Whatever...Love Is Love

Questioning the Labels We Give Ourselves

By: Maria Bello

Narrated by: Maria Bello

The acclaimed actress and dedicated activist shares her personal journey of discovery, and destroys outdated ideas about partnership, love and family that will resonate with anyone in an unconventional life situation.

Actress and activist Maria Bello made waves with her essay, “Coming Out as a Modern Family,” in the New York Times popular “Modern Love” column, in which she recalled telling her son that she had fallen in love with her best friend, a woman—and her relief at his easy and immediate acceptance with the phrase “Whatever Mom, love is love.” She made a compelling argument about the fluidity of partnerships, and how families today come in a myriad of designs.

In her first book, Bello broadens her insights as she examines the idea of partnership in every woman’s life, and her own. She examines the myths that so many of us believe about partnership—that the partnership begins when the sex begins, that partnerships are static, that you have to love yourself before you can be loved, and turns them on their heads. Bello explores how many different relationships—romantic, platonic, spiritual, familial, educational—helped define her life. She encourages women to realize that the only labels we have are the ones we put on ourselves, and the best, happiest partnerships are the ones that make your life better, even if they don’t fit the mold of “typical.”

Throughout this powerful and engaging read, Bello shares intimate stories and lessons on how she has come to discover her happiest self, accept who she is, and live honestly and freely, and tells the stories of those who came to her after her Times’ columns, grateful that someone gave voice to their life choices.

Whatever...Love Is Love is not a memoir about an actress. It is a frank, raw, and honest book about the way every woman questions the roles she plays in love, work, and life, filled with wisdom, questions, and insights relevant to us all.

A Raw, Brilliant Introspective Approach to a Great Authentic Humanitarian’s Life of Diversity

I enjoyed hearing and hope to hear more from Maria Bello. This book was well written approaching many topics in the authors life brilliantly while relating to readers from all walks of life. Maria Bello is very accomplished and experienced in many diverse areas of life. She organizes and digs deep into her own experiences while organically leading the readers into the introspection of their own lives. This was one of the best books I have read by an incredible woman.

My first review

Thank You for being you, being honest, being open, being human.. just Thank You

Phenomenal Story And Lessons

This book is so raw and emotional and had me crying a few times and I NEVER cry during books. But this captivated me and the way Maria describes her life and the way things went differently than she had planned taught me so much about how life takes you to where you need to be in ways you don't expect. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!! I learned about life, love, acting as a career, the LGBTQ+ community, motherhood, and our relationships with our parents and our friends. Maria Bello is fantastic!!!

Wow, just wow!

I didn't know who Maria Bello was. I just enjoy autobiographies, really I just just love books. I thought that I had found this book by accident (not that I believe in accidents) but it spoke to me in ways - there are no words to describe how deeply I was moved. This book was so well written and recorded, I was blown away. Such an incredibly honest story of a truly amazing woman. Maria, thank you for sharing your story and touching my heart. Sending you love and light.

An amazing book

I want everyone I know to read this book, give you a different outlook on all relationships.