The book is a memoir written by Chelsea Devantez. Which I did not know who she was until probably 1/4 of the way into reading. Each chapter is dedicated to a different woman in her life that impacted her somehow.

The concept was really good, I just don’t think it was for me personally. I am not really into nonfiction, but I wanted to use May to read books that discuss mental heath awareness. Chelsea does paint a great picture of how even the littlest things can harm mental heath and we may not even realize it!

I did really enjoy the blacked out boxes. It gave the feeling that we were being told something that was not supposed to be talked about. I probably didn’t process the meaning, but I am not sure if we were told why she did it.

Celebrity memoirs are always going to be popular. I was unaware of Chelsea before I came across this read. It was not what I was expecting and it is definitely not to be read in all one sitting, very heavy material. Looking forward to seeing what other creative projects she comes up with.

Wow! This was more than what was more than what I was expecting. There was a lot packed into the story and I am glad the story was told. I am fortunate that I was able to read a copy of it. Thanks to the author for what you didn't say and the funny that goes with it!

An interesting glimpse into the life of someone with complex childhood PTSD. Abuse and its consequences take many forms. Devantez relates many of the factors of her childhood, and adulthood, that were the framework of her CPTSD. Her honesty is brutal, but necessary. And redeeming. Her life is a testament to others fighting trauma that you can make it through, though it will probably be a lifelong battle, but one you can manage with family and friends, and honesty.

I got to read an early copy of this book draft and even the draft was better than most finished books. It’s funny, smart, and I learned so much about Chelsea. Excited for the final!!!

I reread this book, the final version, and it is different. Chelsea had to make big changes for legal reasons which shifts the focus of the book from this thing that happened to her to a much more Chelsea centered story which I liked. I appreciated the flow and the humor but also how open and honest Chelsea is in the book.

This is the easiest 5 stars I've ever given. I cried, I laughed, I left inspired. If you loved Jenette McCurdy's memoir, you'll love this one. It's heartbreaking and heartwarming and I loved every second of it. I also listened to the audiobook in tandem and it was INCREDIBLE. Chelsea narrates it herself and it was so immensely enjoyable, I can't recommend it enough.

I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This: (But I’m Going to Anyway) by Chelsea Devantez

This series of essays was raw, vulnerable, and funny. It felt like a conversation with a friend that is spilling what’s happened to them since you last spoke, and it’s outrageous. Admittedly, I did not know anything about Chelsea Devantez before reading this, but now I have a much deeper understanding of her.

I was impressed with the energy this book brought. It had ups and downs but the comedic relief was spot on. Devantez didn’t shy away from any struggles which included some heavy hitters like domestic violence, being female in a male-dominated field, and friendship breakups. Each chapter had its own degree of seriousness, so I was left reflecting on her opinions and worldviews frequently. One chapter particularly stood out due to her candor and vulnerability - being fathered by an anonymous donor - I had never thought about how that could affect people.

All in all, I requested this book because I liked the cover and the description claimed it was hilarious. I left this book feeling like I learned things, so absolute win. Fans of memoirs, female comedians, and gritty stories will find much to like here.

I’m a huge fan of Chelsea Devantez’s podcast Glamorous Trash and have been looking forward to her memoir ever since she announced it. It did not disappoint. Each essay is about women who have affected her life, from friends to frenemies. She shares about her experiences in the entertainment industry as a writer and comedian, childhood trauma, and learning she was donor-conceived (and that her dad was not actually her dad) when she was a teen.

This book is the embodiment of her podcast; there is power of sharing your story. We’re rarely the only one who has experienced something and our vulnerability helps others feel less alone. That Devantez manages to do this despite having literal portions of her book redacted is a feat and illustrates the way our systems protect abusers instead of victims. There is difficult content (see below) but her honesty and the fact that she’s done her best to work through and process her experiences makes this a worthy read. The last four chapters (Ashley, Bridesmaids, Mom, Chelsea Devantez) were my favorite.

Content notes: intimate partner violence (including gun violence), rape by ex-boyfriend, sexual assault (groped by guys at school, stepfather walked naked into her room to talk to her, masturbated on by a guy), sexual harassment by improv teacher, stalking, mom was in two abusive relationships, emotional and physical child abuse, suicidal ideation, suicide plan (stepfather), past death of stepfather by suicide after a cancer diagnosis, alcoholic stepfather, c-PTSD, dissociation, panic attack, depression, codependency, author learned she was donor-conceived at 14 years old and that the man she thought was her dad was not her biological father, parental infertility (mom’s first husband was nearly sterile), child neglect (lived alone in a camper at age 15 to intern at the local theater for the summer), bullying, physical assault, disordered eating, fatshaming, dieting (including as a teen), diet culture, slut-shaming, homophobia, ovarian dermoid tumor (benign), rectal bleeding, eye infection, COVID-19, vomit, born with two extra toes (removed), parental infidelity (mom cheated on first husband with second), mom ran away from home at 14 years old and married a 21 year old, death of estranged maternal grandmother, stepfather fought in Vietnam and injected himself with hepatitis to get discharged, petty theft, poverty, homelessness and housing instability, credit card debt (stepfather), miming sex acts with a puppet, past crystal meth (stepfather), alcohol, inebriation, excessive drinking, cigarettes, Adderall, Xanax, gendered pejoratives, ableist language

Beautiful, funny, heartbreaking, triumphant. I've been a Cookie / fan of Chelsea's Glamorous Trash podcast since nearly the beginning, so I'd been teed up to love this book pretty much since it was announced. I can say it absolutely passed the Book-del Test with flying colors - she was vulnerable and shared her truth, it was entertaining, and I feel like my life was elevated through the reading experience.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the chance to read and review this book. Chelsea isn’t someone on my person on my radar, but when I read the synopsis of this book I knew she’s a person I should have on it. Funny, real, emotional; her memoir takes readers right into her life, learning the good and not so good. Seeing her growth, her success all while remaining grounded enough to recognize what really matters in her life. From traumatic moments in childhood, to domestic violence, to bad boyfriends to a successful career, and wonderful husband this has it all. I’ll admit, I took a bit to read it, but that was a me issue and not because I didn’t like it. I immediately hit follow on her social media and can’t wait to see what else she gets up to.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read this memoir. I recently heard the author speak at a workshop and was drawn into her story. This book's unique structure made it a quick and emotional read. The author does not hold back on how she got to today. I especially loved the nicknames for certain characters in her journey. I can't wait to hear more!

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to be an advanced reader on this one.

Let me start by saying, it’s my fault I didn’t like this book.. sort of. There were some funny and relatable moments in the story (like everyone having a moment that we think getting bangs cut in to our hair would change our life) but overall I was forcing myself through it due to my commitment to rate and review the story. This isn’t how I like to feel while reading.

I like to go into books blind, so I don’t read much of the synopsis or any reviews prior. Boy did I make a mistake on this one. I spent the first oh 50% of this book waiting for the punchline and thinking I’d missed it, but this is not fiction. It is a memoir about someone I’d never heard of. This was just not for me.

I thought this book was going to be something completely different, but I was very wrong. This just wasn’t for me.

I have to say, I am a Fan-tez of Chelsea Devantez.

I met Chelsea years ago at a wedding, and was blown away by her charismatic and sparkling personality. Since then, I have enjoyed following her career and rooting her on in the shadows.

First, I need to thank Netgalley, the publisher, and Chelsea Devantez for the honor of reading this ARC.

Chelsea's ability to tell her story, which is downright heartbreaking at times, with grace and humor is such a beautiful presentation. I am very excited for the release of this book- my preferred method for a memoir is to listen to the audiobook, especially when the author does the reading (which is the case with Chelsea's book). I am excited to hear her present this story, not only in her own words, but with her own voice.

I recommend this book for anyone who wants to read some good gossip, loves comedy, loves memoirs, or just loves to learn about other people's stories. I know Chelsea says She Shouldn't Be Telling Us This.. But I am glad she did anyway.

I didn't know about this person before I asked to read this but I thought the story sounded intriguing. This isn't a straightforward single story but rather a collection of life stories, just like real life. I had trouble with some of them because they were too realistic and familiar, but this telling was honest and well done. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.

DNF at 25% just because of how triggering the topics were for me. It is a hard read due to everything going on in the book.

Please check trigger warnings before reading. I personally found the read entertaining, but heavy. I liked the writing style, the comedy was top tier. Laughing out loud about heavy topics and crying over the same ones on the next page.

I would probably revisit it once I'm in a more stable mental state.

Super fun. A good filler thriller book. Nothing too crazy but I’m glad I was Able to read the ARC.

3 stars

Chelsea Devantez is funny, relatable, humble and someone I'm sure so many of us would love to be friends with!!

I really enjoyed this read and found the authors approach to be a great balance of humor along with sharing some of her tragic life experiences. It was a great peek behind the curtain at the things that so many people, especially women, must overcome to make it in this world and a poignant reminder that what we see on the outside is not everything. The black boxes acting as redaction were a bit confusing and frustrating at first but also served their purpose so I understand the choice. Overall this is one I definitely will be recommending to my favorite female friends.

Thanks to Chelsea Devantez and NetGalley for the advance copy!

"I Shouldn't Be Telling You This" by Chelsea Devantez is a candid and humorous memoir that offers a glimpse into the author's life, filled with embarrassing, confessional, and sometimes TMI moments. Through a series of anecdotes and stories, Devantez shares the highs and lows of her life, from her attempts to break a three-year spell of celibacy to surviving drive-by shootings and domestic violence.

Devantez's writing is witty and engaging, drawing readers in with her relatable and often humorous storytelling. The book is structured around the women who have shaped Devantez's life, from her mother to fictional characters and celebrities, highlighting the importance of female relationships in her journey.

One of the strengths of the book lies in its honesty and vulnerability. Devantez is unafraid to share her most embarrassing and difficult moments, creating a sense of authenticity that resonates with readers. Her stories are both entertaining and enlightening, offering insights into resilience, friendship, and the power of female connections.

Overall, "I Shouldn't Be Telling You This" is a refreshing and entertaining memoir that will appeal to readers looking for a candid and humorous take on life's ups and downs. Chelsea Devantez's storytelling is both relatable and inspiring, making this book a delightful read from start to finish.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review for my honest opinion.

First, I should tell you non-fiction books are mostly slow reads for me. Unless they are pithy audiobooks to be consumed like podcasts. Second, I still enjoyed this book despite it taking me over a month to read.

I first heard of Chelsea Devantez through her podcast, Glamorous Trash, when it was first called Celebrity Book Club. She and her guests would breakdown celebrity memoirs and really go into the details. It was fun and, yes, a little trashy. When I saw her book was available as an advanced reader's copy, I jumped at the chance. Chelsea, who made all memoirs fun, was writing a memoir I was in.

The book is comedic, but sometimes harrowing, essays about her life. I really liked the essay about an intense friendship called Rebecca. The chapter on her epic wedding called Bridesmaids, that she captured on social, was fun and light.

My only bump with the book was that there was a chapter that was mainly blacked out for legal reasons. It's explained and makes sense by the end. But as a reader, it made for a frustrating read.

Thank you, Hanover Square Press, for this advanced reader's copy.