Brave: Unabridged edition
“My life, as you will read, has taken me from one cult to another. BRAVE is the story of how I fought my way out of these cults and reclaimed my life. I want to help you do the same.” -Rose McGowan
A revealing memoir and empowering manifesto – A voice for generations
Rose McGowan was born in one cult and came of age in another, more visible cult: Hollywood.
In a strange world where she was continually on display, stardom soon became a personal nightmare of constant exposure and sexualization. Rose escaped into the world of her mind, something she had done as a child, and into high-profile relationships. Every detail of her personal life became public, and the realities of an inherently sexist industry emerged with every script, role, public appearance, and magazine cover. The Hollywood machine packaged her as a sexualized bombshell, hijacking her image and identity and marketing them for profit.
Hollywood expected Rose to be silent and cooperative and to stay the path. Instead, she rebelled and asserted her true identity and voice. She reemerged unscripted, courageous, victorious, angry, smart, fierce, unapologetic, controversial, and real as f*ck.
BRAVE is her raw, honest, and poignant memoir/manifesto—a no-holds-barred, pull-no-punches account of the rise of a millennial icon, fearless activist, and unstoppable force for change who is determined to expose the truth about the entertainment industry, dismantle the concept of fame, shine a light on a multibillion-dollar business built on systemic misogyny, and empower people everywhere to wake up and be BRAVE.
Includes two original songs by Rose McGowan.
”'Brave is a blisteringly raw, angry and graphic account of a life marred by growing up in a cult, abuse and tragedy… there are few who have dared to be as brutally honest and angry about their treatment by the Hollywood machine as McGowan.” - i News
”'Her memoir is an unapologetically furious read. Sweary, raw and unrefined, Brave is female rage as it is rarely allowed to be seen.” - The Pool
“Sensationally explosive”, “A battle cry you want to get behind.” The Sunday Times Culture -
”'This memoir is more than just Brave, it’s a game-changing, tooth bared roar of defiance” - The Mail on Sunday
”'McGowan set out to write a book that examines abuse, and she has done just that.” - The Guardian
”'Rose McGowan’s courage is palpable in an exposé that condemns Hollywood misogyny and the 'monster’” - The Observer
”'She urges readers to be brave and take control of their lives too.” - The Big Issue North
”The book doesn’t wallow in misery. Far from it. It’s a stirring and engaging story of survival. It is also a call to arms, a manifesto for the women of Hollywood and of the world.” - Harper’s Bazaar
”'Honest and at times heartbreaking memoir” - Gay Times