Drew Barrymore is telling her life story the only way she knows how.
In a new book titled Wildflower, Barrymore, 40, has written a collection of autobiographical essays that reflect on her life – from growing up in Hollywood in the famed Barrymore family to becoming a wife to Will Kopelman and mom to their two daughters, Olive, 2, and Frankie, 1.
“I have wanted to write a book for many years, but the irony of writing this with two young kids was wild,” Barrymore tells PEOPLE exclusively. “It was a lot to take on, but my daughters and my life so far have inspired me to look back and remember moments in my life and write about them.”
The actress hopes readers will find the stories in the book, which will chronicle her life – from living on her own at age 14 to her journey in Hollywood – to be “humorous, emotional and welcoming.”
“I was also able to keep it current and talk about where my life is today,” she says. “It’s personal yet I wrote for someone to hopefully enjoy, one story at a time.”
Wildflower will hit bookshelves in October.