Bare Naked in Public: A Memoir

by Christine Amoroso

Sometimes you have to risk baring it all.

Christine Amoroso did everything right to achieve the perfect life. Falling for a sandy-haired surfer and landing pregnant at seventeen, she knew the “right” thing to do. She could have it all, even if in the “wrong” order: beautiful children, a good marriage, and approval from those around her. Until it all fell apart.

Ever the overachiever, she continued to take on too much, finishing college with two kids in tow. But as her responsibility grew, so did her resentment. A stressed-out young mom, an inattentive husband, and the attention of another man made the perfect recipe for disaster. Hard work and responsible decisions had not guaranteed a happy life or lasting love. She had failed, and now she floundered as she tried to find a fresh start. She turned inward for answers rather than seeking external validation.

After a few missteps, she slowly learned her worth couldn’t come from a list of accolades, achievements, or some guy. Her story is an earnest and humorous account of what it’s like to be a modern American woman trying to have it all and the dangers of losing oneself in the process.

Bare Naked in Public is a must-read memoir for burnt-out overachievers seeking answers about their worth while finally forgiving their past.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

382 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2024

Reviews

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been a big fan of Christine’s writing for years and when I heard about her book, I squealed with excitement! I personally inhaled every page and couldn’t put it down.

What struck me most is the vulnerability of Christine’s writing, but also the unapologetic-ness of her story. Which isn’t to celebrate or revere her pain, her mistakes, or her heartbreak. But it’s more so telling the reader - “this is my life, this is what happened, and I’m not going to sugar coat it for you.” We move from Christine’s childhood to young adulthood to motherhood to divorce to grief and so much more and I felt every emotion right along with her. If you liked Wild by Cheryl Strayed, this has some of the same vibes and I highly recommend it.

[Eunice · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book wrecked me in all the best ways. I’m not sure I have ever read a more honestly human memoir. In this journey of life, we all make choices that lead us down different paths. Rather than examining her experiences through “sliding doors” moments and pondering the what ifs of a path not chosen, Amoroso is brutally honest about how hard some of the choices she’s made in life played out, where she was the villain in her own story, and the many joys and blessings that happened along the way. Both heartwarming and heart wrenching, this is a story of forgiveness of self and a coming home to a love that was there all along. Have plenty of Kleenex handy. You’ll need it.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the book to be a bit too long. I didn't think it was necessary to add the blog posts in the book. Either one or the other in my opinion.

The book was a bit dry in some places and I didn't feel a strong sense of emotion for some of the more tragic aspects of the authors life. It just seemed a bit dry and your typical I am going to run away from my life, travel and find myself that everyone seems to want to write about these days.

The author did portray the love story very well and it kept you on your toes wondering will she get the guy in the end?

*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this view voluntarily.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written. Reads like conversations with an old friend. Perfect for those of us wondering if it is too late, at a career, for travel, to find love. Amoroso is a voice for women looking to forgive themselves and check off all of the boxes on life's to-do list.

[Anne Trefz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it when I’m hooked immediately as I was with Bare Naked in Public. Christine has a great way of telling her story, and I found myself chuckling in some parts, teary-eyed in others. Admiring her ability to improve her situation, wondering what-the-heck in others. A very human story that certainly took a lot of courage to bare in public. I highly recommend this memoir.

I read an advanced reader copy of this memoir.

[Denzel Struchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The opening is choppy and most often shows someone who lacks self control. While the author is near my age she reflects the California culture of that time period. The book shows someone who is willing to open up about their life choices and the outcomes they bring

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mary Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book blurb says “ Bare Naked in Public is a must-read memoir for burnt-out overachievers seeking answers about their worth while finally forgiving their past.” I couldn’t say it any better. The book was an easy read that I hesitated to put down. Christine shares so many relatable and authentic stories on her path to discovering that she is worthy just as she is, with all the good, the bad and the messy. The more I read, the more I savored the lessons she shared. I’ll definitely recommend to family and friends.

Although I received an advance copy for free, I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

[Rhonda Lomazow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christine has written an intimate look at her life.This is a story that had me laughing at one story crying at another.Christine Amoroso account of trying to have it all kept me entertained from first to last page,

[Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I received an arc and am so excited for Bare Naked in Public to hit the shelves. An honest, vulnerable, at times humorous story of one woman’s journey to go within. What I loved most is this authors raw vulnerability. I saw my own search for external validation in the narrator and found myself inspired to look all the deeper at my own life and what I could do to enrich it.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I am peaceful. I am present. I accept what is.”
I’m happy this was my last read of the year as going on this journey of self-acceptance with Amoroso was just what I needed after the year that was 2024. In this deeply personal memoir, Amoroso takes the reader through the ugly stuff, exposing her failures and fumbles as well as her struggles to cope. It’s not an Instagram story by any means, but I loved that I felt she became my friend as I saw so much of my own in her journey. #goodreadsgiveaways

[Mary Camarillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intimate look at a Southern California woman’s life that is impossible to put down.

[Jude Atwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

In its own way, this is an epic story, a sweeping narrative of one woman's life. The prose is very readable—propulsive, even—and I found myself eager to keep reading, rooting for Christine in the face of a slew of life's obstacles. A great read for fans of powerful memoirs by smart women.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this memoir and the telling of one woman's journey in easy prose. I particularly enjoyed reading about her time in Italy and the divide Amoroso felt between love and loss, and travel and longing.

[Rikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just loved the way she told her story! It kept me so interested and couldn’t wait to see how it ended even though I knew the ending! lol

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this memoir in 3 days. The book is a very captivating read. I found myself wanting and hoping the best for her and so I had to continue reading. I found Christine’s story many times in my own story. Her story is very relatable and I think many women will be able to understand her “mistakes” and her thoughts about love. I thought the ending was perfect!

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apparently the author cut 40K words to arrive at the final product - could have cut a bit more… however, I did like the book. The author is honest and doesn’t make excuses for her choices. It is refreshing to hear someone own their path in life and continue to strive to be more. A successful professional whose personal life is messy - we can all relate at time!

[Reneé Mclaren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, brave, and a little bit titillating!! If you want a non maudlin true story of a modern woman’ s quest to find herself while she was looking for love, then this is it. Read it and applaud her journey the whole way.

[Brenda Ponnay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story of a complicated life!

[Jennifer Bohannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book grabbed you from page 1. So intriguing reading about someone’s life with such personal details. You fly through all of the ups and downs of life, love and the pursuit of it all.

[♏ Gina☽ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great read.

Christine Amoroso appeared to have it all together, even as an unplanned pregnancy at 17 and marriage threatened to derail those well laid plans (especially those laid by her demanding father). She still remained a perfectionist to reach her goal of graduating high school in 3 years with high honors. Deeply in love with her new husband, who wasn't evidently quite as deeply in love as she was, she still managed to go to college with two young children at a very young age.

With a husband who wasn't supportive and who was gone a lot, the attention of a certain man who should have been off limits led to a disastrous results, snowballing into a situation where she was definitely the bad person while he was the victim. Friends cut her off, family had little to do with her, and she still had 2 young kids.

Still, she strove for perfection and carried a deep desire for a man to love her, dote on her, and give her attention for more than her body. She went through a few men, and all of them had the right words to say to make her believe they truly loved her. One stood out though, and he was in her life for a very long time, even visiting her while she took a year-long sabbatical to Italy, birthplace of her father and his extended family who still lived there. While there, she was determined to write a book based on a blog she started about her life.

Add to all of this a son with an addiction who is in and out of her life, and a daughter who gave her a beloved grandson. Leaving her grandson was the hardest part for her by far when she went to Italy. Italy, however, proved to be the best decision she could have made. Much was learned, love from her father's family was forthcoming, and she lost herself amongst the beauty of the land and the people.

I cannot say more without divulging spoilers so I'll leave this here and just say - read this book!

[Anne Moose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book, and I absolutely inhaled it. Was gripped by it. If I hadn’t been forced by the need for food and sleep, I’d probably have read it in one sitting. Christine Amaroso’s beautiful writing flows like water, and her story totally held me captive. It’s the crushingly honest story of one woman’s life and search for love, and though she makes some big mistakes and sometimes demonstrates terrible judgement, you can’t help but be sympathetic and ultimately admire the spirit and essential goodness that propels her through a life journey whose driving force is universal: the need for love and acceptance--the quest for the fairytale ending that all of us want where love is concerned. Towards the end of the book she describes her difficulty in finding the themes that will pull her life story together. But, for me, the overarching theme could not be more apparent. We all need to be loved, but finding that one love that we grow up believing awaits us at the end of a rainbow is not easy, nor is it guaranteed. This book speaks of love’s heart-breaks and unfulfilled promises. It also speaks of the importance of family, and friends, and the need to love and sometimes forgive one’s self for mistakes made along the way. I adore this amazing book and simply cannot recommend it more highly.

[Sirk-Addis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine Amoroso's memoir, "Bare Naked in Public," is a candid and evocative exploration of personal growth, vulnerability, and resilience. Through a series of raw and heartfelt anecdotes, Amoroso invites readers into her world, sharing intimate moments of struggle and triumph.

Amoroso's writing is both engaging and authentic, capturing the essence of her journey with humor and grace. Her ability to reflect on her experiences with a balance of introspection and lightheartedness makes the memoir relatable and inspiring.

One of the memoir's strengths is Amoroso's willingness to be unapologetically herself, embracing her flaws and celebrating her victories. This openness not only endears her to readers but also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of authenticity in the face of life's challenges.

"Bare Naked in Public" is more than just a memoir; it's a testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience and self-discovery. Amoroso's story will resonate with anyone who has ever felt exposed or uncertain, offering comfort and encouragement to embrace one's true self.

In summary, "Bare Naked in Public" is a touching and empowering read, showcasing Christine Amoroso's journey with honesty and heart. It's a memoir that will leave readers feeling uplifted and inspired to face their own challenges with newfound courage.

[Candi Sary · Rating 5 out of 5]

In BARE NAKED IN PUBLIC Christine Amoroso shares a raw and honest account of her intriguing and sometimes-scandalous life. She finds success in her careers, but not in relationships. “I want to be twelve years old again, lying in my bed talking in the dark with my sisters, when boys were simple and safe and I liked myself.”

Marriages, affairs, and mediocre boyfriends never meet her hopes for love. There is one guy, though, who seems different from the rest. Having made so many mistakes in her past, she worries that karma won’t let her have happiness with him.

Amoroso attempts to reset her life. She goes to therapy, practices yoga, and turns to writing. As she leans into her healthier self, she sets out on a lifechanging journey to Italy, where she spends a year writing her memoir. “Sometimes we must leave the things we love to find out who we really are.”

The guy—the one who is different from the rest—is back into her life again and she wonders if it’s finally time for her happily ever after.

Amoroso’s lush and vivid prose immerses readers into this beautiful memoir about love and betrayal, and a woman’s quest for self-worth. A captivating read!

[Molly Cummins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Bare Naked in Public. It’s an endearing memoir about a woman who faces tough times head-on and finds her way through them. From dealing with divorce and being a single mom to navigating family struggles and love, the author shares her journey with honesty and heart.

The book candidly addresses the end of her marriage and the challenges of starting over as a single parent. She doesn't sugarcoat the tough moments but presents them openly, making her experiences relatable to anyone who has faced similar situations.

The strength of Bare Naked in Public is its authenticity. Christine speaks about her ups and downs with a genuine voice that draws you in. Her reflections on family, relationships, and parenting are very down-to-earth.

Christine’s resilience shines throughout her memoir. She demonstrates that with self-reliance and the love of family and friends, there’s always a way forward, even in tough times. The book is a heartfelt exploration of the quest for love and personal growth amidst life’s challenges, highlighting courage and hope.

[Laura Engel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raw, Honest, and Written in the Best of All Ways!
I enjoyed this book so much. Christine Amoroso writes her own personal authentic story is such a way you feel as if your best friend is sitting next to you telling you about her life. As somewhat of an overachiever, never thinking I have done enough I related to many of Amoroso’s concerns, successes, and failures. Bare Naked in Public is a fantastic memoir, and you will find yourself cheering for her, fighting the fight with her, and crying with her too. This is a brave and powerful book about one incredible woman and how her life journey takes her through joy, marriage, being an exceptional daughter, secret affairs, shame, friendships, betrayals, achieving her dream career teaching, motherhood, grand mothering, and becoming a writer. Her final discovery that all along her own strength and character had been not “just enough,” but so much more during her entire life. This book left me uplifted and feeling I knew the author in all the best ways.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully written memoir is much more than a courageous and vulnerable revelation of a well lived life. It is a reminder that our stories are infused with power. The author fearlessly (foolishly?) leads us through her life in ways that touch all of our emotions. While it might not be the author's intention, the power in her story is creating space for careful readers to find strength and hope in our own lives. As one with my own messy history, I found this book surprisingly optimistic and well worth the read.

[Evelyn Evetet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me laugh, cry and be utterly surprised at times. I thought I knew all about Christine until I read this moving, heartfelt, beautifully written and truly honest account of her life. Loved it!!!!

[mary mcdonough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Couldn’t put it down.
I read it aloud to my husband and when my eyes grew tired, he’d say just one more chapter. It captivated both of us.
So beautifully written, raw and honest. Christine has a gift with words. ❤️