Pay in installments of $11.84 with
,
and
Shipping Estimate
USA
- USA
- CAN
- USA
- CAN
Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Oct 24 - Oct 29
Promo Codes Available:
For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15
Description
Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything: A Memoir*AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BESTSELLER* Actor dancer Alyson Stoner's revelatory and incisive memoir from family violence and betrayal, to eating disorders and religious trauma may begin in Hollywood, but its chilling relatability will resonate with anyone navigating identity, privacy, purpose, and mental health in a digital age. Raised on soundstages and studio lots from the age of six, shuffling between auditions for Disney Channel,
*AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BESTSELLER*
Actor-dancer Alyson Stoner's revelatory and incisive memoir--from family violence and betrayal, to eating disorders and religious trauma--may begin in Hollywood, but its chilling relatability will resonate with anyone navigating identity, privacy, purpose, and mental health in a digital age.Raised on soundstages and studio lots from the age of six, shuffling between auditions for Disney Channel, Cheaper by the Dozen, or Missy Elliott music videos, Alyson Stoner experienced many of the defining moments of childhood inside the bizarre fishbowl of Hollywood. From working eighty hours a week at eight years old, to learning how to distinguish fan mail from kidnapping plots, to TV execs saying they weren't "anorexic enough" to stop working and get help, Alyson struggled to find stability and sanity in a chaotic world. In Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything, Alyson shares their powerful story for the first time, detailing a turbulent home life fractured by substance abuse, harrowing accounts from rehab, the messy process of discovering their sexuality in church, rebuilding a life after an early professional peak, and charting a path of self-discovery and advocacy. With striking introspection, Alyson connects the dots across the entertainment industry ecosystem, child development, and media culture, exposing the "toddler to trainwreck pipeline" of child stars and sparking timely conversations about success and society's enchantment with fame. Bold, entertaining, warm, and galvanizing all at once, Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything is more than a personal memoir: it's a beacon for industry reform, a road map for breaking the bonds of generational trauma, and a testament to the freedom and strength that come from finally trusting your own voice and power.
Author: Alyson Stoner
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Published: 08/12/2025
Pages: 320
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.88lbs
Size: 8.39h x 5.80w x 1.15d
ISBN: 9781250353498
Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 04/01/2025 pg. 11
About the Author
Alyson Stoner (they/them) is a multi-disciplinary entertainer, author, and the founder and CEO of Movement Genius, a mental health company providing therapist-led content to improve well-being. As the writer and host of the award-winning Dear Hollywood podcast, Stoner advocates for industry and policy reform centering the protection of children in traditional and digital media. With multiple certifications and fifteen years of group facilitation experience, they've led and contributed to programming for the United Nations, the World Health Organization, LGBTQIA+ centers, and leading universities.
During childhood, Stoner appeared in over 200 films, TV shows, and tours, including Camp Rock, Phineas & Ferb, Step Up, Cheaper by the Dozen, and iconic music videos with Missy Elliott and Eminem. Today, they're focused on impact-driven and community-based initiatives, such as designing Artist Wellbeing Essentials, a robust digital toolkit including expert-led education and tools for performers to pursue their passions in a healthy and sustainable way.Shipping Notes
- Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
- Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
- Delivery to the USA:
- Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
- If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
- We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
- Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
- To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
- Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
4.5 ★★★★★
Based on 22 reviews
Sort
Product Reviews
★★★★★ 5
My current fave! Total must-read!
Format: Kindle
To Bleed a Kingdom" is an absolute rollercoaster of a read that I couldn't put down! From the get-go, Dawes throws you into the thick of it with a horrific scene that sets the stage of Seboia. It will leave you in shock. Major trigger there, but honestly, I will say it was done so tastefully I really appreciated having it on the offset!
Then we meet the brooding, forgotten Captain Darius. He’s a mountain of a man, terrifying, but has an absolute heart of gold. He’s fighting to protect his Kingdom in the midst of immense chaos from the terrifying Soulless. And then there's Lena, a fierce and intelligent leader who swoops in and turns Darius's world upside down. Their attraction to one another is seriously unwanted, particularly with all that’s going down. But it’s absolutely intoxicating and I can not get enough of it!
But it's not just about the romance – oh no! Dawes is a master story teller, weaving in elements of suspense, mystery, a world of gods and fiendish supernatural creatures, and that much needed banter in a story like this. Lena and her gang of misfits are a riot, reminding me of the antics I used to get up to with my own sister.
And let's talk about Darius's backstory – it's totally gut-wrenching, and so you’re instantly in love. I mean, who doesn't love a brooding, tortured hero?
But the real star of the show here is the world-building. Dawes has created a rich and intricate universe filled with gods, fae, and supernatural creatures that all weaves in perfectly. The way she integrates gems and their significance is genius, adding a whole new layer to the story.
If you're a fan of epic dark fantasy with a paranormal twist, this is the book for you. And don't even get me started on that cliffhanger – I'm already counting down the days until book two hits the shelves! Definite must-read.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2024
★★★★★ 3
Why can't they just TALK to each other?!
Format: Kindle
The prologue to this book was bloody and violent. I actually started this book then put it away for several months as I found it not enjoyable. When I finally returned to the book, I pretty much skipped the prologue and went right in. There are a lot of holes in this story, a lot of repetitive sections, and several parts (mostly the whole book) where you just want the lead characters to talk to each other instead of being petty and jealous. Who the female lead is, is never really explained. The humans are considered weak, but the human kingdom is the one they fear, just really weird. I did finish the book and it was overall a good book, and I may actually read the second book to see if any questions are answered and holes in the story filled in. Don't take that as an endorsement, if it was a really good book I would be reluctant to read more as I wouldn't want the story ruined, but just being so-so, there is nothing to ruin and maybe the next will be better. If you're on the fence stay there until you run out of better options, then give it a go.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2025
★★★★★ 5
A Stellar Dark Romantasy Debut
Format: Kindle
4.5 ⭐️
Yet another stellar debut from a promising new indie author! This dark fantasy romance was a fast-paced, thrilling ride, brimming with high stakes action and slow burn romance. The story was refreshing and original, and I can’t wait to see what this author comes up with next.
There was just enough world building to keep the story interesting, without overtaking the entire story. And I was fully invested in these characters, both the major players and the supporting cast. I loved the sprinkling of humor and playful banter between the whole ensemble. Even though the book encompasses some darker themes, these moments of levity created a beautiful balance within the story.
I enjoyed the dynamic between Lena and Darius- there was a bit of an Insta-love situation, which can be tough trope for me to swallow. But they had some beautiful chemistry and banter, so it ended up all working for me. Still a lot of answers are left to be uncovered regarding Lena, which I’m sure will be addressed in the next book. Looking forward to seeing where everything goes, especially after the cliffhanger ending. 💀
All in all, an absolutely solid debut, and I am fully invested in this story. This author is definitely gonna make her mark in this genre.
✨Morally grey MMC
✨Strong FMC
✨Banter and humor
✨Touch her and 💀
✨Found family
✨Shifters & fae
✨Unique magic system
✨Dual POV
🌶️Slow burn that leads to spice (1.5)
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2024
★★★★★ 4
Great Start to a new Series
Format: Kindle
I whipped right through book #1, and definitely finished the book eager for more. The main and supporting characters are all intriguing and well fleshed out. The humor, romance and action are all really well balanced. The one challenge I did feel the middle dragged a bit, a little repetitive with lots of wanting and talking about things but nothing happened until the end basically, but either way, I really enjoyed it!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2024
★★★★★ 5
One of the best debut novels I’ve read!
Format: Kindle
First, congratulations to Ella Dawes on an amazing book! You knocked it out of the park!
If you are looking for an action packed, 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️ story, this is the book for you.
Darius 🤤, the surly captain of the guard and an alpha at heart is to die for, battle scars and traumatic past and all.
Lena, is the fierce and strong FMC we all want to be. She’s string willed, without the needless stubbornness.
Fate has brought them together, whether they want things this way or not. The chemistry burning between Lena and Darius is undeniable, but can they set their differences aside and trust each other long enough to work together?
We’ve established the main characters are phenomenal but can we focus on the side characters for a bit? Griffin and Kace were so well written. I felt ai could be friends with them in real life.
The story is well written, the pacing was phenomenal and at times my heart hurt for the characters as if I knew them. This author just getting started guys, I cannot wait to see where she goes from here and how she continues to develop this world.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2024