Love, Pamela: A Memoir of Prose, Poetry, and Truth - book cover
Arts & Literature
  • Publisher : Dey Street Books
  • Published : 31 Jan 2023
  • Pages : 256
  • ISBN-10 : 0063226561
  • ISBN-13 : 9780063226562
  • Language : English

Love, Pamela: A Memoir of Prose, Poetry, and Truth

The actress, activist, and once infamous Playboy Playmate reclaims the narrative of her life in a memoir that defies expectation in both content and approach, blending searing prose with snippets of original poetry.

In this honest, layered and unforgettable book that alternates between storytelling and her own poetry, Pamela Anderson breaks the mold of the celebrity memoir while taking back the tale that has been crafted about her.

Her blond bombshell image was ubiquitous in the 1990s. Discovered in the stands of a football game, she was immediately rocket launched into fame, becoming Playboy's favorite cover girl and an emblem of Hollywood glamour and sexuality. But what happens when you lose grip on your own life-and the image the notoriety machine creates for you is not who you really are?

Growing up on Vancouver Island, the daughter of young, wild, and unprepared parents, Pamela Anderson's childhood was not easy, but it allowed her to create her own world-surrounded by nature and imaginary friends. When she overcame her deep shyness and grew into herself, she fell into a life on the cover of magazines, the beaches of Malibu, the sets of movies and talk shows, the arms of rockstars, the coveted scene at the Playboy Mansion. And as her star rose, she found herself tabloid fodder, at the height of an era when paparazzi tactics were bent on capturing a celebrity's most intimate, and sometimes weakest moments. This is when Pamela Anderson lost control of her own narrative, hurt by the media and fearful of the public's perception of who she was…and who she wasn't.

Fighting back with a sense of grace, fueled by a love of art and literature, and driven by a devotion to her children and the causes she cares about most, Pamela Anderson has now gone back to the island where she grew up, after a memorable run starring as Roxie in Chicago on Broadway, reclaiming her free spirit but also standing firm as a strong, creative, confident woman. 

Editorial Reviews

"The most disappointing thing about Love, Pamela is that it doesn't come in a form that can be injected directly into your veins… Dazzling." - New York Times

"According to the acknowledgments, this memoir started as ‘a fifty-page poem and then grew into hundreds of pages of…more poetry.' Readers will be glad that Anderson eventually turned to writing prose, since the well-told anecdotes and memorable character sketches are what make it a page-turner. her account of this kooky, messed-up, enviable, and often thrilling life, her humility never fails her. A juicy story with some truly crazy moments, yet Anderson's good heart shines through." - Kirkus Reviews

"[A] pensive memoir. This poetic and free-spirited narrative reflects both Anderson's naivete and her wild spirit." - Publishers Weekly

"Reveals the woman behind the iconic image in this intimate and well-written journey of self-discovery, uncovering the layers that make up her complicated past and sharing her lifelong thirst for knowledge. Anderson fully takes control of her own story, addressing the salacious aspects but also sharing inspiring tales of survival, motherhood, and activism." - Library Journal

"The iconic Anderson uses a mixture of poetry and prose to present an impressionistic view of a fascinating life…the book paints a picture of a wild spirit, a proud mother, and a seeker that will draw in fans and those who have misunderstood this complicated woman." - Booklist

Readers Top Reviews

Shannon Jungbeatlefa
You don’t need to read this book if you watched the documentary. It’s surprisingly short. She had a lot of relationships but she barely touches on any of them, even Tommy. She has more to say about Tommy than the others but still very brief. It’s obvious she didn’t have help writing this book but she is a good writer. I just think the book is very underwhelming. I felt the documentary was better because you could actually see what she was feeling. I think she could have used this book opportunity to say more.
User2023
I wish we all could find it in our hearts to recognize when we as humans are hurting, and do everything we can to help make things right. I have such a deep respect for actresses who had and have to deal with the BS of Hollywood. Pam you are a strong ass bad ass who will go down in glory, the book is a roller-coaster of emotion and I'm glad I got on the ride. I loved it so much I bought my roommate his own copy. Thank you Pam for allowing us in. We love you so much.
WuZetian
Pamela has her own unique style and this bio reflects that. I read it in one day because I couldn't put it down. I've always liked Pam for her warmth, silliness, love for animals and basic human decency, but I didn't know that much about her personally except her Playboy affiliation and "the tape". I never watched Baywatch or VIP. I had no idea she had such trauma as a child or that she wasn't set for life financially after doing Baywatch. I was also surprised at the quick way she jumps into marriages. It would be nice to get another book from Pam. We need more details, more stories, her impressions and experiences with other celebs, her various in-laws. She glosses over her marriages when the reader would like to know exactly what happened. We want to know all the juicy details. Spill the tea, girl. BTW, Barb Wire is campy, but Pamela makes it entertaining. It's worth watching because of her performance and I'm extremely critical of films since I'm a screenwriter.
courtney ware
I was excited to read Pamela’s book because I felt a connection with her. I was born in the same year as Pamela, struggling with childhood trauma myself. I knew she was so much more than the image she represented. This book proved that she is a multidimensional, brave human being who chose to allow love to live in her heart and share that love with the broken and voiceless. Pamela is an inspiration to all women who have been used and abused. She is very intelligent and does not apologize for who she is. I love that God chose her to be an angel to others. Pamela is a gift to the world!
KL
I was excited to read Pamela’s story in her own words. A truly endearing memoir — from her humble beginnings, lifelong love of writing, and keen sense of how she stays true to herself and her children — I think she accomplished her goal of setting the record straight as well as letting us learn a bit about who she is at her core by taking us on a journey through her life including exposing very tender details… She proved, (as others in the spotlight have), that people and the circumstances of their lives are far more complex than mass media ever reflects.

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