Can I be honest and say that I'm not 100% sure what compelled me to read this autobiography? I like interesting stories about people's lives, and I have watched some of the reality shows Kendra has played in, but I really can't say what urged me to push all the other books aside to read this one. Curiosity? Yes, I guess that would be it?
Synopsis: In this honest autobiography, Kendra Wilkinson shares her life from her single-parent upbringing after her father walked out on the family to her time at the Playboy mansion. Throughout her young life, Kendra has experienced running away, learning disabilities, acting out, sexual activity, and drugs & alcohol all within her teens. Having gotten into drugs at an early age, Kendra found herself more interested in partying than in going to school or even playing her favorite sport, soccer. Eventually, Kendra found herself in a relationship, stripping for its easy money, when she was asked to go to the Playboy Mansion to serve drinks at a party for Hef's birthday. That one event led to her invitation into Hef's life as a girlfriend and "The Girls Next Door," which showed a seemingly staged version of her reality that launched her into the limelight of today. From her new stardom, Kendra met and married her now husband, Hank Baskett who plays with the NFL.
Review: This was a pretty fast-paced read as far as autobiographies go. Once you start reading, it's pretty easy to speed right through to the end. The style and voice are reminiscent of Kendra, and a pretty easy read. Kendra's life was really out of control with all of the acting out and drug use. I couldn't help but feel for her family, who really kept hoping for her to change over and over and over again. Strangely, it does seem that Playboy slowed her down and helped give her a new focus in her life.
For me, I think that this book grabbed me because I saw the life of a close friend of mine mirrored in the young Kendra. One of my closest best friends growing up went down very similar paths, choosing to shoplift, drink, and party on a really grand scale. Eventually, we grew apart, especially after she put me in a really awkward position one afternoon when she stole an expensive bottle of perfume at a department store where we were shopping. She ended up getting held by mall security and I had to call for a ride home. Strangely, I don't remember what happened to her in that case, but I do know that we went our separate ways and have not stayed in touch.
Whether it was the direct correlation I could make between the young Kendra in the pages and my own best friend, or the ways that Kendra has identified as helping her change that grabbed me, the book is easy to get sucked into. Despite her wild and crazy background, Kendra feels like a genuine person that is easy to like. It's strange that I felt that way from what little I have read or seen of her! Having said that, with her new loving marriage and young son, you can't help but sincerely hope for her success in the future. Regardless, her life has been one crazy ride, and one that I would honestly never want for myself!
*FTC Disclosure: This review is based on a library copy of the book.
It is kind of funny to think that joining the Playboy Mansion as one of Hef's girls was one of the things that helped her get her life on track. You wouldn't think that!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure there are a lot of girls out there who can relate to her ... and I hope they can get back onto a healthier track like Kendra did.
Jenners--LOL. You're so right! Thankfully there are other ways of gaining stability. :)
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