Exactly As I Am: Celebrated Women Share Candid Advice with Today's Girls on What It Takes to Believe in Yourself

by Shaun Robinson

Entertainment reporter and author Shaun Robinson has spoken candidly both on camera and behind the scenes with countless celebrities. Consequently, she has received hundreds of emails and letters from girls across the country asking how they can be more like their favorite stars. But the truth is, these actors, singers, athletes, and media and political figures are remarkably similar to teenage girls in essential They all still struggle with issues of self-esteem and body image and doubt, and they all, at some point, have compared themselves with their peers and felt they came up short. In Exactly As I Am , Robinson shares both the honest comments she’s heard from young women and the heartfelt and encouraging advice she’s been in the rare position to glean from today’s most notable women. The result is a book that will inspire girls to find their inner strength, grow confident, and believe in themselves.

Actress Eva Mendes talks about how she persevered in the face of “Surrounding myself with people who love and support me has been my key to success.” Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Alicia Keys suggests that the answer to a healthy self-image lies in new “We need more variety in how we depict beauty and define intelligence–there’s so much more than what is often featured.” Kelly Clarkson turns the tables on so-called “The flaws and vulnerability are what make people attractive.” And Vanessa Williams suggests a way out of the trap of taking things “Next time someone rolls their eyes at you or says an unkind word about you, think about what they could be insecure about.”

Through this rich tapestry of voices, women of all ages, races, ethnicities, and backgrounds explore how to stay grounded and develop positive self-esteem, something Robinson calls “your ticket to freedom and making your dreams come true.” They also discuss the importance of mentors and friends, being able to laugh at oneself, and giving back to others. The collected wisdom of shared experiences in Exactly As I Am is designed to give every girl and woman the opportunity to dream big, stay strong, and remain true to herself.

Genres: Self Help

160 pages, Hardcover

First published March 31, 2009

About the author

A humble author from Victoria, Australia. Shaun has self published 2 novels and 1 short story with a magazine.
His works include A knights Realm: Forsaken Rise, Systems in Chaos: Dissention and Echoes of the Fallen.

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Written for middle school age girls.

[Briana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is definitely tailored for a younger crowd. I picked it up as an adult since I’ve had it for years and never read it. It’s good if you’re looking for a quick inspirational quote or story on a rough day. Good for quick reference, but the advice to me is nothing earth shattering. Now, had I read this as a 13-18 year old then I might feel different as this is more tailored for that crowd.

[💕Savanah Antoin💕 · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought it was gonna be something super different. I didn’t really like it!!

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

wanted to dnf this book too many times. I get the message and that's great and all but this book was just not meant for me.

[Diana Andrade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Message is good but I think the way the book was written wasn’t great, I understand this is directed to young girls but still. I wish the different stories were put together in a different fashion.

[Kaye Cloutman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emmy Award-winning journalist and Author Shaun Robinson is the weekend co-anchor and correspondent for Access Hollywood and is also on the National Board of Directors for Girls, Inc. So, Shaun has had the great pleasure and opportunity to meet some of the most influential and renowned celebrities and politicians of our times. I have a really high respect for people who utilize their connections and status as a vehicle to help other people, and the author of this book is no exception. Unlike many entertainment reporters who thrive on creating sensationalized news and controversies about celebrities, Shaun Robinson makes good use of her candid talks with a myriad of celebrities both on camera and behind the scenes with Exactly As I Am. The book aims to uplift and inspire young girls to accept how they look and appreciate who they are on the inside. Exactly As I Am contains empowering quotes from notables from Jamie Lee Curtis, Celine Dion, Janet Jackson, Patti LaBelle, Queen Latifah, Mandy Moore, Oprah Winfrey, Merdith Vieira, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Eva Mendes, India Arie, Helen Mirren, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, to name a few – women who unbelievably all struggled at some point or another with their own self-esteem and body images as well.

Shaun Robinson successfully shows the readers how every one of these women begins as an average girl struggling to find her voice, and their cumulative advice in Exactly As I Am makes it a perfect and invaluable formula for young girls to feel empowered. Inspiring and motivating, this tapestry of perspectives will inspire us all to say, “I accept myself Exactly As I Am.”

[Bridget · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the sort of book that I want to love because it’s so heartfelt and sincere and has really good advice. It’s also the sort of book that I think speaks more to grown women reminiscing about their youth than to teens who are living it. There’s lots of great advice and tons of quotes from famous women (I particularly loved the bits from Candace Parker and Kelly Clarkson), but I just didn’t find it terribly gripping. It took me a long time to get through it because I would reach for another book, any other book, first. And I’m sympathetic to the message; I like books that tell girls to believe in themselves! It’s just… not the most exciting read.

I’d still recommend it to teen (or tween) girls because it’s got an excellent message about self-confidence and the challenges of growing up. Also, if you’re a grown woman and you’re having a sucky day where you feel bad about yourself, it has some definite pick-me-ups that are really nice no matter what your age. Maybe just don’t sit down to read it cover to cover. Picking and choosing parts that sound interesting to you might make it a more gratifying read.

[Trenese]

this book talks about how to have self confidence and self esteem. and that there are girls that is my age the is probably going through the same thing i am or probaly thats my age and she teaches us to have confidence in ourselves..The genre of this book is a self healpe book.I feel good about the book i learn alot of things yes ive very interested but i already got a clue of whats going to happen..

[Sophia Stanton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was given to me as a gift from my neighbor, i didn't expect to enjoy it and get so much out of it. I recommend it to any (girl) going through some natural insecurity. It was a great read, and very well put together.

[Jannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Inspirational.

[Angi · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ehh...that's my review for this book. Ehhh