Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything

by Alyson Stoner

MACMILLAN Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything ABISBOOK MACMILLAN.

Hardcover

Reviews

[Kelsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. It’s amazing that so many of us live vastly different lives. I can’t even fathom what Alyson has gone through. And I love that there was an emphasis on what to do to change the future and protect future generations instead of getting stuck in the same cycle. It won’t change overnight, but there is hope it can.

[Kayla Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

she is so well spoken and honest. Her story, although heartbreaking, also inspiring.

[Alit · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is really more of a three-and-a-half stars kind of thing. It was fun to listen to (I had the audiobook) and I didn't get bored. I have a couple of issues: one is with Stoner's writing. They seemed terrified of just using "said" for dialogue and tied themself up in knots using other verbs or adding adverbs, which were often silly and redundant. The other is more philosophical. I understand that being gay helped Stoner to see that the church they had been so devoted to was unwelcoming. But why hadn't they seen that earlier or why didn't they at least acknowledge that they SHOULD have seen that earlier? Why did THEY have to be gay to recognize the bigotry in the church? Why didn't they call it out more?

[Áine Dougherty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the first half of this story captivating. The level of detail that Alyson recalled about the beginning of their fame was incredible, and their story was an expose of childhood stardom. I struggled through the second half, especially near the end, because Alyson is going through so, so much personally and professionally, and starts to zoom through the story with less detail and less raw emotion. At times, the book feels a bit soapbox-y. Alyson’s journey of growth is admirable, I just wish that part had been told differently.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard to say I enjoyed this because some of the events mentioned in this memoir were truly horrific. However, listening to Alyson tell their story in their words made this a powerful memoir.

Growing up I remember the little white girl from the Missy Elliot Video. I remember Alyson from Eminem's rap video and many Disney classics. What I don't remember is what happened to Alyson after she left the silver screen.

Semi Well Adjusted fills in the blanks. It discusses her complex family history, her struggle with her ED, OCD and other disordered thinking. And sadly it shows yet another victim to child stardom.

I enjoyed Alyson's proactive approach to helping future child starts and their families navigate the unknown and her advocacy for fair compensation and work schedules.

[Jess Rollin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved This Story. Very sad in some parts. Well worth it to read. Well Written as well. Definitely got the reader thinking about how they would handle the situations differently if they were in their shoes.

[Chelsea Hood]

If you loved Jennette McCurdy’s memoir, than this is a must read/listen

[Bria Noelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to the audio book, thoroughly enjoyed the first half where they talk in great detail about their childhood. Their honesty is refreshing.