Being Reem

by Joey Essex

Trendsetter, male grooming icon, and all-round good guy, this is the world according to the one and only Joey Essex. Spreading joy wherever he goes, Joey became an instant favorite after joining the cast of The Only Way Is Essex in 2011. Renowned for his witty observations, distinctive style, and immaculate hair, his unforgettable appearance on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! has confirmed that this Brentwood boy is a national treasure in the making. But life for Joey hasn't always been so straightforward. When he was just 10 years old, his mother, Tina, committed suicide after battling with depression, a fact that Joey didn't find out until many years later. For the first time Joey opens up about life before fame and the events which have led him to where he is today. Whether you're a salty potato or a pair of Capri Suns, Joey teaches us to take everything as it comes and shares his own unique view of the world around him. Hilarious, touching, and always surprising, Being Reem is the crazy story of Joey Essex's journey to becoming one of our most loveable stars.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Autobiography

326 pages, Hardcover

First published May 22, 2014

Reviews

[Baba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whether written by him or not, it is a good read giving an interesting insight and view of the world of reality TV shows like TOWIE, I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here and Joey's own ITV2 show. It also gives a surprisingly plausible nuanced look at Joey himself! 7 out of 12.

2015 read

[Daniel Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joey Essex (yes, that is his real name!) made a name for himself on the BAFTA award winning ITV2 reality show 'The Only Way Is Essex', and has since appeared on other shows including "I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here" and "Celebrity Juice", aswell as his own show, "Educating Joey Essex". 'Being Reem' is Joey's autobiography, released at the age of... 23! You might think 'what could Joey have possibly lived through that allows him to release an autobiography at the age of 23?!', and you would be partially right to think that, however this book is actually brilliant!

Reading this book (which was ghostwritten by Heat magazine's Lucie Cave), you can instantly tell that it is a Joey Essex book - it's as funny as you would expect it to be, and very entertaining! There isn't a lot of life stories in here though like an autobiography would expect, but this book gives Joey the chance to set the record straight on certain things that fans want to know.... for example, what really happened behind the scenes with his very public relationship with co-star Sam Faiers, what happened during his brief fling with model Amy Willerton, and we get to see his rapid rise to fame over 288 pages.

Also in this book, we are treated to a Joey Dictionary where Joey explains what all of his made up words mean - like Reem, and Fusey. We also get to find out what Joey learnt whilst writing that book, and some facts about the world you can just tell he Googled ;)


All in all, I enjoyed this book a lot! I think I would have finished it a lot quicker if life didn't get in the way, however it took me 6 days to read this book.

I would recommend this book to all fans of TOWIE, all fans of Joey Essex, and maybe even people who don't really have an opinion of him - I strongly believe you will love him when you've read this!

[Shannon Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought Joe Essex was a normal guy from towie ut reading this book it shows how much he has fighted through some hard times and I am shocke.
I was amazed at how strong he has been and I think that he is smart and not dumb. He always looks at the bright side of things whoch makes me love him as he has kept so strong at moments he had reasons to breadown like his mothers death but OMG I respect him alot.
I love how open he is in this book as he opens up about his past girlfriends and how he felt towards them and how controling some of them have been and how he has dealed with this.
If you are a TOWIE fan and love to read the inside of joe essex read this book as it is funny but good to read

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

So yes, I'm pretty sure I lost a brain cell here and there while reading it, BUT it did have a few hilarious moments. I'm not a massive TOWIE fan (but did watch the first 2-3 seasons), but Joey Essex being Joey Essex, I thought it might be an entertaining book. A solid 3.0- 3.5 read.

[Kyra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an eye opening view of Joey and his life, as a teenage girl at the time I really resonated with some of Joey’s struggles he presents about his life.

It’s such a funny and light book at the same time, a very easy and enjoyable read for anyone who is a fan of Joey and wants to learn more about his life than you see portrayed on the TV!

[Ellen Stafford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm currently watching TOWIE on netflix (I'm behind the rest of the UK) so when I saw Joey's book I picked it up. It's a good read and very funny in places just like Joey is. I really enjoyed finding out more about Joey and how his mind works. He is reem!

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was well reem, innit

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny really good worth a read

[kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprisingly this was a really good book and I laughed a lot throughout it

[Elle]

I am in love with joey Essex… he is the sweetest!!! I enjoyed learning more about his life really entertaining
I dont want to rate it as it’s about his life and I don’t think I should judge what’s happened in his life by rating it

[MAHITH · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good. I don't think it's a non fiction book. It's a autobiography I think. Joey Essex is so brilliant. Go and read this book.

[REB · Rating 3 out of 5]

A friend bought me this - would never have chosen it myself! I generally don't like autobiographies, but as I am a huge TOWIE fan, this was probably a good one to go for.

I do see Joey in a different way now. I loved the little insights into how TOWIE works. He's in his own little world, but there's no doubt he's worked hard and he's obviously made himself plenty of money!

[Emma Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Joey Essex and found this book really to read, As the chapters are very short. It's extremely funny in some parts (You wouldn't expect anything less from Joey Essex, Would you?!) and sad in others. I was amused as the book is written exactly how Joey speaks and this makes the autobiography so personal!

[samantha salter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good insight into Joey's life,heart breaking to read in places,as the impact on his mother's death,the difficulties they've endured as a family,but shows what a great love is family hat,I'd highly recommend this book,its a great read into his life and all the obstacles he's overcome to get him where he is today,he's done his family proud.

[Abbie Clapton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book, even if you're not a TOWIE fan, I definitely gives you and insight into Joey's life, and you can't help but love him after you've read it!!

[Megan Tyldsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably the funniest autobiography ive ever read!! Joey Essex is just class. Loved it all the way through, he really does keep you entertained

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Made me laugh at times, and some quite sensitive parts too. Have to say though the epilogue annoyed me, delusions of grandeur I think. Fun way of passing the time.

[Chloe Macphail · Rating 3 out of 5]

ummm i have no idea what i just read. i dont know if i like it or hate it

[Serenity Magne Grey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this pretty quickly. I actually didn't have many expectations despite loving Joey but I was pleasantly surprised. He is really relatable and this was an easy and fun read.