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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
435 (30%)
4 stars
590 (41%)
3 stars
318 (22%)
2 stars
58 (4%)
1 star
32 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
Profile Image for Erin .
1,369 reviews1,376 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..
500 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 reviews269 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.
454 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.
268 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 Jaime.
501 reviews22 followers
April 24, 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.

Thank you to Simon Books for sending me this copy.
Profile Image for Shannon.
5,458 reviews302 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 Marian.
240 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 Steph Leeson.
496 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 Brian.
64 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 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 Tonya.
230 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.
93 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 Trina.
1,072 reviews3 followers
April 24, 2024
A solid memoir. I learned a lot and thought it read as very honest.
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 Lou ✨☕️.
122 reviews22 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.
1,478 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!
Profile Image for Just a Girl Fighting Censorship.
1,924 reviews116 followers
April 26, 2024
The Good:

I enjoyed the first half of the book, where we learn about Rebel growing up in Australia, her year abroad in South Africa, and her early career before she hit it big. Of course, there were some signs that Rebel is a little out of touch with what it means to be poor. She went to a costly all-girls private school where, no doubt, the majority of her classmates were wealthy, which certainly made her feel more inadequate by comparison. However, she seems to play up the bogan (Aussie white trash) thing a bit much. If your grandmother has a beach house, you are not poor. If your family can afford to FLY to America to go to DISNEYLAND, you are not struggling. My family could never afford vacations, private school, or a beach house, but I would never describe us as poor, so it felt off. I don't think Rebel is lying, I think she is shallow and materialist. Sorry, this was supposed to describe what I liked about the book.

We got to know Rebel Wilson, and her writing was conversational.

The Bad:
Rebel Wilson certainly thinks highly of Rebel Wilson, to a somewhat nauseating degree. You don't need to tell us that you are kind, intelligent, talented, and brave; the stories you share with us should paint that picture. The problem is they didn't.

What makes Rebel kind? Well, she tells us about all the charity money she donates...but where does she demonstrate kindness to those around her?

What makes Rebel intellegent? Well, she got excellent grades, went to a very good school, and graduated from law school...but where are the thoughtful insights and clever writing in this book?

What makes Rebel talented? Well, she is famous...ironically, for being a comedic actress and writer, so you would think there would be at least one laugh in this book. (you would be wrong)

What makes Rebel brave? Well, she is a lesbian... in 2023...when it has never been more acceptable, and she has faced zero repercussions. She...checks notes.... sued a media company?

There was a part in the book that could have demonstrated real bravery. She talks about how uncomfortable she felt working with Sacha Baron Cohen (I don't doubt he is an asshole), how she felt demeaned and sexually harassed, how he pressured her to do a sex scene she didn't want to do, and that was not in the original script. She did it anyway. She didn't go public with it until years later when she had a book to sell. As she recounted the story, she said she stayed and put up with it because she didn't want to lose her career. That is not bravery. Would she have said anything if the movie had been a hit? Would she have done the sequel?

Curiously, she skims over a topic I thought would have its own chapter in the book, the primetime TV show she starred in, wrote, and produced. I loved Super Fun Night. I recorded all the episodes and watched them multiple times. However, it wasn't commercially successful, so Rebel wrote it off. She just mentioned that it was really hard, and she didn't get as much creative freedom as she wanted (it was someone else's fault). However, the only example she gives is about the network fighting her on the wi-fi password of her character being "tit rhino". Yes, I'm sure that's what makes or breaks a show.

Rebel talks a lot about self-love and being unique, but that doesn't ring true. She only demonstrates that she is obsessed with the superficial: being famous, being deemed 'important,' being accepted, being praised, being rich, having nice things, and going on expensive trips.

Do we need pages and pages about her birthday on a private island (in 2021, when most people were still dealing with covid)? But she needs you to know that it was the same island where Kim Kardashian had her birthday. She needs you to know that family and friends spent the week celebrating her.

Speaking of Kim Kardashian, the amount of name-dropping in this book is staggering and usually wholly unnecessary. It just felt so... tacky.



The Ugly:

I must point out the hypocrisy that slapped me in the face. Rebel complains about male executives commenting that they would "bang" an attractive woman who walks by. Then, she turns around and talks about how she wanted to lick Brad Pitt's face when he was sitting next to her in a work meeting. Later in the book, again referencing Brad Pitt, she mentions that he made her "a little more than wet in my Spanx". How about when she jokes about writing sketches requiring Channing Tatum to grab her breast?

In summary, I came into this as a fan, and I am walking away disappointed. I hope Rebel realizes there is more to life than chasing happiness and self-worship. There is more to life than Instagram likes and $25,000 lamps for a baby nursery.
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!
88 reviews
April 22, 2024
I started reading around six books concurrently about two weeks ago, and this is the one I finished first. That says a lot about how easy (in a good way) of a read it is. I would recommend it to most people.

I am going to use Chelsea Devantez’s Bookdel Test for celebrity memoirs to explain my rating:

Was she vulnerable?
Yes, absolutely. From talking about her childhood to discussing her health problems and IVF, she shares a lot more than would have been required. It’s clear she’s left some stuff out to protect some people’s privacy, but she was vulnerable with her story, which is even more commendable. I felt like I got to know her and didn’t just get the airbrushed version a lot of people try to provide.

Is the book entertaining?
Yes, in multiple ways. It of course delivers on the accusations against SBC in a detailed way. But it also includes less salacious and just as if not more interesting stories from her life.

Did it improve my life in some way?
Honestly, I think her discussions about her health and what taking care of herself has meant to and for her will stay with me for a while and helped shape my view on those things in a positive way a little.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews

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