You’re That Bitch: & Other Cute Lessons About Being Unapologetically Yourself is a laugh-out-loud, inspirational memoir that speaks about the rollercoaster of a life being lived by one of the most original and influential figures to ever grace the world of Social Media.
I hardly ever read autobiographies, or anything that has to do with non-fiction literature. In fact, I rarely ever give books I read a full rating of 10, but this one here just does it all. Outrageously funny, yet grounded and authentic, Bretman Rock tells all in this wonderfully put together autobiography of his life. During the reading of his life story and struggles, I couldn’t help but be in awe. Bretman is an individual that is wise beyond his years, and really is someone who defines what it means to be influential, yet stay humble and down to earth at the same time.
I’m glad this was my first autobiography reading, because this was truly a unique book to experience. Bretman describes everything from growing up in the Philippines, immigrating to the United States as a first-generation immigrant of his family, and turning his *iconic* viral moment with his sister, Princess Mae, into a career that would forever transform his life. Each chapter was very much a story in itself, and they were all cohesive throughout the narration.
One of the most notable aspects during the reading was the writing itself. The whole time, I was hearing Bretman’s voice in my head. The tone is so well established through the dialogue utilised throughout each of his stories, and his voice radiates pure confidence. Another takeaway from each chapter was the meaningful and heartfelt lessons Bretman gives readers at the end. Family, being your baddest and most confident self, and mental health are just a few the examples he dives into, and these are definitely some of the things readers can apply to their own lives.
Another aspect to be highlighted during the reading is the love Bretman has for his Filipino roots. Everything he described from the province he grew up in, what his family and home was like, to all the food was a treat to read about because it speaks to his genuine love for his culture (Pinakbet will forever be one of my favourite dishes). The culture shock Bretman experiences when moving from the Philippines to America is very evident as well. One of my favourite discussions he makes is between Eastern and Western views on fair skin, and how it spoke to his own experiences growing up. This topic is important especially coming from a person of colour such as Bretman because it brings awareness to the challenges some Asian ethnicities face physique wise, and the controversies that can surround the colour of skin.
This book is pure entertainment from the first pages to its last, and there was never a dull moment during my reading experience. Being a Filipino-American myself, I genuinely felt like I was reading a life memoir from a best friend, and it was inspiring to see someone from my culture achieve such monumental and groundbreaking moments at such a young age. With his heartfelt lessons at the end of each chapter, he truly makes you realise that everyone is a human being at the end of the day, and not everything is what it seems to be in front of the camera.
I was laughing, in tears, and heavily inspired during this reading and I couldn’t have asked for more. There are so many other topics I want to get into that come up in this, but I want to leave the rest of the book for readers to interpret and enjoy for themselves! Thank you Bretman for allowing yourself to tell your untold stories and experiences to the world. I highly recommend this to anyone and everyone who needs a pick me up in life, and wants to strive to be their best self. Because if Bretman can do it all, so can you.
You’re That Bitch is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore, as of February 14th.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
A chaotically joyous collection of essays from one of the original influencers and the internet’s sweetheart, Bretman The Baddest Rock.
Hilarious and earnest, this collection of essays, drawings, recipes, how-tos and never-before-seen photos goes far beyond what we know of Bretman Rock from social media. Who is Bretman Rock Sacayanan behind the screen and how did he become the original superstar influencer and today’s beloved best friend of the internet?
You’re That Bitch welcomes you into Bretman Rock’s world–from how his childhood in the Philippines, his family, Filipino culture, and being a first-generation immigrant helped shape him into who he is today. Peek into how Bretman became a social media sensation at the precocious age of 14, balancing living a glamorous jet-setting lifestyle on weekends while still serving lunch at his school’s cafeteria, running as a varsity track-star, and making honor roll during the week. With his signature honesty, this is an unfiltered and unprecedented look at what it means to be one of the first digital celebrities and that bitch—from dealing with cancel culture, drama and heartbreak, to what it means to love yourself and your community.
From the funniest and undeniably cutest person on the internet, this is a book for the weirdos and for the bad bitches . . . this book is for you!
