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Simply More: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told They're Too Much
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 that those same lyrics would change her life. Ten years later, she has the chance to perform those songs on a world stage, showing us that there is always time to keep discovering ourselves, that the journey of becoming is not a finite one.
In a series of powerful, personal vignettes, Cynthia Erivo reflects on the ways that she has grown as an actor and a person, the lessons she’s learned over years of performing, and how we are capable of so much more than we think.
Just as she had persevered through obstacles on the stage, working step by step, day by day, to align with music, lyrics and dialogue, so too did Cynthia fall in love with running. Through the simplicity of her steps and the beating of her heart, she found a way to fall into deeper sync with herself.
We all have hopes and dreams that we want to bring across the finish line, we all falter and take missteps, yet we keep moving forward towards that end goal. Cynthia is still running marathons, onstage and onscreen, in her work and in the city streets. Each challenge has allowed her to lean into the wisdom of her body, 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.
Cynthia Erivo learned the music to Wicked a decade before she needed it, not knowing that those same lyrics would change her life. Ten years later, she has the chance to perform those songs on a world stage, showing us that there is always time to keep discovering ourselves, that the journey of becoming is not a finite one.
In a series of powerful, personal vignettes, Cynthia Erivo reflects on the ways that she has grown as an actor and a person, the lessons she’s learned over years of performing, and how we are capable of so much more than we think.
Just as she had persevered through obstacles on the stage, working step by step, day by day, to align with music, lyrics and dialogue, so too did Cynthia fall in love with running. Through the simplicity of her steps and the beating of her heart, she found a way to fall into deeper sync with herself.
We all have hopes and dreams that we want to bring across the finish line, we all falter and take missteps, yet we keep moving forward towards that end goal. Cynthia is still running marathons, onstage and onscreen, in her work and in the city streets. Each challenge has allowed her to lean into the wisdom of her body, 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.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 20, 2025
904 people are currently reading
11396 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 718 reviews
Want to read
September 22, 2025holding all the space for the contents of this book 😌💚
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.
December 8, 2025
Possibly my most favorite read of 2025.
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.
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!!
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 26, 2025
3.75 stars. Her voice is just so beautiful and poetic it was so relaxing to listen to the audio book
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.
November 21, 2025
Be still, my HEART. Perfectly written and read.
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.
Read
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 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
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
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.
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 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
December 2, 2025
I was in the bookstore and saw this book, and sat down in a chair and two or so hours later I closed the book with a big smile on my face. I am now a bigger fan than I already was. Cynthia Erivo is an immensely talented artist. And in this message memoir she expresses that believing you are enough, is half the battle. This is a uniquely crafted book and can best be described as a message memoir.
She gives enough of her life while doling out life lessons and encouragement precepts while peppering the text with questions for the reader in a self-help kind of way. This was a great way to spend a few hours and this book proves in so many ways, that sometimes less is more! In this case less was just enough! Quick and easy to enjoy.
She gives enough of her life while doling out life lessons and encouragement precepts while peppering the text with questions for the reader in a self-help kind of way. This was a great way to spend a few hours and this book proves in so many ways, that sometimes less is more! In this case less was just enough! Quick and easy to enjoy.
December 19, 2025
I adored every minute of this. If you know me, I almost never stray from fiction but I took a chance because I love Cynthia and it was a short read. I’m so glad I did…truly the most lovely little book!!!
December 7, 2025
I’m glad I listened to this one before wicked for Good.
Cynthia has a beautiful voice and was a great listen.As she states her truth and tells her story, Cynthia directs others on how to live authentically.
Cynthia has a beautiful voice and was a great listen.As she states her truth and tells her story, Cynthia directs others on how to live authentically.
December 21, 2025
Simply more in awe of you… ilysm Cynthia!! This was a warm hug, full of wisdom, raw, emotional. Listening to Cynthia narrating her own story was so powerful, recommend the audiobook!
December 9, 2025
I really enjoyed learning more about Cynthia’s journey! This is a short, easy read that will squeeze your heart.
December 22, 2025
this is a heartfelt, uplifting read. cynthia erivo’s talent and honesty shine as she blends personal stories with gentle, inspiring advice. a lovely reminder that being “too much” can be a power!
October 9, 2025
Love this. Knew immediately that I wanted to read Erivo's book when I saw it was available on Libro.fm.
This is perfect for fans of Erivo, or someone who needs to know that it is okay to be your true, authentic self. This was a quick one, but I can see myself going back to reread.
This is perfect for fans of Erivo, or someone who needs to know that it is okay to be your true, authentic self. This was a quick one, but I can see myself going back to reread.
December 8, 2025
5⭐️ First off, I’d like to say this woman can read me a grocery list and its an immediate 3 star. This, however, is no grocery list. This book was interesting and loving and gave doable advice. Nothing too forceful but still impactful. Its the sweet spot for self-help/ memoirs. This book may not change your life but it explains a lot of Cynthia’s life and how music and acting is simply more for her. She tells you it’s okay to be “extra” and to allow yourself to just be you. Being able to tell stories the way this woman can through music now has background for me and I love that I can feel connected to her through her identity and spirituality. A daily badass. I enjoyed this book so much that I bought it mid-read. But I’m a simple person who’s just a little extra. This book is short sweet and to the point.
December 10, 2025
| 3/5 Stars | ★★★☆☆
Trigger Warnings for Simply More:
Simply More is part-memoir, part-self-help book by Cynthia Erivo. This is Erivo's first foray into nonfiction, with her only other authored piece being a wonderful children's book titled Remember to Dream, Ebere. In Simply More, Erivo uses Wicked as her bookends for her story, explaining how she learned to love music through Wicked, found her love of stage work through Wickedand, later, found her love of being on the big screen through Wicked.
I have to start with saying, LISTEN TO THE AUDIOBOOK. Erivo has such a mystical reading voice, as evidenced by her lengthy array of narrated pieces ranging from The Yellow Wallpaper to 1984. She truly brings this book to life in more ways than her written word would have because, frankly, this book doesn't know what it wants to be. Is it a book paralleling success to running? Not quite. Is it a tale of getting a big break to play as a character that means so much to you? Kinda. Is it a self-help book utilizing vignettes of Erivo's life to support the reader? Uhhh, that is sorta the most accurate, but not fully.
All in all, this is good, but it needs a through line. I know Erivo is a fabulous storyteller, but this one just didn't spark that for me. I wish she had picked one of the big three areas she focused on: running as a metaphor, memoir, or self-help. Each of these areas could have produced a lovely story, but all three left me whirling. Thankfully her voice soothed me enough to enjoy it!
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Trigger Warnings for Simply More:
Simply More is part-memoir, part-self-help book by Cynthia Erivo. This is Erivo's first foray into nonfiction, with her only other authored piece being a wonderful children's book titled Remember to Dream, Ebere. In Simply More, Erivo uses Wicked as her bookends for her story, explaining how she learned to love music through Wicked, found her love of stage work through Wickedand, later, found her love of being on the big screen through Wicked.
I have to start with saying, LISTEN TO THE AUDIOBOOK. Erivo has such a mystical reading voice, as evidenced by her lengthy array of narrated pieces ranging from The Yellow Wallpaper to 1984. She truly brings this book to life in more ways than her written word would have because, frankly, this book doesn't know what it wants to be. Is it a book paralleling success to running? Not quite. Is it a tale of getting a big break to play as a character that means so much to you? Kinda. Is it a self-help book utilizing vignettes of Erivo's life to support the reader? Uhhh, that is sorta the most accurate, but not fully.
All in all, this is good, but it needs a through line. I know Erivo is a fabulous storyteller, but this one just didn't spark that for me. I wish she had picked one of the big three areas she focused on: running as a metaphor, memoir, or self-help. Each of these areas could have produced a lovely story, but all three left me whirling. Thankfully her voice soothed me enough to enjoy it!
Follow all of my reviews and content with LinkTree
December 17, 2025
⭐️4.7
Ever since seeing Wicked (the movie) I have been enamored with Cynthia Erivo. She has this way of conveying emotion in a way that you as the audience member can’t help but to feel it with her. This book is a glimpse into her past and her career journey. She ends each chapter with a resonating thought or question to try to provoke you to think differently about your own life or perspective. I became emotional multiple times reading, some of her points hitting close to home. A short read that left me wanting more.
Ever since seeing Wicked (the movie) I have been enamored with Cynthia Erivo. She has this way of conveying emotion in a way that you as the audience member can’t help but to feel it with her. This book is a glimpse into her past and her career journey. She ends each chapter with a resonating thought or question to try to provoke you to think differently about your own life or perspective. I became emotional multiple times reading, some of her points hitting close to home. A short read that left me wanting more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 718 reviews