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Crazy Is My Superpower: How I Triumphed by Breaking Bones, Breaking Hearts, and Breaking the Rules
The New York Times Bestseller
Recently retired WWE superstar AJ Mendez Brooks is a powerhouse--strong, quirky, and totally confident. But that wasn't always the case. With humor and tremendous heart, she opens up for the first time about her harrowing struggle to understand her demons and the diagnosis that helped her gain control over her life.
Everything I was told should be my greatest insecurities and weaknesses, everything that I've been labeled--SHORT, NERDY, SKINNY, WEAK, IMPULSIVE, UGLY, TOMBOY, POOR, REBEL, LOUD, FREAK, CRAZY--turned out to be my greatest strengths. I didn't become successful in spite of them. I became successful because of them.
Growing up AJ was a quiet girl trying to act "normal" when she felt anything but. As her family struggled with drug addiction, poverty, and mental illness, she found escape through comic books and video games, and was inspired by the tough and unconventional female characters. It wasn't until she discovered pro wrestling that she learned superheroes could be real.
Determined to become the superhero she'd always admired, AJ trained and sacrificed for years to achieve her dream of wrestling professionally. Yet she quickly faced industry pressure to play the role of the damsel in distress and to dress more provocatively to cater to male fans. But she fought back and created an ass-kicking alter ego that was a genuine representation of herself: nerdy, enthusiastic, and a little bit crazy.
With humor and tremendous heart, AJ opens up for the first time about her harrowing struggle to understand her demons and the mental illness diagnosis that helped her gain control over her life. What most people view as a hardship, AJ embraced as inspira-tion for her superhero persona, shattering the stigma attached to mental illness.
Charting her journey from a scrappy girl in an unstable home to an empowered wrestling champion, Crazy Is My Superpower is an un-flinchingly honest story and brave confessional about her long road to self-acceptance.
Recently retired WWE superstar AJ Mendez Brooks is a powerhouse--strong, quirky, and totally confident. But that wasn't always the case. With humor and tremendous heart, she opens up for the first time about her harrowing struggle to understand her demons and the diagnosis that helped her gain control over her life.
Everything I was told should be my greatest insecurities and weaknesses, everything that I've been labeled--SHORT, NERDY, SKINNY, WEAK, IMPULSIVE, UGLY, TOMBOY, POOR, REBEL, LOUD, FREAK, CRAZY--turned out to be my greatest strengths. I didn't become successful in spite of them. I became successful because of them.
Growing up AJ was a quiet girl trying to act "normal" when she felt anything but. As her family struggled with drug addiction, poverty, and mental illness, she found escape through comic books and video games, and was inspired by the tough and unconventional female characters. It wasn't until she discovered pro wrestling that she learned superheroes could be real.
Determined to become the superhero she'd always admired, AJ trained and sacrificed for years to achieve her dream of wrestling professionally. Yet she quickly faced industry pressure to play the role of the damsel in distress and to dress more provocatively to cater to male fans. But she fought back and created an ass-kicking alter ego that was a genuine representation of herself: nerdy, enthusiastic, and a little bit crazy.
With humor and tremendous heart, AJ opens up for the first time about her harrowing struggle to understand her demons and the mental illness diagnosis that helped her gain control over her life. What most people view as a hardship, AJ embraced as inspira-tion for her superhero persona, shattering the stigma attached to mental illness.
Charting her journey from a scrappy girl in an unstable home to an empowered wrestling champion, Crazy Is My Superpower is an un-flinchingly honest story and brave confessional about her long road to self-acceptance.
288 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2017
278 people are currently reading
3259 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Mendez Brooks
12 books384 followersAJ Mendez Brooks is an author with The Leshne Agency and The Crown Publishing Group. As a former professional wrestler with the WWE under the ring name AJ Lee, she has won numerous championships and awards and was known for her “Geek Goddess” persona, “Crazy Chick” unpredictable antics, and controversial outspoken nature. Her fan base is one of the most dedicated in the world, as evidenced by her over 3 million Twitter followers.
They connect over a shared love of comic books, sci-fi, anime & video games, often demonstrating their solidarity by donning AJ's signature Chuck Taylor sneakers. In real life AJ is an animal rights philanthropist and activist, often working with the ASPCA and her local shelters. Her memoir, Crazy Is My Superpower, chronicling her chaotic childhood and unlikely rise to fame, hits stores in April 2017.
They connect over a shared love of comic books, sci-fi, anime & video games, often demonstrating their solidarity by donning AJ's signature Chuck Taylor sneakers. In real life AJ is an animal rights philanthropist and activist, often working with the ASPCA and her local shelters. Her memoir, Crazy Is My Superpower, chronicling her chaotic childhood and unlikely rise to fame, hits stores in April 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 431 reviews
October 27, 2025
A very good book. I actually bought this book, as it appeared on my recommendations list, and the title instantly caught my attention. Then on closer inspection I realised the author was the wife of one of my favourite wrestlers CM Punk, even though I stopped watching wrestling a few years ago, and have never seen one of Aj's matches, (I will remedy that with YouTube), why not give it a go. I am really surprised how much I actually did like the book, and I think it definitely has important messages about mental illness. I especially like the way AJ personalises the illness, calling it the darkness and the villain of the story to be defeated.
I think I am not the main target audience, but I proved my geekhood by recognising every comic book storyline and character mentioned in the book. On these notes, AJ's geeky jokes are great. AJ talks very passionately about mental illness, the way outcasts like freaks and geeks are perceived. Though she does all of this from the female point of view. Apart from some messages/warnings to depraved men, she does not talk about the same for the males. I understand this as she writes about what she knows. The other thing is she asks a question: If you are not a wrestling fan, why did you buy this book? There is not all that much about wrestling itself in the book. For people like me who are CM Punk fans, there is also not much of him in the book he does get half a chapter devoted to their relationship, but not a huge amount. However, this is HER story and not his. This is a good book about achieving your dreams, being fine within your own skin, and changing perceptions along the way.
I think I am not the main target audience, but I proved my geekhood by recognising every comic book storyline and character mentioned in the book. On these notes, AJ's geeky jokes are great. AJ talks very passionately about mental illness, the way outcasts like freaks and geeks are perceived. Though she does all of this from the female point of view. Apart from some messages/warnings to depraved men, she does not talk about the same for the males. I understand this as she writes about what she knows. The other thing is she asks a question: If you are not a wrestling fan, why did you buy this book? There is not all that much about wrestling itself in the book. For people like me who are CM Punk fans, there is also not much of him in the book he does get half a chapter devoted to their relationship, but not a huge amount. However, this is HER story and not his. This is a good book about achieving your dreams, being fine within your own skin, and changing perceptions along the way.
September 6, 2017
I love reading autobiographies of famous people that I have never heard of, especially females. This book was one of those situations.
A.J. is a Three-time WWE Diva's Champion. This book describes her nontraditional life and mental health issues that she went through to get there. She grew up in extreme poverty with parents that moved constantly. When she became famous she fought against stereotypes. Making others realize that women have a purpose in wrestling besides their looks.
This book was very funny, entertaining and I learned a lot!
A.J. is a Three-time WWE Diva's Champion. This book describes her nontraditional life and mental health issues that she went through to get there. She grew up in extreme poverty with parents that moved constantly. When she became famous she fought against stereotypes. Making others realize that women have a purpose in wrestling besides their looks.
This book was very funny, entertaining and I learned a lot!
October 12, 2025
Truthfully speaking, I'm very picky when it comes to nonfiction books particularly memoirs. It's either they're engrossing or excruciatingly boring. Crazy Is My Superpower was on my radar since it's published and it's written by former WWE superstar AJ Lee. I'm a huge fan of WWE since I was seven or eight years old and still watching it up to this day. However, I lost my interest during the Divas Era because some female wrestlers aren't as great as Lita, Trish Stratus, Chyna etc. It was an era where people paid less attention to the female roster and an excuse for them to go to the bathroom during their matches.
AJ Lee was a great in-ring performer and was one of my favorites in the Divas era along with Beth Phoenix, Natalya and Paige. I watched matches if one these women are in it. AJ Lee was the reason there was a revolution in her era resulting the rebirth of women's wrestling. Yes, she did that. I respect her for being passionate about the wrestling business and outspoken that female wrestlers deserved equality in terms of payment. If men can do main events, so as women if WWE give them better bookings.
In this book, she talks about her life inside and outside the ring. The harsh reality living with financial struggles, having a dysfunctional family, and coping with mental illness. She has a bipolar disorder just like her mom and she talks about the importance of mental health awareness. It written straightforwardly with a touch humor, sarcasm and quirkiness.
I love AJ's personality. She's such a cool nerd. I love her video games, anime, comics, TV show and movie reference and we shared similar tastes in video games and anime. I'm feeling nostalgic on the video games. I miss my PlayStation. Overall, this is great read despite of my slow reading pace. I'm hoping she'll write another book.
AJ Lee was a great in-ring performer and was one of my favorites in the Divas era along with Beth Phoenix, Natalya and Paige. I watched matches if one these women are in it. AJ Lee was the reason there was a revolution in her era resulting the rebirth of women's wrestling. Yes, she did that. I respect her for being passionate about the wrestling business and outspoken that female wrestlers deserved equality in terms of payment. If men can do main events, so as women if WWE give them better bookings.
In this book, she talks about her life inside and outside the ring. The harsh reality living with financial struggles, having a dysfunctional family, and coping with mental illness. She has a bipolar disorder just like her mom and she talks about the importance of mental health awareness. It written straightforwardly with a touch humor, sarcasm and quirkiness.
I love AJ's personality. She's such a cool nerd. I love her video games, anime, comics, TV show and movie reference and we shared similar tastes in video games and anime. I'm feeling nostalgic on the video games. I miss my PlayStation. Overall, this is great read despite of my slow reading pace. I'm hoping she'll write another book.
March 17, 2024
One of the few instances that I would read a woman’s biography. Not because I have some ingrained prejudice against women - far from it. It is just that, as a rule, I find it much harder to identify myself with the notions, the trappings, and overall outlook of the female species. I can hardly be blamed since I am - you guessed it - a man. Be that as it may, “Crazy is my Superpower” is an enormously enjoyable biography about an awesome individual that made it against all odds. What a person - what a woman. Well, and what a book! 😀
Read
September 14, 2025edit: MY GIRL RETURNED SO I REREAD HER MEMOIR
reread: sep 10th–14th 2025
꒰ 𝐧𝐨 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 ꒱
‧˚₊⋅ 💌 ⋅₊˚‧
Society expects their women to respond to men with warmth and immediate intimacy. To do anything but must mean the woman is an icy bitch, not simply professional and expecting to be treated as an equal.
୨୧
If society disagrees with a woman's opinion, finds her anything but pleasant, or views her as a threat, the go-to response is to call her a bitch. There are so many men who will instinctively hurl this insult at women, but I've already discussed men's violent behavior toward women. What is truly painful to witness is when women use this word to attack other women.
୨୧
It's human nature to want to feel in control. But many people never get that satisfaction. And so when they are in the presence of those they regard as mere commoners who ring up their coffee order or bag their groceries, they will excise their control to make them feel better about their shitty existence.
♡
little me was so right. idolising someone like aj when i was a child and now reading her memoir and idolising her even more? it feels like nostalgia but we learn so much about her and her difficult upbringing and her families battles with mental health and also hers, it was so great being able to take my time with this book and really let it sink in.
she includes beautiful photos through out which elevates the stories, she will mention the wwe training centre finally giving the women a championship belt and she showed a picture of when she won it, it’s just little things like that, that i love to see and just know in general.
the book is much more than a wrestler’s memoir, it is her life, her life stories, her sharing how her family were poor and homeless. it was so raw (no pun intended). i feel like even if ur not a fan of wrestling u can still get A LOT from this book. it’s so emotional. i cried a few times.
aj. i love u girly.
reread: sep 10th–14th 2025
꒰ 𝐧𝐨 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 ꒱
‧˚₊⋅ 💌 ⋅₊˚‧
Society expects their women to respond to men with warmth and immediate intimacy. To do anything but must mean the woman is an icy bitch, not simply professional and expecting to be treated as an equal.
୨୧
If society disagrees with a woman's opinion, finds her anything but pleasant, or views her as a threat, the go-to response is to call her a bitch. There are so many men who will instinctively hurl this insult at women, but I've already discussed men's violent behavior toward women. What is truly painful to witness is when women use this word to attack other women.
୨୧
It's human nature to want to feel in control. But many people never get that satisfaction. And so when they are in the presence of those they regard as mere commoners who ring up their coffee order or bag their groceries, they will excise their control to make them feel better about their shitty existence.
♡
little me was so right. idolising someone like aj when i was a child and now reading her memoir and idolising her even more? it feels like nostalgia but we learn so much about her and her difficult upbringing and her families battles with mental health and also hers, it was so great being able to take my time with this book and really let it sink in.
she includes beautiful photos through out which elevates the stories, she will mention the wwe training centre finally giving the women a championship belt and she showed a picture of when she won it, it’s just little things like that, that i love to see and just know in general.
the book is much more than a wrestler’s memoir, it is her life, her life stories, her sharing how her family were poor and homeless. it was so raw (no pun intended). i feel like even if ur not a fan of wrestling u can still get A LOT from this book. it’s so emotional. i cried a few times.
aj. i love u girly.
February 28, 2017
AJ Mendez is a singular woman who is proof that no matter how high the odds are stacked against you, if you cultivate imagination, find inner strength, and don't let anyone define who you are or who you want to become, you can succeed. In this deeply personal, poignant, and, at times, humorous account of her life, she writes about growing up desperately poor with parents who were equal parts loving and brutal. She writes about fighting the established norms of the WWE, opens up about battling her demons, and provides a raw, honest look at what it feels like to live with bipolar disorder. In CRAZY IS MY SUPERPOWER she offers an original, compelling and ultimately uplifting story about finding her way despite the many obstacles she had to overcome.
July 3, 2017
Aj Lee's story is to me empowering. There was no "I had a shitty life feel sorry for me" in this book. No. It was more I want this so I'm going to bust my ass to get this. Sure she got knocked down a few times but she got back up and did what she had to, to reach her goals. This women has a ton of strength and I admire her even more now. This is not all about her days in the wwe. It's about her family, growing up poor, her own fight with mental illness. I loved her in the wwe. I respect the hell out of her even more now after reading this.
September 23, 2025
More of a 3.5 but I'm rounding down.
Content Warnings: bipolar disorder, depressive symptoms, anxious symptoms, child abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment, (unchallenged) slut-shaming, dying/death of a pet, possibly others
Why You Might Move This Up On Your TBR:
▪ It contains #ownvoices Latinx and Bipolar Disorder rep.
▪ It includes a good amount of feminist ideology. Her chapters about what women in the industry go through or went through during her time, as well as her trying to fit into a mold that she couldn't were worthwhile reads.
▪ I loved the chapters about her career.
Neutral Comments:
▪ The depictions of child abuse were so graphic that I needed significant time to function again after reading them.
▪ The depictions of poverty, while completely relatable and believable, made it seem like Mendez was trying to shock readers who haven't experienced poverty.
▪ I thought she spent too much time repeating the same things over and over about her childhood, and then had too-short chapters about her wrestling experiences.
Why You Might Move This Down On Your TBR:
▪ Mendez's descriptions of her mother's Bipolar Disorder and behaviors can confuse readers who don't understand Bipolar Disorder extensively. I can see laymen confusing her mother's abusive behavior with her disorder due to how this was written.
▪ Mendez takes the "know your worth and your body's worth" too far, leaning on the slut-shaming side.
▪ I wouldn't recommend this for readers wanting to learn about Bipolar Disorder or even just see what the inside experience of Bipolar Disorder is like.
Content Warnings: bipolar disorder, depressive symptoms, anxious symptoms, child abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment, (unchallenged) slut-shaming, dying/death of a pet, possibly others
Why You Might Move This Up On Your TBR:
▪ It contains #ownvoices Latinx and Bipolar Disorder rep.
▪ It includes a good amount of feminist ideology. Her chapters about what women in the industry go through or went through during her time, as well as her trying to fit into a mold that she couldn't were worthwhile reads.
▪ I loved the chapters about her career.
Neutral Comments:
▪ The depictions of child abuse were so graphic that I needed significant time to function again after reading them.
▪ The depictions of poverty, while completely relatable and believable, made it seem like Mendez was trying to shock readers who haven't experienced poverty.
▪ I thought she spent too much time repeating the same things over and over about her childhood, and then had too-short chapters about her wrestling experiences.
Why You Might Move This Down On Your TBR:
▪ Mendez's descriptions of her mother's Bipolar Disorder and behaviors can confuse readers who don't understand Bipolar Disorder extensively. I can see laymen confusing her mother's abusive behavior with her disorder due to how this was written.
▪ Mendez takes the "know your worth and your body's worth" too far, leaning on the slut-shaming side.
▪ I wouldn't recommend this for readers wanting to learn about Bipolar Disorder or even just see what the inside experience of Bipolar Disorder is like.
June 27, 2017
AJ Méndez sin duda es una luchadora que hizo historia en la WWE, empresa enorme de lucha libre, siendo tres veces campeona de la división de mujeres, la segunda con el reinado más largo, vencedora en dos eventos de Wrestlemania, elegida como la "Diva del año" por los fans de la WWE; dotada de una personalidad más bien extraña, pero genuina y valiente. A pesar de no tener un físico exuberante ni las condiciones que tradicionalmente debía tener una luchadora (de estatura muy baja) de la WWE logró tener una gran fanaticada y abrió las puertas para otras luchadoras que destacaban más por sus dotes de lucha y su lado genuino, "geek" y de vestimenta sencilla lejos de las tradicionales majestuosas, sintéticas o con brillos.
En este libro luego de su retiro de la lucha profesional cuenta su infancia, llena de pobreza extrema y una familia muy disfuncional, padre y madre con adicciones, inmadurez y falta de educación, su madre con un trastorno bipolar que se expresaba cada vez más afectando a la pequeña niña, que desde siempre soñó con algún día pelear en la WWE.
En general es un libro regularmente escrito, con temática común, pero que obviamente te da lo que esperas cuando lees un libro de autobiografía, conocer cómo fue al persona por la cual te interesas; me gustó sobre todo cuando dejaba atrás los monólogos o razonamientos y se dedicaba más a contar solamente las cosas que le sucedían, las personas con las cuales se rodeó a lo largo de su vida y de su carrera, conocer algunos detalles del funcionamiento de la compañía. Ella hace énfasis en los trastornos psicológicos que sufrió y vio, aunque su objetivo es convencer a los demás de la importancia, no era un tema como que me diera nuevas luces de lo que ya sé, eso muchas veces lo hizo aburrido. El uso de muchos términos de la "cultura pop", chistes en lugares inadecuados y unas dosis de feminismo, filosofía poco convincentes no me gustaron en general.
En este libro luego de su retiro de la lucha profesional cuenta su infancia, llena de pobreza extrema y una familia muy disfuncional, padre y madre con adicciones, inmadurez y falta de educación, su madre con un trastorno bipolar que se expresaba cada vez más afectando a la pequeña niña, que desde siempre soñó con algún día pelear en la WWE.
En general es un libro regularmente escrito, con temática común, pero que obviamente te da lo que esperas cuando lees un libro de autobiografía, conocer cómo fue al persona por la cual te interesas; me gustó sobre todo cuando dejaba atrás los monólogos o razonamientos y se dedicaba más a contar solamente las cosas que le sucedían, las personas con las cuales se rodeó a lo largo de su vida y de su carrera, conocer algunos detalles del funcionamiento de la compañía. Ella hace énfasis en los trastornos psicológicos que sufrió y vio, aunque su objetivo es convencer a los demás de la importancia, no era un tema como que me diera nuevas luces de lo que ya sé, eso muchas veces lo hizo aburrido. El uso de muchos términos de la "cultura pop", chistes en lugares inadecuados y unas dosis de feminismo, filosofía poco convincentes no me gustaron en general.
March 16, 2017
In the first half of the 2010s, AJ Lee was one of the most popular women wrestlers in the WWE. Her quirky, "Gamer chick" image, small stature, and main event storylines were a far cry from the typical blonde swimsuit models that made up the rest of the female roster.
The woman behind the character, AJ Mendez, had a long journey to the spotlight. Growing up dirt poor, often moving with her young parents just before eviction, AJ learned to live with very little. Her home life was marred by spats of domestic disputes, drug abuse, utility shut-off, and near homelessness.
Her mother was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and her father was prone to leaving the family for extended periods. AJ eventually left home at a young age, when she secured a job, and her family moved back to Puerto Rico.
Her relatively short WWE career was highlighted by championships, storylines with the top mens wrestlers, and a broad appeal to the WWE fanbase. AJ retired young, after performing in Wrestlemania one last time. She married former champion CM Punk, and has been enjoying a relatively quiet life since then.
Her memoir is a quick read, filled with quirky asides and illustrations. If you're coming to this as a fan of AJ Lee, hoping to read about her time in WWE and all the backstage gossip, you won't find it here. The majority of its pages are devoted to her family, upbringing, and dealings with her own mental illness.
The woman behind the character, AJ Mendez, had a long journey to the spotlight. Growing up dirt poor, often moving with her young parents just before eviction, AJ learned to live with very little. Her home life was marred by spats of domestic disputes, drug abuse, utility shut-off, and near homelessness.
Her mother was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and her father was prone to leaving the family for extended periods. AJ eventually left home at a young age, when she secured a job, and her family moved back to Puerto Rico.
Her relatively short WWE career was highlighted by championships, storylines with the top mens wrestlers, and a broad appeal to the WWE fanbase. AJ retired young, after performing in Wrestlemania one last time. She married former champion CM Punk, and has been enjoying a relatively quiet life since then.
Her memoir is a quick read, filled with quirky asides and illustrations. If you're coming to this as a fan of AJ Lee, hoping to read about her time in WWE and all the backstage gossip, you won't find it here. The majority of its pages are devoted to her family, upbringing, and dealings with her own mental illness.
April 5, 2017
I absolutely loved this book. As an avid wrestling fan, I was naturally drawn to AJ's character. She didn't fit the mold of the typical women's wrestler and she stood out. I was there in person when she won her last championship and I may have shed some tears when she retired from wrestling. I pre-ordered this book as soon as I was able to and read it in one sitting. This book has it all: struggle, triumph, love, and witty quips. AJ's voice shines through in her writing and I felt like I was listening to a best friend talk instead of reading a stranger's autobiography. This is a raw, honest look into April's life and how her hardships shaped her into the person she is today. It's important to not stigmatize mental illness, and she shares her own experiences with that as well. I would recommend this book to anyone!
July 7, 2020
From growing up in some of New Jersey's roughest neighborhoods where her parents literally taught her and her siblings to fight to protect themselves on their way to school, To constantly bouncing from apartment to apartment when rent was due and they couldn't afford to pay to even being homeless and sleeping in the car at one point. AJ and her siblings grew up in a very difficult home. She grew up fearing the world but wanting to live up to her idols in the WWF. She went on to prove her mother wrong who laughed in her face and told her it wasn't possible. AJ is truly one of the BEST role models for girls anywhere. She defined orders and talked back to get her where she needed to be. She didn't listen to anyone telling her she wasn't good enough and she kicked ass to become women's champion. I highly recommend her book to any wrestling fan!
August 18, 2017
One of the better bios that I have read
June 6, 2017
Let me start this review by telling you: I know ZIP about professional wrestling. I have friends who set up a ring in the backyard and held their own faux championships, but outside of that and Dwayne The Rock Johnson…nope. Nothing. NA to the freaking DA.
What I’m trying to say is…if you’re looking for a review from a well educated wrestling fan, run in the other direction. That is not me.
But there was a nerdy girl in Chucks on the cover of this book talking about mental illness, and I’m all here for that.
Another thing I’m here for? AJ Mendez Brooks is a girl who gives ZERO fucks. And I do mean zero. She has been through hell a million times over and just doesn’t have time for people’s shit. She is going to conquer this world, whatever she puts her mind to–through poverty and a mega dysfunctional family and her own bipolar disorder. She’s just gonna do it. Also, she thinks abandoned dogs are the greatest thing since sliced bread and I am DEFINITELY here for that.
There are two things that gave me pause:
There is a lot of “I’m not like other girls, I’m just one of the guys” going on. I get it, you’re a TomBoy who wrestles on TV, wears sweats, and doesn’t brush your hair all the time…but sometimes it got a little superior in attitude. (Also she kept calling her sweats “asexual sweats,” and that’s just…asexuals can be fashionable too, you know?)
Also, if there is a negative or derogatory term for mental illness, she used it. I did hesitate when requesting this book–not because of my lack of wrestling knowledge, but because of the title. It’s a little off putting to me. However, like I said, she just gives zero fucks. And in the end, she tells us why she uses the word ‘crazy’ so much. For her, the only way to reduce the stigma surrounding the word is to reclaim it.
I think AJ could probably eat me for breakfast and move on. I absolutely admire her strength of character. I don’t agree with everything she said in her memoir, but her quirky writing style had me entertained right up until the end. I loved her diary entries that were interspersed between the chapters, and the drawings (I think by her brother Robbie) were kick ass. If you’re a wrestling fan, comic book fan, or just general all around nerd, I think you’ll like this memoir.
What I’m trying to say is…if you’re looking for a review from a well educated wrestling fan, run in the other direction. That is not me.
But there was a nerdy girl in Chucks on the cover of this book talking about mental illness, and I’m all here for that.
Another thing I’m here for? AJ Mendez Brooks is a girl who gives ZERO fucks. And I do mean zero. She has been through hell a million times over and just doesn’t have time for people’s shit. She is going to conquer this world, whatever she puts her mind to–through poverty and a mega dysfunctional family and her own bipolar disorder. She’s just gonna do it. Also, she thinks abandoned dogs are the greatest thing since sliced bread and I am DEFINITELY here for that.
There are two things that gave me pause:
There is a lot of “I’m not like other girls, I’m just one of the guys” going on. I get it, you’re a TomBoy who wrestles on TV, wears sweats, and doesn’t brush your hair all the time…but sometimes it got a little superior in attitude. (Also she kept calling her sweats “asexual sweats,” and that’s just…asexuals can be fashionable too, you know?)
Also, if there is a negative or derogatory term for mental illness, she used it. I did hesitate when requesting this book–not because of my lack of wrestling knowledge, but because of the title. It’s a little off putting to me. However, like I said, she just gives zero fucks. And in the end, she tells us why she uses the word ‘crazy’ so much. For her, the only way to reduce the stigma surrounding the word is to reclaim it.
I think AJ could probably eat me for breakfast and move on. I absolutely admire her strength of character. I don’t agree with everything she said in her memoir, but her quirky writing style had me entertained right up until the end. I loved her diary entries that were interspersed between the chapters, and the drawings (I think by her brother Robbie) were kick ass. If you’re a wrestling fan, comic book fan, or just general all around nerd, I think you’ll like this memoir.
May 12, 2017
I mean her life is pretty interesting. The writing is pretty entertaining, but after awhile the humor starts to feel a bit repetitive. And daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamn some parts of the book that are probably intended to be inspirational and deep just get preachy and cheesy.
July 23, 2024
I laughed, sobbed, gasped, and went through so many emotions listening to this amazing memoir. AJ Lee already held a special place in my heart but this memoir further endeared me to her. Thank you for such a wonderful memoir.
September 26, 2025
I loved wrestling as a kid and watched the WWF through most of college. But after a while I got tired of it. Woman's wrestling in particular was not very good. A young teenage boy was titillated by all the T&A and hot woman, but otherwise uninterested in that aspect. So I completely missed out on AJ Lee's run in the WWE.
In the years since, I would periodically read about the goings on in WWE, in particular this group of nerds called The New Day, who would dress up like Super Saiyans or play the Final Fantasy victory music when they won. I also started to hear about how the Woman's division was actually good, if not BETTER than the men's.
2020 started making me nostalgic for the good old days (which maybe weren't that good, but I was younger and things were simpler). I started watching a lot of documentaries on Wrestling, and then started following the storylines while not actually watching the show again.
Then I saw some of the woman's matches and I found myself pulled back in. The woman's division is by far the best thing they got going. A lot of this it turns out was due to what AJ and a few others had done to create the path for this current generation's female superstars to take things to such a high level.
I had watched this sadly cancelled Starz show called Heels. CM Punk had a small role and I knew who he was, even though I had missed his run in the WWE too. When I was looking up who played one of the female wrestlers on the show I discovered that AJ Lee was Punk's wife. And that was all I knew about her until maybe 2 months ago. Turns out that's one of the least interesting things about her.
CM Punk had famously left the WWE on bad terms, but time (and money) heals all wounds and he returned a few years ago. Then they started to set up a story hinting at the possible return of AJ Lee. When it actually happened, I started reading up more about her and discovered she wrote this book.
I mostly do audio books these days, so it was great to see that she read her own book. AJ is very funny and that comes across in her reading.
AJ is very brave in the stuff she admits in this book. Although as she mentions in the book, after some of the stuff she did in her run in the WWE, there isn't anything that embarrasses her anymore.
There is a lot of wrestling in this book (in particular the last third or so), but much of this book focuses on her childhood, family and her (and her mother's) struggles with mental health. In particular both AJ and her mother are bi-polar.
When I was younger my mom had bouts of depression including a stint in mental help facility. I didn't understand it. It was embarrassing. Or so I thought as a young kid. There is a negative stigma on mental health that is only starting to change in recent years.
I also learned many years later as an adult that my grandmother was bi-polar when she went off her meds are started behaving in ways I had never experienced. Our family had never talked about it. No one explained to us when we were a kid. So I can really identify with some of what AJ went through.
I think some of changes in the stigma on mental health has begun to change thanks to people like AJ. Hearing a WWE crowd cheering for Therapy in 2025 was not something I had on my Bingo card.
The book was fascinating, funny and inspiring. I don't know where AJ Lee's stint in WWE will end up, but I'm interested to find out.
In the years since, I would periodically read about the goings on in WWE, in particular this group of nerds called The New Day, who would dress up like Super Saiyans or play the Final Fantasy victory music when they won. I also started to hear about how the Woman's division was actually good, if not BETTER than the men's.
2020 started making me nostalgic for the good old days (which maybe weren't that good, but I was younger and things were simpler). I started watching a lot of documentaries on Wrestling, and then started following the storylines while not actually watching the show again.
Then I saw some of the woman's matches and I found myself pulled back in. The woman's division is by far the best thing they got going. A lot of this it turns out was due to what AJ and a few others had done to create the path for this current generation's female superstars to take things to such a high level.
I had watched this sadly cancelled Starz show called Heels. CM Punk had a small role and I knew who he was, even though I had missed his run in the WWE too. When I was looking up who played one of the female wrestlers on the show I discovered that AJ Lee was Punk's wife. And that was all I knew about her until maybe 2 months ago. Turns out that's one of the least interesting things about her.
CM Punk had famously left the WWE on bad terms, but time (and money) heals all wounds and he returned a few years ago. Then they started to set up a story hinting at the possible return of AJ Lee. When it actually happened, I started reading up more about her and discovered she wrote this book.
I mostly do audio books these days, so it was great to see that she read her own book. AJ is very funny and that comes across in her reading.
AJ is very brave in the stuff she admits in this book. Although as she mentions in the book, after some of the stuff she did in her run in the WWE, there isn't anything that embarrasses her anymore.
There is a lot of wrestling in this book (in particular the last third or so), but much of this book focuses on her childhood, family and her (and her mother's) struggles with mental health. In particular both AJ and her mother are bi-polar.
When I was younger my mom had bouts of depression including a stint in mental help facility. I didn't understand it. It was embarrassing. Or so I thought as a young kid. There is a negative stigma on mental health that is only starting to change in recent years.
I also learned many years later as an adult that my grandmother was bi-polar when she went off her meds are started behaving in ways I had never experienced. Our family had never talked about it. No one explained to us when we were a kid. So I can really identify with some of what AJ went through.
I think some of changes in the stigma on mental health has begun to change thanks to people like AJ. Hearing a WWE crowd cheering for Therapy in 2025 was not something I had on my Bingo card.
The book was fascinating, funny and inspiring. I don't know where AJ Lee's stint in WWE will end up, but I'm interested to find out.
November 29, 2024
A fabulous memoir by a really remarkable person.
I went into this one almost blind, knowing only a little bit about AJ Mendez Brooks aka AJ Lee, mostly that she’d wrestled for WWE. Personally, I’d seen only maybe a handful of her matches. I knew nothing of her personal life, background, or what she does now.
If you’re expecting to read a typical “jock” type memoir, you’ll be disappointed.
But if you want an inspiring story by a brilliant person who had to change the perceptions, mold, and business practices of a huge corporation that operates in the public, then you’ll love this. If your life could use an example of someone who has an endless amount of courage and resilience, then you’ll love this. If you want to hear about a remarkable lady give an irreverent, funny as hell take on life and all the wrongful crap and hypocrisy that women have to endure every moment of every day, then you’ll love this.
I loved this book. It was even better for her own narration of the book. I went into it wanting to learn and I sure did. A lot. I have so much respect for AJ Mendez Brooks. To overcome and succeed through sheer force of will. That’s pretty damn amazing and I feel like I’ve improved as a person through osmosis. So thank you for that AJ Mendez Brooks. I wish you all the respect and success in the world.
I went into this one almost blind, knowing only a little bit about AJ Mendez Brooks aka AJ Lee, mostly that she’d wrestled for WWE. Personally, I’d seen only maybe a handful of her matches. I knew nothing of her personal life, background, or what she does now.
If you’re expecting to read a typical “jock” type memoir, you’ll be disappointed.
But if you want an inspiring story by a brilliant person who had to change the perceptions, mold, and business practices of a huge corporation that operates in the public, then you’ll love this. If your life could use an example of someone who has an endless amount of courage and resilience, then you’ll love this. If you want to hear about a remarkable lady give an irreverent, funny as hell take on life and all the wrongful crap and hypocrisy that women have to endure every moment of every day, then you’ll love this.
I loved this book. It was even better for her own narration of the book. I went into it wanting to learn and I sure did. A lot. I have so much respect for AJ Mendez Brooks. To overcome and succeed through sheer force of will. That’s pretty damn amazing and I feel like I’ve improved as a person through osmosis. So thank you for that AJ Mendez Brooks. I wish you all the respect and success in the world.
December 8, 2024
My wrestling knowledge was limited to playing with my brother’s toy wrestling ring, looking at his cards, and watching matches with him every now and then but truthfully none is needed to enjoy this one for sure. I loved how this was written and she had me laughing with her wit and tone throughout. A huge applause to AJ for portraying mental illness in the most raw and vulnerable way showing that it does not define someone in the least bit. Her childhood and even part of adulthood was painful but her strength is amazing. A true role model for not just females but men too 🫶🏽
December 6, 2020
Loved this book and I love her!
August 28, 2021
I always finds it a little hard rating biographies, for I'm practically rating someone's life, you know?
In addition, I'm not big on biographies. I've never felt I have a right to celebrities private life, and biographies are just that. On top of that, the few celebrities I do know of don't often write biographies. And a lot of biographies seems to be about how someone ''overcame X to be the happy person I am today'', and I'm often not interested in those ''stores''. I often find them annoying, to be honest. I'd much rather read a book about someone having a struggle and learning to live with it, accepting it as part of their whole and loving themselves with it instead of the constant ''struggle'' that seems to make it into a lot of books.
Now, with that out of the way, let's talk about this book here.
I have no relationship with A.J. what so ever, and I've never been much into wrestling, but something about the cover and title got me hooked. Just from said title, I got the feeling this would be one of those rare books about someone embracing their disability and becoming a better person for it, instead of constantly fighting it.
But this book isn't just about A.J.'s bipolar disorder, but also about her mother's and how that affected her childhood. Listening to this book had me disturbed on so many levels, and I'm so sorry someone had to go through the stuff A.J. grew up with.
This was all a very strong read, and A.J. has a writing style that just grabbed me and kept me enrolled in the events. I found myself sad whenever I had to pause my listening to rest, and kept thinking about it during my ''downtime''.
It's not only an inspirational and feminist tale of a talented young woman, but also educational about a lot of things. Unlike some of the other biographies I've heard, there was no issue rating this one, for while I kinda feels like I'm rating someone's life, I'm also rating a throughout good book. At least to me.
In short, it's well written, engrossing, and educational, all in one, which is a rare combination to find.
In addition, I'm not big on biographies. I've never felt I have a right to celebrities private life, and biographies are just that. On top of that, the few celebrities I do know of don't often write biographies. And a lot of biographies seems to be about how someone ''overcame X to be the happy person I am today'', and I'm often not interested in those ''stores''. I often find them annoying, to be honest. I'd much rather read a book about someone having a struggle and learning to live with it, accepting it as part of their whole and loving themselves with it instead of the constant ''struggle'' that seems to make it into a lot of books.
Now, with that out of the way, let's talk about this book here.
I have no relationship with A.J. what so ever, and I've never been much into wrestling, but something about the cover and title got me hooked. Just from said title, I got the feeling this would be one of those rare books about someone embracing their disability and becoming a better person for it, instead of constantly fighting it.
But this book isn't just about A.J.'s bipolar disorder, but also about her mother's and how that affected her childhood. Listening to this book had me disturbed on so many levels, and I'm so sorry someone had to go through the stuff A.J. grew up with.
This was all a very strong read, and A.J. has a writing style that just grabbed me and kept me enrolled in the events. I found myself sad whenever I had to pause my listening to rest, and kept thinking about it during my ''downtime''.
It's not only an inspirational and feminist tale of a talented young woman, but also educational about a lot of things. Unlike some of the other biographies I've heard, there was no issue rating this one, for while I kinda feels like I'm rating someone's life, I'm also rating a throughout good book. At least to me.
In short, it's well written, engrossing, and educational, all in one, which is a rare combination to find.
April 25, 2017
AJ's memoir was a pleasure to read. Her resilience and strength shown throughout her challenging life are inspirational and nothing short of extraordinary. This book refreshed my own resilience and proved that you can overcome anything if you have the drive to do so. Her openness about mental illness is commendable and I loved her advice to young girls. On top of everything, her writing style is very enjoyable to read; it's no surprise that she won so many writing competitions as a child. Ultimately, this book encouraged me to own all of my "flaws" and use them to my advantage. Congratulations on crossing another goal off of your initial '10 year plan', AJ!
June 19, 2017
The closest I come to being a wrestling fan is watching Cyndi Lauper's old music videos. Ppl of a certain and totally cool age will absolutely know what I am talking about. However, I really enjoyed Crazy is My Superpower. It is an honest, sad, funny, heartwarming and completely inspirational book. Girls (and Guys) who want to have fun will enjoy this great read.
June 19, 2025
The autobiography that made me wonder why didn’t read more autobiographies. AJ is a truly talented treasure
September 3, 2017
AJ Mendez Brooks is a former professional wrestler known better in the WWE as AJ Lee. It is because of her fame on screen that most will buy this book. However, those expecting an in depth account of life as a wrestler (much like books written by Mick Foley) could be disappointed. There are stories of her days in the employment of WWE but they don't come until you are well into the book, this is not a wrestling autobiography. However, I don't consider this a negative point. This was easily one of the best autobiographies I have ever read.
This is without a shadow of a doubt one of the most powerful books I have ever had the privilege to read. It tells of AJ's life as the youngest of three, born to parents who had their first child at a young age and struggled from there on out to provide for their family. As poor as poor could be, constantly moving from one lodging to another while also liking to live as care free teenagers as apposed to responsible adults.
On top of this are the mental illnesses suffered by her mothe and the dangers that can occur if ignored / not properly diagnosed. What she put her daughter through was at times nothing short of horrific and for Mendez to not feel utter resentment is astonishing. As well as her mother's struggles AJ also goes in depth about her own downward spiral into depression and bipolar. At times it was a harrowing tale and extremely tough to read.
But it's not all bad, unlike so many autobiographies there was no ghost writer involved. While this certainly does a good job of bringing across to the reader how bad things were it also provides laughs as AJ's nerdy and personality shone through the pages, as well as her love for the underdog. Her tales of rescuing a diseased, unloved dogfrom a shelter and nursing him back to health was a real heart melter.
There are tales of her wrestling life, from early prejudice perceptions and struggling to escape the WWE's developmental company, to showing the world that women in the wrestling world can be amazing athletes too and not just there to be oggled over. It's a much shorter section and there isn't a great deal told about her life after retirement with husband, CM Punk but unlike other reviewers I'm ok with this. It's her story and she can tell as much or as little as she chooses.
This is an eye opening account of living a life with mental illness. Not only is it an inspirational message to anyone who does suffer from diseases we can't see but also to women everywhere about how they should be treated and how to not let societies outdated beliefs force them to accept how things are. I can't recommend it highly enough. I gave it 5 stars because that's all I was permitted to use but there really isn't a rating high enough to use. Whether you're a wrestling fan or not I can't see how this book wouldn't leave you emotionally drained by the end
This is without a shadow of a doubt one of the most powerful books I have ever had the privilege to read. It tells of AJ's life as the youngest of three, born to parents who had their first child at a young age and struggled from there on out to provide for their family. As poor as poor could be, constantly moving from one lodging to another while also liking to live as care free teenagers as apposed to responsible adults.
On top of this are the mental illnesses suffered by her mothe and the dangers that can occur if ignored / not properly diagnosed. What she put her daughter through was at times nothing short of horrific and for Mendez to not feel utter resentment is astonishing. As well as her mother's struggles AJ also goes in depth about her own downward spiral into depression and bipolar. At times it was a harrowing tale and extremely tough to read.
But it's not all bad, unlike so many autobiographies there was no ghost writer involved. While this certainly does a good job of bringing across to the reader how bad things were it also provides laughs as AJ's nerdy and personality shone through the pages, as well as her love for the underdog. Her tales of rescuing a diseased, unloved dogfrom a shelter and nursing him back to health was a real heart melter.
There are tales of her wrestling life, from early prejudice perceptions and struggling to escape the WWE's developmental company, to showing the world that women in the wrestling world can be amazing athletes too and not just there to be oggled over. It's a much shorter section and there isn't a great deal told about her life after retirement with husband, CM Punk but unlike other reviewers I'm ok with this. It's her story and she can tell as much or as little as she chooses.
This is an eye opening account of living a life with mental illness. Not only is it an inspirational message to anyone who does suffer from diseases we can't see but also to women everywhere about how they should be treated and how to not let societies outdated beliefs force them to accept how things are. I can't recommend it highly enough. I gave it 5 stars because that's all I was permitted to use but there really isn't a rating high enough to use. Whether you're a wrestling fan or not I can't see how this book wouldn't leave you emotionally drained by the end
December 22, 2018
It's hard to even begin to express all the emotions AJ's book made me feel. To be honest, I don't know anything about wrestling, and I definitely didn't know anything about AJ before reading her book. But over the course of the book I fell for this badass lady and I fell for her HARD. AJ knows she's small in stature, but she hates being called "fragile" because she's emotionally, physically, and mentally tough as hell. From that moment onward, I was totally on board. She's funny and genuine, creative and passionate. She's a feminist who believes in shattering glass ceilings, punching through industry restrictions, and generously supporting the women around her to make everybody shine even brighter. She shares openly about her personal and familial struggles with mental health in ways that made me feel less alone and less broken for struggling too. AJ has just rocketed to the top of my list of women I'd love to meet someday, and I'm not going to lie that a large part of it is because she shares my love of video games, has a way of offering advice and encouragement that feels genuine instead of shmoopy, and a penchant for rescuing shelter dogs to shower them with endless love. Here's to AJ Mendez, for proving that being 100% unashamedly yourself is a source of pure strength and that absolutely nothing is impossible. You're my new hero, and a great reminder that I am the only hero I will ever truly need.
June 14, 2024
First, the book should be a trigger warning on the book as it goes into very graphic detail about abuse, neglect, and mental health, which can trigger individuals who've been through it. April comes from a real dark past that most people don't see, which sees details heavily in this. I had to put the book down a couple of times because it was super graphic and triggered me. Just like me, she was forced to grow up quickly due to a terrible upbringing. The story is really aspiring to see everything she went through and where she ended up. I find most autobiographies have supportive parents, which makes the journey that much easier, but this isn't the case here. The section in her dairy about technology having a vendetta against her is so funny. As a fellow short girl, the automatic doors refuse to acknowledge me and open for me. This book contains amazing graphics, and the pictures are so well detailed. The feeling of having your kindness taken advantage of but still standing your ground. I think her message of the book is beautiful she struggled to fit in because she was born to stand out. She didn't let her shortcomings take away from what she wanted. Even if you're not a wrestling fan, this is a great read. But if you're reading for wrestling, you'll be disappointed as WWE is only mentioned in the last 3 chapters.
August 5, 2025
It took me a while to finish this one, but not because I didn't like it! My husband and I were listening to this one together on long car rides and so we finally ended up finishing it! He also very much enjoyed listening to this one. I thought it was both hilarious and emotionally impactful. It is probably one of the best memoirs I have read and her narration throughout was phenomenal. I thought the messages that she talked about throughout and the way she chooses to live her life extremely inspiring. It was fun to hear about her relationship with CM Punk and how she shaped what women's WWE matches look like today. But what will stay with me the most is the beginning of the book talking about her upbringing and also how she had to face her mental illness and how she still lives with it today. Also, it cannot be overstated how much her humor is right up my alley. If you like dark, self-deprecating humor, I think you'll like this book!
August 1, 2019
4 stars
Always weird rating a book about someone's life. I thought this was a good book. I think it would have been better with slightly more detail. This read as little snapshots into AJs life and I would have preferred a little more .
It bounced back and forth between her young life and her making strides as an adult. Her struggles growing up, familial troubles, and health troubles all added to an interesting (if that's the correct word) life.
I would have preferred a fluid story from beginning to end or more than just "snap shot, snap shot, snap shot". More thoughts about her leaving the company and just more detail. Redundant, I know!
I liked how she acquainted us all with her struggles with mental health and how it affects her. I enjoyed how she is unabashedly herself and encourages women/girls to embrace this. There should be more role models like her.
Always weird rating a book about someone's life. I thought this was a good book. I think it would have been better with slightly more detail. This read as little snapshots into AJs life and I would have preferred a little more .
It bounced back and forth between her young life and her making strides as an adult. Her struggles growing up, familial troubles, and health troubles all added to an interesting (if that's the correct word) life.
I would have preferred a fluid story from beginning to end or more than just "snap shot, snap shot, snap shot". More thoughts about her leaving the company and just more detail. Redundant, I know!
I liked how she acquainted us all with her struggles with mental health and how it affects her. I enjoyed how she is unabashedly herself and encourages women/girls to embrace this. There should be more role models like her.
December 30, 2019
Although there were a good few things that rubbed me the wrong way, I don’t feel comfortable criticizing this book since it’s an autobiography, and who the fuck am I to criticize anyone’s life?
What I will say is that there should’ve been a trigger warning. I had to put the book down only 27 pages in because I got a full on panic attack. Fun times. So for anyone who’s wondering: there’s mention of domestic violence, abuse and mental illness.
I still picked it back up after a day and, see there, practically flew through it & finished it today. I enjoyed Aj’s self deprecating humor so much. She has such a talent to keep a kind of flow in the story that I didn’t realize I was half-way through it when I looked up.
What I will say is that there should’ve been a trigger warning. I had to put the book down only 27 pages in because I got a full on panic attack. Fun times. So for anyone who’s wondering: there’s mention of domestic violence, abuse and mental illness.
I still picked it back up after a day and, see there, practically flew through it & finished it today. I enjoyed Aj’s self deprecating humor so much. She has such a talent to keep a kind of flow in the story that I didn’t realize I was half-way through it when I looked up.
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