It's Terrible the Things I Have to Do to Be Me

by Philippa Snow
It's Terrible the Things I Have to Do to Be Me cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Essays / Essay Collections
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Paperback • £10.99 Hardback • £20.00
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  • ID: 2226
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780349017723
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2025-07-03
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

Philippa Snow's debut non-fiction work delves into the lives of iconic women, from Marilyn Monroe to Pamela Anderson, revealing the echoes and connections between them. Through sharp, stylish prose, Snow examines the complex layers of femininity and the relentless pressures of fame, offering a radical and insightful perspective on celebrity culture. /n/n This collection of essays is not just a celebration of female icons but a critical analysis of the societal expectations and personal sacrifices that come with being a woman in the public eye. Snow's incisive commentary and entertaining anecdotes make this a compelling read for anyone interested in the intersection of gender, fame, and identity.

Reviews
The Big Issue · 2025-07-15
insightful 4.00

The book compares famous women to highlight the common challenges posed by the patriarchy, offering a thoughtful analysis of their experiences. It is praised for its insightful examination of these issues.

The reviewer commends Snow for her thoughtful analysis of the common challenges faced by famous women due to the patriarchy. The book is seen as a valuable contribution to understanding the systemic issues that women in the public eye encounter. The reviewer appreciates the way Snow draws parallels between different women's experiences, providing a comprehensive look at the broader cultural context. The book is noted for its insightful examination and the important conversations it sparks.

Quick quotes

    In her new book Philippa Snow compares famous women to better understand the common challenges posed by the patriarchy.

    The book is seen as a valuable contribution to understanding the systemic issues that women in the public eye encounter.

    Snow draws parallels between different women's experiences, providing a comprehensive look at the broader cultural context.

The Telegraph · Megan Nolan · 2025-06-27
brilliant 5.00

The book is described as a brutal and brilliant study of female celebrity, fizzing with intelligence and joy to read. It is highly praised for its depth and engaging style.

Megan Nolan describes the book as a brutal and brilliant study of female celebrity, highlighting its intelligence and engaging style. The reviewer finds it both a joy to read and deeply thought-provoking. Nolan appreciates the way Snow fizzes with intelligence, making the book a compelling and enjoyable read. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to tackle serious issues with a light touch, making it accessible and engaging for a wide audience.

Quick quotes

    Philippa Snow's brutal and brilliant study of female celebrity, It's Terrible the Things I Have to Do to Be Me. It's both a joy to read, fizzing with intelligence.

    A brutal and brilliant study of female celebrity ... a joy to read, fizzing with intelligence.

    The book tackles serious issues with a light touch, making it accessible and engaging for a wide audience.

Studio International · 2025-06-26
moving 4.50

The book offers a moving exploration of how femininity and fame intersect, highlighting the pressures and performances expected of women. It provides a deep dive into the complexities of female celebrity.

The reviewer finds the book to be a strikingly moving study that delves into the overlapping and clashing aspects of femininity and fame. It sheds light on the immense pressures and performances that women are expected to undertake. The exploration is both personal and culturally expansive, offering a nuanced understanding of the scrutiny women face. The reviewer appreciates the depth and intelligence with which Snow dissects these themes, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    Snow provides a strikingly moving study of how femininity and fame overlap and clash with the people expected to provide the performance.

    The book offers a deep dive into the complexities of female celebrity.

    It sheds light on the immense pressures and performances that women are expected to undertake.

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