Scrappy Little Nobody
Author: Anna Kendrick
Hardcover: 304 pages
- Publisher: Touchstone (November 15, 2016)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1501117203
- ISBN-13: 978-1501117206
Book Description:
A recount of Anna's life from childhood to present time. Showing us that fame doesn't always change you. In fact, it can sometimes make you more aware of yourself and how much you want to still be who you were before you became famous.
I was not sure if I would review this or not. I have admired Anna and her work, for quite some time. Most books I read are either from my friends that are amazing authors or authors that I have admired for some time, or those that have ben requested for review for book tours. But after reading Scrappy Little Nobody, I had to post some semblance of a review. I was not prepared to relate so closely to the author of a book.
The last book of this type I reviewed, was my friend Wendy Lawless's Chanel Bonfire and Heart of Glass, her memoirs from her childhood into adulthood. (Amazing reads, if you get the chance!)
Review:
Almost every book out there starts with some form of introduction. But the one thing that caught my attention, is the list that precedes this. A list not unlike my own as a pre-teen/teenager. As the introduction continues, I knew I could already relate to Anna as a person. It seems our personalities are similar in many ways. This was one of many things, that encouraged me to read on. By the time I reached the end, it was like I had read a recount of my own life, sans all the things that come with being famous.
This may be a little different than my other reviews, so read and enjoy.
Anna grew up in Portland, Maine with her parents and her older brother, Mike. She seemed the awkward child, always the smallest, an introvert of sorts who was a stickler for rules. But even with her tiny frame and wildly curly hair (I feel your pain girl), Anna didn't let anyone get the best of her.
One line, of many, early in the book, spoke to me. Anna was in first grade and told her mother that she "had a different heart" than other kinds. In other words, she felt she was more sensitive, kinder...not as "mean," for lack of better words, as the other children. This caring spirit seen throughout the entire book.
At one time in her young life, she wanted to be a doctor for poor people. This is one part of humanity that seems to be lacking in so many. Perhaps we can all take a cue from a younger Anna Kendrick?
At a young age, Anna knew exactly what she wanted to do...at a young age, she started dance lessons. During these lessons, Anna would belt out songs randomly. This lead to suggestions of local musical theater and, by the age of 13, musical theater in New York City.
Even though she knew at a young age, how demanding this life will be, she never gave up and persevered. Her hard working mentality is something anyone could look up to.
Anna graduated high school early and moved to New York City as a minor. Being on her own at a young age, never deterred her from realizing her dream. Even when those she knew warned her about having a "backup plan." Lucky for her, she never needed one. At 16, Anna attended Sundance Film Festival, one of the, no, THE most, popular film festivals in the country, to see a screening of a movie she was in. That is an experience not everyone gets to do as an adult, let alone at that young age.
At the age of 17, Anna moved to Los Angeles. As with many young, aspiring actors, she came to L.A. with the clothes on her back and not a lot of money. Anna tried hard to make friends, but, as we all know, sometimes that can be a task that requires a lot more than a great personality. (Trust me, I understand this all too well!)
But, as the story goes, the rest is history. This was one of the best reads, in my opinion, this year. And, as someone that reads a lot of books throughout the year, none of which I have the desire to review unless asked to, I think that says a lot.
I was going to list some quotes from the book that really spoke to me, as I did above. But then I realized it may turn in to one of my work in progress novels and no one would read this post!
Anna also mentioned a lot towards the end, about how celebrities are just people too. Something I keep reminding a lot of people that try to tell actors/authors/musicians and the like, to stick to...whatever they are known for. This tends to be a hot spot for me, having so many friends in the aforementioned industries. So thank you, Anna, for reminding others of this.
So, I encourage you to read Anna's story yourself. You won't regret spending the time, or as she says, hanging out, with her, throughout her journey for the last...well, girls never admit their age so...lifetime. It took me literally a day and a half to read this, because I just could not put it down.
Please check Anna's book and author links below, to learn ore about her and her book.
I know Anna will not be seeing this, but even so, thank you for being you and for not letting anything change the wonderful person you are!
Book Links:
Author Links:
About The Author:
Born and raised in Portland, Maine, Anna Kendrick made her Broadway debut at the age of twelve in her Tony-nominated performance for the musical High Society.
Since her Academy Award–nominated role as Natalie Keener in Up in the Air, she has made numerous theatrical appearances, including starring roles in Into the Woods, the Twilight saga, and the Pitch Perfect film franchise.
In 2013, she achieved musical success with the triple-platinum hit song “Cups (When I’m Gone),” featured in Pitch Perfect. She lives in Los Angeles.
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