You're That Bitch: & Other Cute Lessons About Being Unapologetically Yourself

by Bretman Rock

"Bretman Rock is one of the most original, influential voices on social media. This book is hilarious and that bitch made me laugh out loud." --Chelsea Handler From one of the original influencers and the internet's sweetheart, Bretman "The Baddest" Rock, a chaotically joyous essay collection that is a funny and inspiring celebration of self, identity, queerness, and his Filipino heritage. Hilarious and earnest, this collection of essays, drawings, recipes, how-tos and never-before-seen photos goes far beyond what we know of Bretman Rock from social media. Who is Bretman Rock Sacayanan behind the screen and how did he become the original superstar influencer and today's beloved best friend of the internet?  You're That Bitch welcomes you into Bretman Rock's world -- from how his childhood in the Philippines, his family, Filipino culture, and being a first-generation immigrant helped shape him into who he is today. Peek into how Bretman became a social media sensation at the precocious age of 14, balancing living a glamorous jet-setting lifestyle on weekends while still serving lunch at his school's cafeteria, running as a varsity track-star, and making honor roll during the week. With his signature honesty, this is an unfiltered and unprecedented look at what it means to be one of the first digital celebrities. influencer and that bitch -- from dealing with cancel culture, drama and heartbreak, to what it means to love yourself and your community.  From the funniest and undeniably cutest person on the internet, this is a book for the weirdos and for the bad bitches . . . this book is for you!  

Genres: Memoir, Audiobook, Nonfiction, LGBT, Queer, Self Help, Biography

1 pages, Audio CD

First published February 14, 2023

Reviews

[Angel]

Yuh

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love an unproblematic influencer.

This book is exactly what I would expect from Bretman Rock. It's honest and funny with little gems of knowledge.

I wasn't sure he needed a book with his life already covered on social media, TV and YouTube , but it was nice to get his organized thoughts on life.

I also appreciated that this was his voice. The minimal editing made listening to the audiobook more conversational, and he spoke as if he was just doing a longer Instagram live. Not sure if those less familiar with Bretman will appreciate the authenticity, but I liked it.

[Marj · Rating 3 out of 5]

bretman rock is so unserious, he named his company Bretman Rock Paper Scissors LLC

[Amber Sema · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend listening to this book as an audiobook rather than reading it. Bretman reads it himself in his classic, iconic voice and tone. He drops a “biiitch” or a “giiirl” every few sentences, which makes it so entertaining to listen to. The way he reads it makes it clear that he is very much his genuine self in these memoir-essays. Although I’ve been following Bretman for a while, he reveals a lot of information about himself in this book that he hasn’t spoken about on his social media channels where he’s mainly an entertainer. It was nice to see him be candid about his life as a queer Filipino immigrant growing up in Hawaii. I wouldn’t have imagined he’s had some of the experiences he’s had just from the glimpse of his personality and life I’ve gotten as his Instagram follower. Finally, I loved the inclusion of the little tips at the end of each chapter; it made it feel like this was partially a self-help book. He cares about his fans.

[Will R · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
Might be a bit biased because I’m a huge Bretman fan — but this book was relatable, funny, and surprisingly eye-opening to a lot of Bretman’s experiences that he’s never talked about to the public before. I loved hearing about his time growing up in the Philippines, and his struggle being morena (been there!). I bought the physical book to support him but I listened to the audiobook and that’s truly the way to go so you feel every “BITCH!” in your core.

[Gal]

I don't like to rate memoirs/autobiographies because I find rating someone's life trashy and completely off tase. Between us though, this is five stars.

I used to watch Bretman back in the day and seeing him write a book grabbed my attention really quickly. I legit canceled my reading plans so I could read this. I am so happy I read it and I fell back in time when I watched him.

What I liked most was the fact that it was inspirational, not only do you get to read behind the scenes of an influencer but you also get inspired and learn a lot from it - at least I did.

Overall, I found it really interesting and I will for sure read it again in the future if I somehow lose inspiration or find myself at a low point.

Also, It is quite hilarious which I appreciate a lot, I usually find it hard to laugh while reading and yet a few giggles escaped my mouth.

[KT · Rating 4 out of 5]

if you're looking for something hilarious you can read in less than a day, this is a solid choice!

im unplugged from celebrity culture and social media (i say this without censure- just my preference and personality) so i liked the parts about his personal life and upbringing in the Philippines more than the influencer/celebrity tidbits. bretman is so unapologetic about who he is you can't help but take it all in stride and laugh along even if the book was pretty slap-dashed together. it absolutely reads like it was written by someone with ADHD...because it was lol.

the advice was not very useful or relatable to me but it was a super quick and easy read that made me laugh so many times. he gets really candid and talks about his thoughts on fame, his ethnic heritage, love, spirituality, as well as random thoughts on houseplants, animals and horoscopes. i hope he writes a more comprehensive memoir later on because he's achieved a lot at his age, but he's still only in his 20's. i'd love to read something he writes after living more life.

the only thing that took away from the book were the tiktok censor words (like seggs for sex), which seemed incongruous given he explicitly describes sexual encounters and also uses uncensored swear words all over the place. "seggs" will always be cringe.

[reanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

my first five stars of the year!!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 thank u bret for the beautiful story you shared with us! being born in the philippines who immigrated to the us, i related so much with his experiences. no doubt he’s where he’s at now 🧡

[Lisa (Remarkablylisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bretman is sooo funny. I died. Not much of a self help book but if you're a fan of his jokes, then you're going to love it.

[Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bretman Rock is truly such a talented individual. I was a little hesitant at first to read a book published by an influencer but I am so glad that I snatched it off the shelf anyways.

Bretman writes in their own voice, which makes the book even more endearing and authentic. A pleasant surprise was how poetic some of his passages were. It was so lovely to read about Bretman’s experience with gender identity and I am definitely going to re-read and highlight the passages that resonated with me.

I highly recommend reading Bretman’s biography, as it is so full of warmth, humour, and important life lessons. Bretman is such a pivotal and special creator and I’m so glad we have someone like him out there who has her priorities straight, BITCH.

[Caelan Fortes · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a hug

[Momina Munir · Rating 5 out of 5]

yea. i love him.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is an icon, he is a legend, he IS the moment. I have loved Bretman for so long and listening to this book was just so much fun. It felt like staying up late with a friend hearing their life story, laughing, being sad with them, proud of them. 😭

[Vince · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had me laughing at work, he’s really that bitch. I especially loved how it was written where you feel like Bretman is telling you his story in person as oppose to you just reading it. There are definitely parts of the book I would reread for an easy laugh.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Płakałam i śmiałam się, kocham Bretmana

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bitch, this was great! I can totally see young adults who were raised with Bretman on social media, especially BIPOC queer teens, eating this book up. It’s not perfect (more like 3.5 stars) but it’s fun, witty, and surprisingly deep at moments. I think Bretman’s story is a unique one that would inspire a lot of people. I particularly appreciate Bretman’s willingness to learn and correct as they move forward with their public career.

[Karla Barcena · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly loved Bretman’sbook. I listened to it on Audible and I’m so glad I did because it made me laugh and it also made me tear. It was so authentic. I wish him a lifetime of success and I can’t wait to see his manifestations turned into reality.

[Angela Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly relatable with practical lessons in life. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook and couldnt help laugh or smile every single time Brett says b*tch. Such resilience and confidence at a young age. Thank you for inspiring us to live an unapologetic life.

[ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bretman Rock is my future bestie

[Kubi]

No other influencer has managed to capture my imagination like this Ilocana mthrfckn btch.

[Juan Ligaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bretman Rock should've been our Philippine Ambassador, not a certain High School Musical star.

First and foremost, this book is a beacon of empowerment. It dares to challenge societal norms, encouraging readers to embrace their authentic selves and step into their power fearlessly. It celebrates individuality, self-love, and confidence, inspiring readers to reclaim their personal strength and live life on their own terms. Throughout the book, I found myself feeling uplifted and motivated to become the best version of myself.

The content of "You're That Bitch" is thought-provoking and deeply relatable. It covers a wide range of topics, including self-discovery, relationships, career aspirations, and personal growth. Each chapter delves into different aspects of life and provides valuable insights, practical advice, and relatable anecdotes. The author's ability to convey complex ideas in a concise and accessible manner is commendable, making this book suitable for readers at any stage of their journey.

The writing style is engaging and conversational, making it easy to connect with the author's words. The narrative flows effortlessly, and the author's authenticity shines through every page. The use of humor and relatable anecdotes adds a touch of lightness to the profound messages conveyed. I often found myself laughing, reflecting, and feeling a genuine connection to the author's experiences and perspectives.

In addition to the powerful content, "You're That Bitch" is beautifully presented. The book design, cover art, and overall aesthetics enhance the reading experience, making it visually pleasing. It's clear that attention was given to every detail, ensuring a well-rounded and immersive journey for readers.

To sum it up, "You're That Bitch" is a must-read for anyone seeking empowerment, personal growth, and a boost of confidence. It is a transformative book that encourages readers to embrace their authentic selves, take charge of their lives, and own their power. The insightful content, engaging writing style, and overall presentation make it a standout read. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m just a Bretman fan. Honestly he is one unproblematic social media presence and I really enjoy his content for that reason. Like babes is so unbothered. It felt like I was catching up with a friend and he was just dishing out all the things I’ve missed. Highly recommend audiobook for this one too.

[Malinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yuh

[The Michigan Daily Arts]

I didn’t pick up Bretman Rock’s new memoir, “You’re That Bitch: & Other Cute Lessons About Being Unapologetically Yourself,” thinking I would hate it. In fact, as a lover of both celebrity memoirs and Rock, I was positively excited to start reading. But there are only so many disparaging comments about lesbians and tactless editorial choices that a reader can take.

The memoir begins with a cute intro — literally, it’s titled “A Cute Intro” — about Rock’s early life growing up in the Philippines, his relationship with gender and sexuality, and a brief background on his stardom as an internet celebrity. Gender and sexuality are two principal themes of Rock’s memoir, given his status as a pioneer of “the new standard of genderless beauty.” Throughout the memoir, Rock uses both “he/him/his” and “she/her/hers” pronouns and clarifies his lack of preference. Since “he/him/his” pronouns are used in his biography and in the book jacket blurb, those are the pronouns I will use throughout this review.

Though Rock’s discussions of gender are mostly enlightening, his descriptions of transcending the binary often fall victim to stereotypes. “I’ve always been a divine blend of masculine and feminine—so if I look like a lesbian after a bicep bulging workout, call me he, but if I’m in full makeup wearing a Catholic schoolgirl plaid skirt and barrettes, call me she,” Rock wrote in the introduction. It seems that there is an intrinsic relationship between lesbianism and masculinity for Rock, and while there are lesbians who claim that description, it’s not something Rock can. He only refers to himself as a gay man, and clarifies time and time again his aversion to vaginas: “I will always try everything once. (Just not vagina. I’m no vagitarian. That’s one thing I’m certain of.)”

Daily Arts Writer Lillian Pearce can be reached at pearcel@umich.edu

Read the full review here: https://www.michigandaily.com/arts/bo...

[Amy Melina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bretman is not a writer, so I’m not taking writing style into consideration here. I listened to the audiobook. What I will say is that I went into this book with certain expectations, thinking that Bretman (who I love and find hilarious) is a very one dimensional character on social media, but he shows a different side of himself and I’m happy to say I finished this book with a different view of him. I really enjoyed hearing his story and his perspective on certain things. And I found myself thinking throughout the book “Wow, this is what happens when a family fully supports their LGBTQ child, they’re able to shine and thrive.” Definitely recommend this one!

[Janina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listening to this was a good choice, although I’m sure I’d hear Bretman’s voice in my head even if I went with the physical book option— his voice/style is that strong.

Always knew he was funny, but I’m happy to report that this book was thoughtful and introspective as well.

Little repetitive on some parts, but I guess it’s because it’s more of a casual tone, like having a chat with your bestie

[Shealea · Rating 1 out of 5]

Before anything else, I want to make it absolutely clear that I genuinely adore Bretman Rock and their content, especially their unique voice that shines through across all platforms and media. But, unfortunately, I have to review this book based on what it is (and not what I wanted it to be); and in that lens, this is a wildly lackluster memoir.

Full review to follow.

[Sami Bernardo · Rating 5 out of 5]

You ever had to pause an audiobook so many times because you were laughing too hard? 😭 I swear this bitch had me cackling out loud at least every 5-10 minutes. Would seriously only recommend listening to the audiobook instead of reading because I cannot imagine it being as good without hearing his voice. Listening to this did, in fact, make me feel like THAT Bitch. Period!
But on a serious note.. I was so pleasantly surprised to hear him talk openly about colorism in Asia and the damage it does to a young brown kid’s self-image and self-esteem. This simple acknowledgement gives me hope for the young morenas of today. Bretman Rock is such a good example of Filipino-American excellence and what we mean when we say that representation matters!

[Bab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bretman serving Charisma Uniqueness Nerve and Talent. I wish I could be as unbothered as her.

this was so educational while being hilarious and heartwarming as well. There were lots of moments that brought back memories for me.

[Timothy Huynh · Rating 3 out of 5]

very entertaining and real book. felt seen by bretman’s stories and love how unapologetic he is.