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Getting Naked: The Quiet Work of Becoming Perfectly Imperfect
From beloved actress and
New York Times
bestselling author Valerie Bertinelli, her most vulnerable book yet offering wisdom hard-won through divorce, menopause, and generational pain, with a powerful message of self-acceptance and embracing the past with compassion.
With her signature warmth and disarming humor, the beloved actress and New York Times bestselling author strips away the polished façade and shares what it’s really like to grow older, love harder, and start over. Now in her mid-sixties, Valerie reflects on the hard-won lessons of aging, self-worth, and letting go. From her experiences with menopause, relationships, and family trauma, she writes with clarity and compassion about the insecurities that have haunted her for shame and anxiety about her body, and the false belief that her value depended on perfection. Through it all, Valerie reflects on the quiet, daily work of self-acceptance—the kind that doesn’t make headlines but changes lives. Getting Naked isn’t just a story of survival. It’s a reckoning—with her past, her family history, and the generational pain that shaped her. It’s about the myths we believe when we’re young—about beauty, love, success—and how we carry them until they break us open. It’s about unlearning the script that says women must please, endure, and stay silent.
The result is a deeply personal, unexpectedly funny, and profoundly uplifting look at the inner journey we all share. Getting Naked isn’t about vulnerability for vulnerability’s sake. It’s about finally letting go of the need to be perfect, quieting the harsh inner critic, and choosing compassion over judgment. After all, it’s never too late to make peace with yourself—and to fall madly in love with the perfectly imperfect person you already are.
With her signature warmth and disarming humor, the beloved actress and New York Times bestselling author strips away the polished façade and shares what it’s really like to grow older, love harder, and start over. Now in her mid-sixties, Valerie reflects on the hard-won lessons of aging, self-worth, and letting go. From her experiences with menopause, relationships, and family trauma, she writes with clarity and compassion about the insecurities that have haunted her for shame and anxiety about her body, and the false belief that her value depended on perfection. Through it all, Valerie reflects on the quiet, daily work of self-acceptance—the kind that doesn’t make headlines but changes lives. Getting Naked isn’t just a story of survival. It’s a reckoning—with her past, her family history, and the generational pain that shaped her. It’s about the myths we believe when we’re young—about beauty, love, success—and how we carry them until they break us open. It’s about unlearning the script that says women must please, endure, and stay silent.
The result is a deeply personal, unexpectedly funny, and profoundly uplifting look at the inner journey we all share. Getting Naked isn’t about vulnerability for vulnerability’s sake. It’s about finally letting go of the need to be perfect, quieting the harsh inner critic, and choosing compassion over judgment. After all, it’s never too late to make peace with yourself—and to fall madly in love with the perfectly imperfect person you already are.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published March 10, 2026
224 people are currently reading
4187 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Bertinelli
11 books343 followersValerie Bertinelli is the host of her own daytime series Valerie’s Home Cooking and co-hosts Kids Baking Championship on the Food Network. The two-time Golden Globe award-winning actress takes her fans into her kitchen with her new cookbook “Valerie’s Home Cooking” (Oxmoor House, an imprint of Time Inc. Books, October 2017). Her fun flavor combinations, like Brown Sugar Sriracha Bacon Bites, Lobster BLTs, and Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons, transform traditional classics into crave-worthy and exciting new dishes to enjoy with friends and family. Bertinelli first became a household name for her role as Barbara on CBS’s long-running series, One Day at a Time. Over the years, her career expanded from acting to include hosting, spokesperson, business entrepreneur and New York Times best-selling author. She has also helped develop, produce, and star in several television movies and mini-series, and in August 2012 she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She most recently starred as Melanie Moretti in TV Land’s critically acclaimed sitcom Hot in Cleveland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 11, 2025
Valerie reflects on her life, noting again that we are too focused on appearance, and regretting all of the time she spent when younger obsessing about weight. Disappointments, like her cooking show's cancellation, personal challenges, and her two divorces are offset by finding other sources of joy in her life. I was conflicted by the cover (the author discreetly unclothed) which I suppose echoes the title, but I thought a better option might have been Valerie in a mirror, which she mentions frequently.
January 29, 2026
William Morrow provied an early galley for review.
I have been a fan of hers since the 1970's and read her previous book Losing It back in the day too. We're around the same age, so I tend to think of her as "my generation". I am always eager to hear more from her.
This time around, she shares a collection of "essays" focusing on aspects of her life - topics that all of us as we go through our own lives. They are relatable and so is her discussions of each one. I found it easy to "hear" the words in her distinctive voice. It was like having a conversation with a long-time friend.
It is nice to hear "real talk" from someone who has been part of the pop culture sphere for most of her (and my) life.
I have been a fan of hers since the 1970's and read her previous book Losing It back in the day too. We're around the same age, so I tend to think of her as "my generation". I am always eager to hear more from her.
This time around, she shares a collection of "essays" focusing on aspects of her life - topics that all of us as we go through our own lives. They are relatable and so is her discussions of each one. I found it easy to "hear" the words in her distinctive voice. It was like having a conversation with a long-time friend.
It is nice to hear "real talk" from someone who has been part of the pop culture sphere for most of her (and my) life.
March 10, 2026
This should have been called Reflections. If you like her work you enjoy her self reflections on the many topics we call life.
March 15, 2026
I adore Valerie Bertinelli. Everything she says and does is 5* for me. She is a beautiful and genuinely kind person.
November 20, 2025
The queen of too much information writes another book about her quest to be comfortable in her own skin. Well, the first thing I would tell Ms. Bertinelli is this. If you choose to put your ‘naked body’ on your book cover, and the books message is how to forgive, accept and move on— do not put a badly photoshopped image of your pricy verniers, made up eyes and unlined face harking back to an image of you in your mid-40’s. The b/w’s inside the book are so much more attractive. Any one of those would have been an ideal cover. Embrace your aging like punk queen Patti Smith, not Christie Brinkley.
It TOTALLY goes against the theme Val is trying so hard to get others onboard with.
That being said; yes she still loves Ed, Wolfie & his wife. Husband # 2 is mentioned, but not by name. There is no mention of the disastrous publicly humiliating “I’m In Love” romance with an InstaGram writer/fan this past year.
The good parts I related to. The Italian parents, the cheating father, the no sex education, the numerous brothers, self image, the naïveté of one’s 20’s and throw in a breast implant reveal too. Some fans will love it.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.
It TOTALLY goes against the theme Val is trying so hard to get others onboard with.
That being said; yes she still loves Ed, Wolfie & his wife. Husband # 2 is mentioned, but not by name. There is no mention of the disastrous publicly humiliating “I’m In Love” romance with an InstaGram writer/fan this past year.
The good parts I related to. The Italian parents, the cheating father, the no sex education, the numerous brothers, self image, the naïveté of one’s 20’s and throw in a breast implant reveal too. Some fans will love it.
Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy.
March 11, 2026
This book is stories comprise a panorama of reflection and self-discovery. Sketches of everyday vulnerability lead into not-so-everyday confrontations with truths about ourselves. Somewhat relatable.
November 25, 2025
Firstly, i admire Valerie Bertinelli for always being so honest and open in her books as well as in her various social media posts and in her life in general.
It's hard for me to think that she is 65 because she sooo does not look it.
We have shared many similar struggles, and I am just a few years younger than she is. I mention this because all these commonalities, of course, affect my review of this book.
I would classify this as a book of essays with some self-help thrown in. it's a bit of a stretch to call it a memoir. I was a tad disappointed in this as I would love to read another memoir based on her life since the last book.
My thoughts.....Bertinelli is extremely hard on herself. Many of the things she mentions, such as remembering all the events, in her past, which have caused and continue to cause her misery today, is something I believe we can all relate to.
This is the strength in this book - Bertinelli shares feelings and thoughts that many of us have, and it makes me feel better knowing that I am not alone. Each chapter is a little ray of hope for all of us.
Her struggles with her weight, her two divorces, losing her job, the death of her parents and how it felt to be raised by them, as well as the death of Eddie Van Halen are front and center here.
The things I loved:
Her description of how free she felt swimming in her pool was very empowering. As she described it, I could almost feel the calmness she felt at that moment.
Her love for Wolfie and his wife are obvious, as well as her love for Eddie Van Halen. These two (now3) have been a theme in all of Bertinelli's books. I have never heard her utter one bad word about Eddie Van Halen and its very obvious she still loves him. Not so much her second husband and I get it, I have no love loss for most of my relationships either, but there is always THAT one person.....
She mentions worrying about $, and I was very surprised at this. I am guilty of just assuming she has tons of money and while she questions many aspects of her life, she is doing it in a (what I assume) is a beautiful house, surrounded by lots of Hollywood friends and job offers all over the place. The 'what does she really have to complain about' thought did cross my mind, but everytime I read a book by Bertinelli, I get myself in check because, obviously you do not need to be wildly rich to have problems. I keep forgetting that, and Valerie Bertinelli is certainly not a spoiled actress without a clue about real life, which we so often see in Hollywood. In fact, she could easily be our best friend - because that is the overall vibe she gives out.
I do hope that Bertinelli writes another memoir and that she keeps doing what she is doing. It helps.
It's hard for me to think that she is 65 because she sooo does not look it.
We have shared many similar struggles, and I am just a few years younger than she is. I mention this because all these commonalities, of course, affect my review of this book.
I would classify this as a book of essays with some self-help thrown in. it's a bit of a stretch to call it a memoir. I was a tad disappointed in this as I would love to read another memoir based on her life since the last book.
My thoughts.....Bertinelli is extremely hard on herself. Many of the things she mentions, such as remembering all the events, in her past, which have caused and continue to cause her misery today, is something I believe we can all relate to.
This is the strength in this book - Bertinelli shares feelings and thoughts that many of us have, and it makes me feel better knowing that I am not alone. Each chapter is a little ray of hope for all of us.
Her struggles with her weight, her two divorces, losing her job, the death of her parents and how it felt to be raised by them, as well as the death of Eddie Van Halen are front and center here.
The things I loved:
Her description of how free she felt swimming in her pool was very empowering. As she described it, I could almost feel the calmness she felt at that moment.
Her love for Wolfie and his wife are obvious, as well as her love for Eddie Van Halen. These two (now3) have been a theme in all of Bertinelli's books. I have never heard her utter one bad word about Eddie Van Halen and its very obvious she still loves him. Not so much her second husband and I get it, I have no love loss for most of my relationships either, but there is always THAT one person.....
She mentions worrying about $, and I was very surprised at this. I am guilty of just assuming she has tons of money and while she questions many aspects of her life, she is doing it in a (what I assume) is a beautiful house, surrounded by lots of Hollywood friends and job offers all over the place. The 'what does she really have to complain about' thought did cross my mind, but everytime I read a book by Bertinelli, I get myself in check because, obviously you do not need to be wildly rich to have problems. I keep forgetting that, and Valerie Bertinelli is certainly not a spoiled actress without a clue about real life, which we so often see in Hollywood. In fact, she could easily be our best friend - because that is the overall vibe she gives out.
I do hope that Bertinelli writes another memoir and that she keeps doing what she is doing. It helps.
March 10, 2026
This is a memoir by Valerie Bertinelli, who was in the classic television sitcom, One Day At a Time which aired from 1975 to 1981. She is also known for being married to Eddie Van Halen, a guitarist and songwriter for the heavy metal group Van Halen, and for having struggles with her weight thereafter. This is not to be glib but is to jog memories and to provide a little context to those that might not know who she is.
I loved this memoir. However, I am precisely in the audience to which this book is marketed. This book will have little or no appeal to men or to younger women who would have no idea who she is. Valerie and I are the exact same age and even though there are several differences between us, the commonality of age and generation created an instant rapport between us such that I felt like she was talking directly to me. Valerie and I grew up together and I was raised on One Day At a Time and although the show has not necessarily aged well (I did go back and watch it at some point a few years ago), I loved it at the time. I also think that if you did not watch the show, you will miss a great many of the references, although it still might speak to women of a certain age, regardless. Men will not want to read this and should be forewarned that there is a chapter addressing menopause and its effects (though this was the least interesting section to me since I am one of the few women I know of who had no symptoms of it at all so I had trouble relating to it).
The other thing about this memoir is that it also serves as a how-to book in some ways. Valerie is giving the benefit of her experience as someone who has struggled with self-image and weight, and most of us that are in our 60s can relate to this. Even though she is a celebrity, she seems very down to earth, showing us that she has the same problems that others have. Although she did not graduate high school (who knew) and was married to a rock star, she is also a cat lady and is as insecure as the rest of us are. While this memoir will have a limited audience, it speaks to its targets well.
Thanks to Net Galley and William Morrow for providing me with advanced copies of this book. All of the opinions herein are my own. Four and a half stars, rounded up to five.
I loved this memoir. However, I am precisely in the audience to which this book is marketed. This book will have little or no appeal to men or to younger women who would have no idea who she is. Valerie and I are the exact same age and even though there are several differences between us, the commonality of age and generation created an instant rapport between us such that I felt like she was talking directly to me. Valerie and I grew up together and I was raised on One Day At a Time and although the show has not necessarily aged well (I did go back and watch it at some point a few years ago), I loved it at the time. I also think that if you did not watch the show, you will miss a great many of the references, although it still might speak to women of a certain age, regardless. Men will not want to read this and should be forewarned that there is a chapter addressing menopause and its effects (though this was the least interesting section to me since I am one of the few women I know of who had no symptoms of it at all so I had trouble relating to it).
The other thing about this memoir is that it also serves as a how-to book in some ways. Valerie is giving the benefit of her experience as someone who has struggled with self-image and weight, and most of us that are in our 60s can relate to this. Even though she is a celebrity, she seems very down to earth, showing us that she has the same problems that others have. Although she did not graduate high school (who knew) and was married to a rock star, she is also a cat lady and is as insecure as the rest of us are. While this memoir will have a limited audience, it speaks to its targets well.
Thanks to Net Galley and William Morrow for providing me with advanced copies of this book. All of the opinions herein are my own. Four and a half stars, rounded up to five.
March 15, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have been a fan of Valerie Bertinelli since she was 15 years old playing Barbara on One Day at a Time. Like so many people, I feel like I grew up watching her. Over the last several years, though, I’ve come to appreciate her in an entirely different way through her incredibly honest and open posts on Instagram. Valerie has a way of showing up exactly as she is — raw, vulnerable, and real — and that authenticity instantly drew me in.
Listening to her read this book on Audible felt less like listening to a celebrity memoir and more like sitting down with a friend who is bravely speaking the truth about life. At times it honestly felt like she was putting words to thoughts I’ve had but never quite been able to articulate myself. Reading it was almost like looking into my own soul.
What I appreciated most is how refreshingly honest she is about the struggles so many of us share — the insecurities, the self-doubt, the fears that creep in even when life looks good from the outside. There is something incredibly comforting about realizing you’re not alone in those feelings.
Valerie’s openness is both disarming and inspiring. Her story is relatable, heartfelt, and deeply human. If you’ve ever wrestled with self-worth, aging, relationships, or simply trying to be kinder to yourself, this book will resonate.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Audible version and highly, highly recommend it.
January 25, 2026
Getting Naked: The Quiet Work of Becoming Perfectly Imperfect by Valerie Bertinelli is another great autobiography that I truly enjoyed.
This is another great installment from this author and she continues to give further insight into her life as she navigates new challenges, surprises, choices, and acceptance.
This book is more like journal entries that create a theme, or collection, than just a purely seamless presentation. Even though I prefer her previous books, I have read them all, I still enjoyed everything she brought to the table.
WE get to follow along as she comes to terms with life, past choices, reality, aging, imperfections, and learning to appreciate grace, forgiveness, sunshine, and the small things that come our way.
I really enjoyed the privilege of being able to be included in her life.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and William Morrow | Harper Wave for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 3/10/26.
This is another great installment from this author and she continues to give further insight into her life as she navigates new challenges, surprises, choices, and acceptance.
This book is more like journal entries that create a theme, or collection, than just a purely seamless presentation. Even though I prefer her previous books, I have read them all, I still enjoyed everything she brought to the table.
WE get to follow along as she comes to terms with life, past choices, reality, aging, imperfections, and learning to appreciate grace, forgiveness, sunshine, and the small things that come our way.
I really enjoyed the privilege of being able to be included in her life.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and William Morrow | Harper Wave for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 3/10/26.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Valerie gets naked and reveals some painful experiences, thoughts and feelings that I strongly connected with. She tackles tough topics, including eating disorders, body dysmorphia, menopause, and divorce. Yet, it is funny, honest, open and empowering. I related to so much of her story, I felt I could have written portions of it myself.
Throughout the book, it is apparent how much she loved (and still loves) Ed and that he was without a doubt the love of her life.
I loved that each chapter began with a snippet from her journal.
This book is so relatable and every woman of a certain age will relate to it.
Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow and Valerie Bertinelli for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
Throughout the book, it is apparent how much she loved (and still loves) Ed and that he was without a doubt the love of her life.
I loved that each chapter began with a snippet from her journal.
This book is so relatable and every woman of a certain age will relate to it.
Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow and Valerie Bertinelli for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
March 10, 2026
I always love listening to Valerie Bertinelli’s memoirs. I grew up with that voice and have watched pretty much everything she’s done (except the cooking show- she won Emmys for that show, why did they fire her?!). Anyway, I was happy to catch up with Valerie since her last book, which dealt a lot with EVH’s death. I smiled and cried through this book with all of the personal growth and reflection she shared with us. I was sad to hear her previous relationship didn’t work out and was devastated to learn of her sexual abuse as a child. I watched her interview with Drew to discuss it further.
In the meantime, I’ll just be sitting here waiting for her next book!
*Thanks to Harper and NetGalley for the free copy
In the meantime, I’ll just be sitting here waiting for her next book!
*Thanks to Harper and NetGalley for the free copy
March 14, 2026
3.6 rounded up. This was a nice read, full of inspirational quotes. I am not sure what the intent was. It was a very long diary entry with pick-me-up lines throughout. I read over and over about how much she loved her son and his wife. And her pets. The pet-love did make me tear up a couple of times. She also talked about being "broke", and I wondered how that could be, and also what her definition of broke was. Nothing too deep here. I picked it up because she referenced being abused as a child, and then didn't write about it at all. I get not wanting to give breath to that, but the whole book was like that. Just brushing on the surface of things, and not much more depth. I am sure it was a cathartic exercise for her, and for that I am pleased.
March 15, 2026
Just finished Valerie Bertinelli's newest book, "Getting Naked." It follows her growth as she begins to come to terms with her life and imperfections, her reality, the throws of aging, and her past choices. She also shares with the reader how she learned to appreciate her life and body with grace, forgiveness and finally finding JOY in her life. The author is very hard on herself. Many of the things she mentions are events and moments many of us can certainly relate to and sends the message. . . you are not alone. There's hope for all!
My one and only criticism is the cover, Valerie unclothed. It resonates the title however, it's "too photoshopped." I would rather have seen her in a candid photo, characterized by her natural and spontaneous, authentic self.
.
My one and only criticism is the cover, Valerie unclothed. It resonates the title however, it's "too photoshopped." I would rather have seen her in a candid photo, characterized by her natural and spontaneous, authentic self.
.
March 11, 2026
So yesterday I saw a blurb about this book (Us Magazine no less) and thought I would see if my library had it, sure enough they had it on Libby and I was able to download and read right away. It is hard to tell on my computer but this book seems short with short chapters and margins. That being said, I really enjoyed this book and the frank honestly down to earth stories that she shared. I did not know about the implants that sounded horrible, I love, love her love for her son, it just shines through and I hope there is love in her future......I know she mentions two divorces and her love for Ed but who knows she may find it again. I read this in one setting. Totally recommend.
March 13, 2026
Wellll, I wanted to read this because I wanted to visit with someone I thought of fondly from when she was a young actress. I'm not big on TV but One Day at a Time was one of the shows that made me smile when I was a kid. Valerie Bertinelli isn't just pretty, she seems sweet and down-to-earth and relatable.
This is like a series of essays with poems, where she talks about things she's been through. And they were relatable! Some simple insecurities, love for pets, aging-- I'm glad she's still making the journey with the rest of us.
This is like a series of essays with poems, where she talks about things she's been through. And they were relatable! Some simple insecurities, love for pets, aging-- I'm glad she's still making the journey with the rest of us.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A new Valerie Bertinelli book is always an enjoyable read, this one especially. I loved listening to Valerie pontificate on aging, loving herself, sobriety, menopause, fixing her boobs and being comfortable in her body. This book was insightful, hopeful, vulnerable and inspiring. Highly recommended! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 12, 2026
This book was a 3.75 for me rounded up. As a 45 year old perimenopausal woman, there was so much in this book I needed to hear, words that were healing, helpful, and hopeful. Chapters I will likely go back to even; That said, there are a few moments you have to overlook the privilege and out of touchness of a life long Hollywood star.
I would still recommend it to anyone who is doing their best to age gracefully, and feel good about themselves while doing so.
I would still recommend it to anyone who is doing their best to age gracefully, and feel good about themselves while doing so.
March 15, 2026
Book #45
Getting Naked by Valerie Bettinelli
5 Stars (3.6 Amazon 4.04 Goodreads)
Release Date 3/10/26
61,000 words
Audio
#whiskersandwordsbookreview #onesentencereview #celebritymemoir
--------Loved this one as I did her other recent release, real, honest, human, and helpful real-life feelings delivered with easy and laughs.
Getting Naked by Valerie Bettinelli
5 Stars (3.6 Amazon 4.04 Goodreads)
Release Date 3/10/26
61,000 words
Audio
#whiskersandwordsbookreview #onesentencereview #celebritymemoir
--------Loved this one as I did her other recent release, real, honest, human, and helpful real-life feelings delivered with easy and laughs.
March 16, 2026
While it’s the most uplifting of her books, she still writes in flowery “therapy-speak” that rings tedious at best, sanctimonious at best. Her journal entries were the worst. Who writes like that in their journal? While Bertinelli is no doubt authentic and sincere, I found myself eye rolling often wondering if she is indeed, for real.
March 13, 2026
I remember watching Valerie on "One Day at a Time" when I was a kid, so I enjoyed learning more about her life and her struggle for self-acceptance. I'm happy for her that she's so much healthier now and that she's encouraging others to accept themselves, too.
March 15, 2026
I enjoyed this book. I felt like I was having multiple lunch dates with a friend and we were talking, sharing, crying and getting stronger. It was intimate and gave me hope and normalized my desire for peace and love.
Read
March 10, 2026Highly Recommended
March 12, 2026
It touched my heart!
March 13, 2026
loves hearing Valerie narrate in the audio version!
March 14, 2026
Keeping It Real, listened to Valerie Bertinelli, tell her story from her perspective now at age 65 reflecting on life's ups and downs.
Glad I did the audible, so I could hear it in her voice.
Glad I did the audible, so I could hear it in her voice.
March 14, 2026
Insightful! Well.written!
I have read all of Valerie's books. This.one is my favorite. Down to earth and well thought out. I love her honesty.
I have read all of Valerie's books. This.one is my favorite. Down to earth and well thought out. I love her honesty.
March 14, 2026
This was such an amazingly beautiful book. It was happy and sad, uplifting and heartbreaking. An incredible journey through love, loss, growth, trauma, and healing.
March 15, 2026
I have enjoyed all of Valerie’s books and this was the best. She is so authentic in her story of her struggles and her successes and I identify very much with all of it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews