My Pretty Baby

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?