Tommy Dorfman, acclaimed actor, writer, and director, is making headlines this week with the release of her deeply personal debut memoir, Maybe This Will Save Me, which hits shelves today, May 27, 2025. The memoir, already generating significant buzz, offers readers an unflinching look at Dorfman’s journey through childhood trauma, addiction, gender transition, and her rise to fame. In recent interviews, Dorfman described the process of writing her memoir as “a beautiful exercise in reflection and self love,” capturing the emotional catharsis and self-discovery that defined her five-year journey to publication.
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Tommy Dorfman: A Memoir Years in the Making
From the outset, Maybe This Will Save Me stands apart for its raw honesty and innovative structure. Dorfman began working on the book around the time of her gender transition in 2020, a period marked by profound introspection and transformation. She revisited painful memories from her childhood and young adulthood, reaching out to family, friends, and even old therapists to piece together a more complete picture of her past. This thorough research allowed her to confront and reframe old narratives, shedding shame and embracing admiration for the parts of herself that survived adversity.
Dorfman’s memoir doesn’t follow a traditional linear timeline. Instead, she uses tarot card readings to frame each chapter, reflecting the nonlinear nature of memory and the unique experience of trans time. This approach invites readers to experience her journey as she lived it—fragmented, searching, and ultimately, healing.
For Tommy Dorfman, Writing Her Memoir Was Healing and Transformative
Writing Maybe This Will Save Me was, for Tommy Dorfman, more than just recounting events—it was a process of healing. She openly discusses her struggles with addiction and recovery, revealing that she has now been sober for twelve years. Dorfman describes her teenage years as tumultuous, marked by substance abuse and the chaos of trying to find herself in an environment that didn’t always accept her. By candidly sharing her experiences, she hopes to help others who may be struggling with similar issues.
Key highlights from Dorfman’s memoir journey:
- She began writing during her gender transition, using the process to investigate shame and confusion.
- Dorfman reached out to people from her past—including family, exes, and childhood friends—to gain new perspectives and challenge her own memories.
- The memoir explores her rise to fame with 13 Reasons Why, the dissolution of her first marriage, and her experiences as a trans woman in Hollywood.
- She uses tarot cards to structure the narrative, emphasizing the nonlinear and often unpredictable nature of self-discovery.
Dorfman’s willingness to revisit and re-examine her past, even when it was uncomfortable, allowed her to let go of negative self-perceptions and embrace self-love. She describes feeling “deeply relieved, accomplished and comfortable, but also really uncomfortable and scared” after completing the book—a testament to the vulnerability and courage it took to share her story.
The Impact of Maybe This Will Save Me and Dorfman’s Ongoing Work
For Tommy Dorfman, writing her memoir was not only a personal milestone but also a contribution to broader conversations about addiction, recovery, and transgender identity. She emphasizes the importance of visibility for people in recovery and the need to understand addiction as a disease that can affect anyone, at any age. Dorfman’s hope is that her honesty will inspire others to seek help and recognize that recovery is possible.
Beyond her memoir, Dorfman continues to make waves in the entertainment industry. She recently made her directorial debut with the film adaptation of Mason Deaver’s I Wish You the Best, which premiered at the 2024 South by Southwest Film Festival and is awaiting wide release. Her creative work, both on screen and on the page, reflects a commitment to telling stories that challenge, inspire, and unite audiences.
What Sets Tommy Dorfman’s Memoir Apart?
- Nonlinear storytelling: The use of tarot and fragmented timelines mirrors the complexity of memory and identity.
- Radical honesty: Dorfman’s willingness to confront addiction, trauma, and shame head-on sets a new standard for celebrity memoirs.
- Community perspective: By incorporating voices from her past, Dorfman creates a nuanced and multifaceted narrative.
- Trans visibility: The memoir offers an authentic look at the challenges and triumphs of transitioning in the public eye.
Reflecting on the Journey: A New Chapter for Tommy Dorfman
For Tommy Dorfman, writing her memoir was as much about self-love as it was about self-examination. The book’s release marks a new chapter in her life—one defined by authenticity, resilience, and a commitment to helping others through storytelling. As readers pick up Maybe This Will Save Me, they are invited to reflect on their own journeys and the power of reclaiming one’s narrative.
If you’re seeking a memoir that balances heartbreak, humor, and hope, Tommy Dorfman’s story is one you won’t want to miss. Her journey reminds us all that reflection and self-love are not just possible—they are essential.
Ready to be inspired? Pick up your copy of Maybe This Will Save Me today and join the conversation about healing, identity, and the courage to tell your story.