So, You're Crazy Too?

by Amber Portwood, Thea de Sousa (Primary Contributor)

An in-depth look into Teen Mom star, Amber Portwood’s long history dealing with several severe mental illnesses, and how she survived almost insurmountable odds and unbearable public scrutiny to become the strong, self-assured woman she is today.

As a reality TV stalwart and one of the original stars of what’s become a massive franchise, Amber Portwood has been the subject of media curiosity and public scrutiny for almost thirteen years of her life—since the age of seventeen. Throughout the years, Amber has struggled with up to five severe mental disorders that, especially when grouped together, would bring even the heartiest among us to their knees. Currently serving out her five years of probation for a widely publicized fight with the father of her son, Amber has been on a rollercoaster of experiences since she famously emerged from prison almost eight years ago. Now, she is finally ready to share the painful and emotional journey that has brought her to the more stable and productive life she’s leading today.

This book chronicles Amber’s journey with painstaking specificity, as she takes the reader through her harrowing battle with mental illness. Her story serves as a triumphant tale of rebirth, as Amber finally conquers her demons and begins her road to a healthy and happy life.

Genres: Memoir, Celebrity

192 pages, Hardcover

First published February 22, 2022

Reviews

[Chelsea ♡ · Rating 1 out of 5]

You can't use mental health issues as a reason to explain away all of your narcissistic behavior. You are not the victim.

[Loari Bioletto · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve watched Amber on 16 and Pregnant, as well as Teen Mom, since the beginning. I like reading about her struggles and finding out the why behind her actions. That being said, I felt like this book should have been done about halfway through it. The last half seemed like she was just filling in space. Not a terrible book, but just not well done either 🤷🏼‍♀️

[The Rad Books · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a rough audiobook to get through, even as a fan of the show.

[Debbie Francois · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book as far as bringing light to mental illness and what she has endured surrounding it .

[Kristen Davids · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited when I heard Amber was publishing yet another book. I’ve watched Amber's story unfold on TV from 16 and Pregnant to Teen Mom OG. I've been following her story since the beginning. I enjoyed reading this book as Amber did not hold anything back and disclosed what living with mental illness that controls every aspect of your life is like. I really enjoyed the book, and can certainly appreciate Amber's honesty and openness. I felt like at time that there were parts of the book that were repetitive and that Amber was just writing to write. Overall, this was very inspiring book that I enjoyed.

4/5 Stars - I loved that Amber did NOT hold anything back and was able to be so open about her addiction and mental illness that has affected her life so significantly. I rate this read 4/5 stars as there was some repetitive writing that was unnecessary. Inspiring read nonetheless! Hang in there, Amber! You are stronger than you know!

[Rachel Justin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Could have been better written

First few chapters area recap of what has been previously written in her first book. The "new" information has already been revealed in tabloid articles. Then rest of the book basically discusses either mental illness or downing playing the role of responsibility for her actions while making villains of everyone from family to ex's to media. The book does not flow well, often repeating itself, and even some of the time lines shown as conflicting. In short, I would not recommend buying this book, you can gather all the information distributed from this book from either social media tabloids or reruns of the show.

[Shana Foshe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just couldn’t get into this one as much. Mostly because I didn’t feel as though it provided a deeper dive, as Amber has always been really open to the public.

While there should have been things that I could have emphasized with, and I did sympathize, I just could not relate to her actions. This may in part be due to my ignorance when it relates to her combined diagnosis.

While I have been diagnosed with PTSD, and have had people close to me have one or two of her other diagnosis, I myself have never experienced them together. Therefore, I cannot fully comprehend her actions, nor can I judge them.

[Jennifer Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent look at Mental Illness

I read Amber’s first book and hoped she’d write another. Once you get past the fact that no one has names in either book, you go along for the ride. Excellent for young women, this book tackles multiple Mental Diagnoses and how one young woman handled them. Excellent look at real life.

[Deneese Wolford · Rating 3 out of 5]

For being a celebrity-written book, it was alright. I appreciate her sharing her story. But I hope that this motivates others to share theirs because this is just one telling of their experiences with mental health, not all are like this. Some parts seemed to lay it on a little thick, but it was an ok read.

[Meej Gilbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book only because I've followed ambers journey since 16 and pregnant. Tbh I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone who doesn't follow teen mom as I think this Is really just for the fans.

[Manda Marigold · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good. The book was very similar to her first book never too late however this book delves deeper into the explanations of her mental illnesses. (Sidenote: I find the cover of the book to be very pretty.

[Geiosh A · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was so good I love hearing more about her journey about depression and all her disorders especially the depression cuz I can definitely relate to that I love hearing and talk about the people that she lost cuz I lost a lot of people in my twenties

[jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

I would recommend this to anyone who has ever thought negatively of Amber to truly understand her story. I loved it.

[Flora Camille Lynette Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Beautifully Written love amber Rawness and realness
God bless you

[Alex · Rating 1 out of 5]

An entire book of Amber taking no responsibility for anything and blaming everyone (or everything) else on her actions.

Color me surprised.

[B. Milligan · Rating 3 out of 5]

You can only appreciate this book if you have followed Amber's journey on 16 and pregnant and then on Teen Mom.
Her story is very enlightening and sounds like she has matured a lot♥

[Sofía Francisco Galisteo · Rating 2 out of 5]

A pesar de que la autora profundiza algo más y es un buen libro de cara a tener contexto sobre la desaparición de su último ex, se hace aún más difícil identificarse con ella debido a que todo lo que dijo en el anterior libro se queda en 'agua de borrajas'. Recicla mucho del primer libro. Sigue teniendo un estilo muy novato, aunque fácil de leer. 4/10

[Sarah Frazier · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of it was very repetitive of the first book. I also think it’s interesting how she kept saying “my show”.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot reading this book that kept me interested, and that I didn't even know before I quit watching the show.

[B_xOx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love her. Grew up watching her on tv and was so happy she wrote this book. It gets deep in the mental health world and I can truly relate to her and this book in many ways. Such a great read 💙💙

[Macy Hubbs · Rating 1 out of 5]

I actually like Amber but this was just a repetitive book of her “not making excuses” for her excuses.