By The Book Reviews

Review by By The Books Reviewer

Cynthia Erivo's "Simply More: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told They're Too Much" is a perplexing endeavor that straddles the line between memoir and self-help, yet fails to fully satisfy the criteria of either genre. ([panmacmillan.com](https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/cynthia-erivo/simply-more/9781035086016?utm_source=openai))

The book is structured as a series of personal vignettes, each intended to impart a life lesson or insight. While this format has the potential to be engaging, in Erivo's execution, it often feels disjointed and superficial. The brevity of these sections leaves the reader yearning for more depth and context, particularly when she touches upon significant events in her life, such as her strained relationship with her father. ([extratv.com](https://extratv.com/2025/11/19/cynthia-erivo-recalls-heartbreaking-last-time-she-saw-her-father-at-a-train-station-in-simply-more-memoir/?utm_source=openai))

Erivo's narrative is peppered with platitudes and generic advice that, while well-intentioned, offer little in the way of original thought or profound insight. The reader is frequently reminded to "lean into the wisdom of their bodies" and to "strive for a physical and mental balance," yet these exhortations are not accompanied by substantive guidance or personal anecdotes that would render them meaningful. ([panmacmillan.com](https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/cynthia-erivo/simply-more/9781035086016?utm_source=openai))

Furthermore, the book's promotional materials tout it as a source of inspiration for those who have been told they're "too much." However, Erivo's reflections on this theme are disappointingly shallow. She acknowledges the challenges of being perceived as "too much" but stops short of offering a nuanced exploration of how she navigated these perceptions in her own life and career.

In terms of writing style, Erivo's prose is competent but unremarkable. The language lacks the vibrancy and emotional resonance one might expect from a performer of her caliber. The occasional inclusion of rhetorical questions directed at the reader feels contrived and does little to foster a genuine connection.

In conclusion, "Simply More" is a well-meaning but ultimately underwhelming addition to the celebrity memoir/self-help genre. Readers seeking profound insights or a deep dive into Erivo's personal journey are likely to be disappointed. The book's lack of depth and originality renders it a forgettable read.

Final recommendation: Not recommended.

Recommendation: Not recommended.

written on: 11/27/2025