This Is Me

A Reckoning

By: Hayden Panettiere

Narrated by: Hayden Panettiere

Heroes and Nashville star Hayden Panettiere reclaims her story in a remarkably candid memoir.

Hayden Panettiere’s career in entertainment began before she was old enough to walk. From early commercials to film and television roles in hits like Remember the Titans, her career unfolded in the public eye, resulting in tremendous success by her early teens. She had become a fixture of early-2000s pop culture, earning acclaim for performances in Heroes, Nashville (which earned her two Golden Globe nominations), and beyond—while quietly carrying the weight of expectations that came with being Hollywood’s “It girl.”

Behind the image was a far more complicated reality. As Hayden entered adulthood, the industry that once felt playful grew unforgiving as she learned by experience the pressure placed on young performers, the hefty price that often comes with fame, and how quickly someone else can take control of your story. She recounts being scrutinized by tabloids, watching her body and private pain become public property, and performing storylines on-screen that echoed trauma she was living through off-camera.

In this memoir, Hayden shares a rare and intimate glimpse into her life behind closed doors, opening up about postpartum depression, addiction and recovery, trauma, domestic abuse, and loss. She holds nothing back as she reflects on the moments she calls “lifequakes”— experiences that fractured her sense of self and forced her to rebuild it from the inside out. In This Is Me: A Reckoning Hayden showcases her most vulnerable role yet. . .this is her story, on her terms.

Hayden is such a bright light in this world.

I really hope she goes on to have all the good things happen to her. She’s been through so much and this book gives us a look into the real life of a star of our generation. Remember the Titans, Heroes, and Nashville were iconic for me and my peers growing up. It takes real guts to tell the truth of your experiences, good, bad and ugly; especially in this day and age. Good luck, Hayden!

Masterpiece

I could not put this down! This book is a parallel to my life (minus being a celebrity). It made me face many emotions and realizations in my own life, especially in my addiction and surviving brutal DV. I’m almost 4 years into recovery now, and I so appreciate the raw honesty about rehab and being an addict. And I’m almost 1 year free from the chains of DV. (I’m so proud of you Hayden, for being SO STRONG.) This book made me laugh, it made me smile, and I even sobbed at the end. Hayden reading this herself was BY FAR the BEST narration I’ve EVER heard. What a masterpiece! Will definitely be reading this again ❤️

Beautiful

Hearing in Hayden voice is a gift! The book is honest and vulnerable and beautifully spoken

Honest and relatable

A must read! Hayden tells her story and it’s pure and honest. May she continue to flourish.

Honesty

Loved hearing her truth and pain through she’s been through. A beautiful soul who deserves so much happiness and grace.