Joshua Bassett Unveils Vulnerable Memoir 'Rookie' Detailing Public, Private, and Secret Life

Joshua Bassett, the 25-year-old singer-actor known for his role in "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series", has revealed plans for his memoir "Rookie: My Public, Private, & Secret Life". In an emotional social media video posted recently, Bassett appears seated on a stool in a stark white room, holding the book and visibly choking back tears as he speaks. He describes the project, five years in the making, as "my most vulnerable and terrifying piece of work."

Bassett explains that writing the memoir required deep self-reflection, which he identifies as the hardest part of the process. "Through stories, philosophy and poetry, I’ll take you behind the curtain of my public, private and secret life," he states in the video. The book will explore his "deepest struggles," "darkest thoughts," and "deadliest moments," particularly reflecting on his experiences as a "broken teenager."

The memoir delves into profound personal themes, promising readers insight into cycles of "cowardice and courage, loss and love, bitterness and forgiveness, bondage and freedom, selfishness and servanthood." Bassett also touches on "chasing your dreams while counting the cost" and "contemplating the transformative power of storytelling and its ability to redeem suffering, turning ashes to beauty." Described by its publisher as a "fearless memoir in verse about surviving the darkest moments of fame, addiction," "Rookie" positions itself as a love letter to the "rookie in all of us."

This announcement comes at a time when Bassett's career has been marked by intense public scrutiny. Rising to fame through the Disney+ series alongside Olivia Rodrigo, he faced speculation about his personal life and relationships, which fueled widespread media attention. The memoir appears poised to address these experiences head-on, offering an unfiltered look at the pressures of early fame.

Bassett publicly affirmed his place in the LGBTQ+ community in 2021, stating in a video, "I’m part of the LGBTQ+ community," while emphasizing that labels were not important to him. He later clarified in interviews that he identifies as queer. Appearing on the cover of Attitude magazine that year, he shared candid reflections on his sexuality: "I never really questioned it, it just was, if that makes sense. That’s something that I think is really cool about this generation, and the generation to follow – that you don’t need a box, and you don’t need to be put in a box. But I would say that it definitely took a lot of time to realise that."

For many in the LGBTQ+ community, Bassett's openness has been affirming, highlighting the ongoing evolution of identity acceptance among younger generations. His memoir's focus on private and secret aspects of life resonates particularly with queer individuals navigating public personas, where personal authenticity often intersects with external expectations. By framing his story as one of transformation—from bitterness to forgiveness, bondage to freedom—Bassett underscores themes of resilience that echo broader narratives within LGBTQ+ experiences of self-discovery and healing.

Mental health advocacy is woven into the project's rollout. With every pre-order purchase from Bassett’s official website, one dollar will be donated to NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness , supporting resources for those facing mental health challenges—a cause close to many in the LGBTQ+ community, where rates of mental health struggles are disproportionately high due to societal stigma.

"Rookie" is scheduled for release on 5 May 2026 and is available for pre-order now through Bassett’s official website and major retailers. An audiobook version, narrated by Bassett himself, is also listed for pre-order on platforms like Audible, ensuring accessibility for fans who prefer audio formats.

Bassett's decision to share such intimate details signals a shift toward greater transparency in celebrity memoirs, particularly from queer artists. As he invites readers into his "public, private, and secret life," the book has the potential to foster empathy and dialogue around fame's toll, addiction recovery, and queer identity. For LGBTQ+ audiences, it represents a powerful testament to storytelling's role in personal and collective redemption, encouraging others to embrace their own "rookie" moments of vulnerability and growth.