There Was a Little Girl

The Real Story of My Mother and Me

By: Brooke Shields

Narrated by: Brooke Shields

The perfect gift for Brooke Shields fans, There Was a Little Girl explores Brooke's relationship with her unforgettable mother, Teri, in this extraordinary, heartfelt memoir that became a New York Times bestseller.

Brooke Shields never had what anyone would consider an ordinary life. She was raised by her Newark-tough single mom, Teri, a woman who loved the world of show business and was often a media sensation all by herself. Brooke's iconic modeling career began by chance when she was only eleven months old, and Teri's skills as both Brooke's mother and her manager were formidable. But in private she was troubled and drank heavily.

As Brooke became an adult the pair made choices and sacrifices that would affect their relationship forever. And when Brooke’s own daughters were born she found that her experience as a mother was shaped in every way by the woman who raised her. But despite the many ups and downs, Brooke was by Teri’s side when she died in 2012, a loving daughter until the end.

Only Brooke knows the truth of the remarkable, difficult, complicated woman who was her mother. And now, in an honest, open memoir about her life growing up, Brooke will reveal stories and feelings that are relatable to anyone who has been a mother or daughter.

Critic reviews

“Shields writes with considerable reflection; she's done the hard work of making sense of the contradictions in her mother, and now we get the benefit of her sharing what she's learned.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Shields writes vividly and humorously about her mother's life growing up in Depression-era Newark; her days as a flirtatious coat-check girl and her short-lived marriage to Brooke's father, Frank Shields, who came from aristocratic stock…. The book reads like a parent's heartfelt and exasperated lament—but the irony here is that her mother is the one behaving like the problem child.”—The Independent (London)

“A brutally frank recollection of Shields' career path, romances, marriages and entry into motherhood, but the basic thesis of the book is a deep examination of her intense relationship with her own mother, Teri Schmon Shields—a woman who molded Brooke's life, both personal and professional, for decades.”—Chicago Sun-Times

“An emotionally raw memoir.”—USA Today

I'm wiped out

I wasn't expecting this. I loved that Brooke narrated it herself and that she was so open about her relationship with her mother. It was an intriguing roller coaster of emotions. The last few chapters were so sad that I could only read in small increments.

Enlightening

I enjoyed this audio book very much. Brooke was very detailed and raw. She painted a story very different than the media presented at the time these milestones were occurring. It was refreshing to hear Brooke’s truth.

Loved every minute of this book

So raw and real, read with such feeling by Brooke. Hearing her take on the dynamic with her Mom was touching.

Raw and Honest

I grew up in the same era as Brooke and followed her movies and career. Thank you Brooke for sharing your story with such honesty and vulnerability. This was such an interesting story and so well written.
I loved the natural flow of the narration, like chatting with a friend.

Thank you

I got a lot of help about my mother from your honesty. BRAVO. You are a wonderful author. Thank you again