Simply More

A book for anyone who has been told they're too much

It is never too late to build the life you're seeking.

Cynthia Erivo learned the music to Wicked a decade before she needed it, not knowing that those same lyrics would change her life. Ten years later, she has the chance to perform those songs on a world stage, showing us that there is always time to keep discovering ourselves, that the journey of becoming is not a finite one.

In a series of powerful, personal vignettes, Cynthia Erivo reflects on the ways that she has grown as an actor and a person, the lessons she's learned over years of performing, and how we are capable of so much more than we think.

Just as she had persevered through obstacles on the stage, working step by step, day by day, to align with music, lyrics and dialogue, so too did Cynthia fall in love with running. Through the simplicity of her steps and the beating of her heart, she found a way to fall into deeper sync with herself.

We all have hopes and dreams that we want to bring across the finish line, we all falter and take missteps, yet we keep moving forward towards that end goal. Cynthia is still running marathons, onstage and onscreen, in her work and in the city streets. Each challenge has allowed her to lean into the wisdom of her body, to understand and strive for a physical and mental balance. Because when we chase our deepest desires, each small step leads us closer to where we want to go.

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First and foremost, I love Cynthia Erivo. I first saw her as Holly Gibney in The Outsider and have loved her ever since.

Having said that, this is a great ‘celebrity book’! By no means is it a full on memoir, but gives us a taste of Cynthia’s life, just as much as she wants to share with the world.

I listened to this book as an audiobook on a long commute. Cynthia reads it and it felt like we were in conversation.

The chapters are short and punchy and the book is fast paced. Every word suits a purpose, and there is no waffling.

The chapter ‘Celebrate Yourself’ is my standout and Cynthia’s take on fashion, her nails, piercings and the artisans she seeks out, resonated.

Of course the Wicked chapters were insightful and gave us a peek behind the scenes of filming both movies.

Cythina’s words and insights are vulnerable and wise, personal and raw. Her story shows us that she is so much more than Elphaba in Wicked.

The story of a queer, black women, is something we need more of, whether they are Hollywood stars or not. (Hell even the stories of queer women and black women)!

Is it possible for me to love Cynthia more? After listening to this book, perhaps just a little bit more.