Instant New York Times Bestseller
A love letter to the rookie in all of us: Singer-actor Joshua Bassett's fearless memoir in verse about surviving the darkest moments of fame, addiction, and mental health struggles-and finding hope on the other side.
"We're all figuring it out as we go along. Even the 'pros.'"
This brutally honest collection reveals what it's like to have your most private moments become public-what really happens when you give a broken teenager the world at his fingertips, then watch him nearly lose everything.
"This is, to date, my most vulnerable and terrifying piece of work."
From the depths of addiction and suicidal ideation to the hard-won lessons of recovery, Bassett shares his journey with raw vulnerability and courage. Along the way, he discovers that even in our darkest moments, we can choose to keep moving forward.
"The only way out of fear is to face it again and again until it loses its grip."
More than a memoir, Rookie is a movement celebrating the sacred space between who we've been and who we're becoming. A hopeful roadmap and practical wisdom for anyone learning that your worst moments don't define you, even when the whole world is watching.
"I keep waiting for the sea to settle when I need to learn how to surf."
For anyone who's ever felt like an outsider, struggled with self-doubt, or wondered if things can get better, this book is for you. Joshua Bassett is an American actor, singer-songwriter, and musician best known for his role in Disney Plus's "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series." Raised in Oceanside, California, as one of six children and homeschooled, Bassett developed his artistic voice through early experiences in musical theater, songwriting, and filmmaking. Despite facing insecurities about his lack of formal education and the challenges of fitting in, he credits his unconventional upbringing for fostering his creativity and resilience. Bassett's career took off when he landed the lead role in the Disney+ series, allowing him to showcase both his acting and musical talents.
Throughout his journey, he has been open about his struggles with imposter syndrome, mental health, addiction, and the pressures of fame, using his platform to advocate for vulnerability, self-acceptance, and mental health awareness. His music and storytelling draw deeply from personal experience, and in recent years, he has spoken about the transformative role of faith and community in his life. Through his work and advocacy, Bassett continues to inspire others to embrace authenticity and connection, emphasizing that true strength lies in accepting one's imperfections.
