Call Me Anne

Emmy Award–winning actress Heche, who died at the age of 53 in a car crash in August 2022, left behind an unfinished memoir, which would have been her second. Her first, Call Me Crazy, was published in 2001; it included details about her rise to fame, her childhood history of sexual abuse, her father’s death from AIDS, and her relationship with Ellen DeGeneres, which led to societal and professional backlash. This follow-up is a combination of memoir and inspirational life lessons. In each of the book’s 11 chapters, Heche shares personal anecdotes, such as meeting Harrison Ford and an alleged sexual misconduct incident with Harvey Weinstein. The anecdotes are followed by a self-acceptance “practice” and a challenge to readers to explore life-enhancing activities, such as enjoying music or cultivating strength. Heche’s story is compelling but sad; she overcame adversity only to have her life end tragically and early. Interestingly, the memoir’s final chapter is called “Live: The Practice of Joy.” The book, nearly completed at the time of Heche’s death, was finished by friend and fellow podcaster Heather Duffy (Heche and Duffy’s podcast was called Better Together); Duffy also writes the book’s epilogue.