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Mean Baby

A Memoir of Growing Up - the instant New York Times bestseller from the acclaimed actor and disability rights campaigner

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Mean Baby

By: Selma Blair
Narrated by: Selma Blair
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**THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER **

'Funny and frank, a chance to spend time with a brave and big-hearted woman who's grown up to be not so mean, after all' JENNIFER LARUE, WASHINGTON POST

'Grabs you by the collar and says listen to all that I have to say: about love, pain, motherhood, illness, celebrity and the tidal ferocity that pours through all our lives. Read it and be caught in the voice of one of our luminous stars' ESMÉ WEIJUN WANG

The first story Selma Blair Beitner ever heard about herself is that she was a mean, mean baby. Although Selma went on to become a celebrated Hollywood actress and model, she could never quite shake the periods of darkness that overtook her, the certainty that there was a great mystery at the heart of her life. Over the course of this beautiful and, at times, shocking memoir, Selma lays bare her addiction to alcohol, her devotion to her brilliant and complicated mother, and the moments she flirted with death. There is violence, love, true friendship, the gift of motherhood and, finally, the simultaneous devastation and surprising salvation of a multiple sclerosis diagnosis.

'A fascinating exploration about the power of prophecy, of labels, and of one woman's determination to defy them all. Blair is a rebel, an artist, and it turns out: a writer' GLENNON DOYLE

'I laughed out loud more than I cried' FRANCES RYAN, GUARDIAN©2022 Selma Blair Entertainment & Celebrities Celebrity Memoir Funny Heartfelt Inspiring
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Critic reviews

A fascinating exploration about the power of prophecy, of labels, and of one woman's determination to defy them all. Blair is a rebel, an artist, and it turns out: a writer.
Mean Baby, Selma Blair's brilliant book, demands attention. It grabs you by the collar and says listen to all that I have to say: about love, pain, motherhood, illness, celebrity, and the tidal ferocity that pours through all our lives. Read it and be caught in the voice of one of our luminous stars.
She writes with a ribald irreverence as darkly funny as anything I've ever read; urging on each page: 'Go ahead and laugh. I am.' . . . The benediction she arrives at is her own, as earned as her luminous passages. If you've ever felt broken or lost you'll find yourself on the pages of this book . . . The rejects and outsiders have spoken Selma, and we've elected you Queen.
Straight-up terrific - bold, intimate, sassy, profound - and a vital reminder that the hectic glitter of the exterior rarely reflects the hard-earned wonder of the interior. So, while you might reach for Mean Baby because of the author's celebrity, you'll read into the night for her candor, eye for detail, and stunning prose. In an embarrassment of riches, Selma Blair is as talented a writer as she is an actress
If you thought you knew Selma Blair, think again.
Jaw-flooring (Helen Brown)
Written in vignettes and sharply observed, the sometimes harrowing subject matter never weighs Mean Baby down. At times, you feel like you shouldn't be having quite as much fun as you are but Blair has a self-awareness, wit and charm that makes her sound like a competition winner despite the difficulties she's faced. Dressing up in Princess Leia costumes with Carrie Fisher. Acne advice from Claire Danes. Rehab with Britney Spears. This is not a misery memoir - I laughed out loud more than I cried (Frances Doyle)
All stars
Most relevant
So honest, raw and touching. There is learning and reflection, but entertainment too. Recommended listen.

I knew I will love her book!

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Delivered with so much genuine emotion and passion. Sad, yet overall it's the positivity that shines through from the darkness. Highlights the realism of life and a candid account of many shared experiences which so many will resonate with. Things, that they may have hidden for years. A grounded normality behind the LA glamour. A reminder that life is rarely what you see on the surface and to be kind and patient always. Seek to understand below the surface (for yourself and others). Everything shone through as rooted from love, even when misunderstood. Massively charismatic and inspirational life story. Thank you for shining the light on the MS community also. Selma gives hope and support to thousands and am sure will touch all that read this. 🙏

Powerfully engaging, passionate & brutally honest!

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I’ve always admired Selma as an actor since I was a teenager myself. Loved her films. Listening to her story was amazing. Although not an actress I totally relate to her as a mother with chronic health problems myself with a son of a similar age. Living with chronic illness drew parallels and similarities. I feel had we have ever met we would be friends in life. I love her warmth, intensity, eloquence and how articulate she is. Funny but serious too. Wishing her and her son all the very best and may Selma continue her health journey with poise and determination. A very inspirational woman who I greatly admire. A true warrior!

Outstanding story

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I’ve spent years trying to explain how my symptoms/flares affect me but always struggle. This was perfectly descriptive of how the condition affects us. You are truly an inspiration to me. Keep up the positivity!! X

Fellow MS warrior

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Selma Blair’s story is an unconventional one and I felt that she told it in an unvarnished and honest way. She is not always likeable, as she does some things that are unpleasant at times and often behaves in very self-destructive ways. People are complicated and I felt that Selma was very open about her flaws, without asking for sympathy. I really engaged with her story and was rooting for her to be okay in the end. She’s had a fascinating life and it was entrancing to hear about it, straight from the person whose life it is. She is a brave soul. Bravo!

Fascinating and unvarnished

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