Joanna “JoJo” Levesque has done something quite remarkable with Over the Influence—she has delivered more than just a memoir; she’s created a refreshingly honest and deeply inspirational story that is equal parts music industry tell-all, self-help guide, and impassioned call to resilience. Whether you’re familiar with her chart-topping hits of the mid-2000s or discovering her name for the first time, her candid recounting of adversity, triumph, and self-discovery will resonate deeply with anyone who has faced challenges or fought to reclaim their identity.
A Voice That Captivates—Literally
I first encountered Over the Influence, not as a longtime fan of Joanna “JoJo” Levesque, but admittedly, as someone entirely unfamiliar with her career. What drew me in was the title – clever, intriguing, and undeniably a stroke of great marketing. (I’m a sucker for a great title; more often than not, it seals the deal for me.) And while I didn’t put a face to her name until later, I decided to listen to this book via Audible. What a choice that was! The very voice that propelled JoJo to fame—raspy, soulful, and warm—is the one that narrates her story. It elevates the listening experience and gives a raw authenticity to her words.
Her conversational tone feels like you’re sitting with a friend over coffee—or, fittingly, walking through the story with her as you reorganize your closet (as I did) or running errands around town. This medium perfectly matches her narrative; you can’t help but feel drawn into her world as she recounts her highs and lows. Her voice is like butter.
A Journey Through Fame, Addiction, and Redemption
Joanna recounts her meteoric rise to fame and the challenges that followed with a refreshing vulnerability. From being signed to a major label at just 12 years old to suddenly disappearing from the spotlight without explanation, Joanna addresses all the lingering “what happened to JoJo?” questions. Her story unfolds with depth, touching on everything from her battles with an unyielding record label to navigating tumultuous family dynamics, with both her parents struggling with cycles of addiction and sobriety.
Interestingly, Joanna offers a rare and poignant perspective on what it’s like to grow up in the rooms of AA—a unique experience that shaped her view of addiction from a very young age. This resonated deeply with me as someone who got sober while raising a child. Though my son didn’t join me in many meetings, he was nine when I first got sober; hearing JoJo’s personal experiences was of interest to me. Pretty crazy things can sometimes be said and heard in church basements; often, they aren’t stories for the ears of the innocent. I usually kept my son’s ears covered in headphones and a powered-up handheld gaming device in his hands on the rare occasion I had to drag him with me to a meeting.
But this memoir isn’t all reminiscing; it’s a story of survival and rebirth. Joanna doesn’t shy away from recounting her own rebellion and self-sabotage, nor how she sought to piece her life back together. Today, she emerges victorious as the artist behind beloved pop hits and as someone fiercely in control of her creative destiny, making music on her terms under her imprint.
A Broader Message to All Who Struggle
What struck me most was Joanna’s ability to take her deeply personal story and make it universally impactful. Over the Influence isn’t just a book for music fans or those curious about celebrity life. It’s for anyone questioning their path, wrestling with failure, or seeking redemption. Joanna’s story is as much about perseverance and resilience as it is about fame and fortune. Through her honesty, she opens the door to deeper conversations about mental health, addiction, family struggles, and the courage it takes to try again—no matter how far you think you’ve fallen.
By the end of the book, Joanna sings the praises of AA as part of her recovery—an element of her narrative that I found both compelling and uplifting, particularly as someone who’s benefited from similar journeys in sobriety. Additionally, I felt like I connected with her over her struggles with love addiction, a topic I think doesn’t get its appropriate time in the spotlight of mental health conversations.
Why You Should Read Over the Influence, by Joanna “JoJo” Levesque
Joanna’s memoir is a must-read for:
- Music fans who love behind-the-scenes stories of the industry.
- Memoir enthusiasts seeking a raw, authentic voice.
- Self-help seekers crave a relatable tale of resilience and redemption.
- Quitlit fans or those curious about sobriety and the impact of addiction on personal growth and relationships.
Even if Joanna’s music or name doesn’t immediately spark recognition for you, this memoir is worth the read (or even more so, the listen). Her voice—both in storytelling and literally in the audiobook—pulls you in, weaving a robust and layered narrative that touches as much on humanity as it does on celebrity.
Final Thoughts on Over the Influence, by Joanna “JoJo” Levesque
I didn’t expect Over the Influence to leave such a lasting impression on me, but Joanna’s candor and ability to connect on a human level are remarkable. It’s not just a memoir—an empowering anthem for anyone trying to rediscover their strength. Whether you come for the music history or stay for the resilience, this is a story you won’t forget.
I highly recommend Over the Influence if you want a memoir filled with honesty, inspiration, and a profoundly engaging voice. It’s not just a victory lap for Joanna “JoJo” Levesque; it’s a rallying cry for anyone navigating life’s challenges.
#QUITLIT Sobees Score: 4 out of 5
Curated Articles + Resources About Joanna “JoJo” Levesque
- JoJo Is ‘Not Sober’ But Has ‘Practices in Place’ to Stay Aware: ‘Don’t Desire to Be Out of My Mind’ (Exclusive)
- On the Road with Joanna “Jojo” Levesque | Vogue
- Follow her on the ‘Gram: Joanna “JoJo” Levesque (@iamjojo) • Instagram photos and videos
- OVER THE INFLUENCE — Joanna “JoJo” Levesque Website
JoJo – Worst (I Assume) – Official Music Video
JoJo and Aaron Tveit perform “Come What May” from Moulin Rouge! on Good Morning America
TSC LIBRARY: Welcome to The Sober Curator Library! We don’t just read books; we immerse ourselves in literary journeys, tune in on Audible, and craft insightful reviews. Our digital shelves are organized into four genres: #QUITLIT, Addiction Fiction, Self-Help, and NA Recipe Books.
MUSIC – PLAY IT AGAIN! Sobriety Anthems: Songs that Resonate with Recovery Journeys
Explore a curated collection of songs that serve as powerful sobriety anthems, capturing the essence of recovery journeys and uplifting spirits. From timeless classics to contemporary hits, these tracks have the ability to transport you to another state of mind and evoke a range of emotions. Discover the melodies that have us hitting “PLAY IT AGAIN” and hitting repeat, regardless of decade or genre. Happy listening!
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The Sober Curator endeavors to bridge the gap and break the mold between mainstream pop culture and the vibrant world of sobriety, offering a treasure trove of recommendations spanning movies, podcasts, fashion, book reviews, mocktails (or alcohol-free cocktails), and beyond. Our aim was clear: to cultivate an authority on living a fulfilling, sober life brimming with possibilities and FUN! (Big emphasis on the FUN part, as we are tired of people saying, “Oh, you’re sober – isn’t that boring?)
Introducing the latest buzz in the world of chic sobriety: “Sober Pop Culture and Celebs” at The Sober Curator! We’re flipping the script on what it means to be sober and fabulous, blending the electric vibes of 80s neon, the edge of 90s hip-hop, and the bling of early 2000s fashion with today’s hottest trends and celebrity inspirations. Laugh with us or at us, but there’s no denying this place is poppin’ with all kinds of vibrant headlines and celebrity sightings. And to our celebs who are using their platforms for good – our Sober Pop Trucker hats are off to you! Keep up the good work!
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