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Rebel Rising: A Memoir

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From the scene-stealing star of Pitch Perfect and Bridesmaids comes a refreshingly candid, hilarious, and inspiring book about her unconventional journey to Hollywood success and loving herself.

For decades, Rebel Wilson had single-mindedly focused on her career, making a name for herself through her iconic roles in Pitch Perfect, Bridesmaids, and Isn’t It Romantic. Now, she’s ready to chronicle the emotional and physical lessons she learned, as well as her most embarrassing experiences. A malaria-induced hallucination? An all-style martial arts fighting tournament? Junior handling at dog shows? And this was all BEFORE she moved to Hollywood!

Rebel Rising follows Rebel Wilson’s incredible journey of “making it,” constantly questioning, “Am I good enough? Will I ever find love? Will I ever change and become healthy?” Rebel writes for the first time about the most personal and important moments in her life—from fertility issues, weight gain and loss, sexuality, overcoming shyness, rejections, and, well...okay there’s at least one story thrown in about Brad Pitt! It’s all here. This memoir shows us how to love ourselves while making us laugh uncontrollably.

335 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 2, 2024

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About the author

Rebel Wilson

4 books15 followers
Rebel Melanie Elizabeth Wilson (born 3 February 1986) is an Australian actress, writer, entrepreneur, and stand-up comedian.

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5 stars
294 (32%)
4 stars
364 (40%)
3 stars
191 (21%)
2 stars
41 (4%)
1 star
18 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
Profile Image for Erin .
1,365 reviews1,366 followers
April 8, 2024
I've seen several Rebel Wilson films Bridesmaids, How to be Single, all 3 Pitch Perfect films but I wouldn't say I'm a fan. I don't think much about her or her personal life but I heard that she thinks Sasha Baron Cohen is an asshole and I've always thought he was a asshole so why not read her book.

I'm not sure how I feel about this book. Rebel Wilson has had an interesting life but her book is kinda boring. I don't know how to describe it but I just didn't feel anything while reading this. I think Rebel is a nice person and I'd probably like her if we met in real life but she's just not a very compelling writer( I'm sure she probably had a ghost writer but still).

I know lots of people don't rate Memoirs because they don't want to rate someone's life but I do because they put a price on their life. They got paid to write their book and they charge money to buy it....so I'm giving this book 2.5 Stars.
Profile Image for Ashley G..
497 reviews71 followers
April 5, 2024
I'm a fan of celebrity memoirs more than I am necessarily a fan of RW. This book started off slow with her talking about her childhood and although I was interested I was still a bit bored. However by the time we get into her career, romance and eventually welcoming a child I was hooked. A beautiful memoir
Profile Image for Brittney Andrews (beabookworm).
145 reviews268 followers
Read
March 25, 2024
Oh, Borat is done for.

“I wrote about an a–hole in my book. Now, said a–hole is trying to threaten me. But the book WILL come out, and you will all know the truth.” — Rebel Wilson
96 reviews2 followers
April 5, 2024
Rebel Wilson is a mad comic genius and I loved reading the story of her childhood in Australia- don't give up on your dreams of being a rap superstar, please. This book takes you to the depths of her low points in life and the heights of her joys and success. Through it all, what spoke to me is that this is a hardworking, powerful woman who never gives up on herself, her work, or her dreams
Profile Image for Marie Stephanie.
497 reviews18 followers
April 5, 2024
Fat Amy is the character Rebel is often confused with I think, a dumb blond with a killer confidence (or just too stupid to know better?) But the real Rebel is nothing like Fat Amy and she starts off by taking off that mask and showing us the insecurities around not feeling worthy of love and the same that comes with the body shaming society. This is such a vulnerable thing to show and it’s very generous of her to share these intimate feelings with a society so quick to judge. Thank you for this Rebel, truly. <3 I’ve never really managed to admit some of these feelings to myself, let alone the world.

We get a chapter of her going to the fertility doctor wanting to get pregnant even though she’s single. Aaaand then we’re suddenly thrown into a Bridget Jones diary situation dating back to her childhood. These diaries are what they can base celebrity sitcoms on, like “Everybody hates Chris” or a “Young Rock” situation. But a celebrity memoir? Are anyone’s younger school days really that interesting? We get 16 chapters out of 32 of young Rebel pre-fame and only in chapter 19 are we in the era of “Bridesmaids” which I would say was her first big Hollywood break before Pitch Perfect catapulted her into a household name.
And this is what we came for - the behind the scenes, the story behind the story we know and have followed, her career. Rebel feels like one of us, a completely unserious, enjoyer of life and funny observer of the Hollywood elite! She’s become a Hollywood elite herself, but that doesn’t seem to phase her too much. We get what we came for, the inside scoop. We even get a redemption story of her law degree working for her under negotiations and the karma of the evil borat. But she’s not trying to cancel anybody, a stance I appreciate these days that people are so quick to cut people off.
And like always, I want to recommend the audio. Rebels voice is one you don’t want to miss! It’s just funnier the way she delivers it!

Edit: man she is getting hate for the Adele comment! It was barely a sidenote, I didn't even mention it in my original review. This felt like an honest experience, one that she seems a bit confused about herself so she threw it in the air to see where it landed. I guess it didn't land well with die hard Adele fans, but I don't see any reason for the hate.
Profile Image for Kelly Mikolich.
450 reviews8 followers
April 13, 2024
One of the most well written celebrity memoirs I have read. I always just thought of Rebel as this hilarious actress, so when I saw she had written a memoir, I knew I needed to learn more about this funny gal. And what an interesting life she has had. I learned so much about her childhood and the demands of Hollywood life. Rebel just comes off as this intelligent, sweet and fun person, who you wish could be your best friend in real life.

I am sure it is hard as a celebrity to put it ALL out there, but this book definitely gave me the opportunity to look at her as more than a comedian. She’s also a lawyer, humanitarian, writer, producer, actress and all around good person. I have so much more respect for her and can’t wait to watch her next production. Go Rebel!!!
Profile Image for Shelly Cook.
265 reviews8 followers
April 4, 2024
I really enjoyed this. I think Rebel Wilson is hilarious and listening to her memoir made me love her even more. As I listened to stories of her childhood and as she grew into an adult, I felt like I was spending the last couple days with my best friend, hearing about things that are happening in her life! It was enjoyable and heartfelt and an all-around very pleasant book.
Profile Image for Shannon.
5,430 reviews303 followers
April 12, 2024
A moving and deeply personal memoir about the star's rise to fame, struggles with weight, relationships, a PCOS diagnosis and her journey to motherhood through the help of a surrogate in her 40s. I loved hearing Rebel voice her own story on the audio book and learned a lot about her as a person I found surprising. Highly recommended for fans of actors like Amy Schumer.
Profile Image for Steph Leeson.
492 reviews11 followers
April 11, 2024
The best celebrity memoir I have read yet. This is the first time I have heard a celebrity give voice to the challenges of emotional eating.
I have watched Rebel Wilson in a couple of films. I have watched her in interviews. I always thought she was funny. Obviously, I knew she had issues with her weight, but to read how she handled stress and emotional issues by using food as a coping mechanism, made my heart weep.
I read this memoir understanding exactly what her process of the mind and heart goes through every day, hour, minute as women.
Her story segues from childhood to adult. She shares so much with her readers. Vulnerable, funny, forthcoming and raw. Read it now!
Profile Image for Marian.
239 reviews4 followers
April 9, 2024
I've been impulsively picking books lately and didn't know anything about the controversy with Sacha Baron Cohen but believe what she said about him and good for her with calling out his behaviour. I liked her in Bridesmaids and Pitch Perfect and learned that she is more than just a hilarious actress. She's earned a law degree, and is a hard working risk-taker who follows her heart. She's also from a flawed family who she loves and that makes her relatable. The three star rating is because much of the book is about body issues, relationships, and food. I read it but wish I'd listened as hearing her voice may have made this more enjoyable.
Profile Image for Tonya.
229 reviews1 follower
April 10, 2024
Entertaining, endearing, and honest! I really enjoyed hearing Rebel’s story!
Profile Image for Brianna Patton.
39 reviews
April 13, 2024
2.5 ⭐️ I’ve enjoyed Rebel Wilson in all her movies and can relate to her fertility challenges, so I thought this would be interesting. I listened to this book and it just didn’t grab my attention as much as I hoped. I also felt annoyed from what felt like emotional whiplash… “Poor me, so much sad stuff has happened to me” then right to “I’m famous and have done all these cool things and everyone loves me.”
April 11, 2024
Relatable, funny, sad, and great storytelling.
I didn’t know anything about her apart from her being on Pitch Perfect and that later on she managed to lose a ton of weight, so I was in for a ride.
I loved that she wrote it like it was happening in the present ever since the first chapter, it made it seem like it was your close friend telling you about the stuff happening right now.
Profile Image for Sarah Knutsen.
92 reviews1 follower
April 16, 2024
5⭐️ This is my favorite memoir to date. Rebel’s hilarious personality shines through in this book. A must read for any big Pitch Perfect fans!
Profile Image for Breanna&#x1f498;.
247 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2024
I’ve always loved Rebel Wilson so I was curious enough to pick this up. I’m glad I did! She’s been through a lot in her life and it was interesting to hear about her childhood, struggles, self discovery, and love life. I’m very happy that she’s managed to end up so happy.
Profile Image for Brian.
61 reviews1 follower
April 11, 2024
Rebel is a national treasure. I loved taking this glimpse into her life and understanding more about her. You can tell she poured her heart into this memoir. Absolutely loved this.
Profile Image for Lou ✨☕️.
121 reviews21 followers
April 19, 2024
Audiobook 🎧 Narrated by Rebel Wilson.

I didn’t know anything about Rebel before this. Except for she played and Pitch Perfect and was Fat Amy. Loved hearing her story, little bits of sad and lots of bits of humor.

« Love is love » I wish you the best 🫶🏻✨
Profile Image for melhara.
1,475 reviews71 followers
Want to read
April 5, 2024
April 2, 2024 - Pre-Review
Happy Publishing Date!

This is the celebrity memoir I'm most looking forward to reading in 2024


March 25, 2024 - Pre-Review
Rebel Wilson wrote a book!
April 6, 2024
4.25 🌟
I really enjoyed her memoir. I felt like I learned so much about her that I had no idea about! A bada** lawyer? I feel like so many people view Rebel by the characters she portrays and this is the first chance where we see her for who she really is: a highly intelligent, incredibly hard working, and truly relatable person. As someone who has struggled their entire life with food, and the unhealthy crutch it was for much of my life, seeing her honestly work through that in this book was inspiring.

She was raw and honest about her upbringing, which I feel like so many people can relate to. Her fierce love of her family, even those members who failed her, was so touching to read about. Her Mom is the GOAT! I thought she was very respectful of her past romantic relationships. She spoke so kindly and tenderly of all people she was involved with and I just find that so rare.

As for SBC drama, I can see why he was so desperate in his attempt to silence her. He was a real sh** and karma always gets you in the end. And honestly, it was ONE chapter. Of a 33 chapter book. He was awfully big mad over something he swears never happened. And it’s such a bizarre encounter you really couldn’t make it up, you know?

I listened to the audiobook and it was like Rebel was chatting with her closest friends. It was really enjoyable and I highly recommend listening to it. Man when she said “Chapter 32: My Disney Princess” the love you could hear in her voice was just so darn heartwarming. 😍

I will always love Fat Amy. Rebel is less than 10 years older than me and seeing a woman that looked like my kicking a** and taking names in Hollywood made me feel so seen. Her characters were always so confident and self-assured and while Rebel has come to terms with her emotional eating and is at a healthier weight, I still love the representation she brings. She allows herself to take up space with the men and she really seems so genuinely like such a good person.
April 19, 2024
Thank you @simon.audio @simonandschuster #partner for the gifted copies of this ALC and book! I LOvED that the author narrated this one! She did such a great job!

I am one of the very few people in this world that lives under a rock and didn’t really know who Rebel was before picking up this book. I don’t watch TV or tune into the lives of famous people so let’s just say I went in blind! 😆 I found this memoir very open and raw as she goes into great detail around her struggles and relationship with food. It made my heart sad for her at times but I really enjoyed listening to how she came into her own self as time went on. She has wholeheartedly embraced who she is. 💕

We all know famous people have to put up with and endure things that the average person doesn’t but at times as she described “Hollywood” it enraged me for her. It was so uncomfortable and upsetting to listen to. This is also a huge reason why I choose not to support indulging in or entertaining famous peoples lives and the practices that go on in Hollywood. I feel they are for the most part there are so many things that are completely unacceptable and I cannot stand behind most behaviors. She highlights several situations that reinforce my thoughts on this which is unfortunate. I did appreciate how Rebel seems to be one of the good eggs and more of a down to earth real person. If you are a Rebel fan, want to know her history from the time she was young and her upbringing to how she seemed to be against all odds but make it anyway this book is for you!
Profile Image for Paige Robertson.
39 reviews
April 10, 2024
I love reading celebrity memoirs. There’s something about it that’s so interesting because they are celebrities after all. I thought that Rebel Wilson’s memoir was a tad bit boring but still she name drops other celebrities and talks about her experience with Sasha B Cohen and how he’s such an ass. I have always thought he was and this confirmed my thoughts. I wish she had talked a little more shit about him tbh.

She writes more about her childhood, growing up with an abusive father and a mother who constantly berated her about her weight and how she isn’t popular.

Although it was one of the more boring memoirs I have read I actually related to Rebel Wilson more than any other celebrity. Abusive father, a mother who loves me but hates the way I look, going up and down in weight and finding comfort in food.

I notice a lot of low ratings for this book and I honestly don’t understand why. I thought it was a decent memoir. It’s very honest and open.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for rosemariereads.
134 reviews46 followers
April 17, 2024
This book means a lot to me. I know Rebel herself won’t see this but thank you for writing your story.

You are so inspirational and you were so vulnerable, humble, and authentic in this narrative. Seeing you from the outside as a fan since Bridesmaids, I would’ve never guessed what your own interpretation of your success was. Thank you for all that you do and you have worked so hard to where you are today. You are never too young to do anything and again, hard work does pay off. There are some internal things I, myself am going through, and this book made me realize that. I hope to be just like you when I grow up. (It’s never too late to change!)

Again, thank you for writing this!

Although I read a lot of fiction, I am always inspired by reading celebrity autobiographies. Something about this one stood out to me more than others. I loved it so much 🤍
Profile Image for Kristine.
2,716 reviews33 followers
April 8, 2024
3.5 Stars 🌟

This was a book that I didn't plan on reading but a couple of the headlines put out before publication did make me curious. I will say that I listened to this on audio and it was nice to have the author do the reading. It made it much more realistic and entertaining.

Unfortunately, while I liked the book as a whole, the first half to three quarters of the book dealt with her early life and childhood and while it was part of what shaped her, it was a bit of a slow read pacing wise. We didn't even get to her life in movies until well into the book. I did almost DNF in the beginning, but will honestly admit that I'm glad I didn't. Once the book got to her start in movies, my level of interest was piqued and things got extremely interesting.

I learned a lot about her life and my level of respect for her hard work and work ethic has definitely increased. It felt like she was very honest about her life and her struggles. I'm not sure that I even realized the level to which she had risen in Hollywood before reading this. She definitely has a lot to be proud of.
Profile Image for Jen Carter.
458 reviews5 followers
April 18, 2024
I love this book!

I listened to the audiobook, read by the author, and traveled through every emotion while listening to both her personal and professional journeys. I laughed out loud and shared in every emotion conveyed.

Rebel is an amazing storyteller that engages her readers with both witt and comedy.

Rebel takes us from her childhood in Australia to her barrister and acting training. The highs and lows of self-worth, relationships, sexuality, fertility and health are examined. The honesty and candidness in this book made me really like the person I was reading about. Like all humans, Rebel is simultaneously flawed and perfect. This book is highly relatable and uplifting.
April 11, 2024
An AUDIBLE MUST!!! I enjoyed hearing about Rebel's young life. She is such a hard worker and that funny girl I loved in Bridesmaids! When I saw the trailer for Pitch Perfect and saw you were in it I was so excited for you! There were tears shed as I listened to your struggles in love, weight loss, and yes having a family. As an overweight person myself, this memoir resonated deeply with me. Thank you for sharing your story.
Profile Image for Jaime.
496 reviews22 followers
April 16, 2024
This was a pretty good, non fiction book. I don’t typically read celebrity memoirs, and this one took me a little bit to get into since it started out a bit slow, that being said I did enjoy it once I got a few chapters in. This was a very well written read that told Rebel’s story beautifully and really makes the reader feel for her and the things she’s gone through. If you are a fan of Rebel Wilson or celebrity memoirs you should consider checking this one out.
Profile Image for Jena Mattison.
120 reviews
April 13, 2024
I loved having the audiobook and library copy of this book! Rebel’s voice added a lot to the stories and I also liked getting to see photographs in the printed book. I believe she told her own story in a very real, vulnerable, captivating and funny way. I aca-appreciated her raw retelling of childhood and very adult moments. I think Rebel’s a shining star!
Profile Image for Melanie Bryde .
31 reviews1 follower
April 15, 2024
I always envisioned that Rebel and I would be great friends in the stars aligned, but this book truly solidified that in another life we could be soul sisters. I’m so thankful for her vulnerability and humor!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews

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