Arts & Literature
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Paris: The Memoir
From the woman who is credited for launching what we know as the celebrity focused, "brand" driven, social media obsessed popular culture of today, comes an honest and surprising memoir that reckons with that truth, and shows that there is so much more to Paris Hilton than you might believe.
I was born in New York City on February 17, 1981, three days after Valentine's Day.
From the time I was a toddler, my brain skipped and flickered with the chemical imbalance of ADHD. Sometimes it was too much.
I'm not bragging or complaining about it, just telling you: This is my brain. It has a lot to do with how this whole book thing is going to play out, because I love run-on sentences-and dashes. And sentence fragments. I'm probably going to jump around a lot while I tell the story.
I came of age during the most turbulent pop culture period ever.
The character I played-part Lucy, part Marilyn-was my steel-plated armor.
People loved her. Or they loved to hate her, which was just as marketable. I leaned into that character, my ticket to financial freedom and a safe place to hide. I made sure I never had a quiet moment to figure out who I was without her. I was afraid of that moment because I didn't know what I'd find.
I wrote this book in an effort to understand my place in a watershed moment: the technology renaissance, the age of influencers. I also wrote this book so that the world could know who I am today. I focused on key aspects of my life that led to what I am most proud of--how my power was taken away from me and how I took it back, how I built a thriving business, a marriage and a family.
There are so many young women who need to hear this story. I don't want them to learn from my mistakes; I want them to stop hating themselves for their own mistakes. I want them to laugh and cry and embrace every aspect of who they are with fearlessness and pride. We all have our own brand of intelligence, and, girl, fuck fitting in.
I was born in New York City on February 17, 1981, three days after Valentine's Day.
From the time I was a toddler, my brain skipped and flickered with the chemical imbalance of ADHD. Sometimes it was too much.
I'm not bragging or complaining about it, just telling you: This is my brain. It has a lot to do with how this whole book thing is going to play out, because I love run-on sentences-and dashes. And sentence fragments. I'm probably going to jump around a lot while I tell the story.
I came of age during the most turbulent pop culture period ever.
The character I played-part Lucy, part Marilyn-was my steel-plated armor.
People loved her. Or they loved to hate her, which was just as marketable. I leaned into that character, my ticket to financial freedom and a safe place to hide. I made sure I never had a quiet moment to figure out who I was without her. I was afraid of that moment because I didn't know what I'd find.
I wrote this book in an effort to understand my place in a watershed moment: the technology renaissance, the age of influencers. I also wrote this book so that the world could know who I am today. I focused on key aspects of my life that led to what I am most proud of--how my power was taken away from me and how I took it back, how I built a thriving business, a marriage and a family.
There are so many young women who need to hear this story. I don't want them to learn from my mistakes; I want them to stop hating themselves for their own mistakes. I want them to laugh and cry and embrace every aspect of who they are with fearlessness and pride. We all have our own brand of intelligence, and, girl, fuck fitting in.
Editorial Reviews
"One of the world's most recognizable personalities delivers a memoir with surprising depth and purpose... The most impressive thing about this memoir is the gracious and compassionate eye with which Hilton views her past. Unlike many other similar stories, there is no tone of self-pity or martyrdom. Delivering a masterclass in owning your own story, Hilton shows how to live with purpose, compassion, and beauty."
- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Hilton's memoir is perfectly poised as society starts to reflect on how we treated young women in the early 2000s. An unputdownable reckoning for anyone who lived through that time."
- Booklist (starred review)
"Revealing. . . Affecting and triumphant, this is a must-read."
- Publishers Weekly
- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Hilton's memoir is perfectly poised as society starts to reflect on how we treated young women in the early 2000s. An unputdownable reckoning for anyone who lived through that time."
- Booklist (starred review)
"Revealing. . . Affecting and triumphant, this is a must-read."
- Publishers Weekly
Readers Top Reviews
Lion GuyIsimplyju
I had read the rave reviews but I was just blown away by this book even after expecting not to be able to put it down. We all think we know Paris Hilton, but it wasn't until this book that you get to know the real Paris. The book makes you smile, cry, laugh and keep reading as she bares her soul in her authentic, playful and genuine way. This book will inspire millions to share their stories, make an impact and take back their voices. Everyone has always known Paris as a pop culture icon, and recently as the successful global entrepreneur she is, but now we see the hardships and obstacles Paris has had to overcome to be the woman she is today. I'm blown away by her compassion and kindness. THIS IS A MUST READ!
Book report no one asked for: Paris Hiltons memoir was incredible. I finished in hours. She does talk about sexual assault and torture so please take care if needed. Im really proud of her. Her parents will probably never forgive themselves for putting her in “behavior schools” and not believing her when she told them about being tortured. She simultaneously acknowledges her privilege while still detailing every area of her life that she “messed up” she comes off as entirely genuine, fiercely loyal to those who were unwaveringly there for her, and somehow forgives anyone who screwed her over (countless times) Highly recommend! Can’t wait for Britneys turn
Rachel Lion Guy
This has hands down been the best memoir I've read. Paris Hilton becomes instantly relatable to her reader with her genuine story-telling and authentic self - something you would not expect from who you thought Paris Hilton was! Getting to know Paris and her journey is a way for anyone to also get to know themselves. I couldn't put this book down and when I did, I left empowered and changed for the better. I would particularly recommend this book to anyone with ADHD and have already bought several copies to share with friends, coworkers, and families. Plus, it doesn't hurt that this book is beautiful and makes a wonderful addition to my coffee table!
Vanessa MaxwellVa
This book is hard to read, yet easy to read. She is talking to you. Like you’re sitting down together and she’s sharing the most deepest, darkest part of her life. You feel loved as she shared such a vulnerable story. I have not finished it yet, but I am also a survivor of institutional child abuse programs. So for me, I can relate so deeply and it feels good to know that she is using her platform for the good. Paris is an inspiration to me and should be to all. Anyone that reads this book that did not experience what us victims have, needs to know that it’s like a picture of a sunset, it doesn’t capture it the same as if you were there. I commend her for her bravery and revealing the truth of these horrible “programs”. Thank you Paris for using your voice and platform to help protect more children from such horrific and traumatic experiences. I am also I sprinted by how well she has coped with the trauma, because 20 years later, I am still struggling!
Sabrina YoungSabr
I loved how she explained the history behind the TTI , the fear tatics and sales pitches used to trick parents ! I attended 5 different programs for 6 years of my life . I kept quite for many years about what I had endured in fear No ONE would believe me ! I love how she explained why it was so hard for survivors to speak up about what what’s actually happening! Bethel Girls Academy had us girls of color picking cotton in the 2000’s in the Mississippi heat ! There was no way for us to tell anyone until now ! I was sent away at age 11 , I wasn’t even a “ troubles teen “ I was just unwanted , my adoptive family had buyer’s remorse! The fact this still happens today and Congress has yet to pass any Federal Legislation is appalling !
