Prologue -- A lesson in survival -- Singing my life -- Saved by failure -- Cheerleader blues -- Against all discouragement -- Taking flight -- Romeo and Juliet -- Eyeshadow abs -- Warning : contents under pressure -- Flight suits and wedding gowns -- Into the fishbowl -- Success has made a failure of our home -- The gilded cage -- I'll fly away -- Going off-script -- Playing dress-up -- Desire and possession -- They let you dream just to watch 'em shatter -- Return of the southern girl -- Death by mom jeans -- True beauty -- Love comes to my door -- Since I've been loving you -- Let's go dancing in the light -- Ever after -- I once was lost -- But now I see -- Birdie Mae.

Five years ago Simpson was approached to write a motivational guide to living your best life. She walked away from the offer because she believed she couldn't be authentic with her readers if she wasn't fully honest with herself first. Now she examines her life: blessed with the compassion to help others but also burdened with an almost crippling need to please. First celebrated for her voice, she became famous for music and fashion, her relationship struggles-- and as a walking blonde joke. Here she shares the wisdom and inspirations she has learned, and shows the real woman behind all the pop-culture clichés. -- adapted from jacket