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Good Girls Don't
Writer-actor Mara Wilson navigates the good-girl-versus- bad-girl tropes from early childhood through adolescence and teen life. Good Girls Don’t is a coming-of- age memoir that bravely examines both the friendships Wilson formed as a child actor in Hollywood and the complex family relationships that shaped her.
Looking back on her experiences on and off the set of notable family-friendly films including Matilda, Mrs. Doubtfire, Miracle on 34th Street, and A Simple Wish, Wilson shares the challenges and joys of growing up in the public eye while enduring the very personal grief of losing her mother to cancer when she was just eight. She describes periods of acting out to assuage her own sadness, as her contentious grandmother stepped in and her hardworking, grief-stricken father grappled with raising a young daughter and her four siblings.
Wilson also shares intimate thoughts about religion and her struggle to adhere to the learned family values of her “Conservadox” upbringing while exploring clandestine friendships, such as with “bad girl” classmate Skye, that went against the “good” behavior her parents tried to instill in her. We discover the TV shows, films, and risqué pop and rock music that influenced her and hear fascinating, hilarious details of life on movie sets as seen from the perspective of a highly intelligent and emotionally vulnerable child.
And, as Wilson seeks to discard a people-pleasing mentality, she digs into past experiences with fans. We learn about the challenges of maintaining a significant fan base — including her complicated relationship with Edward, the college-age young man who administered a website to engage them — in addition to the ongoing anxiety over others’ opinions of how any move she made would be perceived.
With the transition to adulthood, Wilson reflects on the moments that led up to this next phase of her life. Forging solid friendships as a theater student at New York University, she begins to accept her extraordinary past while finally realizing what being “good” means to her.
Looking back on her experiences on and off the set of notable family-friendly films including Matilda, Mrs. Doubtfire, Miracle on 34th Street, and A Simple Wish, Wilson shares the challenges and joys of growing up in the public eye while enduring the very personal grief of losing her mother to cancer when she was just eight. She describes periods of acting out to assuage her own sadness, as her contentious grandmother stepped in and her hardworking, grief-stricken father grappled with raising a young daughter and her four siblings.
Wilson also shares intimate thoughts about religion and her struggle to adhere to the learned family values of her “Conservadox” upbringing while exploring clandestine friendships, such as with “bad girl” classmate Skye, that went against the “good” behavior her parents tried to instill in her. We discover the TV shows, films, and risqué pop and rock music that influenced her and hear fascinating, hilarious details of life on movie sets as seen from the perspective of a highly intelligent and emotionally vulnerable child.
And, as Wilson seeks to discard a people-pleasing mentality, she digs into past experiences with fans. We learn about the challenges of maintaining a significant fan base — including her complicated relationship with Edward, the college-age young man who administered a website to engage them — in addition to the ongoing anxiety over others’ opinions of how any move she made would be perceived.
With the transition to adulthood, Wilson reflects on the moments that led up to this next phase of her life. Forging solid friendships as a theater student at New York University, she begins to accept her extraordinary past while finally realizing what being “good” means to her.
82 pages, ebook
Published April 18, 2023
10 people are currently reading
558 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
February 1, 2025
a mini memoir about mara wilson's compulsion to be good, and how it's shifted throughout her life. she discusses how her aptitude for obedience, empathy, and honesty made her a good child actor, her intense anger in the wake of her mother's death, and how she eventually learned to rebel and was labeled "brat" and "bitch." i love her candor, and her open, conversational writing style.
this is a short piece, but it's insightful and was so fun to listen to. there's a power in examining formative interactions and friendships through the lens of retrospect. it was especially wild hearing about her late-90s internet escapades, including surreal interactions with fans on her fan page at the time.
it's inspiring how wilson has recovered from child stardom, and found her way and her place in the world. this made me super excited to finally read where am i now?
this is a short piece, but it's insightful and was so fun to listen to. there's a power in examining formative interactions and friendships through the lens of retrospect. it was especially wild hearing about her late-90s internet escapades, including surreal interactions with fans on her fan page at the time.
it's inspiring how wilson has recovered from child stardom, and found her way and her place in the world. this made me super excited to finally read where am i now?
August 4, 2024
خب که چی؟
احتمالا فقط طرفدارهای مارا ویلسون از خوندن این کتاب لذت ببرند. (مارا ویلسون یه بازیگر آمریکاییه که در دوران کودکی توی فیلمهایی مثل ماتیلدا بازی کرده.)
من صرفا به خاطر اینکه تگ مموآر داشت و بین کتابهای صوتی دم دست بود شروعش کردم. شاید خیلی بیرحمانه بهش نگاه میکنم؛ به هر حال همهی آدمها حق روایت زندگی خودشون رو دارند، اما وقتی پای مموآر وسط باشه به یک نگاه عمیقتر نیازه. اینجا ویلسون فقط غر زد. فقط درباره سخت بودن زندگیش به عنوان یک بازیگر کودک گفت. انگار یه جورایی به جای کند و کاو خودش، دنبال راهی برای توضیح دادن و اثبات و بهانهتراشی برای رفتارهای مختلفش بود.
خلاصه بخوام بگم، تنها ویژگی خوب این کتاب، صدای دلنشین ویلسون بود که خب اون هم ارزش هدر دادن دو ساعت از وقت آدم رو نداره. به جای کتاب نوشتن میتونست اینا رو توی چندتا رشته استوری به اشتراک بذاره :))
احتمالا فقط طرفدارهای مارا ویلسون از خوندن این کتاب لذت ببرند. (مارا ویلسون یه بازیگر آمریکاییه که در دوران کودکی توی فیلمهایی مثل ماتیلدا بازی کرده.)
من صرفا به خاطر اینکه تگ مموآر داشت و بین کتابهای صوتی دم دست بود شروعش کردم. شاید خیلی بیرحمانه بهش نگاه میکنم؛ به هر حال همهی آدمها حق روایت زندگی خودشون رو دارند، اما وقتی پای مموآر وسط باشه به یک نگاه عمیقتر نیازه. اینجا ویلسون فقط غر زد. فقط درباره سخت بودن زندگیش به عنوان یک بازیگر کودک گفت. انگار یه جورایی به جای کند و کاو خودش، دنبال راهی برای توضیح دادن و اثبات و بهانهتراشی برای رفتارهای مختلفش بود.
خلاصه بخوام بگم، تنها ویژگی خوب این کتاب، صدای دلنشین ویلسون بود که خب اون هم ارزش هدر دادن دو ساعت از وقت آدم رو نداره. به جای کتاب نوشتن میتونست اینا رو توی چندتا رشته استوری به اشتراک بذاره :))
July 1, 2023
4 Stars for Good Girls Don’t (audiobook) by Mara Wilson read by the author.
It was kind of interesting to hear what it’s like growing up as a child actor. Fortunately Mara avoided many of the pitfalls that many child actors face. So the stories weren’t that salacious.
It was kind of interesting to hear what it’s like growing up as a child actor. Fortunately Mara avoided many of the pitfalls that many child actors face. So the stories weren’t that salacious.
April 25, 2023
1.5 stars, rounding up to 2 solely because I enjoyed listening to some of her thoughts and stories. But otherwise this was legit one of the most “meh” memoirs (if you can even call it that) that I’ve ever read. Like nothing really happens & there isn’t really any point to it? Kind of a bummer because I was looking forward to this one, but oh well.
June 30, 2023
Loved it
August 13, 2023
I just love Mara Wilson so much and wish I could be her friend, man. She’s become such a competent and engaging writer, relaying these tales from a life which was somehow both very extraordinary and very ordinary. Good Girls Don’t is a bitty little memoir touching on her compulsion to be a good girl and live up to all all the expectations other people had for her; and even though I’m obviously not a child star, it’s still deeply relatable and likeable. Wanting to be good, not wanting to let down your parents, trying to figure out who you are in adolescent girlhood, flirting with disobedience, coming to terms with your sexuality; plus, as anxious people, retreating into the internet and forums and online journals and escapist writing.
Probably my only complaint is that I wish it weren’t so short; I would’ve been happy to keep reading more and more from her, which probably means I need to go read Where Am I Now?, since this was more like just whetting my appetite.
Listened to the audiobook via Scribd. One of my first experiences finding Wilson again as an adult was hearing her voice-acting work in Welcome to Night Vale, so naturally she’s very good at narrating this too: it’s a good performance and obviously deeply personal for her.
Probably my only complaint is that I wish it weren’t so short; I would’ve been happy to keep reading more and more from her, which probably means I need to go read Where Am I Now?, since this was more like just whetting my appetite.
Listened to the audiobook via Scribd. One of my first experiences finding Wilson again as an adult was hearing her voice-acting work in Welcome to Night Vale, so naturally she’s very good at narrating this too: it’s a good performance and obviously deeply personal for her.
April 23, 2023
Ummmmm??? Nothing happens really? There’s really no major theme or point or direction? Like I enjoyed hearing about some of her thoughts, and maybe I need to read her other book to fully understand? But it was an easy short read that didn’t really give me any real thoughts?? I like her as a person SO much but? Idk.
April 24, 2023
i love mara wilson but why was this so short lol
May 28, 2023
Good Girls Don’t
I Picked Up This Book Because: My #BookspinBingo spinner told me to
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Scribd
Dates Read: 5/23/23 - 5/24/23
Stars: 4
Narrator(s): Mara Wilson
The Story:
A quick journey into trying to be a good girl, child actor and young teenager. This is not a full memoir but definitely a taste of what her life/family was like. In summary, not always fun.
The Random Thoughts:
I Picked Up This Book Because: My #BookspinBingo spinner told me to
Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Scribd
Dates Read: 5/23/23 - 5/24/23
Stars: 4
Narrator(s): Mara Wilson
The Story:
A quick journey into trying to be a good girl, child actor and young teenager. This is not a full memoir but definitely a taste of what her life/family was like. In summary, not always fun.
The Random Thoughts:
October 21, 2025
The mini-biography of "a bitter little hobbit".
I absolutely loved her movies growing up, but now, knowing the struggles and the pain and grief she went through, I can honestly say I love her more...
And somehow this brings me back to the issue of children suffering for a career vs. performance and grit or how she puts it in the book "gifted child syndrome on steroids". Are their sacrifices (not having a normal childhood) worth it in the end?
I absolutely loved her movies growing up, but now, knowing the struggles and the pain and grief she went through, I can honestly say I love her more...
And somehow this brings me back to the issue of children suffering for a career vs. performance and grit or how she puts it in the book "gifted child syndrome on steroids". Are their sacrifices (not having a normal childhood) worth it in the end?
May 19, 2023
Rating this book wasn't the easiest thing in the world. It deserves better than a three, but I just couldn't bring myself to a four, so let's call it a 3.25 and leave it at that.
Caveat: I listened to the audiobook, so my experience was influenced by the narrator, who also happened to be the author.
Assuming every word read was verbatim, I'd say I really enjoyed the writing style. And the content. It was interesting and informative and some of what Mara Wilson wrote about reflected my own struggles (obviously not with childhood fame...but the need to please, to be a good girl, paired with the exhaustion of that impulse and anger/angst that so often pairs with it). Even now. On the page, she is a good storyteller. Clear, concise, flavored with what I assume is her personality.
Normally, that personality is why I like to listen to memoirs read by the author. It breathes in some authenticity. Who could own the material the way the author could? Intonate the words the way it sounded in their head when they wrote it? And if the author also happens to be someone who performs or speaks in public, it's less likely to fall flat.
Mara's reading didn't fall flat, but also, I think it felt like it was a performance more than it was her. Not that I know her or think I could have any idea of what she's really like, but it felt performative. Which felt less genuine. For me, that was confusing.
All that said, Mara Wilson has a really interesting story to tell, and I would happily read more of it. But I might read rather than listen next time, just to see if it changes my overall experience.
Caveat: I listened to the audiobook, so my experience was influenced by the narrator, who also happened to be the author.
Assuming every word read was verbatim, I'd say I really enjoyed the writing style. And the content. It was interesting and informative and some of what Mara Wilson wrote about reflected my own struggles (obviously not with childhood fame...but the need to please, to be a good girl, paired with the exhaustion of that impulse and anger/angst that so often pairs with it). Even now. On the page, she is a good storyteller. Clear, concise, flavored with what I assume is her personality.
Normally, that personality is why I like to listen to memoirs read by the author. It breathes in some authenticity. Who could own the material the way the author could? Intonate the words the way it sounded in their head when they wrote it? And if the author also happens to be someone who performs or speaks in public, it's less likely to fall flat.
Mara's reading didn't fall flat, but also, I think it felt like it was a performance more than it was her. Not that I know her or think I could have any idea of what she's really like, but it felt performative. Which felt less genuine. For me, that was confusing.
All that said, Mara Wilson has a really interesting story to tell, and I would happily read more of it. But I might read rather than listen next time, just to see if it changes my overall experience.
April 27, 2023
I knew I loved Mara Wilson because of her incredible movies as a child actor, but I love her more now for the adult she's become. She's witty, honest, and just one of us. So much of her struggles are relatable and I loved reading her perspective on fame. I would definitely read anything she puts out in the future!
April 29, 2023
Great story, well written, but not sure it’s long enough to be a whole book?
May 3, 2023
Short and sweet- definitely curious to read more of Mara’s writing! Only wished there was a more clear through line
August 27, 2023
This book is written for all the people-pleasing girls out there.
Read
April 11, 2024"I fully believe that most so-called bitches are former good girls."
It made me a little uncomfortable how much I actually related to a lot of this.
It made me a little uncomfortable how much I actually related to a lot of this.
February 4, 2025
This book was not my cup of tea. There was a lack of depth in connection and feelings as the book went from point a to point b to point c etc.. but I thought the end was very heart warming and tied the book together really well.
dnf
October 16, 2023Nakatulogan ko yung pakikinig 🥴 sorry pero for me, halos walang structure yung kwento nya.
October 26, 2023
Good Girls Don't
by Mara Wilson
Pub Date 19 Apr 2023
Scribd,Scribd Originals
Biographies & Memoirs
I am reviewing a copy of Good Girls Don't through Scribd and Netgalley:
Scribd Original writer-actor Mara Wilson explores the good-girl-versus-bad-girl tropes from early childhood through adolescence and teen life. In Good Girls Don't, Wilson bravely examines both the friendships she formed as a child actor in Hollywood and her complex family relationships.
Taking a look back at Matilda, Mrs. Doubtfire, Miracle on 34th Street, and A Simple Wish, Wilson shares the joys and challenges of growing up in the public eye while coping with the grief of losing her mother to cancer at the age of eight. While her contentious grandmother stepped in and her hardworking, grief-stricken father grappled with raising a young daughter and four siblings, she acted out to assuage her own sadness.
Wilson also discusses religion and struggle to adhere to the learned family values of her "Conservadox" upbringing while exploring clandestine friendships, like those with Skye, that went against the "good" behavior her parents tried to instill in her. As seen from the perspective of a highly intelligent and emotionally vulnerable child, we learn about her favorite TV shows, films, and risqué pop and rock music.
In order to discard a people-pleasing mindset, Wilson examines past experiences with fans. Aside from the challenges of maintaining a significant fan base - including her complicated relationship with Edward, the college-age young man who administrated her website — she also worries about others' opinions about her actions.
Wilson reflects on the moments that led up to this next phase. While studying theater at New York University, she begins to accept her extraordinary past while discovering what being "good" really means.
I give Good Girls Don't five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
by Mara Wilson
Pub Date 19 Apr 2023
Scribd,Scribd Originals
Biographies & Memoirs
I am reviewing a copy of Good Girls Don't through Scribd and Netgalley:
Scribd Original writer-actor Mara Wilson explores the good-girl-versus-bad-girl tropes from early childhood through adolescence and teen life. In Good Girls Don't, Wilson bravely examines both the friendships she formed as a child actor in Hollywood and her complex family relationships.
Taking a look back at Matilda, Mrs. Doubtfire, Miracle on 34th Street, and A Simple Wish, Wilson shares the joys and challenges of growing up in the public eye while coping with the grief of losing her mother to cancer at the age of eight. While her contentious grandmother stepped in and her hardworking, grief-stricken father grappled with raising a young daughter and four siblings, she acted out to assuage her own sadness.
Wilson also discusses religion and struggle to adhere to the learned family values of her "Conservadox" upbringing while exploring clandestine friendships, like those with Skye, that went against the "good" behavior her parents tried to instill in her. As seen from the perspective of a highly intelligent and emotionally vulnerable child, we learn about her favorite TV shows, films, and risqué pop and rock music.
In order to discard a people-pleasing mindset, Wilson examines past experiences with fans. Aside from the challenges of maintaining a significant fan base - including her complicated relationship with Edward, the college-age young man who administrated her website — she also worries about others' opinions about her actions.
Wilson reflects on the moments that led up to this next phase. While studying theater at New York University, she begins to accept her extraordinary past while discovering what being "good" really means.
I give Good Girls Don't five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
May 6, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Thoughtful, honest, and humble, "Good Girls Don't" is the new memoir by child actor Mara Wilson. At only 82 pages, it's a quick but enlightening peek into her life from early childhood to young adulthood. Written using a conversational tone, it feels like Mara is talking directly to you as you read. She captivates you instantly and keeps you engrossed, making it nearly impossible not to zip through the entire book in one sitting.
Sharing her experiences as a friend, daughter, and celebrity, Mara comes across as down-to-earth and completely relatable. The more you learn about her, the more you like her. She's clearly a good person. Yet as engaging as the book is, there's something missing. Since "Good Girls Don't" ultimately revolves around Mara's need to please everyone and be seen as a good girl, you expect her to impart some insight, wisdom, or advice in the final chapter(s). An overall message to the reader, perhaps, that ties everything together and makes the book's point. But it's not there.
Don't get me wrong. Without it, "Good Girls Don't" is still a quick, interesting read. If you like celeb memoirs and subscribe to Scribd, I highly recommend it. It's well written and entertaining. Although it missed the mark with me, you might love it. At the very least, you'll like it. I did.
Thank you to Scribd and Mara Wilson for the complimentary eARC in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
Thoughtful, honest, and humble, "Good Girls Don't" is the new memoir by child actor Mara Wilson. At only 82 pages, it's a quick but enlightening peek into her life from early childhood to young adulthood. Written using a conversational tone, it feels like Mara is talking directly to you as you read. She captivates you instantly and keeps you engrossed, making it nearly impossible not to zip through the entire book in one sitting.
Sharing her experiences as a friend, daughter, and celebrity, Mara comes across as down-to-earth and completely relatable. The more you learn about her, the more you like her. She's clearly a good person. Yet as engaging as the book is, there's something missing. Since "Good Girls Don't" ultimately revolves around Mara's need to please everyone and be seen as a good girl, you expect her to impart some insight, wisdom, or advice in the final chapter(s). An overall message to the reader, perhaps, that ties everything together and makes the book's point. But it's not there.
Don't get me wrong. Without it, "Good Girls Don't" is still a quick, interesting read. If you like celeb memoirs and subscribe to Scribd, I highly recommend it. It's well written and entertaining. Although it missed the mark with me, you might love it. At the very least, you'll like it. I did.
Thank you to Scribd and Mara Wilson for the complimentary eARC in exchange for a fair, unbiased review.
February 3, 2024
One of my reading goals for 2024 is to read more non-fiction as over the past years, I have just been more focused on fiction reads. I have aimed to read a minimum of 12 non-fiction books over the year. My first one was a celebrity memoir from Mara Wilson who we know mostly for her role as Matilda. Mara also starred in Miracle on 34th Street, Mrs Doubtfire, and A Simple Wish. In this memoir, Mara talks about the pressure of being a Good Girl in Hollywood and how even the slightest untoward step can turn you into a bad girl or in her case a spoilt brat. She talks about how her life changed as her mum died when she was filming A Simple Wish and the impact it caused on being out in public and all they could see was Matilda and the image of her rather than Mara herself. I felt for Mara as she was going through her grief as a child and still having to have this perfect image for the world as they saw Matilda as a role model. The other part of her book also talked about her interactions with other actors including Robin Williams and Francis Capra who we all know as Weevil on Veronica Mars, to her being brought up Jewish and then coming out of the closet as a queer/bisexual- though she prefers the term queer. If you love celebrity memoirs, then Good Girls Don't is the read for you as this one flowed brilliantly and felt like a quick read too. Also, I love reading memoirs as they personalize the celebrity and make them seem more of a "real person" rather than just a Hollywood star.
August 10, 2024
Desisti nos últimos seis minutos (ouvi o audiolivro) porque já não conseguia mais. E o audiolivro só tinha duas horas. Foi uma das razões para ter pegado nele. Era extremamente curto (mais do que qualquer outro que já ouvi), tinha um bom título, era narrado pela autora - o que é sempre um mega bónus em autobiografias - e despertou-me curiosidade.
Comecei a ouvir numa viagem e achei que o teria acabado quando chegasse ao destino. Mas demorei três dias. A ler, não a viajar. Custa-me mesmo dizer isto, mas é tão, tão, tão aborrecido.
Acho sempre difícil julgar uma autobiografia, porque quem somos nós para avaliar a vida de outra pessoa? Vamos dizer o quê? Que a história foi boa? Que foi má? Que precisava de mais reviravoltas para nos divertir? Claro que a forma como é contada também conta, mas isso vem a seguir. Esta, porém, nem chega lá. É a autobiografia mais sem sal da história das autobiografias. Parece nem ter qualquer objetivo. Não acontece nada, não acompanhamos nada, não caminha para lado nenhum.
São duas horas (a mais já) de alguns dos seus pensamentos associados a memórias, várias vezes repetitivos e sempre em torno do ser boa/ má rapariga. Chega a ser doloroso.
Curiosamente, achei a atriz mais interessante depois disto. Ela, sim. O que escreveu, não.
Comecei a ouvir numa viagem e achei que o teria acabado quando chegasse ao destino. Mas demorei três dias. A ler, não a viajar. Custa-me mesmo dizer isto, mas é tão, tão, tão aborrecido.
Acho sempre difícil julgar uma autobiografia, porque quem somos nós para avaliar a vida de outra pessoa? Vamos dizer o quê? Que a história foi boa? Que foi má? Que precisava de mais reviravoltas para nos divertir? Claro que a forma como é contada também conta, mas isso vem a seguir. Esta, porém, nem chega lá. É a autobiografia mais sem sal da história das autobiografias. Parece nem ter qualquer objetivo. Não acontece nada, não acompanhamos nada, não caminha para lado nenhum.
São duas horas (a mais já) de alguns dos seus pensamentos associados a memórias, várias vezes repetitivos e sempre em torno do ser boa/ má rapariga. Chega a ser doloroso.
Curiosamente, achei a atriz mais interessante depois disto. Ela, sim. O que escreveu, não.
February 27, 2025
"Good Girls Don’t" by Mara Wilson is an open and heartfelt memoir. Mara Wilson, famous for her roles in "Matilda" and "Mrs. Doubtfire," talks about the good-girl-versus-bad-girl ideas from when she was a child to a teenager.
She bravely talks about her friendships in Hollywood as a child actor and the complex relationships with her family. She shares the challenges and joys of growing up famous and the personal grief of losing her mother to cancer.
Wilson’s writing is both introspective and engaging, giving readers a glimpse into the TV shows, films, and pop and rock music that influenced her. She describes life on movie sets from the perspective of a very intelligent and emotionally sensitive child. As she grows up, she reflects on the moments that led her to accept her extraordinary past and form solid friendships at New York University.
Even though the memoir is interesting, it sometimes feels a bit disorganized. Some sections lack the depth and flow that would make it truly exceptional.
She bravely talks about her friendships in Hollywood as a child actor and the complex relationships with her family. She shares the challenges and joys of growing up famous and the personal grief of losing her mother to cancer.
Wilson’s writing is both introspective and engaging, giving readers a glimpse into the TV shows, films, and pop and rock music that influenced her. She describes life on movie sets from the perspective of a very intelligent and emotionally sensitive child. As she grows up, she reflects on the moments that led her to accept her extraordinary past and form solid friendships at New York University.
Even though the memoir is interesting, it sometimes feels a bit disorganized. Some sections lack the depth and flow that would make it truly exceptional.
December 12, 2023
Short and sweet and to the point.
So this was a Scribd/Everand original (the company changed names-don't ask)
So I feel like I need to read the other memoir Mara wrote "Where am I now?" because since this was a short ebook, I don't think Mara could write much more about her life. In fact, I feel this ebook would be a good companion to the memoir.
Overall I love it. There's so much about what Mara was saying about always feeling the need to be a good girl and the guilt of doing things good girls are "not" supposed to do, that I understand completely. I am a fan of Mara Wilson but I love how honest she was about her feelings about fans. It must be stressful to deal with so many fans who have high expectations of you and the fact she got penalized by her father for being honest, I was like "Oh god Mara I feel you, girl." Even though I'm a fan I would never want Mara to feel forced to say "Oh I like you". I would be more comfortable if she was comfortable.
So this was a Scribd/Everand original (the company changed names-don't ask)
So I feel like I need to read the other memoir Mara wrote "Where am I now?" because since this was a short ebook, I don't think Mara could write much more about her life. In fact, I feel this ebook would be a good companion to the memoir.
Overall I love it. There's so much about what Mara was saying about always feeling the need to be a good girl and the guilt of doing things good girls are "not" supposed to do, that I understand completely. I am a fan of Mara Wilson but I love how honest she was about her feelings about fans. It must be stressful to deal with so many fans who have high expectations of you and the fact she got penalized by her father for being honest, I was like "Oh god Mara I feel you, girl." Even though I'm a fan I would never want Mara to feel forced to say "Oh I like you". I would be more comfortable if she was comfortable.
October 24, 2025
As someone who grew up watching Mara Wilson's movies and had a love of Matilda - and has listened to her on Welcome to Nightvale; I was thrilled to finally read something she's written. I really enjoyed "Good Girls Don't." There is something so universally relatable in this book and in how Mara Wilson describes her experiences and anxieties. Being that kid who doesn't want to disappoint their parents and trying to live up to the expectations of those around you. Growing up and learning that some dynamics are more toxic than you thought. Learning you might come across to people completely differently than how you feel on the inside/try to present yourself.
Mara Wilson covers it all in such plainly and painfully relatable language. I felt seen while reading this and that makes the experience of reading it fully worth it.
Mara Wilson covers it all in such plainly and painfully relatable language. I felt seen while reading this and that makes the experience of reading it fully worth it.
May 4, 2023
A well-written, honest and thoughtful memoir that was easy to listen to (read by her herself!) I originally picked up the book because it was so short so it felt like an easy palate cleanser between books but in the end, the shortness works against the main goal of the book. As it is, the book ended up feeling more like a podcast episode.
I really enjoyed Wilson's writing but I feel like this book could have benefitted from leaning more towards an essay than a memoir. What I mean is: weaving your own personal experiences as a part of a larger narrative of good girls (there was an attempt at this in the epilogue which was too little too late) and diving deeper into the topics she talks about.
All in all, it's not a bad reading experience at all, but felt a little bit lacking.
I really enjoyed Wilson's writing but I feel like this book could have benefitted from leaning more towards an essay than a memoir. What I mean is: weaving your own personal experiences as a part of a larger narrative of good girls (there was an attempt at this in the epilogue which was too little too late) and diving deeper into the topics she talks about.
All in all, it's not a bad reading experience at all, but felt a little bit lacking.
August 11, 2023
I'm very confused about this "book."
For me, it's poorly written with almost no continuity...and certainly no point. She writes of how she always just wanted to be "good" girl and person but gives examples of how she wasn't. Except her examples are of typical behavior of a child and teen, even one who wasn't an actress or had a parent die.
I guess Wilson also wrote a full-length memoir, which I haven't read and now do not plan to. I'm not sure why this was a supplemental project for her, but I am not impressed. Good thing it was short or I wouldn't have finished it.
For me, it's poorly written with almost no continuity...and certainly no point. She writes of how she always just wanted to be "good" girl and person but gives examples of how she wasn't. Except her examples are of typical behavior of a child and teen, even one who wasn't an actress or had a parent die.
I guess Wilson also wrote a full-length memoir, which I haven't read and now do not plan to. I'm not sure why this was a supplemental project for her, but I am not impressed. Good thing it was short or I wouldn't have finished it.
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April 23, 2025I don’t give memoirs a rating - who am I to judge someone’s life story. I will say though that I really enjoyed hearing from Mara. I felt bad because the entire reason I picked this book up was because I love the movie Matilda. To then hear her talk about the pressure she felt to always be nice and to never be in a bad mood because people only ever saw her as Matilda hit home. So often we associate actors and actresses with the characters they play… and can forget that it’s all pretend. Memoirs like this all make me thankful I didn’t grow up in the spotlight. A fun read!
November 2, 2025
I was drawn to “Good Girls Don’t” thinking it would dive deep into the “good girl” stereotype and what it means to unlearn it but I guess I expected too much.
This is a sweet memoir, and if you’re curious about Mara Wilson’s coming-of-age story, there’s charm in the way she reflects on her childhood, identity, and growth. I listened to the audiobook, and hearing her read her own words added a lovely, personal touch.
But, it didn’t land for me. I was hoping for more layered insight, more reflection on the cultural weight of being a “good girl.”
This is a sweet memoir, and if you’re curious about Mara Wilson’s coming-of-age story, there’s charm in the way she reflects on her childhood, identity, and growth. I listened to the audiobook, and hearing her read her own words added a lovely, personal touch.
But, it didn’t land for me. I was hoping for more layered insight, more reflection on the cultural weight of being a “good girl.”
May 26, 2023
Never quite feel it's appropriate to rate someone's personal story. But I found Mara's writing enjoyable and honest. There was a lot I could identify with. No I've never been famous or lost a parent. But I did have a religious upbringing and needed to be a good girl. Still a recovering people pleaser now. So yes. This is a vulnerable story about a bisexual woman from my generation. Totally get it and appreciate her voice.
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