Thank you to Libro FM for the audio version of Betty Gilpin’s memoir, All the Women in My Brain and Other Concerns.

Actress Betty Gilpin was raised in New York by two parents, both in the entertainment industry. She recalls a colorful childhood in a warm household where delivering a good story was currency. Gilpin grew up watching her parents perform in Broadway shows and to her, being in a theatre, surrounded by theatre people was just normal life. Transitioning into adulthood, Gilpin struggled to find her place, but eventually found success in film and television. It took her awhile, but she also found romantic love and tells quite the beautiful love story.

I’m a fan of Betty Gilpin and enjoyed learning more about her. She narrates the audio book and very entertaining in her narrative. As you might gather from the title, Gilpin struggles with all of the competing voices in her brain. This is not to imply that she has a mental disorder, but that like most women, she struggles with different roles and expectations. It’s relatable.

One of Gilpin’s best roles is as Crystal in The Hunt. I had no idea that there had been so much controversy swirling around this film, controversy that lead to death threats and the film nearly being canceled. Gilpin describes her excitement over this project, including a fair bit of creative license given to her by the director. It was impossible to not feel deflated for her with the troubles that plagued The Hunt, including opening just prior to the pandemic shutdowns. That said, it is a fantastic film and I loved hearing Gilpin’s enthusiasm for her work.

The most touching part of the memoir involves Gilpin’s growth with love and relationships, including her bond with her dog, Babe. Animal lovers will need to have tissue handy.

Gilpin is just all-around fabulous and I really enjoyed All the Women in My Brain and Other Concerns.