Valerie Bertinelli, the beloved 65-year-old actress best known for her role on Hot in Cleveland, recently unveiled the cover of her upcoming memoir, giving fans a first glimpse into the deeply personal work. On October 1, 2025, Bertinelli revealed the cover of Getting Naked: The Quiet Work of Becoming Perfectly Imperfect, a book that reflects her decades-long journey toward self-acceptance, personal growth, and embracing life as it unfolds.
The black-and-white cover features Bertinelli in a tasteful, confident pose, smiling warmly at the camera. She described the memoir as an open expression of her life and experiences, writing on Instagram, “This is my heart broken wide open.” The memoir is scheduled for release on March 10, 2026, and pre-orders are already available, generating significant excitement among fans and media outlets.
A Deeply Personal Collection
The book is a series of essays that explore topics ranging from aging, love, and friendship to secrets, personal struggles, and self-acceptance. Bertinelli has explained that writing the memoir unexpectedly became a therapeutic process. It allowed her to confront emotions she had not previously faced openly and to reflect on the journey that shaped her life and career.
Fans and followers have responded enthusiastically to the announcement, though reactions to the cover photo have been mixed. Many praised Bertinelli for her courage and honesty, while a few questioned whether the photograph represented her current appearance. On Instagram, one fan remarked, “I love you so much. This doesn’t look like you though, in my opinion.” Bertinelli responded with humor, recalling, “lol that’s what @patrickbertinelli said too.”
Other fans commented on the timelessness of the photo and the way it captured Bertinelli’s essence. Some shared personal stories about body image and self-esteem struggles, highlighting how Bertinelli’s openness resonated with them. A follower mentioned coping with a medical procedure and finding inspiration in her example, while another reflected on Bertinelli’s evolution toward confidence and self-acceptance. Many expressed excitement about reading the memoir and admired her willingness to be authentic and relatable.
Behind the Scenes of the Memoir
Since revealing the cover, Bertinelli has shared behind-the-scenes glimpses from the photo shoot, which took place in her home. On October 13, 2025, she posted a playful image from the session with photographer John Russo, along with her long-time makeup and styling team. Bertinelli promised that more behind-the-scenes moments would be shared as the release date approached.
Just days before, she shared a selfie from an airplane, noting that she was returning home after a ten-day break dedicated to rest, spending time with her pets, and finalizing edits on her memoir. These personal updates provided fans with a sense of her daily life and the care she invested in creating her book.
Writing the Memoir
Bertinelli discussed her writing process in a video posted on The Drew Barrymore Show’s Facebook page on October 10, 2025. She began writing the memoir in early 2024, coinciding with her regular appearances on the show. Host Drew Barrymore praised Bertinelli’s honesty and insight, emphasizing the value of sharing personal experiences to help others.
Bertinelli noted that appearing on the show provided a supportive environment that encouraged her to write consistently, ultimately leading to the completion of the memoir. She also revealed that she had been undergoing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to address childhood trauma, describing the process as “life-saving.” Her goal is to inspire readers to confront their own challenges and grow through reflection and acceptance.
A Public Journey Toward Self-Acceptance
Bertinelli’s openness about self-image and aging began earlier, in December 2024, when she posted a bikini mirror selfie on Instagram. Her caption discussed the ways her body had changed over the years and highlighted her commitment to acceptance. She wrote, “At some point, I will talk about the madness my body has been through this year. But right now, every lump, bump, wrinkle, and saggy part of me just feels acceptance and simple appreciation to be standing in front of a mirror…”
On The Drew Barrymore Show, Bertinelli elaborated on her motivation, explaining how she had come to terms with aging and the natural changes in her body. She lifted her sweater to reveal her stomach, noting with pride that it reflected “64 years of gravity” and that she had learned to embrace the natural shifts that come with life. Bertinelli also discussed her experience with public scrutiny and the pressures to conform to beauty standards, emphasizing that self-acceptance was an ongoing journey.
She acknowledged that throughout her career, she had faced criticism for her appearance, often being told she was either too thin or too heavy. “I’m a size 10. How is that too thin? I’m a size 10. How is that too fat? I’m just me. It’s my body,” she said, reinforcing the message that every body deserves respect and care.
The “Glow-Up Era”
In 2025, Bertinelli embraced what she calls her “glow-up era,” focusing on mind, body, and soul. She shared photos on social media of herself engaging in wellness practices such as cold plunges, swimming, and meditation. In one post, she highlighted her routine of taking cold plunges in her pool, noting benefits for mood improvement and inflammation reduction.
Fans responded enthusiastically, praising her authenticity and encouraging others to embrace similar practices. Many admired her natural beauty, her confidence, and her willingness to discuss personal wellness openly. Comments included admiration for her unedited photos, her vibrant health, and the example she set for embracing life fully at any age.
Bertinelli’s social media posts emphasize balance, self-care, and joy, demonstrating that personal growth is ongoing. Her messages inspire her audience to prioritize wellness and self-acceptance, regardless of age or societal expectations.
Memoir Themes and Insights
Getting Naked: The Quiet Work of Becoming Perfectly Imperfect captures these experiences and reflections. Bertinelli shares stories about aging gracefully, navigating personal relationships, and confronting challenges that many people encounter privately. The memoir highlights lessons she has learned, including the importance of:
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Accepting oneself fully, including physical changes and imperfections.
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Embracing vulnerability as a path to growth.
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Practicing wellness, mindfulness, and emotional resilience.
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Learning from past experiences while prioritizing authenticity in the present.
By combining humor, warmth, and personal insight, Bertinelli encourages readers to find empowerment in self-awareness and acceptance. Her memoir aims to resonate with anyone navigating life transitions or seeking guidance on personal growth.
Social Impact and Public Response
Bertinelli’s approach to sharing her life experiences has sparked meaningful conversations about aging, beauty standards, and body image. Fans often express gratitude for her candidness, citing her honesty as motivation to embrace their own journeys. Many share personal stories inspired by Bertinelli, reflecting the wider influence she has on conversations about wellness, self-care, and self-respect.
Her memoir also contributes to a broader cultural dialogue about women’s experiences in media and society, challenging unrealistic expectations and encouraging an inclusive view of beauty and success.
Looking Ahead
As the release of Getting Naked approaches, Bertinelli continues to engage with fans through social media, interviews, and behind-the-scenes updates. She is committed to sharing both her triumphs and challenges openly, reinforcing the book’s themes of resilience, authenticity, and self-love.
The memoir is positioned not only as a personal reflection but also as a guide for readers to consider their own paths toward self-acceptance. Bertinelli’s story demonstrates that embracing change, confronting fears, and celebrating individuality can transform both personal and public perceptions.
Conclusion
Valerie Bertinelli’s journey, captured in her upcoming memoir, offers a compelling example of courage, honesty, and personal growth. Through her essays and reflections, she opens a dialogue about aging, wellness, and authenticity, showing readers that life’s imperfections can be a source of strength and inspiration.
From her early career to her public embrace of self-acceptance, Bertinelli has consistently demonstrated the value of vulnerability, humor, and resilience. Getting Naked promises to continue that legacy, offering readers insight into her life and encouragement to approach their own experiences with honesty and compassion.
By sharing her journey, Bertinelli invites others to reflect on their own paths, embrace self-love, and recognize the quiet, ongoing work required to become “perfectly imperfect.”