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Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything

A Memoir

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Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything

Written by: Alyson Stoner
Narrated by: Alyson Stoner
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*AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BESTSELLER*

"Listeners who appreciated Jennette McCurdy's I'm Glad My Mom Died will enjoy [Alyson] Stoner's savvy memoir, which shows how fame and fortune dangled before a parent's eyes can make their morals take a back seat to the desire to give the public what it wants."— Library Journal

Actor-dancer Alyson Stoner narrates their revelatory and incisive memoir—from family violence and betrayal, to eating disorders and religious trauma—may begin in Hollywood, but its chilling relatability will resonate with anyone navigating identity, privacy, purpose, and mental health in a digital age. This audiobook contains clips from the song "Stripped Bare," by the author, Alyson Stoner.


“The author’s voice—equal parts self-deprecating and unflinchingly childlike in its pitch and earnestness—translates beautifully to audio. They add warmth and timing to the humor, while also giving weight to the more vulnerable gut-punch moments.” — Booklist

Raised on soundstages and studio lots from the age of six, shuffling between auditions for Disney Channel, Cheaper by the Dozen, or Missy Elliott music videos, Alyson Stoner experienced many of the defining moments of childhood inside the bizarre fishbowl of Hollywood. From working eighty hours a week at eight years old, to learning how to distinguish fan mail from kidnapping plots, to TV execs saying they weren’t “anorexic enough” to stop working and get help, Alyson struggled to find stability and sanity in a chaotic world.

In Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything, Alyson shares their powerful story for the first time, detailing a turbulent home life fractured by substance abuse, harrowing accounts from rehab, the messy process of discovering their sexuality in church, rebuilding a life after an early professional peak, and charting a path of self-discovery and advocacy. With striking introspection, Alyson connects the dots across the entertainment industry ecosystem, child development, and media culture, exposing the “toddler to trainwreck pipeline” of child stars and sparking timely conversations about success and society’s enchantment with fame.

Bold, entertaining, warm, and galvanizing all at once, Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything is more than a personal memoir: it’s a beacon for industry reform, a road map for breaking the bonds of generational trauma, and a testament to the freedom and strength that come from finally trusting your own voice and power.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press

Acting & Auditioning Actors Biographies & Memoirs Entertainment & Celebrities Entertainment & Performing Arts LGBTQIA2S+ Creators Mental Health Awareness Memoir Inspiring Health Mental Health
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ive always loved alyson as an actress i watched her alot growing up on disney , was sad to see her leave the spotlight but after reading her story i understand , and have total respect for her , im also happy she was able to find peace and choose something to make her happy , go alyson ! i hope you keep writing

all i can say is wow

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Well written, great narrating and a very important message!! Loved it . Thank you for sharing your story

Extremely well written

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I can fully understand that she is a voice actor. Excellent performance, gripping story, lots of care around the difficult subjects

Felt guilty enjoying this so much

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Fantastic biography! I was stunned to hear her perspective because I was one of the ones that looked up to her and never thought she didn’t “belong” in Hollywood.
I didn’t want it this book to end. So many plot twists for a non-fiction. I hope she considers writing fiction in the future.

Phenomenal audiobook!

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Alyson’s story is genuine, thought provoking, and at moments; devastating. Honestly, the whole book felt like an honour to listen to. I found myself reflecting, mourning, and feeling the relief they felt as they eloquently described their experiences. Very engaging and well written! Highly recommend giving this a listen!

An honour to listen to!

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