Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Book Review: You Look Like that Girl

By Sara Steven

When I was a teenager, I received a lot of comments regarding the striking resemblance I bore to Lisa Jakub. Friends and relatives just couldn’t get over how much we looked alike. I’d go so far as to say she’s my celebrity doppelganger. When I found out she was working on her debut novel, I knew I wanted to get to know the girl who’d appeared to be a lot like me, yet had lived an entirely different lifestyle and had vastly different experiences than I had. I wanted to learn more about the girl who’d decided at the age of 22 to end her acting career and take the road less traveled, for her. I was incredibly intrigued!

You Look Like That Girl: A Child Actor Stops Pretending and Finally Grows Up takes us through Lisa’s journey. She was discovered at the age of four, an age where most children are focused on preschool, not the camera. She quickly cemented herself as a quick-witted professional, talented and admired by the numerous big-name celebrities she’s worked with. I love the way Lisa describes her celebrity encounters. This isn’t a trashy tell-all. She writes with class and dignity, even when she references someone she didn’t particularly care for. She’s appreciative, regardless of the circumstances.

Even though Lisa and I are worlds apart where life experiences are concerned, I feel as though she’s very relatable. So many of us have been through circumstances where we feel lost, not sure of what we should do or which direction we should go in, in order to seek out happiness. The feeling of doing what’s best based on what others expect of us, not wanting to let anyone down. It’s a tough place to be in, no matter the occupation.

I was always impressed with Lisa as an actress, but I’m even more impressed with her as a writer. Lisa is so honest and very candid on what she’s been through. It's led her to the person she is today. I felt like I was getting a glimpse behind-the-scenes of what it’s really like when your life is under a microscope. It’s not easy. If you feel like you’re in a place where you want to seek out your own happiness, take a cue from Lisa, and check out You Look Like That Girl.

Thanks to Midpoint Trade for the book in exchange for an honest review.

2 comments:

Janine said...

Great review. Melissa said I looked like a couple different authors. One I agreed with totally. But I can't remember her name now. Other than that, no one has ever said I look like anyone.

Liz Parker said...

She seems like such a cool person, I follow her on FB and twitter and I think she wrote back to one of my tweets or comments once. I loved her in Mrs. Doubtfire, too.