 27, 2023.
  15. ^ "Review: Britney Spears' memoir is a Gothic horror story". LA Times. October 20, 2023. Archived from the original on October 21, 2023. Retrieved October 22, 2023.
  16. ^ a b c "Britney Spears' book: The Woman In Me is an angry, cautionary tale". BBC News. October 24, 2023. Archived from the original on October 24, 2023. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
  17. ^ Snapes, Laura (October 23, 2023). "The Woman in Me by Britney Spears review – a pop star's stinging rebuke". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on October 24, 2023. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
  18. ^ "Britney Spears Details Her 55-Hour Marriage to Jason Alexander". TIME. October 19, 2023. Archived from the original on October 24, 2023. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
  19. ^ "Britney Spears calls sister Jamie Lynn a 'total bitch' in new memoir". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on April 6, 2024. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
  20. ^ "The Woman in Me". Book Marks. Archived from the original on November 2, 2023. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  21. ^ Greenblatt, Leah (October 19, 2023). "In Britney Spears's Memoir, She's Stronger Than Ever". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on October 22, 2023. Retrieved October 21, 2023.
  22. ^ "Britney Spears Is Suspended Between Girlhood and Womanhood in Memoir". TIME. October 20, 2023. Archived from the original on October 22, 2023. Retrieved October 21, 2023.
  23. ^ Fitzgerald, Toni (October 23, 2023). "Britney Spears' New Memoir Changes The Conversation On Mental Health". Forbes. Archived from the original on October 24, 2023. Retrieved October 25, 2023.
  24. ^ Dailey, Hannah (October 25, 2023). "Britney Spears Says Her Book Is 'the Highest Selling Celebrity Memoir in History,' Thanks Fans for Support". Billboard. Archived from the original on October 28, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  25. ^ Jacobs, Julia (November 1, 2023). "Britney Spears's Memoir Sells 1.1 Million Copies in U.S. in First Week". The New York Times. Archived from the original on November 2, 2023. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  26. ^ Milliot, Jim (January 8, 2024). "Women Ruled the 2023 Bestseller List". Publishers Weekly. Archived from the original on January 8, 2024. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
  27. ^ Tagen-Dye, Carly (January 11, 2024). "Britney Spears' Memoir The Woman in Me Surpasses over 2 Million Copies Sold (Exclusive)". People. Archived from the original on January 11, 2024. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
  28. ^ Tivnan, Tom (October 23, 2023). "It's Britney: Spears' memoir tops the UK charts and sets S&S record". The Bookseller. Archived from the original on October 31, 2023. Retrieved November 1, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  29. ^ Vorherr, Charline (November 1, 2023). "Britney Spears startet auf Platz 1" [Britney Spears debuts at No. 1]. Börsenblatt (in German). Archived from the original on November 1, 2023. Retrieved November 1, 2023.
  30. ^ De Freitas, Delphine (November 1, 2023). "En librairie, Britney Spears ne fait pas d'ombre au prince Harry mais fait déjà rêver Hollywood". TF1 (in French). Archived from the original on November 2, 2023. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  31. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on January 30, 2024. Retrieved January 30, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  32. ^ Butler, Sarah (November 9, 2023). "Britney Spears memoir helping drive UK book market growth, says WH Smith". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  33. ^ Denis, Kyle Denis; Lipshutz, Jason; Unterberger, Andrew (October 25, 2023). "Britney Spears' Catalog Up 21% in Streams Over Days Leading Up to 'The Woman in Me' Release". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 2, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  34. ^ October 25, 2023 (October 25, 2023). "Britney Spears Recalls Justin Timberlake Using Blaccent During Ginuwine Interaction". Vibe. Archived from the original on March 30, 2024. Retrieved March 6, 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  35. ^ Adejobi, Alicia (December 8, 2023). "Ginuwine reveals shocking plot twist in his cringe encounter with Justin Timberlake". Metro. Archived from the original on March 30, 2024. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  36. ^ Pierre, Mekishana (December 8, 2023). "Ginuwine Reacts to the Justin Timberlake 'Fo Shiz' Incident in Britney Spears' Memoir". Entertainment Tonight. Archived from the original on March 30, 2024. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  37. ^ "Britney Spears Teases "Volume 2" in the Works". Vanity Fair. October 29, 2023. Archived from the original on October 29, 2023. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
  38. ^ "BEST BOOKS OF 2023". Goodreads. Archived from the original on December 7, 2023. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  39. ^ "Michelle Williams' Audio Version of Britney Spears' Memoir Earns Audie Award Nomination (Exclusive)". People. Archived from the original on December 7, 2023. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
  40. ^ "Book of the Year - Non-Fiction: Narrative". The Bookseller. Archived from the original on May 23, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
  41. ^ "World Of Wonder". World of Wonder. Archived from the original on July 8, 2024. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
  42. ^ Spears, Britney (October 24, 2023). The Woman In Me. Gallery Books. ISBN 978-1668009048.
  43. ^ "The Woman In Me (Audible Audio Edition)". Amazon. Archived from the original on October 26, 2023. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  44. ^ The Woman In Me (Audio CD). ISBN 179715950X.
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