22 November 2024
The Whole Truth By Jackie O Review & Book Club Questions
Reviewed by: Melissa Ng
Quick Facts
Book Publication Date: 29 October 2024
How I Read It: Borrowed from my local library
Where You Can Find The Whole Truth by Jackie O: Amazon | Kobo | Audible | Dymocks | QBD Books | Apple Books | Spotify Premium
Content & Trigger Warnings: Coarse language, addiction, substance abuse, alcohol, rehab, divorce, abortion

The Whole Truth Review
First, a disclaimer: I’ve been a huge fan of Jackie O and her co-host, Kyle, since their Hot30 Countdown days.
Listening to The Kyle and Jackie O Show has been a part of my routine for years. Jackie’s segments, especially What’s In Jackie’s Mouth? and Jackie-oke, have always been my favourites.
And yes, I still dream of getting my hands on one of their iconic Kyle and Jackie O gravy boats. (Bring back the gravy boat, please!)
Initially, I thought Jackie had shared most of her life on-air. I mean, this is the same woman who admitted to some wild stories, including pooing on the streets of Rose Bay on her way to work.
But The Whole Truth really surprised me with its depth.
When Jackie mentioned on-air that she’d been to rehab for drug addiction, I knew this memoir would be a five-star read — and it did not disappoint.
The book dives deep into Jackie’s life beyond what we hear on the show. From her time in rehab and her struggles with addiction to her experiences with marriage, divorce, abortion, and even a threesome, Jackie lays it all out with honesty and humour.
Stories that were just anecdotes on the show now make sense in the full context of her life.
For instance, the time she left the show "suddenly for health reasons"? It turns out she was on her way to rehab.
And that “stomach flu” she mentioned when her ex-husband proposed? She was actually pregnant.
These revelations truly make it feel like we’re finally hearing the whole truth.
I’m glad Jackie waited until now to write this book.
Her reflections on her darkest days post-divorce and the challenges of sharing custody of her daughter, Kitty, are both raw and heartbreaking.
She’s also incredibly brave in her recount of addiction and rehab.
The dating stories are some of the funniest parts, making you feel like you’re sitting down with your best friend exchanging war stories. I still can’t believe her ex-boyfriend, who was living in her house rent-free, actually asked to take her furniture with him when he was asked to leave. Unbelievable!
One thing that stands out is Jackie’s resilience.
You can see through every story that she’s incredibly hardworking, kind, generous, and funny.
Despite being one of Australia’s top radio hosts with a multi-million-dollar pay check, Jackie is down-to-earth and relatable.
This book is worth a read, whether you’re a fan of the show or just interested in a celebrity memoir with substance.
The Whole Truth is an easy 5-star rating from me. I borrowed it from the library, but I’ll definitely be buying a copy for my collection.

The Whole Truth Book Club Questions
- Were you a fan of Jackie or The Kyle And Jackie O show before reading this book?
- Did your opinion of Jackie change after reading the memoir?
- Were you surprised by Jackie’s revelation about her drug addiction and rehab stay?
- Why do you think Jackie waited two years to share her story publicly?
- Do you think Jackie’s memoir could help others struggling with addiction?
- What do you think would have happened if the media found out she was in rehab?
- How do you think Jackie’s Queensland upbringing shaped her outlook on life?
- Jackie’s relationship with her mother is close-knit. Do you see it as a positive or negative relationship?
- What were your thoughts on Jackie’s first marriage to Phil?
- How did you feel about her second marriage to Lee?
- Jackie revealed she had an abortion. Do you think she and Lee made the right decision?
- The Kyle and Jackie O Show has a reputation for being controversial. Do you agree with this view?
- Why do you think Kyle and Jackie’s radio show has been so successful for so long?
- Jackie shares several funny dating stories. Did any feel particularly relatable?
- Do you think a future with the on-again, off-again boyfriend was ever truly possible for Jackie?
- The media love to speculate about the huge pay checks Kyle and Jackie earn. Do you think their salaries are justified, given their ratings and popularity?
- If The Whole Truth was adapted into a movie, who would you cast as Jackie?