REVIEW - Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old (audiobook)

 Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old by Brooke Shields (audiobook)

OVERVIEW

I'm unsure how I feel versus how I should think about this audiobook. In some ways, this pseudo-memoir was a positive treatise on aging and the systemic erasure of women over forty. But, at times, it was a commercial for Shields' new hair product line product, Commence. 

There are some gossipy tidbits, but most have been discussed on morning shows and in celebrity magazines. So if you are looking for her to "spill the tea", this isn't the memoir for you. But, if you want a cheerleading session and her experience as an aging woman, you will enjoy this memoir. 

Brooke and I are only four years apart and are later in life moms so I relate to much of what she discusses in this book. But some just didn't apply or work for me. 

TRIGGER ALERT: Post-partum depression, alcoholism, medical violence, and sexual assault. 

OVERALL REVIEW: 4.0 stars

Writing: 5.0 stars

Brooke writes well as she has a Princeton education. She writes deeply, emotionally, and hopefully which is how she comes across as a person.   

Narration: 5.0 stars

The narration by Brooke as a professional actress was strong, emotional, and gut-wrenching at times. But, also fun and self-deprecating. Her voice is perfect in this audiobook. 

Character Arc: 3.5 stars

The audiobook is a chronological grouping of essays set in chapters. Each chapter could stand alone except for some of the backstories in the early chapters. This memoir covers Brooke's personal and professional life from birth to current with most spent on her life after forty.   

At times, the discussion of Commence got repetitive. Yes, I understand it is her new "baby", but it grated on me. 

Also, Brooke discusses her celebrity friends a lot. A lot! But, I understand that that is her social circle, but her "civilian friends" sounded interesting also.

Finally, she quotes a lot of studies and articles. The reference material could have been handled with footnotes instead of quoting the citations as it slowed the narration.

Memorable:  3.5 stars

I had no clue that Brooke had had two major health scares. Older women unfortunately must deal with this as we age. I would have appreciated some suggestions or treatments to help with physical aging. 

Some of her stories were horrifying, disgusting, and rude. My heart hurt for the young Brooke who I wanted to give a big hug!

Entertaining:   4.0 stars

This book was entertaining and informative, at times. Brooke has an engaging personality even when discussing difficult topics. She is real and raw in this memoir. 

Book cover: 5.0 stars

Beautiful.      

Book title: 4.0 stars 

I like it, but long. It reminded me of Fall Out Boy song titles. IYKYK!

DEFINITE recommend

STATISTICS

Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (audiobook)

Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old by Brooke Shields

Macmillan Audio

9 hours, 1 minute

Release date of 1/14/2025

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Brooke Shields

My Goodreads review

Macmillan Audio

Los Angeles Public Library

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜