Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick– Audio Version
Book Blurb:
Even before she made a name for herself on the silver screen starring in films like Pitch Perfect, Up in the Air, Twilight, and Into the Woods, Anna Kendrick was unusually small, weird, and “10 percent defiant”. With her razor-sharp wit, Anna recounts the absurdities she’s experienced on her way to and from the heart of pop culture as only she can—from her unusual path to the performing arts (Vanilla Ice and baggy neon pants may have played a role) to her double life as a middle-school student who also starred on Broadway to her initial “dating experiments” (including only liking boys who didn’t like her back) to reviewing a binder full of butt doubles to her struggle to live like an adult woman instead of a perpetual “man-child.” Enter Anna’s world and follow her rise from “scrappy little nobody” to somebody who dazzles on the stage, the screen, and now the page—with an electric, singular voice, at once familiar and surprising, sharp and sweet, funny and serious (well, not that serious).
My Review: 3.5 stars
I was thrilled when Scrappy Little Nobody, Anna Kendrick’s autobiographical essays came out, as I like her as an actress and enjoy her musically. She’s funny and talented, so for me that’s a winning combo.
Her story starts as an awkward girl (can’t imagine) that deals with typical childhood issues, her small size being her biggest concern. At just 12-years-old she lands a role in the Broadway hit High Society, in which she was nominated for a Tony for Best Actress in a musical and won the Theater World Award. I had no idea that she was a singer first, then an actress.
Although her acting career started early, she admits to being a late bloomer in all other aspects. I think many teens and women in the 20s will relate to her. She wasn’t popular and boys didn’t seem to notice her; yep, that’s her truth! Here’s Anna at 17. She really does look young as she mentions many times in her book. 
Her stories are honest and very self-depreciating. It’s an interesting contrast to her star status persona, as she seems to have it all together in her movie and TV appearances. She delves into her child star issues, friendships, family/work balance, anxiety, and of course many bad dating experiences. I appreciate that she narrated these essays in her voice, although she talks fast, so be warned.
Quotes I liked:
I love rules and I love following them, unless that rule is stupid.”
-“Don’t try to participate in anyone else’s idea of what is supposed to happen in a relationship. You will fail.”
-“Maybe we all have imposter syndrome and perpetually feel like our real life is right around the corner,”
-“But here’s the thing about crazy: It. Wants. Out.”
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