I started reading this book last year but didn’t get past page 26 for some reason. I picked it up again last week after seeing Girls Aloud perform on 23rd May and I’m so glad I did. I really enjoyed reading this despite it being an emotional rollercoaster. I flew through it.
Cheryl: My Story is written 100% in Cheryl’s voice. It was great to hear everything from her perspective—the formation of Girls Aloud, the early years of fame, her marriage to footballer Ashley Cole, and the truth behind the tabloids. I really enjoyed Cheryl’s ability to reflect her strengths. She had a lot of healthy self belief from a young age with a strong emotional core and a can-do attitude. She got up and got on with things without dwelling, even during the anxiety she experienced in her youth as a result of family problems. It did all catch up with her eventually, though, when Cheryl experienced more adverse life experiences, but she was able to use her strength to come out of it.
I love reading about other people’s experiences. It’s special to hear someone else’s story. I can’t relate to Cheryl’s level of self belief and capacity to keep going to the level she did, but I admire this strength in others. It was beautiful to read. Cheryl’s autobiography is a great reminder of just how different and how similar we all are. The press intrusion Cheryl experienced was alarming and I’m so glad her wish for the paparazzi to not be able to stalk or harass her was granted. Cheryl is one of those celebrities who was never interested in fame or attention. She just found something she loves, a job that happens to come with that level of fame and scrutiny. I remember how big Cheryl was when I was a teenager. I could never cope with that level of fame, it would send me completely mad. I think she has done exceptionally well to get to where she is today. The book opens with a recount of when she almost died of malaria and how she couldn’t even find respect and privacy in the hospital during a time she felt and looked horrendous. It was shocking to read and put a lot of things into perspective.
Cheryl is very grounded and down-to-earth and her autobiography, which is well written, really reflects that. Cheryl does a fantastic job at self-reflection throughout the book, adding in her thoughts alongside the experiences she shares. It’s truly a great read for any fan of Cheryl, Girls Aloud, or just celebrity culture.
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