For fans of Educated and The Glass Castle, a former music industry insider’s journey of healing—from childhood trauma through spiritual practices and self-discovery to a place of peace—with some incredible celebrity encounters along the way.
Wendy Correa’s childhood is characterized by various traumas: the death of her father, emotionally distant siblings, a loving but frequently neglectful mother, and a violent, alcoholic stepfather. After escaping that turbulent life, Wendy’s path of self-discovery takes her through Buddhism, meditation, plant medicine, yoga, Native American spirituality, 12-Step programs, and psychotherapy. Native American sweat lodge and vision quest ceremonies further strengthen her sobriety and mental well-being.
As her inner world begins to open up, so does her outer world. Wendy finds herself regularly encountering extraordinary circumstances: singing on stage with rock ’n’ roll royalty at the 1982 inaugural Peace Sunday concert, attending AA meetings with legendary musicians, working at A&M and Geffen Records, and spending time with her musical hero, Joni Mitchell.
Wendy’s life takes a new turn when she moves to Aspen and becomes a radio DJ and assistant to gonzo writer Hunter S. Thompson. There, she meets her future husband and begins to build the family she’s always longed for—but despite her newfound peace, she is repeatedly drawn back into her family of origin’s dysfunction. It’s only after her mother’s death that Wendy uncovers a painful family secret that finally answers her lifelong question: What really happened to my family?
"In her deeply personal and candid memoir, My Pretty Baby, Correa's vivid storytelling penetrates the depths of her suffering with honesty and compassion, reminding readers that it is never too late to heal our traumas to live a life based in loving awareness."—Sharon Salzberg, New York Times best-selling author of Lovingkindness and Real Life
" . . . candid storytelling and emotional honesty make this memoir both heart-wrenching and profoundly hopeful."—Readers' Favorite, 5-star review
"Correa is an engaging wordsmith and fills her stories with detailed descriptions . . ."—Kirkus Reviews
". . . My Pretty Baby offers a journey not just through one woman’s choices, but the music, mindfulness, and meanings that result in a better, more peaceful life. . . ."—Midwest Book Review
