Happy Tuesday! Today I have a review of In Pieces, Sally Field’s memoir, available now from Grand Central. Friends, when I was invited to read this book by the publisher, I could not believe my eyes. The day before I saw Sally Field on The View promoting her book, and I was one step away from buying a copy because I’ve always been a fan of hers. Please read on for my thoughts on this much-anticipated book!
My Thoughts:
Sally Field…My first introduction being either Steel Magnolias or Forrest Gump? I had heard of Gidget, the happy-go-lucky, girl-next-door, cute, charming, all smiles.
Sally Field has a story to tell. It took her seven years to write it and a lifetime to live and process it. She could have kept this all to herself; we certainly never would have known. Her family hardly knew.
Some have asked me if In Pieces is a “star book,” and I would say no. It is not salacious or gossipy, most definitely not braggy or boastful. It just is. She just is. And there most definitely are chronicles of the tv shows and movies as she is launched into stardom because those are part of her story, too. But with that, there’s always a humbleness, a demureness, where she never feels quite settled in her own skin, which you will come to understand as you learn her story; or at least, I did.
I first caught hold of Sally’s story when she wrote of her great grandmother and grandmother. The time periods, their stoicism and other personality traits, their inordinate strength; it all connected with me strongly because of the women in my own family. It had me revisiting my thoughts on another book I read and inter-generational experiences, good and bad, and how we pass them down to our daughters.
Sally Field writes with tenderness and complexity of most everyone she loved in her life, and that’s another aspect that connected to me deeply. It would be easy to write off the exboyfriend who was controlling, but a charmer, and make him out to be the monster that was most of the time, but instead she describes why she stayed, his strengths and what connected her to him (not naming any names here; that’s part of the fun of the book!). The same with her childhood love who became her first husband and the father of two of her children. Everyone would love Steve by the way she first describes him, but he is not without flaws, and neither is she.
That ultimately leads me to another aspect I loved. Sally’s honesty and ownership over her life. She doesn’t blame others or feel sorry for herself at any time. She recognizes where she may have played a role, and even when I didn’t agree and felt she was too hard on herself (definitely much too hard on herself!), that modesty she possesses only adds to her authenticity.
I also enjoyed reading about her relationship with her mother- her devotion and the complications in their dynamics. It brought me to tears several times and made me grateful for the ease of my relationship with my mother. Her children are described with the most tenderness, three beautiful boys, that she loves with a ferocity and, yes, she has regrets, but it’s all honest, genuine, authentic.
In Pieces is hands-down one of the best memoirs I’ve read, and this is one of my preferred genres, so I’ve read a few. I loved that my mind was changed about Sally in a way; well, maybe not changed…opened-up, and it was all about something I harp on- complexity of character. None of us are all good, or all bad, and Sally chose to let us see all the parts, all her pieces, her whole self. She most definitely didn’t have to, it was her story to tell, but she bravely and boldly did.
Thank you to the lovely folks at Grand Central for the invitation to read In Pieces. All opinions are my own.
Synopsis:
In this intimate, haunting literary memoir read by the author, an American icon tells her story for the first time, and in her own gorgeous words – about a challenging and lonely childhood, the craft that helped her find her voice, and a powerful emotional legacy that shaped her journey as a daughter and a mother.
One of the most celebrated, beloved, and enduring actors of our time, Sally Field has an infectious charm that has captivated the nation for more than five decades, beginning with her first TV role at the age of seventeen. From Gidget‘s sweet-faced “girl next door” to the dazzling complexity of Sybil to the Academy Award-worthy ferocity and depth of Norma Rae and Mary Todd Lincoln, Field has stunned audiences time and time again with her artistic range and emotional acuity. Yet there is one character who always remained hidden: the shy and anxious little girl within.
With raw honesty and the fresh, pitch-perfect prose of a natural-born writer, and with all the humility and authenticity her fans have come to expect, Field brings readers behind-the-scenes for not only the highs and lows of her star-studded early career in Hollywood, but deep into the truth of her lifelong relationships–including her complicated love for her own mother. Powerful and unforgettable, In Pieces is an inspiring and important account of life as a woman in the second half of the twentieth century.
Have you read In Pieces, or is it on your TBR? Happy Reading! ~ Jennifer THR
I am enjoying this memoir about Sally Field , half way through the book. She has a story to tell. Wonderful review, Jennifer. Happy Tuesday. 💕📚🏄🏾♀️
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Thank you, Virginia! That’s wonderful you are reading this one now! I hope you find it memorable, too. Happy Tuesday! ♥️
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i saw another positive review a while back and was intrigued. It’s obvious you enjoyed this one a lot Jennifer. And i believe, as our own worst critics, Sally did what most of us would have done at a time or another: be harder on ourselves than we truly deserve to be.
Great review.
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Thanks, Jina. You are so right- we are usually the ones most hard on ourselves. This was a terrific read. It’s not just the life she’s led, but how she chose to tell it. ♥️
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Such an amazing review, Jen! I want to read this one. She’s always been a favorite. ❤
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Thanks, favorite M! She’s pretty special, and this allows you to see her as a whole person. ♥️ I hoe you get a chance to read it! Xo
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Fantastic review! ❤
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Thanks, Holls!
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Outstanding review, Jennifer! I’m so glad it lived up to your (and my) expectations. I can’t wait to get to it.
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Thanks, Jonetta! I can’t wait for you to get to it, too! It took me some time to get through it, but I really looked forward to picking it up each time.
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Wonderful review Jen! I have this one to read too and after reading your review, I need to move it up the mountain! Have a beautiful day my friend!😊💕☃️
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Thanks, Sus! I hope you do move it up the mountain! It’s so worthy, and I hope you find it as memorable as I did. I hope your day was amazing too! ♥️ xo
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How my mountain hasn’t toppled is a biblio phenomenon!!!🤪🤪💕💕
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It is! I think mine is about to topple and cause a landslide down the stairs! 😂 ♥️
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Watch out Kitty🐱🐈!! Haha!!
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Thank you Jennifer. This does sound like a terrific book. Added to my list.
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Thank you, Brigid. It was a wonderful memoir- quite a full and varied life!
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I adore Sally Field, although I’m feeling old because my first experience with her was The Flying Nun! Glad you loved this😁
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Thanks, Tammy! I think The Flying Nun came on in syndication like The Brady Bunch, and I remember watching an episode or two. I don’t think I put it together that the nun was Sally Field! And you are definitely not old! 😊
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Loved this book and was so surprised. Who knew?! I think I love her more. Great review.
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Thanks, Jaymi! YES, I love her more, too. Her vulnerability and strength- wow. So happy you enjoyed this one, too!
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Sounds like such an amazing read, Jennifer. A wonderful, thoughtful review.
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Thanks, Chrissi! I adored it! ♥️ Somehow it was easier to write about this one than some reviews for books I’ve loved.
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This was a great review. “In Pieces” and “Becoming” are both on my list to read, so hopefully I’ll get my hands on a copy of these books soon!
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Thanks, LP! I hope you get a chance to read both of them! I have Becoming on the way, and I bought the hard copy and the audio so Michelle can read to me! ♥️
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Ooooh I wasn’t sure if she was doing the audio !! That’s great to know, too!
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I thought so, too! I love her voice!
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This was high on my TBR and I planned to read it for nonfiction November, but after reading some mixed reviews I opted for another read. Your review causes me to reconsider the Sally Fields memoir! Thanks for the great review!
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Thanks, Carol! I absolutely loved it and can’t imagine why anyone wouldn’t like it unless that it was because of the abuse? The book is about so much more, and I hope if you decide to read it that you find it worthy too!
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I have it back on my TBR! 👍
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I have this one on my must read list. I know I will be moving it up thanks to your wonderful review, Jennifer!
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Thanks, Marialyce! I hope this is one you love, too. I have my fingers crossed!
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I’ve been a bit indecisive over buying this book but your fabulous review has sold me on it. I do love Sally Field and I’m so pleased to know that this is such an honest memoir rather than a salacious or gossipy one. I’m glad you enjoyed this book so much.
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Thank you, Hayley! I am interested in your take once you read it. When I saw her on The View, they mentioned how Burt Reynolds said she was the love of his life, and she had this interesting look on her face. Not a rude face, not dismissive, but now I understand why. I couldn’t wait to read that part, but honestly, in the entire book, he was only a small part, so all of that to say, she has so much to talk about in her life, and much of it has to do with her family relationships and her own feelings. It’s just so good!
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It sounds amazing. I think of her also from the Flying Nun and Norma Rae. Excellent review! Anne – Books of My Heart
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Thanks, Anne! I loved this one, and I loved when she described her work on The Flying Nun and Norma Rae! It’s amazing how she felt about the characters she played, Norma Rae especially, and now I really need to see that movie!
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Fantastic review! I saw her being interviewed about the book and her life just a few days ago and she struck me exactly as you describe her – intelligent, thoughtful, self-aware, honest and as you say, sometimes a bit hard on herself. She seems like a lovely person as well as being a great actress… 😀
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Thanks, FF! I’m happy you read her that way, too. I have even more respect for her than I did before. 😊
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Wonderful review! Glad you enjoyed it I so enjoy her!
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Thanks, Berit! I love her all the more now!
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Beautiful and thoughtful review Jennifer. I can tell just how much you enjoyed this memoir and I love that the book helped you know Sally better. I watched Forrest Gump ages ago so can’t remember her but this post has made me want to know her.
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Thank you, Diana! She is a lovely actor and has an emotional and triumphant story to tell. It has been a super long time since I saw Forrest Gump, so I should try to find time to watch it again! ♥️
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GREAT REVIEW JENNIFER ON A GREAT AUTHOR AND BOOK, CHINA china.alexandria@livingthedream.blog
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Thank you, China, and thank you for the reblog! ♥️
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Reblogged this on LIVING THE DREAM.
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Really beautiful review! I love how you said it’s not filled with gossip, she just is. I know you were looking forward to this and I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
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Thanks, Mack! It really lived up to all my expectations! A treasure! ♥️
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Wonderful review. I saw this book on offer recently and nearly bought it. Another memoir fan here. I really must read this one
Caryl
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Thank you, Caryl! I hope you get a chance to scoop it up again, and I hope it’s a winner for you, too. Happy to have found another memoir fan!
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Lovely, lovely review Jenni. I adore Sally Field – in Steel Magnolias she makes me cry every single time! She reminds me so much of my mum. 😍
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Thanks, Beth! I think you may enjoy this one then. It gives so much insight into her life. She definitely does not hold back. I love that connection to your mom too. ♥️ Wasn’t Steel Magnolias a special movie! Ahh! Heartbreaking!
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This sounds great and i love Sally Field. Im keeping an eye out for this x
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She is so lovable on screen, and I love how she really put her whole self out there with this book. If you are able to read it, I hope you love it too!
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What a wonderful review. I’ve always enjoyed Sally Fields in shows and in interviews. Her books sounds quite moving. I’m happy you connected with it so deeply… truly a sign that it’s well-written as well.
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Thanks, Nina! It really is a well-written and emotional read. I never expected to connect to it the way I did.
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Wow, great review Jennifer. I have an audible credit, so I might get this one to read. I love Sally Field, now to show my age, I loved her in The Flying Nun.
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Thank you, Carla! I want to go back and watch The Flying Nun! She describes it so well! I wonder if she reads her audio? I would love that. Yes, this was a special read. I really connected to it and how well she wrote it.
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I am not sure if she narrates it or not, I will have to check.
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Fantastic review!
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Thank you so much, Nicki! ♥️
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That is on my list to read. Great review.
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Thanks so much, Janice! I hope you enjoy it, too!
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This review is beautifully written. What other memoirs would you recommend?
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Thank you, Katie! I read When Breath Becomes Air recently and love it, and Educated is one of my favorites this year, too. Thank you for stopping by. ♥️
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Wonderful review Jennifer. You pulled out just enough to make me want to go out there buy it and start reading. Definitely adding to my TBR list. Steel Magnolias is one of my favorite Sally Fields movies, although I’m usually bawling for most it😂.
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Thank you, RoseMarie! I don’t think you’ll regret adding it to your TBR. Steel Magnolias is the best, but gosh, it’s a tear jerker! ♥️
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I know right! I cry every time I watch it 😢 😅. Yes I will have to read her memoir for sure.
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Such a lovely review! I’ve seen this one popping up quite a bit lately and mostly just ignored it but after reading this I am quite tempted.
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Thank you so much, Sawyer! I loved this book. It truly surprised me!
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I feel so out of the loop. I hadn’t heard of this book, and thanks to twitter, found my way here. I love your review, and while I have too many books in my TBR list, this one will now definitely go on it.
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Thank you, Piroska! It was a lovely, engaging read, and I hope it’s a memorable one for you, too, if you end up reading it.
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I’d never heard of Sally until I saw her on the Graham Norton Show but I feel like she has an interesting story to tell.
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She does have an emotional and impactful story to tell. I hope you enjoy it, too, if you get a chance to read it.
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I don’t often read any non-fiction titles. That being said, I’m drawn to this one. Sally Field was a big part of my life growing up. (I’m thinking back to the “Flying Nun” days and “Gidget”).
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Lynne, this is a GOOD one, and while some parts of her lengthy career are only touched on, Flying Nun and Gidget are more detailed because they are from when her career was just beginning. I think you’d be interested in her take on those jobs. I loved all the family dynamics discussion. I hope you enjoy this one if you decide to read it. ♥️
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Great review. I dont usually read memoirs but I grew up with The Flying Nun and Gidget and might just add this book to my TBR….
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Thank you so much! I think you’d love this! She spends more time on The Flying Nun and Gidget parts of her story because they were the beginnings of her career. If you get a chance to read it, I’ll be watching for your thoughts. ♥️
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