Authors! with Alyson Stoner
Step into a raw and resonant discussion with actress, dancer, and mental health advocate Alyson Stoner for this special evening at the Toledo Library, celebrating their debut memoir, Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything. Stoner will share intimate insights into their journey from child star to mental health practitioner — focusing on deconstructing the myth of being “well-adjusted,” the pursuit of genuine well-being, and the urgent need for reform within the entertainment industry. This is a galvanizing discussion perfect for fans of bold personal stories, cultural critique, and those interested in breaking generational trauma.
About the book:
Semi-Well-Adjusted Despite Literally Everything is Alyson Stoner’s revelatory and incisive debut memoir, charting their life from a child performer to a voice for industry reform. The book exposes the reality behind the “toddler to trainwreck pipeline,” detailing a harrowing path that includes family violence, an eating disorder that led to rehab, the messy process of discovering their queer sexuality in a religious environment, and the challenges of navigating mental health in a chaotic world. Bold and unflinching, Stoner maps her unconventional journey to deliver a powerful cultural critique on the entertainment ecosystem and society’s enchantment with fame, offering a guide on how to break the bonds of generational trauma and find the freedom that comes from trusting your own voice.
About the author:
Born right here in Toledo, Ohio — Alyson Stoner is an American actor, dancer, and singer, well-known for their roles in films like Cheaper by the Dozen, the Step Up franchise, the Camp Rock movies, and as the voice of Isabella in Phineas and Ferb. Their career started at a young age, including dancing for artists like Missy Elliott and Eminem. Now a New York Times bestselling author, certified mental health practitioner, and co-founder of the digital wellness company Movement Genius, they host the award-winning Dear Hollywood podcast. Their writing is praised for its raw honesty and insightful analysis, offering an ethical perspective on mass media and child development.
