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
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What is Over the Influence by Joanna “JoJo” Levesque about?
Over the Influence is a memoir by singer Joanna “JoJo” Levesque that explores her rise to fame as a teenage pop star, the personal and professional struggles that followed, and her journey through addiction, mental health challenges, and self-discovery.
Is Over the Influence considered quit lit?
Yes. Although it’s also a celebrity memoir, Over the Influence fits within the “quit lit” genre because it explores addiction, recovery, and the emotional work involved in rebuilding a life after substance abuse.
What addictions does JoJo discuss in the book?
JoJo candidly writes about her struggles with substance use, mental health, and self-destructive behaviors while navigating the pressures of fame and the music industry.
What themes does Over the Influence explore?
The memoir explores addiction, generational trauma, fame at a young age, mental health, identity, resilience, and the process of reclaiming control over one’s life and career.
Why did JoJo write Over the Influence?
JoJo wrote the memoir to tell her own story in her own words, reflecting on her experiences with fame, addiction, and personal growth while offering insight into the realities of the music industry.
Was Over the Influence successful after its release?
Yes. The memoir became a New York Times bestseller shortly after its publication in 2024 and received praise from critics for its honesty and vulnerability.
How does the book address JoJo’s early fame?
JoJo discusses becoming famous as a teenager and how the pressures of the entertainment industry shaped her identity, relationships, and struggles with self-worth.
Does the memoir discuss JoJo’s family background?
Yes. JoJo writes about growing up in a household affected by addiction and depression, and how those experiences influenced her understanding of relationships and recovery.
Who should read Over the Influence?
Readers interested in celebrity memoirs, addiction and recovery stories, and the realities of life in the music industry will likely find the book compelling.
What makes Over the Influence different from other celebrity memoirs?
The memoir stands out for its candid discussion of addiction, mental health, and industry pressures, offering a deeper look at the challenges of growing up in the spotlight and reclaiming personal agency.
