Read Colleen Hoover’s Foreword to Lukas Gage’s “I Wrote This For Attention” Paperback (Exclusive Excerpt)

In a noteworthy collaboration, bestselling author Colleen Hoover has lent her pen to the paperback edition of actor Lukas Gage’s memoir, *I Wrote This For Attention*. The memoir, released by Simon & Schuster, offers a candid exploration of Gage’s formative years in California, his rise to prominence in Hollywood, and the tumultuous journey encompassing addiction, mental health, and his entangled relationships with family and fame.

Lukas Gage, who has garnered acclaim for his roles in popular television series such as *Euphoria* and *The White Lotus*, begins his memoir with reflections from a challenging time in his life. Speaking with *PEOPLE*, he disclosed that the impetus for writing came during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike when he felt a pressing need to articulate his experiences. What resulted is an unfiltered narrative that captures both the chaotic essence of Gage’s life and the challenges he has faced along the way.

In her uplifting foreword, Hoover recounts her first encounter with Gage, which took place in 2017 during the filming of her book adaptation, *Confess*. At that time, Gage was portrayed as a terminally ill teenager, an experience that left a lasting mark on both him and Hoover. She recalls the connection they forged amid their shared aspirations and the subsequent decade spent in each other’s support as they navigated the complexities of public careers.

Hoover describes Gage’s latest work as “raw, provocative, chaotic and—dare I say—slutty,” deeming it vital reading for anyone who resonates with Gage’s story. The memoir is praised for its unrestrained portrayal of the actor’s struggles, including his battle with a borderline personality diagnosis and his uncomfortable, often humiliating experiences related to addiction and sex.

What sets *I Wrote This For Attention* apart, according to Hoover, is Gage’s willingness to expose his vulnerabilities and write candidly about less polished aspects of his life. She notes that he dives into details that many might shy away from, such as his encounters with sexually transmitted diseases, despite the potential risk to his burgeoning celebrity status. This level of honesty reveals a refreshing departure from the typical narrative style that often seeks to present a more curated, idealised version of oneself.

Throughout her commentary, Hoover expresses admiration for the way Gage confronts the messiness of life without filtering it through societal expectations of perfection. She highlights the memoir’s authenticity, suggesting that Gage has crafted a piece of writing that mirrors the chaotic nature of memory itself—filled with embarrassment, pain, and humour.

Importantly, Hoover argues that the title of Gage’s memoir can be misleading. While it might suggest a pursuit of attention, she believes the underlying narrative is far more profound. The memoir seeks to explore the complexities of public perception and what occurs when the spotlight beams brightly on one’s life. Gage’s reflections reveal not only the parts of himself that have been magnified for survival but also the aspects that have vanished under the pressures of performance.

The memoir serves as a transformative journey, echoing universal themes of identity and the search for authenticity. Hoover asserts that Gage did not write this book for the sake of fame but rather for his own catharsis and self-discovery. She conveys that regardless of Gage’s own indifference to a mainstream audience, the memoir holds immense value for readers who seek connection with an honest narrative of personal struggle and growth.

As *I Wrote This For Attention* hits the shelves, it presents a compelling invitation for readers to engage with Gage’s story. The memoir is available now, promising a profound and relatable exploration of the human experience wrapped in humour and raw honesty. For those in search of a fresh literary insight, Gage’s memoir offers a genuine portrait of a young actor learning to navigate the complexities of fame while reflecting on the intricacies of his personal journey.