I, Bificus: A Memoir

Loved it. I love big naked. She is an example for all that you can overcome anything if you are willing to work for it.

A book, refreshingly honest and transparent, and not for the squeamish. I learned more about my family, more about getting back up, and SUPER THANKFUL that my uncle Ken was Beth's dad and not me!!!

What a great book! I couldn't put it down! Thank you, Bif, for letting us into your life!

3.5 Stars.ashley | Growing up in a small town, I didn’t have the luxury of cable television. And for a diehard music junkie like me, this deprived me of MuchMusic or MTV. But one wonderful year in my teens, my parents got a satellite and with that satellite, came my first music video (Bitch by Meridith Brooks) and then a whole lot of other rock n’ roll greatness. As I still am, I was drawn to any female up there rocking out. And then somewhere in the late 90’s, I found Bif Naked. As an adult, I can appreciate everything that she’s been through and done for women, for music, for Canadians, for animals and for Breast Cancer. But I can’t shake the awe I felt seeing this bold, beautiful, tatted up gal giving her all on the TV. She seemed like a whole other creature, a whole other world to me. So it was kind of amazing to get a look behind the curtains in Bif’s book I, Bificus. Because as awe inspiring as she seemed to me then, reading about everything else she has done and how she got where she was is far more inspiring and powerful than I could have ever imagined.The most interesting thing, and likely most surprising for me, was how little music is mentioned in the first half of this book. I’m use to jumping right into how big of an inspiration, savior, vice music was in the life of the musician writing the memoir, how from an early age, music consumed them and that’s all they lived and breathed. Bif’s childhood wasn’t devoid of music, but it certainly didn’t play a huge role in her early years. In fact, Bif had quite the wild childhood and I felt almost voyeur-like reading about it, a little uncomfortable knowing these intimate and often jaw dropping and dangerously awful details. It wasn’t until she hit college that music started becoming a more constant partner in crime, and even then she only got involved because of a boy.The writing here is not always the most fluent; a lot of details tend to be repeated in each chapter making it feel like each chapter was written individually as a small essay as opposed to a book put together with a flowing notion. Which is fine, these snippets still work, I just got a little annoyed hearing over and over again that Heather was her little sister. We knew that already. But minor detail. I also found that the writing wasn’t very descriptive or flowery, it was very factual – this is what happened, end of chapter. We didn’t get a lot of emotional insight into what this made her feel at the time or even now, reflecting back on it, which I was kind of hoping for, knowing some of the struggles Bif dealt with later in life. But reading some of the things she experienced at such an early age, I don’t think anyone would be able to write descriptive, openly colourful prose about such dark and heavy topics. It kind of works with the material she’s working with here, which isn’t necessarily pretty. But loyal to her being, Bif wears it proudly and stands tall through the reminiscing. You have to admire it.This was a strange memoir for me. I still admire Bif and happily ate up the book, but I’m not sure I was entirely moved by the book nor did my admiration or love of her grow. I definitely learned a lot, but I don’t have that feeling of familiarity or like I know her a bit more as a result. Somehow the book is very intimate with details, yet lacks intimacy. Which is strange to me.Originally posted on Citygirlscapes.com

The first time I really registered the name Bif Naked was in 2009. I was doing the Run for the Cure in Kelowna with my friends and colleagues from UBC’s Okanagan campus. It was two and a half years since my best friend and sister-in-law had died from breast cancer. I had helped my children write Auntie Nan on their “I’m Running For …” signs that were pinned to the back of our t-shirts. One of my colleague’s partners had written “Bif Naked” on her sign and it gave me a immense amount of joy to see that sign flapping in front of me before she ran out of sight (her pace was far faster than my own). I had no idea Bif was battling the disease but I sent a little prayer of wellness her way.Now I lived in Vancouver for 21 years while Bif was very active in the music scene (1987-2008), so I knew who she was. I think it would be un-Canadian to not recognize her face and music. But that name on the Run for the Cure sign really made her a REAL person to me.She resurfaced in my consciousness three years ago when my daughter, then 15 and in BC Children’s Hospital for a week long EEG, found the courage to start talking about her struggle with epilepsy. As she started her @Sandpapersmiles twitter account, Bif was one of the first people to follow Cait and even liked a couple of her Tweets from the hospital. I don’t know if Bif’s follow or Shred Kelly’s was more exciting for Cait.So I knew I wanted to get my hands on Bif’s book when it came out. I ordered it as soon as it was available and was thrilled when it was delivered 2 days later (thank you Canada Post!). I was exceptionally surprised and delighted by this memoir.I’ve read lots of Bif’s posts on social media and they are radiant, lyrical and poetic. I wasn’t sure I could handle an entire book written in that kind of style. But she didn’t do that at all. Instead she wrote with an honest, engaging voice that had me shushing those around me so I could keep reading. I love biographical work but rarely does it engage me like Bif Naked’s story did.I was hooked long before I got to her chapter that details her battle with breast cancer, which is an important part of her journey but not THE most important part of her journey. I don’t think I’ve read such a truthful and open account of anyone’s life. Not only does the spirit of Bif Naked shine through but even more deeply the sweet, caring spirit of Beth Hopkins radiates in her memoir. And the love and discretion she showers on those around her (she skillfully omits names of anyone who might be uncomfortable with a mention in her book … something I envy greatly as a co-author of a soon-to-be-released memoir).When I finished reading this book, I really felt connected to Beth/Bif on a spiritual level. A deep happiness filled me that only is replicated by spending time with good, kindred spirits; girlfriends who you can have belly laughs with. This book is written by a generous, giving soul in a honest and loving manner. Bif Naked makes this planet a better place. If I could I would lend you my copy of the book but Cait has already disappeared into her room to devour it so you will just have to go and buy your own copy. You won’t be disappointed.

Bif Naked’s life story is very easy to read. She has gone through so many ups and downs and is a survivor of many things. I highly recommend this book.

As a huge fan of Bif, I was enraptured by her autobiography. Her humor and personality are so palpable I felt like I could hear her voice in my head as I read her stories and adventures. I've never found it so hard to put a book down; I didn't want it to end! Having listened to her music for years, it was so wonderful to experience the events that inspired some of my favorite songs as if I was right there with her backstage or on her tour bus or during her hospital visits. It's difficult for me to verbalize how thoroughly I enjoyed this book; I can't wait to give it a second read. Bif is a natural storyteller, and I hope there's more where this came from. I could read her writing forever.

The first time I really registered the name Bif Naked was in 2009. I was doing the Run for the Cure in Kelowna with my friends and colleagues from UBC’s Okanagan campus. It was two and a half years since my best friend and sister-in-law had died from breast cancer. I had helped my children write Auntie Nan on their “I’m Running For …” signs that were pinned to the back of our t-shirts. One of my colleague’s partners had written “Bif Naked” on her sign and it gave me a immense amount of joy to see that sign flapping in front of me before she ran out of sight (her pace was far faster than my own). I had no idea Bif was battling the disease but I sent a little prayer of wellness her way.Now I lived in Vancouver for 21 years while Bif was very active in the music scene (1987-2008), so I knew who she was. I think it would be un-Canadian to not recognize her face and music. But that name on the Run for the Cure sign really made her a REAL person to me.She resurfaced in my consciousness three years ago when my daughter, then 15 and in BC Children’s Hospital for a week long EEG, found the courage to start talking about her struggle with epilepsy. As she started her @Sandpapersmiles twitter account, Bif was one of the first people to follow Cait and even liked a couple of her Tweets from the hospital. I don’t know if Bif’s follow or Shred Kelly’s was more exciting for Cait.So I knew I wanted to get my hands on Bif’s book when it came out. I ordered it as soon as it was available and was thrilled when it was delivered 2 days later (thank you Canada Post!). I was exceptionally surprised and delighted by this memoir.I’ve read lots of Bif’s posts on social media and they are radiant, lyrical and poetic. I wasn’t sure I could handle an entire book written in that kind of style. But she didn’t do that at all. Instead she wrote with an honest, engaging voice that had me shushing those around me so I could keep reading. I love biographical work but rarely does it engage me like Bif Naked’s story did.I was hooked long before I got to her chapter that details her battle with breast cancer, which is an important part of her journey but not THE most important part of her journey. I don’t think I’ve read such a truthful and open account of anyone’s life. Not only does the spirit of Bif Naked shine through but even more deeply the sweet, caring spirit of Beth Hopkins radiates in her memoir. And the love and discretion she showers on those around her (she skillfully omits names of anyone who might be uncomfortable with a mention in her book … something I envy greatly as a co-author of a soon-to-be-released memoir).When I finished reading this book, I really felt connected to Beth/Bif on a spiritual level. A deep happiness filled me that only is replicated by spending time with good, kindred spirits; girlfriends who you can have belly laughs with. This book is written by a generous, giving soul in a honest and loving manner. Bif Naked makes this planet a better place. If I could I would lend you my copy of the book but Cait has already disappeared into her room to devour it so you will just have to go and buy your own copy. You won’t be disappointed.

It took 4 weeks or so for the book to get to me originally and when it arrived the book was badly damaged. So spending 15.50us to send back book from original order & waiting more weeks to get the replacement book. That all said the book was WELL worth the wait and back n forth etc. This book you wont be to put down you will want to read it all the way threw in one sitting its that good. 'I Bificus' will take you on a roller coaster of emotions Bif is so good at making her words on the page come alive for the reader like we are right there with her as she experienced everything talks about in 'I Bificus'. I even cried at a few points while reading and books never effect me with their words to that level ever heck I never even cry at movies so for a book ya. Anyways I highly recommend this book to everyone... from music fans to bif naked fans to book lovers etc etc.

I really enjoyed reading the memoir. I grew up in Winnipeg during the era and still live in Winnipeg. So a lot of places and sights she wrote about brought back memories. She is an inspiration for all girls. Her strength and perseverance are amazing. I will definitely be passing this book along to my family and friends! Great job Beth!!

Ive been following this artist for more than 2 decades, in a world where all of my audio is now digital, I was happy to be able to sit back and read this hard cover book of Bif Naked. Her life story is so fascinating.

Gnarly read, this should be mandatory reading for all Winnipeg musicians of any stripe. Brutally honest and gives an inside glimpse on the spectrum of weird behaviour displayed by human males. We all could be a little more like Norman the Cabdriver, though. Bif Rules!