I’m roughly the same age as Jessica Simpson, although prior to reading Open Book I didn’t know much about her other than that she had a reality show with Nick Lachey in the 2000s. She also played Daisy Duke in the Johnny Knoxville/Sean William Scott movie Dukes of Hazzard. (I saw that in theaters.) 
Since I love a good celebrity autobiography, I gave this one a shot. Glad I did, because it only took a few days for me to listen to the whole audiobook. Open Book is probably the most entertaining and insightful look at celebrity I’ve encountered since Andre Agassi’s Open. While the names of both autobiographies obviously allude to transparency, the openness comes with a purpose. There’s an intent behind it that I admire.
Jessica Simpson is a person of deep faith, and from the time she was young she herself as having a God-given purpose. At first she believed it was using her voice, and as she got older and matured she learned it was helping people feel good about themselves. Whether through music, friendships, affordable clothes (billions!) or even explaining her own issues with body image and alcoholism, Simpson has been faithful to that mission.
I’m embarrassed to say that I didn’t know about all of Simpson’s work with Operation Smile, the USO, and other meaningful causes. She discusses those in the book not to brag but instead to show where she’s found meaning and her authentic self in the midst of an admittedly rocky road through fame. Sharing her struggles allows for her readers and listeners to feel comfortable being honest with themselves about their own lives and where they want to go.
Plus, there’s some great Dolly Parton stories.