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Growing Pains
This is an astonishingly candid insight into the world of Billie Piper. Famous since the age of 15 -- first as the face of Smash Hits, then as a pop singer with three No.1 hits in less than three years -- Billie Piper has won over the critics and the British public for a second time by re-inventing herself as an actress in BBC productions of Much Ado About Nothing, The Canterbury Tales and, of course, Doctor Who. And that's just the professional Billie. In this book, for the first time, she talks honestly about her whirwind romance and marriage to Chris Evans, about her battles with anorexia and the dark side of teen fame. Moving, funny and honest, this is a page-turning read by one of the nation's favourite stars.
368 pages, Hardcover
First published October 19, 2006
17 people are currently reading
1159 people want to read
About the author
Billie Piper
25 books48 followersPiper is an English singer and actress. In 1998, at age 15, she became the youngest artist ever to debut at number one in the UK Singles Chart. She retired from singing in 2003 to focus on her acting career.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
January 2, 2008
Yes, I know it's ridiculous a 23-year-old writing an autobiography, but Billie Piper has packed more into her 23 years than many people do in a lifetime.
In case you don't know her, Billie became a pop star at age 15. The record company wanted her to be a British Madonna and, while that didn't quite work out, she did have three very successful and, according to this book, gruelling years as a popstar.
I'd be lying if I said that, before picking this book up, I wasn't mostly interested to read about her marriage to Chris Evans (a British TV presenter and DJ who Billie married when she was 18 and he was 34), but I found the whole rise to fame section and even the chapters about her childhood (which can sometimes be a bit tedious *cough*Gary Barlow*cough*) absolutely fascinating. Clearly precocious, Billie was still forced to grow up too fast (once she signed her record deal, she lived alone in a London hotel - aged 15!).
To read the rest of this review, please visit
http://www.trashionista.com/2008/01/b...
In case you don't know her, Billie became a pop star at age 15. The record company wanted her to be a British Madonna and, while that didn't quite work out, she did have three very successful and, according to this book, gruelling years as a popstar.
I'd be lying if I said that, before picking this book up, I wasn't mostly interested to read about her marriage to Chris Evans (a British TV presenter and DJ who Billie married when she was 18 and he was 34), but I found the whole rise to fame section and even the chapters about her childhood (which can sometimes be a bit tedious *cough*Gary Barlow*cough*) absolutely fascinating. Clearly precocious, Billie was still forced to grow up too fast (once she signed her record deal, she lived alone in a London hotel - aged 15!).
To read the rest of this review, please visit
http://www.trashionista.com/2008/01/b...
June 28, 2013
Stop laughing! Someone got me this as a Christmas present years ago, apparently acting on a tip-off from Hannah that I had a minor engouement for the ginger-marrying, doctor-following, chart-bothering Swindonian. The only anecdote I can now remember from the whole book is the fact that she went commando at her wedding to Chris Evans. Everything else has apparently been drowned out by the tide of indignation at the fact that a 23-year-old had the audacity to write an autobiography (I remember some comedian at the time saying, "What the fuck is in it? Like, 'Chapter Six - I get my first period'?").
However, I did like the fact that if people asked me, "Why are you reading that?", then I could reply, "Because I want to."
However, I did like the fact that if people asked me, "Why are you reading that?", then I could reply, "Because I want to."
August 30, 2010
I knew Billie from her time on "Doctor Who" and I became a huge fan or her and her role, Rose Tyler. When I learned that she had written a book, there was no other way but to order it and read it.
Growing pains was the first biography I've read and I learned a lot about the person Billie Piper, as well as what it means to be famous and watched 24/7. I was shocked by her revelations about her eating disorder and reading how she dealt (or not dealt) with it had a great influence and the way I became aware of what I was doing to by body by eating almost nothing, excessive workout and controlling my weight every morning. After I had finished her book it was like I woke up from a nightmare. I changed my life completely, and I haven't set food on a scale ever since (for two years now).
Yes, I've gained some pounds and I don't always like my body, but, thanks to Billie, I know what I was doing to my body and how wrong it was.
But that's not the only reason why I recommend this book. If you are a fan of Billie's work you should read it. And if not ... well, you should, too, and become a fan.
Growing pains was the first biography I've read and I learned a lot about the person Billie Piper, as well as what it means to be famous and watched 24/7. I was shocked by her revelations about her eating disorder and reading how she dealt (or not dealt) with it had a great influence and the way I became aware of what I was doing to by body by eating almost nothing, excessive workout and controlling my weight every morning. After I had finished her book it was like I woke up from a nightmare. I changed my life completely, and I haven't set food on a scale ever since (for two years now).
Yes, I've gained some pounds and I don't always like my body, but, thanks to Billie, I know what I was doing to my body and how wrong it was.
But that's not the only reason why I recommend this book. If you are a fan of Billie's work you should read it. And if not ... well, you should, too, and become a fan.
April 25, 2023
It’s not getting 5 stars because it’s a great memoir (it isn’t), it’s getting 5 stars because I love her. And love trumps writing quality.
May 23, 2009
I'm happy to admit this, and to the worldwide audience of the web, but this is a great read and very well written book.
Billie keeps nothing from you and shares her life with you and I appreciate her more for the doing so. She talks in great detail about her stuggle with the eating disorder and puts a new spin on it (even for this former psychiatric nurse with a specialist interest in the subject).
The chapters discussing her marriage to Chris Evans are gripping and show the maturity she and the Radio 2 legend adopted after it didn't quite work out for them.
Obviously, it's featured here for one reason and one reason alone. It's on my Dr Who review page and to be honest it's why I really set out to read it. The stories from behind the scenes make for interesting reading if not exactly revelatory.
So in summary, fascinating reading. With my apologies to the author I set out to read it for the Dr Who connection and ended up on a real journey and winning a whole new bigger respect for BP!
Billie keeps nothing from you and shares her life with you and I appreciate her more for the doing so. She talks in great detail about her stuggle with the eating disorder and puts a new spin on it (even for this former psychiatric nurse with a specialist interest in the subject).
The chapters discussing her marriage to Chris Evans are gripping and show the maturity she and the Radio 2 legend adopted after it didn't quite work out for them.
Obviously, it's featured here for one reason and one reason alone. It's on my Dr Who review page and to be honest it's why I really set out to read it. The stories from behind the scenes make for interesting reading if not exactly revelatory.
So in summary, fascinating reading. With my apologies to the author I set out to read it for the Dr Who connection and ended up on a real journey and winning a whole new bigger respect for BP!
May 20, 2008
I opened a gift on Boxing Day to see that I had received this saucey autobiography about one of my favorite Brits. I just finished reading about Billie dancing, lip-synching, and "bucket bonging" her way to "Top of the Pops."
She's a talented young lady who got a lucky break as a teenager, worked her very perky bum to the bone to maintain that luck, was pushed and pulled in every direction to compete with Britney Spears, which ultimately led to her losing her bearings. But with the help of an older and supportive new husband, she reinvented herself to become a sought-after British actress. Billie is no Meryl Streep, but she plays her characters convincingly and is fun to watch. I will always root for Billie.
She's a talented young lady who got a lucky break as a teenager, worked her very perky bum to the bone to maintain that luck, was pushed and pulled in every direction to compete with Britney Spears, which ultimately led to her losing her bearings. But with the help of an older and supportive new husband, she reinvented herself to become a sought-after British actress. Billie is no Meryl Streep, but she plays her characters convincingly and is fun to watch. I will always root for Billie.
August 5, 2013
Ah, Billie Piper. She seems alright when you see her, don’t she? Well, she comes off a bit smug in her opening chapter which, in itself, is written like some sort of Orphan Annie, rags to riches overnight, dreamscape to inspire to. That is you can be dumb and sheeplike enough to get over the annoying sense of glee she has.
I call it a chapter, but I should apologise to the artist now and relent to the format in which she presents her craft. This is not a book of normal, conventional parts. Oh no. This is a book of ‘acts’ and ‘scenes’ (as laid out in the pages) because of what I can only assume from the protestation within is to re-iterate her point that being on the stage (not as originally made famous) as an actress was always ger dream and the saccharine and crap pop career she was handed at 15 was well, nonsense. In fact it was something she gives us the impression that she just lucked into. Plucked from obscurity, if you will, in amongst all of the unappreciative whining about how ‘unsoulful’ her first single was.
It’s ok Bill, none of us liked it either.
Yes Yes, it went to Number One. I know. You can stop screaming at me.
Surely, it was a sign that children are given pocket money at too young an age. No?
Billie (as she proudly explains to us mere mortals) was unleashed upon the Spice-hungover pop charts as ‘the new British Madonna’, after a shrewd and clever realised that there were no strong, female role models or solo artists in the mid 90’s.
What an incredibly bold statement. The mid 90’s were full of excellent female artists from the UK. Mel B had herself a number one, there was the lovely Cerys Matthews of Catatonia, Billie Myers, Louise, Gabrielle, Shola Ama and Natalie Imbruglia (who may aswell be, the amount of times she spends here), not to mention all of the fantastic array of girl groups: Honeyz, B-witched, Cleopatra, All Saints and Eternal, so this is of course (as I am sure you are now expecting me to reveal), bollocks. Yes, that’s right. You can sleep easily in the knowledge that this is indeed a steaming pile of horse crap, fit to stop traffic on the M25.
In fact, Billie is one to talk about being the next best anything. But work at it she did. She hit the road and did the rounds of schools and singing PA’s, honing her style, voice and pimping her work to the underaged.
“Actually, I didn’t sing. Singing meant too much technical stuff.”
Like what? Talent, for example? Harsh, I know but she’s really making this too easy for me.
“They explained to me that it was easier to mime over the tape.”
Something compared to nothing tends to be.
“Hello, my name is Billie. This is my first boob,” read the unchecked pre-publication card that arrived at my bookstore, six months before release.
To be honest, it was never going to recover from there, really. This was back in May of 2006, when the crashing failure of Hodder’s pre-awareness campaign collectively made everyone they sent the scrawled nonsense of Ms. Piper think that she was a complete idiot.
Billie Piper has lived more lives at 24 than most of us ever will, we’re told but honestly, comes off incredibly lucky and spoilt. She is haunted by the Number 4 (a number she grew accustomed to in the charts after the initial number one success) so much that she felt compelled to constantly keep up with her invading American rivals, which eventually led to an obsession to Temazepan and a collective of after hours drunken stupors on the paparazzi club circuit.
A lot of this book is about her relationship with the brogue wearing Chris Evans, which I am sure her latest beau who is coincidentally ‘the one’, appreciates. Chris was so besotted with Billie that the morning after their first night out, he delivered a marriage proposal with a brand new Ferrari full of roses. Billie couldn’t drive and quote ‘didn’t give a fuck about the car’ and it was all a ‘head fry’, proving that love knows no bounds or really, common sense.
She really needs to get a grip though. The whole ‘I tried to kill myself because...’ line is a bit tiresome. There are a number of reasons why Billie wanted to kill herself it seems and it really makes you wonder how people with real problems would feel about reading this book.
“I wasn’t planned... I didn’t break America... My schedule is so gruelling... I only got to Number Four...”
Plus she uses the word, ubiquitous. Who are you and what have you done with Billie Piper? Other words I came across in this book include: "dichotomies", "altruistic", "subterfuge", "self-flaggelate" and "compartmentalized."
Shhh, don't tell anyone but I think somebody else wrote this book. Honestly...
But on the subject of self-flagellation (something I am always quite happy to discuss), the whole competing with Britney and Christina (two people she seems to blame for her health around this period) is a little obsessive and as much as we all found humour and oddity in the whole tabloid crazyness that was her relationship with Chris Evans, he seemed to have been a wholly positive influence on her. But you can't help but wonder how much of the positive spin Billie insists upon on their relationship is true and how much of it is glossed over, which is a shame because I actually found a certain affinity and joy from their whirlwind romance.
Ah, forever the romantic.
Billie should be proud of her acheivements and not dismiss her silly pop career like she does. After all, if it wasn't for the pop socks and the marketing to eight year olds, she wouldn't be a hooker now. Sorry, actor!
I call it a chapter, but I should apologise to the artist now and relent to the format in which she presents her craft. This is not a book of normal, conventional parts. Oh no. This is a book of ‘acts’ and ‘scenes’ (as laid out in the pages) because of what I can only assume from the protestation within is to re-iterate her point that being on the stage (not as originally made famous) as an actress was always ger dream and the saccharine and crap pop career she was handed at 15 was well, nonsense. In fact it was something she gives us the impression that she just lucked into. Plucked from obscurity, if you will, in amongst all of the unappreciative whining about how ‘unsoulful’ her first single was.
It’s ok Bill, none of us liked it either.
Yes Yes, it went to Number One. I know. You can stop screaming at me.
Surely, it was a sign that children are given pocket money at too young an age. No?
Billie (as she proudly explains to us mere mortals) was unleashed upon the Spice-hungover pop charts as ‘the new British Madonna’, after a shrewd and clever realised that there were no strong, female role models or solo artists in the mid 90’s.
What an incredibly bold statement. The mid 90’s were full of excellent female artists from the UK. Mel B had herself a number one, there was the lovely Cerys Matthews of Catatonia, Billie Myers, Louise, Gabrielle, Shola Ama and Natalie Imbruglia (who may aswell be, the amount of times she spends here), not to mention all of the fantastic array of girl groups: Honeyz, B-witched, Cleopatra, All Saints and Eternal, so this is of course (as I am sure you are now expecting me to reveal), bollocks. Yes, that’s right. You can sleep easily in the knowledge that this is indeed a steaming pile of horse crap, fit to stop traffic on the M25.
In fact, Billie is one to talk about being the next best anything. But work at it she did. She hit the road and did the rounds of schools and singing PA’s, honing her style, voice and pimping her work to the underaged.
“Actually, I didn’t sing. Singing meant too much technical stuff.”
Like what? Talent, for example? Harsh, I know but she’s really making this too easy for me.
“They explained to me that it was easier to mime over the tape.”
Something compared to nothing tends to be.
“Hello, my name is Billie. This is my first boob,” read the unchecked pre-publication card that arrived at my bookstore, six months before release.
To be honest, it was never going to recover from there, really. This was back in May of 2006, when the crashing failure of Hodder’s pre-awareness campaign collectively made everyone they sent the scrawled nonsense of Ms. Piper think that she was a complete idiot.
Billie Piper has lived more lives at 24 than most of us ever will, we’re told but honestly, comes off incredibly lucky and spoilt. She is haunted by the Number 4 (a number she grew accustomed to in the charts after the initial number one success) so much that she felt compelled to constantly keep up with her invading American rivals, which eventually led to an obsession to Temazepan and a collective of after hours drunken stupors on the paparazzi club circuit.
A lot of this book is about her relationship with the brogue wearing Chris Evans, which I am sure her latest beau who is coincidentally ‘the one’, appreciates. Chris was so besotted with Billie that the morning after their first night out, he delivered a marriage proposal with a brand new Ferrari full of roses. Billie couldn’t drive and quote ‘didn’t give a fuck about the car’ and it was all a ‘head fry’, proving that love knows no bounds or really, common sense.
She really needs to get a grip though. The whole ‘I tried to kill myself because...’ line is a bit tiresome. There are a number of reasons why Billie wanted to kill herself it seems and it really makes you wonder how people with real problems would feel about reading this book.
“I wasn’t planned... I didn’t break America... My schedule is so gruelling... I only got to Number Four...”
Plus she uses the word, ubiquitous. Who are you and what have you done with Billie Piper? Other words I came across in this book include: "dichotomies", "altruistic", "subterfuge", "self-flaggelate" and "compartmentalized."
Shhh, don't tell anyone but I think somebody else wrote this book. Honestly...
But on the subject of self-flagellation (something I am always quite happy to discuss), the whole competing with Britney and Christina (two people she seems to blame for her health around this period) is a little obsessive and as much as we all found humour and oddity in the whole tabloid crazyness that was her relationship with Chris Evans, he seemed to have been a wholly positive influence on her. But you can't help but wonder how much of the positive spin Billie insists upon on their relationship is true and how much of it is glossed over, which is a shame because I actually found a certain affinity and joy from their whirlwind romance.
Ah, forever the romantic.
Billie should be proud of her acheivements and not dismiss her silly pop career like she does. After all, if it wasn't for the pop socks and the marketing to eight year olds, she wouldn't be a hooker now. Sorry, actor!
March 28, 2011
A really down-to-earth and interesting look at Billie Piper's life and career. I was impressed with her personality, and candor when discussing her experiences. It's nice to see a young artist's perspective on the performance business and lifestyle.
If this book were a movie I would rate it PG-13 borderline R due to content. Definitely, for an older reader, although I felt that the content was important to the story and couldn't be improved upon.
If this book were a movie I would rate it PG-13 borderline R due to content. Definitely, for an older reader, although I felt that the content was important to the story and couldn't be improved upon.
June 5, 2024
Re-read: I don’t think so. Actual rating: 3.5.
Nice. Learnt a lot about probs my fave Doctor Who companion. I always love a good autobiography and it was very exciting for me finding out Billie had released music when I was 11.
You can tell it was written when Billie was very young, the voice feels very young so I’d be intrigued to read an up-to-date autobiography now. I also wanna hear more about Doctor Who.
It didn’t feel very reflection-y, it was just kinda like “this happened then this happened and in that time I guess I just stopped feeling like this”. Like when she recovers from a bad patch of anorexia (that feels belittling to write but idk how else to explain it without going graphic) she just kinda glosses over it and moves onto the next thing without much mention of how she actually got through that very difficult part of her life. Not that I’m looking for advice obvs lol. Very 2D and not very deep, but I guess someone of 24 might not have the depth and knowledge to explore the reasonings of things they did as a teen as much as maybe Billie could now.
Found it quite repetitive at times, every time a person was mentioned they were fully introduced again as if we hadn’t already met them. Similarly one paragraph a person was referred to by their surname, then next their first, just annoyed me a bit. Overall enjoyed it tho! Glad I read.
Nice. Learnt a lot about probs my fave Doctor Who companion. I always love a good autobiography and it was very exciting for me finding out Billie had released music when I was 11.
You can tell it was written when Billie was very young, the voice feels very young so I’d be intrigued to read an up-to-date autobiography now. I also wanna hear more about Doctor Who.
It didn’t feel very reflection-y, it was just kinda like “this happened then this happened and in that time I guess I just stopped feeling like this”. Like when she recovers from a bad patch of anorexia (that feels belittling to write but idk how else to explain it without going graphic) she just kinda glosses over it and moves onto the next thing without much mention of how she actually got through that very difficult part of her life. Not that I’m looking for advice obvs lol. Very 2D and not very deep, but I guess someone of 24 might not have the depth and knowledge to explore the reasonings of things they did as a teen as much as maybe Billie could now.
Found it quite repetitive at times, every time a person was mentioned they were fully introduced again as if we hadn’t already met them. Similarly one paragraph a person was referred to by their surname, then next their first, just annoyed me a bit. Overall enjoyed it tho! Glad I read.
April 22, 2019
It was decent. There was a bit of "dirt," if you can call it that. I always find it slightly suspect when someone so young publishes an autobiography, in Billie's case, having just reached the age of 24 when "Growing Pains" was published. (The queen of this trend would, of course, be Drew Barrymore, who published "Little Girl Lost" when she was just 16.) Although their short lives may have seemed like a full lifetime to these young kids - and many of them, especially Barrymore, certainly had interesting and extenuating circumstances to write about and perhaps even justify such an early memoir - just glancing at their careers in the years following the publication of these books shows that a second, and perhaps even a third, autobiography might be required further down the line. Which prompts the question: why publish your memoirs so early? To me, it smacks of outside promotion. The public wants to know about you! So, write an auyobiography! What's that, you're too young? Well, just look at how important you are! It smacks of commercialism, and capitalizing on a young star's success. Another downside is that these "early" memoirs - while they may reveal juicy and salacious details - tend to be mostly gossip fodder, and end without having provided any meaningful insight or life lessons. In the long run, when a second or third autobiography is written, which book is likely to be pushed to last on the list? The least important, the least relevant of the bunch? The earliest one, almost without exception.
I could go on, but I'll save that for another specific "young" autobiography I have in mind. Piper's book, while certainly containing some fun stories and details for her Whovian fans and followers of her earlier pop career, reads more like a journal: And then when I was thirteen, I did this, and then at fourteen, I did this, and then at fifteen ... and then, inevitably, the book just kind of ends. Often, this happens with a "happy" marriage or relationship to cap it all off, with the implication that, after a turbulent young life, everyone settled down and lived happily ever after. Except, of course, that we all know that's not what usually happens: these young unions soon fall apart, and the writers go on to the next chapters in their lives - and often, the most interesting is yet to come. Those who wrote their autobiographies later in life - Leonard Nimoy's "I Am Spock" is a great example - benefit from the decades of real-life experience and perspective of hindsight that allow the authors to include real life lessons in with each chapter, instead of just telling stories and anecdotes in chronological order. When you finish a book like Nimoy's, you feel like you really KNOW the author, and like they've really taught you a few things - about themselves, and perhaps about yourself as well. The perspective of age and having had the time to ruminate over one's own experiences and include some of that wisdom in the book, rather than just recounting the stories and sometimes trying to guess at a pseudo-moral to the story in order to seem wise, makes a huge difference.
Growing Pains is an engaging read, and you might learn a thing or two about Piper that you didn't know. But in the long run, it's fluff. Fun fluff, but fluff all the same. It's certainly not a Top 10 or Desert Island book, and it doesn't answer any burning questions. Whovians might want to note that the Doctor Who portion of Billie's life is relegated to a fairly short section towards the end of the book, one or two cursory and all-too-quick chapters; the majority of it focuses on her early life, her loves, and her pop career, and is more likely aimed at the British consumer who is familiar with all of her tabloid exploits than at Doctor Who fans. One gets the impression that this book was probably trotted out pretty quickly after the re-booted Doctor Who became a resounding success - and likely just in time for Christmas, if you catch my drift. It definitely feels like a capitalization on her DW success. But if you're a fan, you'll probably enjoy it anyway. I'd categorize it as a don't-buy-it book: borrow it from the library first instead, if possible, then decide if it's still worth owning. That, for me, is a pretty fair measure of autobiographies. Read and decide for yourself accordingly.
I could go on, but I'll save that for another specific "young" autobiography I have in mind. Piper's book, while certainly containing some fun stories and details for her Whovian fans and followers of her earlier pop career, reads more like a journal: And then when I was thirteen, I did this, and then at fourteen, I did this, and then at fifteen ... and then, inevitably, the book just kind of ends. Often, this happens with a "happy" marriage or relationship to cap it all off, with the implication that, after a turbulent young life, everyone settled down and lived happily ever after. Except, of course, that we all know that's not what usually happens: these young unions soon fall apart, and the writers go on to the next chapters in their lives - and often, the most interesting is yet to come. Those who wrote their autobiographies later in life - Leonard Nimoy's "I Am Spock" is a great example - benefit from the decades of real-life experience and perspective of hindsight that allow the authors to include real life lessons in with each chapter, instead of just telling stories and anecdotes in chronological order. When you finish a book like Nimoy's, you feel like you really KNOW the author, and like they've really taught you a few things - about themselves, and perhaps about yourself as well. The perspective of age and having had the time to ruminate over one's own experiences and include some of that wisdom in the book, rather than just recounting the stories and sometimes trying to guess at a pseudo-moral to the story in order to seem wise, makes a huge difference.
Growing Pains is an engaging read, and you might learn a thing or two about Piper that you didn't know. But in the long run, it's fluff. Fun fluff, but fluff all the same. It's certainly not a Top 10 or Desert Island book, and it doesn't answer any burning questions. Whovians might want to note that the Doctor Who portion of Billie's life is relegated to a fairly short section towards the end of the book, one or two cursory and all-too-quick chapters; the majority of it focuses on her early life, her loves, and her pop career, and is more likely aimed at the British consumer who is familiar with all of her tabloid exploits than at Doctor Who fans. One gets the impression that this book was probably trotted out pretty quickly after the re-booted Doctor Who became a resounding success - and likely just in time for Christmas, if you catch my drift. It definitely feels like a capitalization on her DW success. But if you're a fan, you'll probably enjoy it anyway. I'd categorize it as a don't-buy-it book: borrow it from the library first instead, if possible, then decide if it's still worth owning. That, for me, is a pretty fair measure of autobiographies. Read and decide for yourself accordingly.
July 16, 2014
I was curious about this book after seeing her perform as Rose in Doctor Who (which I adored her in) and then finding out that in Britain she was also a very popular teen singer. I probably still wouldn't have read it except that I somehow came across a review that revealed how she described that while being a teen celebrity that it did not prepare her for the "real world" on being able to drive or even cook. Sounded a bit refreshing to see someone talk candidly about it as well as how the pressures of the demands she made on herself as well as living up to expectations drove her to do things she now looks back on as "growing pains". She comes across as someone who was very aware of how lucky she was in some ways while in others it was a career that she paid for in ways she would never expected including anorexia, not ever feeling good enough to be doing what she was doing and trying to be realistic in that she was mainly responsible for the things that went on. It is always a surprise to see a celebrity actually own up to mistakes and admitting they are human because most of their fans do not want to see or accept it. While she had a "ghost writer" help her write this (who she thanks and admits to writing the book for her in the end), it comes across as her sitting across from you telling her story and how it all came to shape her into who she is and why she would never go back to singing as a career while acting she adores. In many ways, it is also a warning story of the price of fame and celebrity (a frequent topic of most books of this nature, but unlike most, she actually takes responsibility for choosing it and why she kept being tempted back. She doesn't consider it an "evil" or completely bad thing, but she does warn that there are expectations most are not prepared to handle when so young (she was 15 when she became a sensation). Recommend for fans of the actress/singer as well those who are interested in what to expect if you go in the music industry. Very well written and educational. Hope she continues with her success and wins her ongoing struggle with her anorexia (which I'll admit, I was surprised at how revealing she was regarding the details of what she did, the symptoms that came out of it and the results which is awesome as it definitely doesn't glamorize it).
December 2, 2014
Wow, just... Wow...
I started reading this book because I was such a fan of Billie's music career. YTV's Hitlist always played the BEST British pop back in the late 90s early 2000s, Billie being one of the artist played. I became addicted to her music and bought both albums that I still listen to today. Being the time period it was, and how young I was, I didn't know much about Billie, only her music. I wasn't interested in her personal life, but watching music videos, from Because We Want To to Walk Of Life, she seemed like a pretty stable British pop Princess. This book squashed any of my ideal expectations if this girl.
Although I loves Billie's music career, it was surprising to see that she hated pretty much everything about it. At the same time, it's kind of sad. The way she talks about her career in the book, we can expect to never see a come back album of Billie's. That being said, I am glad she never fully fell out if the spotlight. Her acting career kicked off and thanks to my recent rediscovery of this girl, I am not a fan of Penny Dreadful and because if this book, I am going to look into Dr. Who and Spirit Trap... Also, not mentioned in the book, I want to catch up on Secret Diary of a Call Girl.
If you know anything about Billie Piper, this book is a read for you! Trust me, it's eye opening to see what fame can do to such a young person, especially when they don't know how to handle it.
I started reading this book because I was such a fan of Billie's music career. YTV's Hitlist always played the BEST British pop back in the late 90s early 2000s, Billie being one of the artist played. I became addicted to her music and bought both albums that I still listen to today. Being the time period it was, and how young I was, I didn't know much about Billie, only her music. I wasn't interested in her personal life, but watching music videos, from Because We Want To to Walk Of Life, she seemed like a pretty stable British pop Princess. This book squashed any of my ideal expectations if this girl.
Although I loves Billie's music career, it was surprising to see that she hated pretty much everything about it. At the same time, it's kind of sad. The way she talks about her career in the book, we can expect to never see a come back album of Billie's. That being said, I am glad she never fully fell out if the spotlight. Her acting career kicked off and thanks to my recent rediscovery of this girl, I am not a fan of Penny Dreadful and because if this book, I am going to look into Dr. Who and Spirit Trap... Also, not mentioned in the book, I want to catch up on Secret Diary of a Call Girl.
If you know anything about Billie Piper, this book is a read for you! Trust me, it's eye opening to see what fame can do to such a young person, especially when they don't know how to handle it.
May 31, 2011
I remember idolising Billie and loving her music when I was a tween. I remember a friend and I spending ages trying to learn every dance step from the 'Day and Night' video clip and wishing that we looked like her and had her seemingly perfect life. Reading about what was really going on then- the anorexia, the mental instability, illnesses, drug use, paranoia, benders and her desperate unhappiness shows what an illusion all of that was and how my friend and I, these 2 surburban Aussie girls who wanted to be like her, were much more fortunate because we got to be normal kids and teenagers who were loved and protected, even if we didn't realise it at the time.
I remember so much of what she mentions in this book from Smash Hits to Rich from 5ive to the ABBA tribute and specific TV performances so to learn what was really happening behind the scenes during that period was a shock to say the least. But I loved reading about how she was brave enough to stop doing what made her so unhappy and start taking care of herself and pursue her true passions. I admire how far she's come and I admire her frankness and her brutal honesty in writing this and telling the reader just how ugly things got without sugercoating anything. That can't have been easy to do. It now seems as though she has a bright future ahead of her and I wish her all the best.
I remember so much of what she mentions in this book from Smash Hits to Rich from 5ive to the ABBA tribute and specific TV performances so to learn what was really happening behind the scenes during that period was a shock to say the least. But I loved reading about how she was brave enough to stop doing what made her so unhappy and start taking care of herself and pursue her true passions. I admire how far she's come and I admire her frankness and her brutal honesty in writing this and telling the reader just how ugly things got without sugercoating anything. That can't have been easy to do. It now seems as though she has a bright future ahead of her and I wish her all the best.
November 2, 2016
Most people know Billie Piper from the British sci-fi series Doctor Who, but little known to many non-British people, she had a career as a pop-star long before she was Rose Tyler. This book was very honest and written in a way regular people can connect with. Billie Piper didn't hide the unglamorous parts of her life in this book. From personal failures, doubts, mental illnesses, relationships, everything was put out there, and it made her seem very real and makes her someone that's easy to understand, easy to connect with.
This book made me feel like I was sitting with a best friend, talking about anything and everything in our lives. It was a very enjoyable read, and had a lot of interesting insights on the music industry, acting, and more mundane things, like homemaking, relationships, and life in general.
This book made me feel like I was sitting with a best friend, talking about anything and everything in our lives. It was a very enjoyable read, and had a lot of interesting insights on the music industry, acting, and more mundane things, like homemaking, relationships, and life in general.
May 6, 2011
Imagine being a number 1 pop star at 15. Could you handle the pressure? How about finding the love of your life at eighteen? These are just two of the moments chronicled in this book, Billie's life in her words; the highs and the lows.
From being a huge selling pop star to battling anorexia, from marriage to divorce to Doctor Who - it's been quite a journey for the girl who isn't even in her late twenties yet.
I grew up listening to Billie's music and, like much of the nation, I loved her as Rose Tyler, so reading about her path to success and to where she is in life now was something I was happy to delve into.
She's had quite a life, Miss Piper (now Fox) and it makes for a good read.
From being a huge selling pop star to battling anorexia, from marriage to divorce to Doctor Who - it's been quite a journey for the girl who isn't even in her late twenties yet.
I grew up listening to Billie's music and, like much of the nation, I loved her as Rose Tyler, so reading about her path to success and to where she is in life now was something I was happy to delve into.
She's had quite a life, Miss Piper (now Fox) and it makes for a good read.
September 13, 2016
2016 Reading Challenge: A book written by a celebrity.
Billie Piper is the reason I fell in love with Doctor Who, which is my absolute favorite TV show, so I will forever watch/read anything she's involved with. After reading this, I completely understand why she left Doctor Who after two years. I also want nothing more than to just give her a hug and make sure she's happy.
Billie Piper is the reason I fell in love with Doctor Who, which is my absolute favorite TV show, so I will forever watch/read anything she's involved with. After reading this, I completely understand why she left Doctor Who after two years. I also want nothing more than to just give her a hug and make sure she's happy.
May 18, 2018
Growing Pains was an incredible story. Billie Piper was very open and honest about her troubles with anorexia. Very good read.
September 29, 2025
It stumbled across Billie while watching TikToks and even though I never really watched Doctor who, I really liked the way Rose Tyler was portrayed (even though my knowledge was limited to 15 second edits with s*xyback playing in the background). Then I looked her up on Wikipedia and scrolled through her filmography. I also discovered that she is a former Pop-star and I was intrigued to know how she turned from a teen Popstar to an actress and like that- I stumbled on her autobiography. I really liked the way she described the very fast and turbulent years of her early life with sharp wit, thoughtfulness and rawness. it was like listening to a podcast.
September 6, 2018
bought as wondered who this person was that chris Evans had married, as ive no Tv not too sure if she is any good as an actress, and her "pop" music never had any impact on me (do i sound dull!!)... a fast paced book... not too sure if i felt enriched from reading it ..infact i wouldnt recommend to anyone who has had an eating disorder as it will send you yearning for a relapse and sliding down that path again... i find the extravagance of celebrities astonishing but she did seem happier when living a more humble lifestyle rather than jet setting
September 24, 2019
I love Billie Piper - I didn't even know she'd written a book until now. Great read, was really interesting to find out how she started and how far she's come. I'm even re-watching Dr. Who, because I see her in a different light now, after reading the book. One thing that bothered me was that she or her publisher/editor kept spelling Christopher Eccleston's last name wrong - Every instance it was spelled Ecclestone. You'd think that someone would have noticed that. Or maybe they really thought that was how it was spelled.
November 2, 2018
Not normally one for autobiographies, this was give to me as a Christmas present years ago, and I’ve only just got around to reading it. It is an interesting read of her life and all the things she had done in such a short space of time.
March 10, 2020
A stunning and poignant memoir. I still can’t believe the roller-coaster ride of emotions this book expressed; such a carefully-crafted core of emotion around a life so fast-paced. Well done Billie (and team!) for this marvel.
August 12, 2017
Sad account of the pitfalls of child fame. Really liked Billie though and felt sympathy for her parents.
October 1, 2025
A great insight into the life of a teenage pop star. It's easily noticeable that she wrote it herself, with some typos and a distinctive 'spoken' writing style.
May 1, 2015
I've promised myself that I would get around to writing a review for every book that I've read this year, (2015) and I'm slowly beginning to get around to it.
I want to jump right in and say that this book was an absolute gem and I was lucky that I even looked at it to be honest. I picked this book up before I had Goodreads, and I only stopped to look at it because it was on the clearance rack for a pound! I absolutely love Billie Piper, but I was surprised to find out she'd written a novel so young. It took me a while to force myself to read this one because it's obviously factual, and true stories don't tend to interest me as much because they remind me how horrible life can be. This book really does that for you.
It's very interesting to learn about Billie's life as a child and as a teen, how acting and singing came to her and it's a very honest recount of her younger years where she tells the reader about her experiences with drugs, sex, older men and playing hooky from school. I was addicted from page one.
However, it's probably something to note that there are frequent mentions of her struggles with eating disorders, so trigger warnings for Anorexia would start at page 164. I wouldn't at all recommend that anybody who is/can be triggered by mentioning and graphic description would read this book as it's a consistent factor that continues throughout the book; there's no real way you'd be able to skip past it and understand the rest, sadly.
I don't know what else to really review for this aside from, it was wonderful to learn about the hardships and struggles that Billie faced throughout the start of her life. It's so surprising to see that she wrote this book so young, but unlike some of the new, modern "claims to fame", Billie really does have a tale to tell.
It's so inspiring and enlightening to read how dedicated she was, yet also it's fascinating and horrifically terrifying to learn about what goes on behind the curtains in the entertainment industry. I can say this, specially for younger men and women who are impressionable and self-conscious, thinking that they're grown up and ready for the world, when they seem old beyond their years, but really there are lots of insecurities and horrifying things that nobody would want their child to go through... And Billie's story really does shed light on this.
So, if you are able to read about Billie's experiences, I'd really recommend it; even if real-life stories aren't your thing.
I want to jump right in and say that this book was an absolute gem and I was lucky that I even looked at it to be honest. I picked this book up before I had Goodreads, and I only stopped to look at it because it was on the clearance rack for a pound! I absolutely love Billie Piper, but I was surprised to find out she'd written a novel so young. It took me a while to force myself to read this one because it's obviously factual, and true stories don't tend to interest me as much because they remind me how horrible life can be. This book really does that for you.
It's very interesting to learn about Billie's life as a child and as a teen, how acting and singing came to her and it's a very honest recount of her younger years where she tells the reader about her experiences with drugs, sex, older men and playing hooky from school. I was addicted from page one.
However, it's probably something to note that there are frequent mentions of her struggles with eating disorders, so trigger warnings for Anorexia would start at page 164. I wouldn't at all recommend that anybody who is/can be triggered by mentioning and graphic description would read this book as it's a consistent factor that continues throughout the book; there's no real way you'd be able to skip past it and understand the rest, sadly.
I don't know what else to really review for this aside from, it was wonderful to learn about the hardships and struggles that Billie faced throughout the start of her life. It's so surprising to see that she wrote this book so young, but unlike some of the new, modern "claims to fame", Billie really does have a tale to tell.
It's so inspiring and enlightening to read how dedicated she was, yet also it's fascinating and horrifically terrifying to learn about what goes on behind the curtains in the entertainment industry. I can say this, specially for younger men and women who are impressionable and self-conscious, thinking that they're grown up and ready for the world, when they seem old beyond their years, but really there are lots of insecurities and horrifying things that nobody would want their child to go through... And Billie's story really does shed light on this.
So, if you are able to read about Billie's experiences, I'd really recommend it; even if real-life stories aren't your thing.
June 3, 2013
I first became familiar with Billie Piper when I started watching Doctor Who. I thought she was brilliant. Eventually I moved on to watch her show "The Secret Diary of a Call Girl," and loved her even more.
I am a bit of a nerd and watch interviews on Youtube with anyone who's been on Doctor Who. I eventually saw an interview with Billie in which she spoke a bit about the fact that she used to be Anorexic. It wasn't a HUGE shock to me because to be honest she looks like she has gone through a couple "no eating," spells during her TV career, but it made me love her even more. She said in the interview that Eating Disorders are not things that you ever get rid of, you just sort of put them in their place and hope you have the strength to keep them there the rest of your life. Being in the middle of a similar battle myself, I found myself wanting to her this brilliant girl's take on it.
I knew Billie had been a teen pop star and she says that's the environment that fostered the eating disorder. In the interview that I watched her Autobiography was mentioned, so I looked it up.
It's not very often that you find an autobiography (there WAS a ghost writer, but honestly you can hear her voice in every word of the book) written by a girl in her early 20s that doesn't sound completely narcissistic. This was the fastest non-fiction read I've ever done, because it was set in a time that I vividly remember. I remember the pop battles with the boy and girl bands, leading up to Britney and Christina. I don't remember Billie because she was never as popular in the US as she was in the UK, but it was exciting to be able to fit her into a world that I was already familiar with, having been around when young pop stars were doing behind the scenes interviews and "making the video," episodes on MTV. The darkness that she interjects into these lives that looked so squeaky clean is jarring, but completely believable.
I could probably just keep writing about why I loved this book.. but I'll say this instead. Billie Piper lived more in the years between 15 and 23 than she should have, and it completely warrants the this book. Billie is brutally honest, sweet, and relatable. Read it.
I am a bit of a nerd and watch interviews on Youtube with anyone who's been on Doctor Who. I eventually saw an interview with Billie in which she spoke a bit about the fact that she used to be Anorexic. It wasn't a HUGE shock to me because to be honest she looks like she has gone through a couple "no eating," spells during her TV career, but it made me love her even more. She said in the interview that Eating Disorders are not things that you ever get rid of, you just sort of put them in their place and hope you have the strength to keep them there the rest of your life. Being in the middle of a similar battle myself, I found myself wanting to her this brilliant girl's take on it.
I knew Billie had been a teen pop star and she says that's the environment that fostered the eating disorder. In the interview that I watched her Autobiography was mentioned, so I looked it up.
It's not very often that you find an autobiography (there WAS a ghost writer, but honestly you can hear her voice in every word of the book) written by a girl in her early 20s that doesn't sound completely narcissistic. This was the fastest non-fiction read I've ever done, because it was set in a time that I vividly remember. I remember the pop battles with the boy and girl bands, leading up to Britney and Christina. I don't remember Billie because she was never as popular in the US as she was in the UK, but it was exciting to be able to fit her into a world that I was already familiar with, having been around when young pop stars were doing behind the scenes interviews and "making the video," episodes on MTV. The darkness that she interjects into these lives that looked so squeaky clean is jarring, but completely believable.
I could probably just keep writing about why I loved this book.. but I'll say this instead. Billie Piper lived more in the years between 15 and 23 than she should have, and it completely warrants the this book. Billie is brutally honest, sweet, and relatable. Read it.
March 1, 2015
This book, was fantastic, thus my rating of five stars. If I could have possibly given it more than five stars, I would have done. This book is a real eye opener for anybody that wants to go into the drama or music industry and it shows what those kind of careers entail, especially when fame is involved.
Billie recalls and retells the events of her life, and the fact a 25 year old is writing a book upon their life is crazy, but Billie has so much to tell, and if she'd waited to write this book in 2015, I'm sure she'd have even more to write about.
The writing drew me in and it made me feel as though I was experiencing Billie's past and her life through words. It was a strange, but welcomed feeling. However, when I picked up this book initially, I was not expecting fabulous writing or even great recounts, in fact I wasn't even looking for good writing in this book, however I was pleasantly surprised.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, and whilst there is not that much to say about the story, because this is a real-life story--I can say that on the blurb there is fair warning of Bille dealing with Anorexia and Drugs. She dealt with the pain of recurring cystitis and other drug-related illnesses. I will give trigger warning pages, (164-240*) however, if you are triggered by this kind of thing, I would advise you to stay clear of this book, because Billie discusses her struggle with Anorexia, and I will put it simply--it is not a nice experience, as is nobody's experience. Hers was very severe and it made me think, and there was a point at which even I had to put the book down, which is unusual and almost unheard of for myself.
Billie Piper is an amazing woman, and she has so much to discuss in this book. She writes as though she's talking to you directly, and I didn't think I'd enjoy this book as much as I did, but it nearly had me in tears. It's a wonderful book.
*240 may not be accurate as there are frequent mentions
Billie recalls and retells the events of her life, and the fact a 25 year old is writing a book upon their life is crazy, but Billie has so much to tell, and if she'd waited to write this book in 2015, I'm sure she'd have even more to write about.
The writing drew me in and it made me feel as though I was experiencing Billie's past and her life through words. It was a strange, but welcomed feeling. However, when I picked up this book initially, I was not expecting fabulous writing or even great recounts, in fact I wasn't even looking for good writing in this book, however I was pleasantly surprised.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, and whilst there is not that much to say about the story, because this is a real-life story--I can say that on the blurb there is fair warning of Bille dealing with Anorexia and Drugs. She dealt with the pain of recurring cystitis and other drug-related illnesses. I will give trigger warning pages, (164-240*) however, if you are triggered by this kind of thing, I would advise you to stay clear of this book, because Billie discusses her struggle with Anorexia, and I will put it simply--it is not a nice experience, as is nobody's experience. Hers was very severe and it made me think, and there was a point at which even I had to put the book down, which is unusual and almost unheard of for myself.
Billie Piper is an amazing woman, and she has so much to discuss in this book. She writes as though she's talking to you directly, and I didn't think I'd enjoy this book as much as I did, but it nearly had me in tears. It's a wonderful book.
*240 may not be accurate as there are frequent mentions
August 23, 2010
The book ends with a photo of Billie on the stage wearing a shirt that says: "Don't put your daughter on the stage." Everyone who's considering letting their child have a career in showbusiness (even if they want it themselves), should read this book. It's not as lovely as it looks. Personally I think this is the real message in the book, not to mention that ending with this particular picture is very good and underlines what she's trying to say. The book may be an autobiography, but it's not just that. There are too many people who love the showbiz and think it's wonderful and want their kids up there. The book may shatter illusions, dreams, fantasies - but it argues a good point. I always get annoyed when I see young people up for these TV auditions such as (...)'s Got Talent. These kids are too young. I wish people who produce such shows would read up on what fame does to kids and start making these shows off limits for younger people. You think fame doesn't change you. But it does. It really does.
I loved how Billie presented this. She was mostly very open about her life. I must confess I bought this mostly because I love what she did in Doctor Who - I don't think I've ever seen her in anything else, nor heard anything of her pop career. But that's okay. Billie comes across as such a grounded, real person in the book that I somehow feel I really know her.
The thing that shocked me most about the book is not what she went through as a pop star. Not the eating disorder. Not her marriage to a man twice her age. But that she was only 23 when publishing this. Wow. She sure did a lot with her life and I can't wait to see where it'll take her now.
I loved how Billie presented this. She was mostly very open about her life. I must confess I bought this mostly because I love what she did in Doctor Who - I don't think I've ever seen her in anything else, nor heard anything of her pop career. But that's okay. Billie comes across as such a grounded, real person in the book that I somehow feel I really know her.
The thing that shocked me most about the book is not what she went through as a pop star. Not the eating disorder. Not her marriage to a man twice her age. But that she was only 23 when publishing this. Wow. She sure did a lot with her life and I can't wait to see where it'll take her now.
March 12, 2013
I found Billie’s autobiography on sale for only two euros, but I am quite glad I bought it. I first saw Billie as Rose on Doctor Who, or so I thought. While reading Growing Pains I listened to some of her hits and recognized each and every one of them. I was a teenager myself when she was famous, but couldn’t for the life of me remember seeing her in the pop magazines I always bought. Thinking back now, I remember that I did know her from somewhere, but did not know from what or where.
Billie wrote this biography when she was only 23 years old, and normally I would find that an absurd young age to be writing a memoir already. But Billie has been through a lot since the year she became famous. From anorexia to being addicted to laxatives and sleeping pills, from falling in love with an older man, marrying him at 18 to being threatened by a crazy woman, she’s seen it all.
The biography ends when she quits Doctor Who, and now we all know she is happily married, has two beautiful kids and is doing extremely well. She deserves it. I don’t think I could ever do what she has done in her life, and I really hope she will never have to go through anything like that again.
I only bought this book because I am a huge Doctor Who fan, and especially of the Tenth Doctor and Rose, but I think it is an interesting read for everyone, because it shows what showbusiness can do to you, especially when you’re way too young and think you have no safety net to fall back on. I already liked Billie a lot, but after reading Growing Pains I also have a huge respect for her. Go read it!
Billie wrote this biography when she was only 23 years old, and normally I would find that an absurd young age to be writing a memoir already. But Billie has been through a lot since the year she became famous. From anorexia to being addicted to laxatives and sleeping pills, from falling in love with an older man, marrying him at 18 to being threatened by a crazy woman, she’s seen it all.
The biography ends when she quits Doctor Who, and now we all know she is happily married, has two beautiful kids and is doing extremely well. She deserves it. I don’t think I could ever do what she has done in her life, and I really hope she will never have to go through anything like that again.
I only bought this book because I am a huge Doctor Who fan, and especially of the Tenth Doctor and Rose, but I think it is an interesting read for everyone, because it shows what showbusiness can do to you, especially when you’re way too young and think you have no safety net to fall back on. I already liked Billie a lot, but after reading Growing Pains I also have a huge respect for her. Go read it!
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