Book info

• Title Who I Am
• Author Melanie C
• Year 2022
• Genre Memoir

25 years ago, The Spice Girls, a girlband that began after answering an advert in the paper, released our first single. 'Wannabe' became a hit and from that moment, my life changed for ever. I was suddenly part of one of the biggest music groups in history, releasing hit after hit, performing to our wonderful fans and spreading the message of Girl Power to the world. It was everything I'd dreamed of growing up, and I've had some incredible times... The BRITs! The movie! Travelling the world playing iconic venues like Madison Square Garden, The O2, Wembley Stadium and The London 2012 Olympics!!! When you're a woman, though, that power can be easily taken away by those around you, whether by pressure, exhaustion, shaming, bullying or a constant feeling like you aren't enough. I have been known as Sporty Spice, Mel C, Melanie C or just plain old Melanie Chisholm, but what you will read within the pages of this book is who I truly am, and how I found peace with that after all these years.

Thoughts

I was a Spice Girls fan at the time, and it’s always surprised me that they shone so bright but for such a short time - and their legacy powers on and on despite that. Girl Power! This autobiography from Mel C goes behind the scenes of how she ended up joining group, how they rose to incredible heights, and then how it all unravelled both professionally and personally.

Being a Spice Girl is a lot tougher than it looked and the honest details about the mental health impacts that Mel C shares are astounding and moving in equal measure. A great story told gently and with respect to everyone involved, it’s good to hear that she has found some peace at this point.

Rating: 4 / 5