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AlphaPussy: How I Survived the Valley and Learned to Love My Boobs
Gina Gershon offers cautionary (and often hilarious) tales of surviving the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood, revealing how she learned to become an AlphaPussy
From a wayward California girl growing up in the heart of the porn-born San Fernando Valley, Gina Gershon found herself on a journey that has been anything but traditional. Along the way, she had to learn how to spot the toxic types—in both her personal life and her career—and figure out how to dodge, outsmart, or hustle her way through. From the Valley to the slums of Beverly Hills to New York City, she was confronted with shady characters and sketchy situations, all the while fighting to protect her autonomy as a woman and as an actress with a decidedly unconventional path.
AlphaPussy is a collection of true stories that explore themes of experience, survival, and the art of figuring it out as you go. They include strange encounters with celebrities and film directors such as Paul Verhoeven, Tom Cruise, Sharon Stone, Prince, Jennifer Tilly, Sylvester Stallone, David Mamet, Bob Fosse, and so many others. Often hilarious, usually cautionary, and almost always wrapped in absurdity, Gershon’s tales explore how she found herself through bad decisions, awkward moments, and cringe-worthy encounters that somehow gave rise to survival skills.
Gershon stresses that while it can be important to listen to others, it’s more important to listen to oneself. To trust your gut. In a world full of bullies, predators, and people trying to tell her who she was, or who she should be, it was crucial for Gershon to become an a woman who navigates through this perilous jungle of a world with personal agency and responsibility.
From a wayward California girl growing up in the heart of the porn-born San Fernando Valley, Gina Gershon found herself on a journey that has been anything but traditional. Along the way, she had to learn how to spot the toxic types—in both her personal life and her career—and figure out how to dodge, outsmart, or hustle her way through. From the Valley to the slums of Beverly Hills to New York City, she was confronted with shady characters and sketchy situations, all the while fighting to protect her autonomy as a woman and as an actress with a decidedly unconventional path.
AlphaPussy is a collection of true stories that explore themes of experience, survival, and the art of figuring it out as you go. They include strange encounters with celebrities and film directors such as Paul Verhoeven, Tom Cruise, Sharon Stone, Prince, Jennifer Tilly, Sylvester Stallone, David Mamet, Bob Fosse, and so many others. Often hilarious, usually cautionary, and almost always wrapped in absurdity, Gershon’s tales explore how she found herself through bad decisions, awkward moments, and cringe-worthy encounters that somehow gave rise to survival skills.
Gershon stresses that while it can be important to listen to others, it’s more important to listen to oneself. To trust your gut. In a world full of bullies, predators, and people trying to tell her who she was, or who she should be, it was crucial for Gershon to become an a woman who navigates through this perilous jungle of a world with personal agency and responsibility.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published March 3, 2026
15 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 31, 2026
My favorite part was when she punched Bob Dylan in the face.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 5, 2026
I bought a special edition of this that Gina had signed, and that came with a t-shirt. ZERO regrests! I need to buy her other book. It was SO much fun, and so strong. And I learned a fuck of a lot about Gina Gershon. And also showgirls, which I only know about because the Drag Queens I knew in Seattle would do it as part of their skits.
I must now go and buy her other book.
Though I maintain the best way to get cats to like you is to teach them blinking rather than staring. But I will definitely use this on the people who need it in my life.
I must now go and buy her other book.
Though I maintain the best way to get cats to like you is to teach them blinking rather than staring. But I will definitely use this on the people who need it in my life.
March 15, 2026
This was nothing short of amazing. She writes like she’s talking to you specifically and when talking about her life it doesn’t doesn’t come off as arrogant or snobbish. Definitely some one I would love to hang out with. And have always loved her from curb your enthusiasm, prey for rock n roll and of course showgirls.
March 23, 2026
I knew I loved Gina when I saw her in Showgirls, but after reading this book I love her even more! She is absolutely hilarious! This book is so funny and I absolutely loved it! Thanks NetGalley!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As an actor, Gina Gershon has always been brash, bold, daring, unapologetic, and smart. This memoir is no different. The mostly linear narrative traces her life from childhood to household name and beyond, touching on wild adventures along the way. Yet she never comes off as bragging, just ultra-sure that she's on the right path. (preview copy provided by NetGalley)
November 24, 2025
AlphaPussy: How I Survived the Valley and Learned to Love My Boobs – by Gina Gershon
Posted on 11/24/2025 by Mark
I got this book from Netgalley so I can read and review it before it’s published. Now, before I start, I need to tell you I have only seen a few of her movies, so I wasn’t that familiar with her.
It was a really quick read for me, and I enjoyed her stories of growing up in the Valley and insights to some of her movies (Showgirls and Bound). In addition to living in the Valley, she also lived in NYC and LA, and shared some stories from those places as well.
I am always interested in reading about what inspired somebody to start doing something, and for Gina, it started at Beverly High School in Beverly Hills, CA where she met fellow classmates who shared her interests in acting. She did write about her family, her siblings, but nothing on her own relationships. She had some cool stories about sparring with Bob Dylan in a boxing ring, hearing Purple Rain for the first time with Prince, hanging with Lenny Kravitz in high school.
From reading it, I learned that she has always stood up for herself and if something didn’t feel or sound right, she left (there are few instances where she mentions this). I don’t think I have ever seen her name as doing something stupid, and I say thanks and keep on doing what you do.
Posted on 11/24/2025 by Mark
I got this book from Netgalley so I can read and review it before it’s published. Now, before I start, I need to tell you I have only seen a few of her movies, so I wasn’t that familiar with her.
It was a really quick read for me, and I enjoyed her stories of growing up in the Valley and insights to some of her movies (Showgirls and Bound). In addition to living in the Valley, she also lived in NYC and LA, and shared some stories from those places as well.
I am always interested in reading about what inspired somebody to start doing something, and for Gina, it started at Beverly High School in Beverly Hills, CA where she met fellow classmates who shared her interests in acting. She did write about her family, her siblings, but nothing on her own relationships. She had some cool stories about sparring with Bob Dylan in a boxing ring, hearing Purple Rain for the first time with Prince, hanging with Lenny Kravitz in high school.
From reading it, I learned that she has always stood up for herself and if something didn’t feel or sound right, she left (there are few instances where she mentions this). I don’t think I have ever seen her name as doing something stupid, and I say thanks and keep on doing what you do.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My thanks to NetGalley and Akashic Books for an advance copy of this memoir by an actress who has created a singular career that is as true to herself as possible, following her own mind, and her own feelings, and more importantly defending herself in ways that were hard, sometimes isolating, and yet made her life that much richer.
Audacity is a word that has taken on a negative connotation in our language. A world for boldness, for living ones life according their own rules, and accepting the consequences, not matter how fair or unfair they might be. That is something that is frowned on in Modern America. We have gone from embracing the ideas of individual freedom, to being a society that is similar to the famous Chinese saying, the nail that sticks out will be hammered into place. Or Twittered into submission, social media-ed into acceptance. This is hard for an individual, even harder if that individual is a woman or a minority. And if one is involved in the entertainment industry, this is even worse. A woman has to be young, desirable, non-ethnic, non-challenging, willing to listen to those who know better, usually men. And that's where audacity stands out. The audacity of an individual like Gina Gershon. An actress of stage and screen, a singer, a musician, a puncher of Bob Dylan (by accident), Gershon has led a life, had a career that has gone many places, done many things, many of the frowned on by agents, the populous, and others in Hollywood. But never her family, and never ever herself. AlphaPussy, is a memoir, guide to life, and a key to having a career that might not be flashy and influencer-ish, but one that is true, honest, filled with some mistakes, but all embraced by the person doing, them. A person living life.
Gina Gershon was the third child of a family living in the San Fernando Valley of California, before the Valley was The Valley, and the Valley got weird. Gershon grew up in a supportive family in ways, though her siblings sounded like tiny terrors. Gershon had a freedom that is rare today, going to school by herself, allowing to experience things, some good, some bad, some scary. All of these moments helped create the person that Gershon is now. From learning to drive at 14, drug use, sneaking into the movies, learning to play pinball, and dance. And of course acting. When the Valley got too much, the family moved to Beverly Hills, where Gershon was able to learn more of the arts that she loved. Hear she trained, met other famous people, and got a taste for entertaining that has never left. Being creative was important, both on stage, learning to play instruments, and being true to who she is. Culminating in a role that was to change everything, an experience, worthy of a book itself, the movie Showgirls.
The book is much more than Showgirls, a movie people love to hate. I really enjoyed this book right from the beginning. There is an honesty, a truth to Gershon's writing, that lacks the polish of ghostwriter, or one trying to make a cool story, for cool people to enjoy. There is just too much honesty, too much emotion. Gershon looks at her past, growing up, problems with her Mom, therapy, drugs, family, and starting off in entertainment. There are a lot of funny stories, but more importantly stories about being true to oneself, and listening to that inner voice. Things might have gotten bad in a few occasions, but that inner voice kept her safe. And made her write. There is a lot her, stories of celebs, friends, even the paranormal. Gershon has a great writing style, sharing with the reader rather than telling, and making one want to know more. Not about the big things, but the little things.
A fascinating and fun memoir, painful sometimes, hilarious in others. Ghosts, Chippendales, Tom Cruise, Roger Corman movies, and much more. A book for fan's of the author's work, of course. However this might be a good book for that young woman who has doubts about herself, a fear of listening to that inner voice. Gina Gershon would be the perfect muse for that person. I hope there are more volumes to come in these memoirs. Maybe even a novel or two.
Audacity is a word that has taken on a negative connotation in our language. A world for boldness, for living ones life according their own rules, and accepting the consequences, not matter how fair or unfair they might be. That is something that is frowned on in Modern America. We have gone from embracing the ideas of individual freedom, to being a society that is similar to the famous Chinese saying, the nail that sticks out will be hammered into place. Or Twittered into submission, social media-ed into acceptance. This is hard for an individual, even harder if that individual is a woman or a minority. And if one is involved in the entertainment industry, this is even worse. A woman has to be young, desirable, non-ethnic, non-challenging, willing to listen to those who know better, usually men. And that's where audacity stands out. The audacity of an individual like Gina Gershon. An actress of stage and screen, a singer, a musician, a puncher of Bob Dylan (by accident), Gershon has led a life, had a career that has gone many places, done many things, many of the frowned on by agents, the populous, and others in Hollywood. But never her family, and never ever herself. AlphaPussy, is a memoir, guide to life, and a key to having a career that might not be flashy and influencer-ish, but one that is true, honest, filled with some mistakes, but all embraced by the person doing, them. A person living life.
Gina Gershon was the third child of a family living in the San Fernando Valley of California, before the Valley was The Valley, and the Valley got weird. Gershon grew up in a supportive family in ways, though her siblings sounded like tiny terrors. Gershon had a freedom that is rare today, going to school by herself, allowing to experience things, some good, some bad, some scary. All of these moments helped create the person that Gershon is now. From learning to drive at 14, drug use, sneaking into the movies, learning to play pinball, and dance. And of course acting. When the Valley got too much, the family moved to Beverly Hills, where Gershon was able to learn more of the arts that she loved. Hear she trained, met other famous people, and got a taste for entertaining that has never left. Being creative was important, both on stage, learning to play instruments, and being true to who she is. Culminating in a role that was to change everything, an experience, worthy of a book itself, the movie Showgirls.
The book is much more than Showgirls, a movie people love to hate. I really enjoyed this book right from the beginning. There is an honesty, a truth to Gershon's writing, that lacks the polish of ghostwriter, or one trying to make a cool story, for cool people to enjoy. There is just too much honesty, too much emotion. Gershon looks at her past, growing up, problems with her Mom, therapy, drugs, family, and starting off in entertainment. There are a lot of funny stories, but more importantly stories about being true to oneself, and listening to that inner voice. Things might have gotten bad in a few occasions, but that inner voice kept her safe. And made her write. There is a lot her, stories of celebs, friends, even the paranormal. Gershon has a great writing style, sharing with the reader rather than telling, and making one want to know more. Not about the big things, but the little things.
A fascinating and fun memoir, painful sometimes, hilarious in others. Ghosts, Chippendales, Tom Cruise, Roger Corman movies, and much more. A book for fan's of the author's work, of course. However this might be a good book for that young woman who has doubts about herself, a fear of listening to that inner voice. Gina Gershon would be the perfect muse for that person. I hope there are more volumes to come in these memoirs. Maybe even a novel or two.
March 26, 2026
This is the tale of an obnoxious, privileged, and immoral little girl who--surprise!--grows up to be an obnoxious, privileged, and immoral actress. It's baffling how this author brags about doing drugs and alcohol at age ten, watching porn at age eleven, lying and stealing and cheating and breaking into movie theaters by the time she's fourteen, only to up that by going to the Playboy mansion starting at fifteen. Why is she bragging?
Her well-off parents don't help, moving her to Beverly Hills to avoid her threat of committing suicide (seriously) as well as papering her brother's bathroom wall with Playboy covers and having a housemaid to serve the kids' needs. They didn't object to her doing drugs in middle school, only asking her to please do them at home so she'd stay safe! Her dad said he had no problem with her being topless in a movie. Her mother took her to a strip club, the one her parents approved her to work at despite her lying about her age to the owner.
Then there's her cheating grandma, who runs off to Vegas with married men but her husband welcomes her back every time. Hmmm...wonder why Gershon is so proud of being in trashy Showgirls?
The author hilariously concludes her family "taught me to trust myself in making my own decisions." Is this woman serious? She obviously has no clue how to make good choices.
Lest you think she's all about sex (which she mostly is, especially telling stories of other females she plays with or how she uses her body to manipulate men) she tries to legitimize this by identifying with cats that become alphas and attack if you don't play their self-centered games.
It's a disgusting tale of a woman who claims to be "empowered" as a female by doing all sorts of horrible, illegal and immoral things--especially to men, who are bashed throughout. Her complaints about guys are hypocritical since she does the very things to them that she fears they'll do to her (she just tries to beat them to the punch).
Gerson's delusions of grandeur, power, and success should be countered by her low box-office results, failures, and laughably bad acting. But somehow she got this book contract, so I guess it proves that even the lowest of talents in Hollywood can make it if they use their pussy-like behavior to trick gullible men into paying them. A better title would be AlphaProstitute.
Her well-off parents don't help, moving her to Beverly Hills to avoid her threat of committing suicide (seriously) as well as papering her brother's bathroom wall with Playboy covers and having a housemaid to serve the kids' needs. They didn't object to her doing drugs in middle school, only asking her to please do them at home so she'd stay safe! Her dad said he had no problem with her being topless in a movie. Her mother took her to a strip club, the one her parents approved her to work at despite her lying about her age to the owner.
Then there's her cheating grandma, who runs off to Vegas with married men but her husband welcomes her back every time. Hmmm...wonder why Gershon is so proud of being in trashy Showgirls?
The author hilariously concludes her family "taught me to trust myself in making my own decisions." Is this woman serious? She obviously has no clue how to make good choices.
Lest you think she's all about sex (which she mostly is, especially telling stories of other females she plays with or how she uses her body to manipulate men) she tries to legitimize this by identifying with cats that become alphas and attack if you don't play their self-centered games.
It's a disgusting tale of a woman who claims to be "empowered" as a female by doing all sorts of horrible, illegal and immoral things--especially to men, who are bashed throughout. Her complaints about guys are hypocritical since she does the very things to them that she fears they'll do to her (she just tries to beat them to the punch).
Gerson's delusions of grandeur, power, and success should be countered by her low box-office results, failures, and laughably bad acting. But somehow she got this book contract, so I guess it proves that even the lowest of talents in Hollywood can make it if they use their pussy-like behavior to trick gullible men into paying them. A better title would be AlphaProstitute.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If you can overlook the endless vulgarity (I have no excuses, as I was forewarned by the title) and a seeming obsession with one's own naughty bits, then prepare yourself for a wild, entertaining ride. Like the author, I, too, grew up in California in the 70s and 80s. Even though she is slightly older than I am, so much of what she described really resonated with me, and brought back so many fun memories. The puka shells, the Dittos, the pinball arcades, the playing all day out in the streets and building forts--it was all there and much more. There were times that I felt transported back to those carefree days, as if I was there, experiencing it all again (only this time with the author). Her young adult years in New York, as well, were so much fun to read about. Gershon has a devil-may-care attitude when it comes to risk-taking, and so some of her adventures had me thinking, "How is she going to manage to get herself out of this particular predicament?" But she somehow always does! The last third of the book details more of her experiences with acting, singing, dancing, and performing. This part was not as compelling for me, but I can see that those interested in the entertainment world would definitely benefit from the advice and life examples that she provides on how to better navigate that landscape. This memoir was an overall upbeat and fast-paced read, because even though Gershon is a bit of a Diva, she is at least able to back it all up. The proof, as they say, is in the pudding. **This ARC was provided by NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.
March 13, 2026
I attended her book signing at Barnes & Noble at the Grove last night and she is magnetic. Linda Perry hosted the interview and Gershon talked extensively about her career, her upcoming projects, and gave glimpses into moments in her life that helped shaped the way she approaches her craft.
I read the first third of the book as soon as we were seated and I finished the rest of the stories late last night. I have kept Crystal Connors as a demi-god in my mind for 30 years. She was the epitome of cool for me and she still is.
I think if you're a creative of any kind, having a collection or blueprint from someone that matches the energy you like to put out there is helpful. She talked about how if you're someone that wants to work on projects outside of the norm, you should accept that you probably think differently than others and you need to find the right energy for the creative process to work.
I try not to look for signs. I saw Showgirls as a kid and I wished that I could live in Vegas, and it happened. Thirty years later I'm working on a project, and last night, I asked Gershon what happened to Connors after the dancing. She replied, "I never thought about it. She was always going to have something. I think she ended up in Florida. She's fine." Gershon mentioned the water in her answer. That's a sign that my project is going to work. That's why we read. That's why you shoud check out this amazing collection of short stories.
I read the first third of the book as soon as we were seated and I finished the rest of the stories late last night. I have kept Crystal Connors as a demi-god in my mind for 30 years. She was the epitome of cool for me and she still is.
I think if you're a creative of any kind, having a collection or blueprint from someone that matches the energy you like to put out there is helpful. She talked about how if you're someone that wants to work on projects outside of the norm, you should accept that you probably think differently than others and you need to find the right energy for the creative process to work.
I try not to look for signs. I saw Showgirls as a kid and I wished that I could live in Vegas, and it happened. Thirty years later I'm working on a project, and last night, I asked Gershon what happened to Connors after the dancing. She replied, "I never thought about it. She was always going to have something. I think she ended up in Florida. She's fine." Gershon mentioned the water in her answer. That's a sign that my project is going to work. That's why we read. That's why you shoud check out this amazing collection of short stories.
Review of advance copy
NOTE: I received an ARC of this memoir from Akashic Books.
The first time I ever saw Gina Gershon on film was in 1986's Pretty in Pink. It was a bit part, just a mean girl giggle in the background, but I absolutely dug her off top. Reading her memoir was a treat for my baby Gen X heart. Gina has given so much to the culture because she had a deep belief in herself as an artist from an early age. This memoir is unlink other celeb tell-alls simply because it's NOT some gossip-drenched pop piece. It's the story of a girl from the West Coast, inviting the reader into her memories of betrayal, enlightenment, and the art of saying NO to whatever doesn't serve you. I plan to read her previous releases after this but I must say: Mama has lived life and, most importantly, she's lived to tell the tale!
The first time I ever saw Gina Gershon on film was in 1986's Pretty in Pink. It was a bit part, just a mean girl giggle in the background, but I absolutely dug her off top. Reading her memoir was a treat for my baby Gen X heart. Gina has given so much to the culture because she had a deep belief in herself as an artist from an early age. This memoir is unlink other celeb tell-alls simply because it's NOT some gossip-drenched pop piece. It's the story of a girl from the West Coast, inviting the reader into her memories of betrayal, enlightenment, and the art of saying NO to whatever doesn't serve you. I plan to read her previous releases after this but I must say: Mama has lived life and, most importantly, she's lived to tell the tale!
March 17, 2026
I've always been a big fan of Gina and I have followed her career, I don't know if it was her sultry voice, her attitude or her beautiful looks.
I started reading the ARC but I really felt like I wanted to co-read this with her audiobook so I waited till it was released and she may have the best voice for an audiobook I have ever listened to it is so smooth and she enunciates so well, the words roll right off her tongue.
Her stories were told raw, authentic and oh so entertaining. Starting from her time in the womb all the way to where she is now focusing on roles and projects that made her who she is.
I would recommend this to any woman wanting to feel inspired by a strong empowering woman.
I started reading the ARC but I really felt like I wanted to co-read this with her audiobook so I waited till it was released and she may have the best voice for an audiobook I have ever listened to it is so smooth and she enunciates so well, the words roll right off her tongue.
Her stories were told raw, authentic and oh so entertaining. Starting from her time in the womb all the way to where she is now focusing on roles and projects that made her who she is.
I would recommend this to any woman wanting to feel inspired by a strong empowering woman.
March 4, 2026
Gina, you are so cool. I am so glad I got to read a piece of your life because WOW! A badass bitch. A glamorous, take-no-shit tomboy, with an undoubtable superpower in realizing the strength within oneself. Reading this book has me leaving with feelings of true power in my femininity. Had to call my mom after finishing to tell her I love her. Now I know what it means to be an Alphapussy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I feel that this was an excellent read for me, I read it in one evening and liked all of Gina Gershon’s stories. From her childhood growing up, to her career and choices in life that make her unique and an AlphaPussy herself. A very cool book that shares a lot of insight into her life.
March 14, 2026
This was everything I had hoped it would be, such an easy read, full of personality and insight. A brilliant memoir.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4/5 Stars
I have to admit, the title intrigued me—and the book definitely lives up to it! This was an unflinching look into the private world of Gina Gershon. Some of the stories felt like they were included more for shock value than substance, but isn’t that what you want when reading about someone’s life? You want the kind of stories that leave you thinking, “What the hell did I just read?” and she has quite a few like that.
I would have enjoyed reading more about her time in Hollywood, but overall, this was an interesting read about an actress I didn’t really know much about.
I have to admit, the title intrigued me—and the book definitely lives up to it! This was an unflinching look into the private world of Gina Gershon. Some of the stories felt like they were included more for shock value than substance, but isn’t that what you want when reading about someone’s life? You want the kind of stories that leave you thinking, “What the hell did I just read?” and she has quite a few like that.
I would have enjoyed reading more about her time in Hollywood, but overall, this was an interesting read about an actress I didn’t really know much about.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews