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  • There Was a Little Girl

  • The Real Story of My Mother and Me
  • Written by: Brooke Shields
  • Narrated by: Brooke Shields
  • Length: 12 hrs and 56 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (18 ratings)

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There Was a Little Girl

Written by: Brooke Shields
Narrated by: Brooke Shields
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Publisher's Summary

The perfect gift for Brooke Shields fans, There Was a Little Girl explores Brooke's relationship with her unforgettable mother, Teri, in this extraordinary, heartfelt memoir that became a New York Times best-seller.

Brooke Shields never had what anyone would consider an ordinary life. She was raised by her Newark-tough single mom, Teri, a woman who loved the world of show business and was often a media sensation all by herself. Brooke's iconic modeling career began by chance when she was only 11 months old, and Teri's skills as both Brooke's mother and her manager were formidable. But in private she was troubled and drank heavily.

As Brooke became an adult the pair made choices and sacrifices that would affect their relationship forever. And when Brooke's own daughters were born she found that her experience as a mother was shaped in every way by the woman who raised her. But despite the many ups and downs, Brooke was by Teri's side when she died in 2012, a loving daughter until the end.

Only Brooke knows the truth of the remarkable, difficult, complicated woman who was her mother. And now, in an honest, open memoir about her life growing up, Brooke will reveal stories and feelings that are relatable to anyone who has been a mother or daughter.

©2014 Brooke Shields (P)2014 Penguin

What listeners say about There Was a Little Girl

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars

Not a deep Memoir!!!

She only focuses on her mothers drinking . She touched the surface and didn’t even address the controversial parts of her life .
Not very deep !!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Unabashedly honest, humble, and heartfelt!

The life-long struggle of Teri's addiction, and the life-long struggle of Brooke's affliction. The story is straightforward and interesting; reveals feelings, emotions, and habits that are indeed complex. But it's the story-telling and performance by Brooke that really pulls-me-in and tugs-at-my-heart! The complicated and twisted mother-daughter relationship is a head-scratcher which perfectly exemplifies the true nature of co-dependence and dysfunction. So much love between the two but so much frustration over Teri's devotion to the Bottle and to Brooke, two things that do not go hand-in-hand.

Although the book was long, and the details about Teri's drinking somewhat repetitive, I actually really enjoyed hearing all the nitty-gritty details about Brooke's life growing-up, despite her mom's alcoholism, and despite her young celebrity and success; and how she forged forward into adulthood striving for a healthy balance in her life re. work, marriage, kids, and caretaker to her mom. Bravo Brooke!

Being the same age as Brooke, and being a big fan since she emerged in the early 80's, it was more than a delight to go down the memory lane of Brooke's life. I learned so much more about her than I thought I knew, and I am a bigger fan now because of it. Much respect and admiration to Brooke.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Rose Coloured Glasses

Very interesting and down to earth account. It’s sad that Brooks early years were of such neglect and stress and of the worry she felt about her mother and her own safety growing up. It’s wonderful and truly amazing the grit Brook has to not only survive her youth but also to become an amazing mother and wife! That takes smarts, and courage, and big beautiful heart full of love!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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  • Joy
  • 2023-06-04

o OK. not my fave but good

could have condensed some.parts after her mom's passing -was very repetitive at that point. a little hard to follow time line wise. A OK book, not as goodasi had hoped but I enjoyed it.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

An insightful peek behind the curtain

I enjoyed how honest this book was. She never tried to paint her mother as a Saint but rather a mother who despite her vices was just trying to do what's best for her daughter. The media had always portrayed Terri as a woman who would sell Brooke's body to gain a quick profit, and Brooke as a bit of a brat. This books proves that no one's story is as black and white as the tabloids would have you believe.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

What a story!

We always think that movie stars lead charmed, perfect lives. I knew nothing of Brooke Shields' life story. What an incredible situation to grow up in, with fame and fortune, but also an alcoholic single parent who didn't know how to kick her demons. Brooke's candid exploration of how that affected her into adulthood is poignant and open. I love knowing her story now!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Loved this book

I found this book to be open and honest and very engaging. I enjoyed it from cover to cover

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