Who I Am: My Story

by Melanie C

For the first time ever, Melanie C, aka Sporty Spice, tells her amazing life story in her own words and gives a full and honest account of what life was really like in The Spice Girls.

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
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'What a woman and what a book!' Elizabeth Day

'Fabulous ... There is so much I really relate to, growing up as a young girl, the 90s, all the stuff you went through.' Zoe Ball

'Amazing ... Absolutely brilliant.' Chris Evans

'Sporty Spice telling it like it is.' Independent

'An amazing story ... An incredibly profound, vulnerable and honest look into the highs and lows of the Spice Girls.' Steven Bartlett

'Really lovely.' Chris Moyles
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For the first time ever, Melanie C, aka Sporty Spice, tells her amazing life story in her own words and gives a full and honest account of what life was really like in The Spice Girls.

I never told my story before because I wasn't ready. Now, finally, I am.

25 years ago, The Spice Girls, a girlband that began after answering an advert in the paper, released our first single. 'Wannabe' became a hit and from that moment, my life changed for ever.

I was suddenly part of one of the biggest music groups in history, releasing hit after hit, performing to our wonderful fans and spreading the message of Girl Power to the world. It was everything I'd dreamed of growing up, and I've had some incredible times... The BRITs! The movie! Travelling the world playing iconic venues like Madison Square Garden, The O2, Wembley Stadium and The London 2012 Olympics!!!

When you're a woman, though, that power can be easily taken away by those around you, whether by pressure, exhaustion, shaming, bullying or a constant feeling like you aren't enough. I have been known as Sporty Spice, Mel C, Melanie C or just plain old Melanie Chisholm, but what you will read within the pages of this book is who I truly am, and how I found peace with that after all these years.

I have really enjoyed reminiscing and getting everything down on the page, and, though revisiting some of my darkest times was hard, I hope this book can be inspiring and empowering as well as entertaining and give you a bit of a laugh.

Audible Audio

Published September 15, 2022

Reviews

[Rossi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brutally honest and, at times, a very difficult listen - Mel C absolutely smashed it out the park with this memoir.

Yes, obviously, most of us are here for the Spice Girls goss, but there is so much more to her life than just the group, which makes me so happy we finally get to hear her story.

It comes with every trigger warning imaginable, but this is unlike any other memoir I’ve come across, that isn’t afraid to face the raw-er subjects head on.

This was the equivalent of a warm January hug from one of your best mates - 10/10!

[Naomi Rooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good and insightful read. Revealing not just the glory that comes with the label of being famous but the demons and cruelty that also come with it.
One bit that stood out to me was Mel C being roughly a size 10 after starting to binge eat and then being called Sumo spice by the media. WTF. It is no wonder her and many others in the industry resort to developing an eating disorder and some, even worse.
It was fascinating to listen to how it really was to be in a band and all the opportunities that arose for them because of their fame.
One thing I commend her for is her graft. She never once accepted the easier options she was offered because of her status. If she did something work wise she was doing it properly like everyone else.

She seems a lovely, genuine, hardworking and selfless person. I wish her well. I've always loved her solo music.

[Rodrigo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing memoir!!

[Caroline Croezen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. Very honest, a great story. She's led a very interesting life! A very easy listen.