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Rookie: My Public, Private, and Secret Life
Instant New York Times Bestseller
A love letter to the rookie in all of Singer-actor Joshua Bassett's fearless memoir in verse about surviving the darkest moments of fame, addiction, and mental health struggles—and finding hope on the other side.
"We're all figuring it out as we go along. Even the 'pros.'"
This brutally honest collection reveals what it's like to have your most private moments become public—what really happens when you give a broken teenager the world at his fingertips, then watch him nearly lose everything.
"This is, to date, my most vulnerable and terrifying piece of work."
From the depths of addiction and suicidal ideation to the hard-won lessons of recovery, Bassett shares his journey with raw vulnerability and courage. Along the way, he discovers that even in our darkest moments, we can choose to keep moving forward.
"The only way out of fear is to face it again and again until it loses its grip."
More than a memoir, Rookie is a movement celebrating the sacred space between who we've been and who we're becoming. A hopeful roadmap and practical wisdom for anyone learning that your worst moments don't define you, even when the whole world is watching.
"I keep waiting for the sea to settle when I need to learn how to surf."
For anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider, struggled with self-doubt, or wondered if things can get better, this book is for you.
A love letter to the rookie in all of Singer-actor Joshua Bassett's fearless memoir in verse about surviving the darkest moments of fame, addiction, and mental health struggles—and finding hope on the other side.
"We're all figuring it out as we go along. Even the 'pros.'"
This brutally honest collection reveals what it's like to have your most private moments become public—what really happens when you give a broken teenager the world at his fingertips, then watch him nearly lose everything.
"This is, to date, my most vulnerable and terrifying piece of work."
From the depths of addiction and suicidal ideation to the hard-won lessons of recovery, Bassett shares his journey with raw vulnerability and courage. Along the way, he discovers that even in our darkest moments, we can choose to keep moving forward.
"The only way out of fear is to face it again and again until it loses its grip."
More than a memoir, Rookie is a movement celebrating the sacred space between who we've been and who we're becoming. A hopeful roadmap and practical wisdom for anyone learning that your worst moments don't define you, even when the whole world is watching.
"I keep waiting for the sea to settle when I need to learn how to surf."
For anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider, struggled with self-doubt, or wondered if things can get better, this book is for you.
Audible Audio
Published May 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 23, 2026
“I’ve read every self help book, consulted every guru, but peace isn’t a philosophy, it’s a Person.”
May 22, 2026
This book was heartbreaking. Joshua’s writing is very raw and real and I was not expecting the level of emotion that he writes with, especially his honesty regarding his mental health and substance abuse issues.
May 14, 2026
I loved this audiobook, especially hearing Joshua read his own story. His raw honesty is incredibly comforting.
August 2, 2026
READ THIS IN A DAY. If you know me you know I LOVE Joshua Bassett and this book was heart wrenching in so many ways. I think this book is worth a read for anyone, fan of him or not. Shows the importance of simply being kind to each other because you never know what someone is going through! Love is worth living for!!!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews