"A daughter's tale of living in the thrall of her magnetic, complicated mother, and the chilling consequences of her complicity"--Publisher.

The daughter of the Hollywood star traces her youth spent moving between her mother's Los Angeles movie sets and her father's home in Japan, her years in boarding schools, and the series of abusive relationships she endured.

If you think Joan said some outrageous things to her audiences as a comedian, you won't believe some of the things she said to Melissa! Now, in this book, Melissa is ready to share it all - the lessons her mother taught her, both good and bad (how to be a survivor, why it's good to pose for Playboy); the anecdotes from family life, life on the road, and working together, as well as remembrances from some of Joan's friends; and Joan's philosophies...

"Award-winning actresses and mother-daughter duo Laura Dern and Diane Ladd are the kind of women who draw strength from their lifelong friendships with other women, and most of all, from each other. Ever since Laura was born, the two have leaned on each other through the trials of everyday life and the tribulations that come with even the most storied Hollywood careers. They were always close, but when Diane developed a sudden illness, their relationship...

The actress explores her relationship with her tough single mom, detailing her role in shaping the author's career, her fierce protectiveness, and her struggles with alcohol.