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And So It Is...A Memoir of Acceptance and Hope
The star of the legendary HBO series The Sopranos and podcast co-host with Christina Applegate, Jamie Lynn Sigler opens up about the vicissitudes of life, from early stardom to heartache and love, motherhood, and illness, offering readers an unflinchingly vulnerable exploration of the experiences that have transformed her life.
Jamie Lynn Sigler is both the girl-next-door and a superstar. Tapped at the young age of sixteen to star as Meadow Soprano, daughter of mob boss Tony Soprano, by the time the series ended in 2007, Jamie, then twenty-five, suffered from an eating disorder, kept private her diagnosis of MS, and entered a disastrous early marriage—all under the scrutiny of a less-than-kind public eye. Over the next years, Jamie would remarry, become a mother, launch a hugely popular podcast and, most recently, nearly lose her beloved son to a mysterious illness.
Amidst the stardust showered and all the slings and arrows that life has thrown, Sigler emerges with grace and a generosity of spirit that she is ready to share. In this moving and fiercely honest memoir, she reflects on her life and her years on The Sopranos. But this is no tale of woe; Jamie guides us through her darkest moments and comes out the other side emboldened and not embittered. A natural storyteller, she shares memories of her time portraying Meadow Soprano and beyond, including her often painful journey of self-discovery. In this unflinching account, Jamie holds nothing back; her resilience, candor, and her heart-bursting capacity for love shine through on every page.
And So It Is... offers the best of memoir from a cherished voice that invites us to share the most challenging and equally blessed moments of life’s journey. A triumphant story from one of America’s favorite stars.
Jamie Lynn Sigler is both the girl-next-door and a superstar. Tapped at the young age of sixteen to star as Meadow Soprano, daughter of mob boss Tony Soprano, by the time the series ended in 2007, Jamie, then twenty-five, suffered from an eating disorder, kept private her diagnosis of MS, and entered a disastrous early marriage—all under the scrutiny of a less-than-kind public eye. Over the next years, Jamie would remarry, become a mother, launch a hugely popular podcast and, most recently, nearly lose her beloved son to a mysterious illness.
Amidst the stardust showered and all the slings and arrows that life has thrown, Sigler emerges with grace and a generosity of spirit that she is ready to share. In this moving and fiercely honest memoir, she reflects on her life and her years on The Sopranos. But this is no tale of woe; Jamie guides us through her darkest moments and comes out the other side emboldened and not embittered. A natural storyteller, she shares memories of her time portraying Meadow Soprano and beyond, including her often painful journey of self-discovery. In this unflinching account, Jamie holds nothing back; her resilience, candor, and her heart-bursting capacity for love shine through on every page.
And So It Is... offers the best of memoir from a cherished voice that invites us to share the most challenging and equally blessed moments of life’s journey. A triumphant story from one of America’s favorite stars.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published May 5, 2026
182 people are currently reading
3798 people want to read
About the author
Jamie-Lynn Sigler
1 book14 followersJamie Lynn Sigler is an actress best known for her role as Meadow Soprano on HBO’s The Sopranos. She is the co-host, with her friend, actress Christina Applegate, the podcast MeSsy, about their friendship and multiple sclerosis. She lives in Austin.
source: Amazon
source: Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
April 14, 2026
Totally engaging from start to finish. I was a huge fan of The Sopranos, so I went in already interested, but this ended up being so much more than behind-the-scenes nostalgia.
Honest, vulnerable, and surprisingly warm. Jamie shares the messy parts of her health struggles, relationships, motherhood, and growing up in the spotlight. She shared in a way that feels real, not heavy. I loved how conversational it felt, like she’s just telling her story without trying to polish it. Emotional at times, but also hopeful and easy to read. I flew through this.
Honest, vulnerable, and surprisingly warm. Jamie shares the messy parts of her health struggles, relationships, motherhood, and growing up in the spotlight. She shared in a way that feels real, not heavy. I loved how conversational it felt, like she’s just telling her story without trying to polish it. Emotional at times, but also hopeful and easy to read. I flew through this.
May 8, 2026
A good memoir. Unlike her friend Christina Applegate, who wrote barely one paragraph about her time on Married with Children in her recently released memoir You with the Sad Eyes, Jamie Lynn Sigler knows why most readers are picking up this book: for stories about her eleven years as a member of the Sopranos cast. She shares details about the audition process and a few stories from working on the show. This book shares the struggles that she endured off set, including a magical relationship that turned into a nightmare marriage and the diagnosis of MS.
Ultimately, Sigler shares through her experience that it is better to share life-changing information with the people around you, and that more than likely, you'll discover compassion you didn't know existed. That asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
Ultimately, Sigler shares through her experience that it is better to share life-changing information with the people around you, and that more than likely, you'll discover compassion you didn't know existed. That asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
May 8, 2026
Listened to it in one day. So good. A fun story of a little girl trying to be famous, finding fame, but then having to find strength to deal with not only her health struggles, but her son’s as well. So well done.
May 8, 2026
I could say so much 😭 when I wasn’t crying, I was smiling. What a remarkable woman. Such beautiful perspective. Meadow Soprano forever!!!!!!!!
May 6, 2026
read if you like:
📚 memoirs
📺 “the Sopranos”
😷 stories about chronic illness
summary:
I picked up this book after seeing it on @becca’s Instagram, and wow I’m glad I did. It’s a memoir written by Jamie Lynn Sigler, who starred on “The Sopranos” and other shows, and who recently started a podcast with Christina Applegate about their journeys with MS. The book starts with her journey into acting, and talks about her experience growing up in the front of the camera, her struggles with an eating disorder, and her ultimate diagnosis with MS. It follows the ups and downs of her career and relationships, and her worries about going public with her disease, and what that would mean for those around her.
I found this book heartbreakingly honest and real about the exhausting pressures of trying to look “fine” while privately struggling. She lets you behind the curtain of who she really is — a messy, funny, and kind woman who, despite her fame and beauty, still struggles with the same challenges as the rest of us. The book is written in a very conversational and vulnerable way, reflecting the honesty of who she really is, flaws and all. It talks about motherhood, fame, and the grief of the life you imagined for yourself, while still finding joy in the one you actually have.
This isn’t full of nonstop Hollywood stories or tales about what it’s like to be on a hit TV show. It’s much more introspective and emotional, focusing on strength, mental health, chronic illness and self-acceptable. I laughed, I cried, and I couldn’t put it down, and honestly, isn’t that the best kind of book?
📚 memoirs
📺 “the Sopranos”
😷 stories about chronic illness
summary:
I picked up this book after seeing it on @becca’s Instagram, and wow I’m glad I did. It’s a memoir written by Jamie Lynn Sigler, who starred on “The Sopranos” and other shows, and who recently started a podcast with Christina Applegate about their journeys with MS. The book starts with her journey into acting, and talks about her experience growing up in the front of the camera, her struggles with an eating disorder, and her ultimate diagnosis with MS. It follows the ups and downs of her career and relationships, and her worries about going public with her disease, and what that would mean for those around her.
I found this book heartbreakingly honest and real about the exhausting pressures of trying to look “fine” while privately struggling. She lets you behind the curtain of who she really is — a messy, funny, and kind woman who, despite her fame and beauty, still struggles with the same challenges as the rest of us. The book is written in a very conversational and vulnerable way, reflecting the honesty of who she really is, flaws and all. It talks about motherhood, fame, and the grief of the life you imagined for yourself, while still finding joy in the one you actually have.
This isn’t full of nonstop Hollywood stories or tales about what it’s like to be on a hit TV show. It’s much more introspective and emotional, focusing on strength, mental health, chronic illness and self-acceptable. I laughed, I cried, and I couldn’t put it down, and honestly, isn’t that the best kind of book?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Although a very talented actor, to me Jamie Lynn Sigler shines brightest as herself.
I consumed this book via audio, which is my preferred way to absorb autobiographies. The author narrates, and I truly loved it. Her voice is great, and she adeptly brings all of the emotions that her story holds. No sentences were repeated, nor were there any distracting features in the audio. Smooth and easy listening.
As for the content, whoa (in the best way!)
Jamie Lynn held her MS diagnosis so privately for such a long time, and remains fairly under the radar despite decades of fame. I certainly didn’t expect this book to be as broad and intensely open-hearted as it is. It’s one of the most “welcome in” celebrity memoirs I’ve ever read. Jamie Lynn shares a lot about what built her- including eating struggles, the stink of living with MS, and fighting for her own son’s life. She is unashamed of anything, and I feel that perhaps writing a whole other book on how to do that would go over well.
She seems to be a thoughtful, kind, and loving human. She somehow balances sadness and anger with intense gratitude and forward momentum. Often with big challenges, people can become stuck in emotions. Jamie seems to feel them, yet also live in the now. She’s a bright light, and I’m happy to have “gotten to know her.” I’ll be highly recommending this!
I consumed this book via audio, which is my preferred way to absorb autobiographies. The author narrates, and I truly loved it. Her voice is great, and she adeptly brings all of the emotions that her story holds. No sentences were repeated, nor were there any distracting features in the audio. Smooth and easy listening.
As for the content, whoa (in the best way!)
Jamie Lynn held her MS diagnosis so privately for such a long time, and remains fairly under the radar despite decades of fame. I certainly didn’t expect this book to be as broad and intensely open-hearted as it is. It’s one of the most “welcome in” celebrity memoirs I’ve ever read. Jamie Lynn shares a lot about what built her- including eating struggles, the stink of living with MS, and fighting for her own son’s life. She is unashamed of anything, and I feel that perhaps writing a whole other book on how to do that would go over well.
She seems to be a thoughtful, kind, and loving human. She somehow balances sadness and anger with intense gratitude and forward momentum. Often with big challenges, people can become stuck in emotions. Jamie seems to feel them, yet also live in the now. She’s a bright light, and I’m happy to have “gotten to know her.” I’ll be highly recommending this!
May 12, 2026
I applaud anyone who writes a memoir or autobiography and puts EVERYTHING out there - the good and the bad and that's something that Jamie does with this. She doesn't shy away from the dark moments of her life and she writes with an authenticity that sometimes I find lacks in other celebrity memoirs. She's someone who's been through a lot and it shows.
I enjoyed the first part more than the second part. It was fun getting to learn about the beginnings of her career and her time on The Sopranos. And it was heartbreaking reading about her MS diagnosis and how much it altered every aspect of her life especially because she was so young when first diagnosed.
Which brings me up to why I'm rating this only 3 stars instead of 4. As we get further into the book there's a lot of talk of religion and woo woo alternative medicine and talk of Marianne Williamson which sorry had me rolling my eyes so hard and side eyeing her. Like I guess good for her if Marianne helped her in her life, but... I don't have anything nice to say so I should probably stop.
All in all I think it's worth the read, but there were just too many aspects of this that weren't for me.
I enjoyed the first part more than the second part. It was fun getting to learn about the beginnings of her career and her time on The Sopranos. And it was heartbreaking reading about her MS diagnosis and how much it altered every aspect of her life especially because she was so young when first diagnosed.
Which brings me up to why I'm rating this only 3 stars instead of 4. As we get further into the book there's a lot of talk of religion and woo woo alternative medicine and talk of Marianne Williamson which sorry had me rolling my eyes so hard and side eyeing her. Like I guess good for her if Marianne helped her in her life, but... I don't have anything nice to say so I should probably stop.
All in all I think it's worth the read, but there were just too many aspects of this that weren't for me.
May 8, 2026
“Vows from the Heart is a touching and emotionally sincere book that beautifully explores love, commitment, and the deeper emotional connections that shape relationships. Tom Portz created a heartfelt reading experience that feels genuine, uplifting, and deeply personal. The emotional honesty throughout the book gives it a warmth that readers can easily connect with, making the message feel both relatable and memorable.”
“What stood out most was the book’s ability to communicate meaningful emotions with simplicity and authenticity. Rather than relying on overly complicated storytelling, the book allows the emotional core of its message to shine naturally. Themes of devotion, trust, personal reflection, and emotional connection are presented in a way that can resonate strongly with readers looking for inspiration, encouragement, and heartfelt storytelling. It’s the kind of book that has the potential to leave a lasting emotional impact on its audience.”
“What stood out most was the book’s ability to communicate meaningful emotions with simplicity and authenticity. Rather than relying on overly complicated storytelling, the book allows the emotional core of its message to shine naturally. Themes of devotion, trust, personal reflection, and emotional connection are presented in a way that can resonate strongly with readers looking for inspiration, encouragement, and heartfelt storytelling. It’s the kind of book that has the potential to leave a lasting emotional impact on its audience.”
May 9, 2026
5 stars! I already loved Jaime from the Messy podcast with Christina Applegate, and after hearing her talk about her MS journey over the years, I finally felt like I found someone whose experience was so similar to mine. I also read Christina’s book and gave that 5 stars too, but this one hit especially close to home.
The way Jaime shares her story is honest, vulnerable, funny, heartbreaking, and real. For so many years I hid my MS from most people too, and hearing her openly talk about the fear, exhaustion, strength, and everyday reality of living with MS made me feel seen in a way I can’t fully explain.
If I ever met Jaime, I feel like we’d be instant friends. I cheer for her from afar and pray for everyone living with MS because no two journeys are exactly alike, but connection matters so much. Thank you, Jaime, for sharing your story and helping others feel less alone. And so it is. 🩷
The way Jaime shares her story is honest, vulnerable, funny, heartbreaking, and real. For so many years I hid my MS from most people too, and hearing her openly talk about the fear, exhaustion, strength, and everyday reality of living with MS made me feel seen in a way I can’t fully explain.
If I ever met Jaime, I feel like we’d be instant friends. I cheer for her from afar and pray for everyone living with MS because no two journeys are exactly alike, but connection matters so much. Thank you, Jaime, for sharing your story and helping others feel less alone. And so it is. 🩷
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced audio copy of Jamie Lynn Sigler's memoir, And So It Is..., read by the author. I am a fan of JLS and have watched all the Soprano episodes and all her guest features on Entourage. I knew part of her story, but this book was an honest account of a life of an actress. JLS talks about her journey to stardom, all the good and the bad. And she is completely honest about her diagnosis of MS and how she coped and how she struggled. I found this memoir really well done. The author was sad, raw, and open and I really felt her pain in her journey.
May 11, 2026
I liked this memoir a lot. It has the details of Sigler's time on The Sopranos that fans of the show might want, but also goes in-depth about her health struggles. I find she gets a little Hollywood woo-woo for my tastes (something I find true of her podcast with Christina Applegate as well), and there were a couple times where I just thought 'boy is she lucky she never came across a cult in her time'. That said, I really resonated with this memoir. She's very open and honest about what life with MS means and how it's affected her body.
May 10, 2026
And So It Is the best book I have read in years!
I read more fiction or even science fiction, but this is the most important book I have read to help me understand and relate to people with serious illnesses and I hope it remains on the bestseller’s list because it is such a hopeful message. I will reread this book and probably listen to it also because it has so much heart.
I read more fiction or even science fiction, but this is the most important book I have read to help me understand and relate to people with serious illnesses and I hope it remains on the bestseller’s list because it is such a hopeful message. I will reread this book and probably listen to it also because it has so much heart.
May 6, 2026
Wow. Ok, not a Sopranos freak...picked this up as I love memoir. Read in one sitting! Warm, honest, utterly engaging. Heartbreaking in many ways.
May 8, 2026
A great representation of someone living with MS. I like that she delved a little into normal/routine neurological exams etc.
May 9, 2026
This book had me glued from the start
I could identify with the toxic husband 😢 Among other parts. I was laughing and crying. 5💫💫💫💫💫
I could identify with the toxic husband 😢 Among other parts. I was laughing and crying. 5💫💫💫💫💫
May 10, 2026
A beautiful and brave memoir that will inspire readers to heal their own wounds. Thank you, Jamie, for this gift. From one author to another. And so it is.
May 11, 2026
I’ve followed JLS for a while now but I loved reading her book. You truly never know the pain and struggle someone goes through!
May 11, 2026
Loved this book!
May 12, 2026
Couldn’t put it down!
Such a great and captivating read! I normally do not read a non-fiction book so quickly, but her story was compelling. Highly recommend!
Such a great and captivating read! I normally do not read a non-fiction book so quickly, but her story was compelling. Highly recommend!
May 12, 2026
Brave. Honest. Heartfelt. Warm. Funny.
Bravo.
So proud of you, Jamie!
Bravo.
So proud of you, Jamie!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews