By: Katie Bingham-Smith
Updated: March 11, 2020
Originally Published: March 9, 2020
I’ve never really considered myself a devoted fan of Jessica Simpson. I don’t harbor any dislike for her; her music was enjoyable enough, though I never sought it out. While I’ve always recognized her beauty and charm, I never closely followed her career like I do with my ultimate crush, Jennifer Aniston (seriously, Jen, please write a tell-all!). I didn’t catch much of The Newlyweds, though I recall the buzz surrounding those infamous Chicken of the Sea moments.
But let me tell you, after finishing Jessica’s memoir, Open Book, I was genuinely surprised at how much I connected with it. It’s a compelling read that resonates deeply, regardless of whether you’re a lifelong fan or someone like me who’s always been on the sidelines. Simpson opted against writing a typical self-help book; instead, she chose authenticity—and I admire her for that.
If it weren’t for my stylist raving about it, I might have missed out. “She spills the tea on her relationships with Nick Lachey, John Mayer, and Tony Romo. And trust me, she doesn’t hold back—even sharing the last time she was intimate with Nick and the bitterness that lingered.” Whoa.
Initially, I dove in for the juicy gossip (don’t judge), but I soon found myself captivated for much deeper reasons. Simpson candidly discusses her divorce (been there), her struggles with food (yep, that too), and the societal pressures she’s faced to conform to an idealized version of femininity while trying to rediscover herself. She shares her experience of weighing over 200 pounds during pregnancy and breaking toilet seats—something I can relate to all too well. Her openness about childhood trauma and personal challenges made this truly an “open book.”
I listened to it whenever I could; it made chores, workouts, and car rides with the kids so much more enjoyable. If you’ve faced any hardships in your life, her story will resonate with you because it’s a comforting reminder that everyone, even someone as glamorous as Jessica Simpson, endures struggles.
She doesn’t shy away from revealing how much power she ceded to the men in her life and how it impacted her happiness. Listening to her revelations made me reflect on my own experiences of putting others before myself for too long. Now at 44, I recognize that I don’t need to live for anyone else’s approval. It felt validating to realize that even a successful and stunning celebrity shares similar battles.
Simpson’s narrative is empowering. Despite the “dumb blonde” jokes that have shadowed her throughout her career, she remains gracious and has learned to prioritize her well-being. She didn’t have to be so raw about her vulnerabilities, her weight challenges, or her struggles with alcohol, especially while caring for her children. But I appreciate that she did.
Anyone who engages with this memoir will likely feel validated. It’s a reminder that we aren’t alone in our battles, whatever they may be. Simpson’s willingness to share her truth, even when it casts her in a less-than-flattering light, is commendable.
Moreover, she uses her celebrity platform to normalize the experience of gaining weight during pregnancy and emphasizes that it’s perfectly okay to embrace the realities of life instead of curating a perfect image. Thank goodness for that!
Open Book serves as a powerful reminder that everyone grapples with negative emotions, regardless of their appearance, wealth, or background. Hearing a celebrity share such honest experiences, rather than projecting an image of perfection, is incredibly refreshing.
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In summary, Jessica Simpson’s Open Book is a heartfelt exploration of her life, filled with relatable struggles and empowering truths that resonate with anyone who has faced adversity.
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