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Simply More: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told They're Too Much
In this vulnerable and enlightening book of life lessons, globally renowned performer Cynthia Erivo draws from her singular experience to show us how to embrace being "too much" and to live up to the fullest iteration of ourselves.
It is never too late to build the life you're seeking.
Cynthia Erivo learned the music to Wicked a decade before she needed it, not knowing those same lyrics would change her life. Now she has performed those songs on the world stage, showing us there is always time to keep discovering ourselves. And to illustrate that it's often the parts of ourselves we are told to bury that make us shine.
In a series of powerful, personal vignettes, Cynthia reflects on the ways she has grown as an actor and human and the practices she's learned over years of performing and reminds us all we are capable of so much more than we think.
We all have hopes and dreams that we want to bring across the finish line. We all falter and take missteps. In this book, Cynthia draws from her experiences running marathons, both real and metaphorical, onstage and onscreen, to show how each challenge can help us. She urges readers to lean into the wisdom of their bodies, to understand and strive for a physical and mental balance. Because when we chase our deepest desires, each small step leads us closer to where we want to go.
It is never too late to build the life you're seeking.
Cynthia Erivo learned the music to Wicked a decade before she needed it, not knowing those same lyrics would change her life. Now she has performed those songs on the world stage, showing us there is always time to keep discovering ourselves. And to illustrate that it's often the parts of ourselves we are told to bury that make us shine.
In a series of powerful, personal vignettes, Cynthia reflects on the ways she has grown as an actor and human and the practices she's learned over years of performing and reminds us all we are capable of so much more than we think.
We all have hopes and dreams that we want to bring across the finish line. We all falter and take missteps. In this book, Cynthia draws from her experiences running marathons, both real and metaphorical, onstage and onscreen, to show how each challenge can help us. She urges readers to lean into the wisdom of their bodies, to understand and strive for a physical and mental balance. Because when we chase our deepest desires, each small step leads us closer to where we want to go.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published November 20, 2025
1172 people are currently reading
12686 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,380 reviews
Want to read
September 22, 2025holding all the space for the contents of this book 😌💚
December 8, 2025
Possibly my most favorite read of 2025.
November 4, 2025
There was a part in this book that had me raging. I had to stop listening and really sink into the feeling before I could continue. There are times when we fail ourselves, when we let the world at large, the powers that be, the assholes in charge, tell us who we are and what we're worth. Looking back and reflecting on those moments in her own life, and deciding to never let it happen again, Cynthia gives us the blueprint to overcoming a world that wants to belittle you and find inner peace. It's not a destination, but work we have to do every day to remind ourselves that it's okay to be more than what is expected or desired by others.
November 24, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ I wish I had liked this more but I’m afraid that was a nothing burger with nothing sauce.
Erivo seems like the kind of memoir author who wants to have something significant to say without actually having anything substantial to pull from. There is little depth to her writing, and her flowery moments rely on this strange self-reflection angle she squeezes in needlessly to the end of most chapters.
Her prose is very casual and conversational, which I’m sure would be nice listening to the audiobook but in print felt like it missed the mark that her flowery “you are not alone” message tried to make.
I admired her touching on her abandonment from her father and the racism she experienced in drama school, but most difficult aspects of her life feel brushed over - necessary to mention but reluctant to actually dig into them. I noticed this most with her talking about her sexuality, and how it was and perhaps still is a point of contention in her family. As someone whose family also didn’t react well to my coming out, I felt for her and admired her growth from that moment. However the moment felt rushed and under discussed, perhaps a page of writing, while she spends pages explaining her character in the Colour Purple and how the applause felt on broadway. To which I think… why did you write a book?
Honestly this read like a woman with incredible talent who felt compelled to market off the Wicked hype and didn’t actually have much to talk about. It feels like she’s trying to be as Humble As Possible and prove that she has struggled to earn her piece of the pie. It’s very possible that she is truly this humble, but humility being the only force behind a memoir left me fairly unimpressed.
Erivo seems like the kind of memoir author who wants to have something significant to say without actually having anything substantial to pull from. There is little depth to her writing, and her flowery moments rely on this strange self-reflection angle she squeezes in needlessly to the end of most chapters.
Her prose is very casual and conversational, which I’m sure would be nice listening to the audiobook but in print felt like it missed the mark that her flowery “you are not alone” message tried to make.
I admired her touching on her abandonment from her father and the racism she experienced in drama school, but most difficult aspects of her life feel brushed over - necessary to mention but reluctant to actually dig into them. I noticed this most with her talking about her sexuality, and how it was and perhaps still is a point of contention in her family. As someone whose family also didn’t react well to my coming out, I felt for her and admired her growth from that moment. However the moment felt rushed and under discussed, perhaps a page of writing, while she spends pages explaining her character in the Colour Purple and how the applause felt on broadway. To which I think… why did you write a book?
Honestly this read like a woman with incredible talent who felt compelled to market off the Wicked hype and didn’t actually have much to talk about. It feels like she’s trying to be as Humble As Possible and prove that she has struggled to earn her piece of the pie. It’s very possible that she is truly this humble, but humility being the only force behind a memoir left me fairly unimpressed.
October 7, 2025
4.5 A good memoir/self-help book about being okay with yourself when other people are trying to push you down.
October 26, 2025
This book. This book touched my heart and soul in so many ways. As someone who has heard I’m “too much” more times than I can count in my lifetime, this book hit home. Cynthia’s journey is one we can all learn from. This book is a wonderful reminder than none of us are “too much”, we are all Simply More. May we all be our loud, dramatic, emotional, beautiful selves.
November 25, 2025
4⭐️🎧 quick and enjoyable! Cynthia has incredible insight and depth. I only wish there were more of her story! A nice mix of memoir and encouragement.
November 24, 2025
I absolutely loved listening to this book. Cynthia’s prose is stunning and hearing her own words in her voice is definitely the way to go. it’s a cross between a memoir and self help book. She talks about her life and struggles as a young performer, and at the end of each chapter she asks questions of the reader to help put everything into perspective. there were many times where I fully bawled my eyes out because of how much I related to her. 10/10 absolutely beautiful!!
November 26, 2025
3.75 stars. Her voice is just so beautiful and poetic it was so relaxing to listen to the audio book
January 20, 2026
Cynthia Erivo is beauty and grace; kindness and love.
I listened to this on Audio because Ms. Erivo narrates herself, and it was extraordinary. Definitely recommend.
"I say thank you a lot. And that is a full prayer."
I listened to this on Audio because Ms. Erivo narrates herself, and it was extraordinary. Definitely recommend.
"I say thank you a lot. And that is a full prayer."
January 17, 2026
Cynthia is one of my favorite people on Earth. Wicked changed my life. She is so magical and wonderful. Hearing her inner thoughts in this book and getting to know her really changed me, for good. 😊 she’s very expressive, talented, and so helpful with her words. This book is a book for all of us. To come home to ourselves.
December 5, 2025
I enjoyed listening to Cynthia narrating the audiobook. I wish we got more of her story and less of the self-help advice, but I like how she shared her experiences and outlook on life. I have been a Wicked fan since seeing the show almost 20 years ago and anticipating the release of Wicked: For Good, so her memoir coming out the same week with parts where she reflected on her Wicked experience from drama school to the present day has me even more excited to go see the film.
November 24, 2025
I truly admire Cynthia, not just her as a performer, but as a person. She’s authentically herself. And she shares her wisdom and glimpses into her life so generously in her book.
November 21, 2025
Be still, my HEART. Perfectly written and read.
November 25, 2025
oh cynthia i love you so very much
November 29, 2025
The day she gets that EGOT status, i’m gonna celebrate like crazy. The definition of angel on earth.
Wish this was longer though. I was on the last chapter and i felt sad that it was that short.
4.5/5
Wish this was longer though. I was on the last chapter and i felt sad that it was that short.
4.5/5
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November 18, 2025No ratings for memoirs from me but I really enjoyed this! It was a really quick read and I loved listening to the audiobook narrated by Cynthia herself. This book was comprised of short little vignettes or essays explaining little life lessons that Cynthia has learned and felt were important enough to share with us. It gave a little bit of insight into her earlier life and also gave a bit of insight into Wicked. I'm sure everyone reading this would have loved for her to dive a little deeper into this portion because of how beloved the movies are. It gave just enough of a peak behind the curtain to give the audience an understanding of how difficult and special that process was, but I'd definitely take a whole other book just about the filming of Wicked. Definitely recommend for an easy yet introspective and inspiring read.
November 19, 2025
This short and sweet memoir felt like a conversation with a friend. So much of her experience has no crossover with my life yet so much felt validating and relatable. I also loved learning some little fun facts about her
November 29, 2025
*Audiobook.
Seems funny that I was left wanting more from a memoir titled Simply More. I mean each chapter was between 3-7 mins long and I'm not exaggerating. The whole thing felt like an outline that was never fully fleshed out. Cute for what it is (and what it is is self-help platitudes sprinkled with details of her life), but if you're looking for a fuller picture of Cynthia Erivo's life, I'd recommend waiting for a more expanded version that may come in her older age.
Seems funny that I was left wanting more from a memoir titled Simply More. I mean each chapter was between 3-7 mins long and I'm not exaggerating. The whole thing felt like an outline that was never fully fleshed out. Cute for what it is (and what it is is self-help platitudes sprinkled with details of her life), but if you're looking for a fuller picture of Cynthia Erivo's life, I'd recommend waiting for a more expanded version that may come in her older age.
January 21, 2026
Wow! I thought I couldn't love this woman any more but after reading Simply More, I'm truly obsessed and in awe.
What I loved was the unique focus on running and fitness and how that was at the centre of Cynthia's story here, coming to the end it felt like things came full circle and keeping a theme that felt refreshing, personal and beautiful. I finished this book feeling inspired and full of hope. Throughout, Cynthia was raw and honest and I could feel her calm and passionate energy radiating off the page. I loved learning about her family and education history and it really made us realise the importance of our inner circle and what different people can bring to our lives and the lesson to take whether it be good or bad.
I finished this book in one sitting and gave this an easy five stars. The chapters were short, there was a beautiful theme and flow to the book and my only problem or in this case dislike was how often the title was mentioned but that is me being very picky.
I would highly recommend this to people who are looking to get into non fiction, it was an easy read and the shorter chapters made it easy to get through and feel connected to what was being said.
What I loved was the unique focus on running and fitness and how that was at the centre of Cynthia's story here, coming to the end it felt like things came full circle and keeping a theme that felt refreshing, personal and beautiful. I finished this book feeling inspired and full of hope. Throughout, Cynthia was raw and honest and I could feel her calm and passionate energy radiating off the page. I loved learning about her family and education history and it really made us realise the importance of our inner circle and what different people can bring to our lives and the lesson to take whether it be good or bad.
I finished this book in one sitting and gave this an easy five stars. The chapters were short, there was a beautiful theme and flow to the book and my only problem or in this case dislike was how often the title was mentioned but that is me being very picky.
I would highly recommend this to people who are looking to get into non fiction, it was an easy read and the shorter chapters made it easy to get through and feel connected to what was being said.
December 23, 2025
I could listen to Cynthia speak for hours because her voice is so soothing but i’m gutted to say, this didn’t hit the mark. It came across quite pretentious and felt un-relatable at times.
December 5, 2025
holding space for the 11 people waiting to borrow this after me on Libby 👉🤏
October 22, 2025
this was short and sweet but still so beautifully done.
to every creative, artistic, bubbly and probably neurodivergent Black woman who was once an enthusiastic, happy go lucky little Black girl who was constantly told that they were “dramatic” and “talked too much,” read this.
to every creative, artistic, bubbly and probably neurodivergent Black woman who was once an enthusiastic, happy go lucky little Black girl who was constantly told that they were “dramatic” and “talked too much,” read this.
November 21, 2025
I’m really not a fan of self-help/lesson-filled memoirs and didn’t realize that’s what this was initially. I do love Cynthia and am grateful for the snippets of her journey she chose to share with us.
December 28, 2025
4.5 stars ⭐️
I loved this!!
I loved how different it was and how it wasn’t just a straight forward memoir and chronology of her life.
The core emotion for me when reading this was calm. I felt grounded and comforted when reading.
Some of it reminded me of ‘Reasons to Stay Alive’ by Matt Haig.
She is unashamedly herself and this comes across. Great to read something that has personality. I loved when she was speaking about her sense of dress.
It was quite simply written, though, and some of the rhetorical questions were very cringe. Especially when she asks what dreams I have that I don’t even know yet 🤨 I mean how can anyone answer that? 😂 I also didn’t need her individual acknowledgment of my talents either, thanks 👀.
A friend pointed out before I read it that she repeats the title throughout and SHE DOES which gets a bit annoying.
I enjoyed all the musical and Wicked references and her using some of the lyrics. I didn’t enjoy the American spellings when she’s British?
Content great, but I think an editor could have helped her!
Would recommend to all self-help or musical theatre fans!
I loved this!!
I loved how different it was and how it wasn’t just a straight forward memoir and chronology of her life.
The core emotion for me when reading this was calm. I felt grounded and comforted when reading.
Some of it reminded me of ‘Reasons to Stay Alive’ by Matt Haig.
She is unashamedly herself and this comes across. Great to read something that has personality. I loved when she was speaking about her sense of dress.
It was quite simply written, though, and some of the rhetorical questions were very cringe. Especially when she asks what dreams I have that I don’t even know yet 🤨 I mean how can anyone answer that? 😂 I also didn’t need her individual acknowledgment of my talents either, thanks 👀.
A friend pointed out before I read it that she repeats the title throughout and SHE DOES which gets a bit annoying.
I enjoyed all the musical and Wicked references and her using some of the lyrics. I didn’t enjoy the American spellings when she’s British?
Content great, but I think an editor could have helped her!
Would recommend to all self-help or musical theatre fans!
January 4, 2026
wait cynthia cooked!!!! I loved this so much, it was like having coffee with a new friend who is full of wisdom and stories of a full, complicated, wonderful life :)
November 30, 2025
phenomenal narrator! so interesting hearing about Cynthia’s life & inspirations. also loved her questions at the end of chapters. felt like a warm hug❤️🩹
December 2, 2025
Loved this one! LOVE CYNTHIA! 😍
December 10, 2025
I highly recommend listening to the audio— or do what I did and listen to the audiobook and read along. Cynthia’s voice is so calming and soothing.
It’s literally over three hours of one of the most successful women in the world teaching you how to be yourself, love yourself, and be successful, all while she gives you life advice. And she analyzes her major roles (including Wicked!!) and what life advice you can learn from the characters. I loved it so much
It’s literally over three hours of one of the most successful women in the world teaching you how to be yourself, love yourself, and be successful, all while she gives you life advice. And she analyzes her major roles (including Wicked!!) and what life advice you can learn from the characters. I loved it so much
January 1, 2026
Mid at best! I’m typically a huge fan of autobiographies but this felt impersonal and cocky. She didn’t dive deep into the items that would make her more relatable and instead just gave blanket mantras to live life by. Felt like a money grab in a post wicked world
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,380 reviews