CYBILS SENIOR HIGH NONFICTION NOMINEE: Unfiltered by Lily Collins
ABOUT THE BOOK
In this groundbreaking debut essay collection, featuring never-before-seen photos, actress Lily Collins—star of Mortal Instruments and the upcoming Rules Don’t Apply—is opening a poignant, honest conversation about the things young women struggle with: body image, self-confidence, relationships, family, dating, and so much more.
For the first time ever, Lily shares her life and her own deepest secrets, underlining that every single one of us experiences pain and heartbreak. We all understand what it’s like to live in the light and in the dark. For Lily, it’s about making it through to the other side, where you love what you see in the mirror and where you embrace yourself just as you are. She's learned that all it takes is one person standing up and saying something for everyone else to realize they’re not alone.
By turns hilarious and heartbreaking, Lily’s honest voice will inspire you to be who you are and say what you feel. It’s time to claim your voice! It’s time to live your life unfiltered.
REVIEW
I don't read a ton of memoirs, not because I don't like them, but because I'm choosy in who I want to read about. Not all the subjects of such books are worth reading about. But I thoroughly enjoyed Lily Collins memoir. The book is written as a series of essays which makes it easy to follow with plenty of nice stopping places. Each chapter focuses on one aspect of her life that Collins wants readers to know and understand. It's so easy to think that people who are famous don't have any problems, at least not the kind that 'ordinary' people have. This memoir proves that that is not the case.
In a very open, honest, and engaging style Collins talks about her experiences growing up. Traveling with her mother, struggles with perfectionism and eating disorders, and abusive relationships all play a part in her early years. Thoughts about her own mistakes as well as struggles in relating to boyfriends and even her father are openly discussed. I found her openness refreshing. It was also interesting to read about her early endeavors as a teen in publishing, acting, and modeling. But I think the parts that touched me the most were the discussions about the mistakes she made as she sank deeply in anorexia and bulimia. She honestly admits that it's a struggle that continues to play a role in her life.
Collins' opinions about tattoos and the importance of developing a voice in order to stand up for yourself were also delightful and thoughtful. The black and white photographs added a nice touch as they showed Collins at various times in her life as well as other important things in her life. I found it especially intriguing to read about how she has come to terms with her struggles and overcome some of them. The book is both entertaining and inspiring.
The only issue I had with the book was a bit of swearing.
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