Lately, this site has turned into “book review” central. But what can I say? I’ve been reading a lot of gems recently and have enjoyed writing about them, in the hopes that others will be inspired to pick them up themselves. Sorry – not sorry.

Funnily enough, that’s the title of the book I’m sitting down to review today; actress, singer, celebrity Naya Rivera’s autobiography: “Sorry Not Sorry.”

Before I delve into my review, I have to point out: I picked up this book largely because I followed Rivera during her time on the hit TV show Glee. I was a “Gleek,” as they called us, watched the show devotedly when it aired (and even after) and saw the in-concert show twice.

Seeing her book ready to hit the shelves absolutely intrigued me, and I knew I had to pick it up. I put in a request at my local library, and shortly after the book was released, it came into my eager hands.

If there’s one place on this planet where a person should feel free to be absolutely, completely themselves, it’s in their autobiography, right? That’s exactly what Rivera does, speaking about her childhood, the years growing up, and her adulthood unabashedly. It’s raw and emotional, and above all else, it’s real.

Reading about Rivera’s childhood, her beginning in the acting business and her years growing up was interesting. In any biography or autobiography, it’s important to lay that foundation and lead your way through the life of the person, and that’s exactly what she does. She then goes into the Glee years, continuing to interweave the facets of her personal, professional & public lives.

I’m not sure why society today is often so fascinated with celebrities. Why are we more eager to hear about the lives of those who have more money, more fame, than ourselves? I’m not sure. Maybe some people are interested for the sole purpose of waiting for these people to fail (or fall). Maybe it’s just interesting to learn about someone else’s life.

Overall, I thought the book was a good read. It served not only as an autobiography; Rivera also wove some life ‘guidelines’ and ‘lessons’ into the story as well. I find it interesting to read life through another person’s perspective and learn about the challenges, the ups and downs, they’ve faced along the way and learn from how they dealt with these things – like how Rivera had an abortion while filming Glee, told no one, and went back to work like nothing had happened. I can’t imagine the amount of courage that must’ve taken, and I applaud her for getting through it and doing what she felt was best for her.

Above all else, the message is clear: don’t be sorry about who you are. Be that person, courageously (as Rivera has been), freely and unabashedly.