I won't officially rate this book as I didn't finish it.

I got about 25% of the way through this book before deciding to call it quits. Mary-Louise Parker certainly has talent, and many other reviewers are enjoying this book, but I just found my mind wandering -- much as the stream-of-consciousness narrative in this book.

The book's premise sounded fascinating. Instead of the standard celebrity tell-all, this book would be a thoughtful collection of letters (unmailed) Ms. Parker had written to men with whom she had crossed paths. Some of the men played a significant role in her life, others had not.

Many readers are enjoying the book, so don't rely solely on my experience before deciding whether or not to pick it up. I simply could not get into it at this time, but perhaps will try again later.

Thank you to NetGalley and Scribner for a galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Only made it through a couple chapters before getting bored. The letter to her dad did make me cry, though.

Dear Mary Louise Parker:
I'm sorry for thinking, when I picked up your book, that it would be rubbish, that you had nothing to say, no ability to entertain, that your celebrity was sufficient to get you published, that an epistolary autobiography was a bad idea. I was wrong in all of these things. I won't pretend I got all of it but I certainly enjoyed the ride; you even made me cry.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher so thank you to Simon & Schuster. ( )

No question that Mary Louise Parker is a talented actress and writer. While I found her vignettes funny and endearing at times, they felt disorganized and she left gaping holes in her stories, like who fathered her son and what actually caused her near-brush with death. 4 stars for the writing, 2 stars for the coherence. ( )

Chose this as my first Book of the Month Club pick. Parker can write, though there is plenty here that is inessential. But when she finds a rich vein to mine, she delivers something worthwhile and glorious. The letter to her adopted daughter's uncle is wonderful and the final long letter where she details her father's passing was tremendous. ( )