Amazon.com
One of the most recognizable women of our time, America knows Jane Fonda as actress, activist, feminist, wife, and workout guru. In her extraordinary memoir, Fonda divides her life into three acts: her childhood, early films, and first marriage make up act one; her growing career in film, marriage to Ted Turner, and involvement in the Vietnam War belong to act two; and the third act belongs to the future, in which she hopes to "begin living consciously," and inspire others who can learn from her experiences. Fonda reveals intimate details and universal truths that she hopes "can provide a lens through which others can see their lives and how they can live them a little differently."
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Book Description
She is one of the most recognizable women of our time. America knows Jane Fonda as an actress and an activist, a feminist and a wife, a workout guru and a role model. Now, in this extraordinary memoir, Fonda reveals that she is so much more. From her youth among Hollywood’s elite and her early film career to the challenges and triumphs of her life today, Jane Fonda reveals intimate details and universal truths that she hopes “can provide a lens through which others can see their lives and how they can live them a little differently.”
Fonda divides her “life so far” into three “acts,” writing about her childhood, first films, and marriage to Roger Vadim in Act One. At once a picture emerges: a child born to the acting legend Henry Fonda and the glamorous society princess Frances Seymour. But these early years are also marked by profound sadness: her mother’s mental illness and suicide when Jane is twelve years old, her father’s emotional distance, and her personal struggle to find her way in the world as a young woman.
By her second act, Fonda lays the foundation for her activism, even as her career takes flight. She highlights her struggle to live consciously and authentically while remaining in the public eye as she recounts her marriages to Tom Hayden and Ted Turner, and examines her controversial and defining involvement with the Vietnam War. As her film career grows, Fonda learns to incorporate her roles into a larger vision of what matters most in her life–and in the process she wins two Academy Awards, for Klute and for Coming Home.
In Fonda’s third act, she is prepared to do the work of a lifetime–to begin living consciously in a way that might inspire others who can learn from her experiences. Surprising, candid, and wonderfully written, Jane Fonda’s
My Life So Far is filled with universal insights into the personal struggles of women living full and engaged lives.
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JANE FONDA was born in New York City in 1937. She attended the Emma Willard School in Troy, New York, and Vassar College. Fonda later studied with renowned acting coach Lee Strasberg and became a member of the Actors Studio in New York. Her subsequent work on stage and screen earned numerous honors, including two Best Actress Academy Awards–Klute (1971) and Coming Home (1978)–and an Emmy Award for her performance in The Dollmaker. Fonda was also a successful producer, whose credits include The China Syndrome, Nine to Five, On Golden Pond, and The Morning After.
Fonda revolutionized the fitness industry with the release of Jane Fonda’s Workout in 1982, which remains the top-grossing home video of all time. She then produced twenty-three home exercise videos, thirteen audio recordings, and five bestselling books. She now focuses her time on activism and philanthropy, in such areas as adolescent reproductive health, pregnancy prevention, school reform through arts, and building resiliency in girls and boys by addressing destructive gender stereotypes. In 1995 she founded the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (G-CAPP), which she chairs. In 2002, she opened the Jane Fonda Center for Adolescent Reproductive Health at Emory University's School of Medicine. She lives in Atlanta.
From the Hardcover edition.
Customer Reviews:
Hands down...one of the BEST EVER.......2007-08-15
This is one of the best-ever show biz (but any biz!) autobiographies I've ever read. Ms. Fonda has delivered her readers a real treat -- a thorough re-telling of her already familiar story with wit, pathos and a real desire to get to the truth and share them with her readers.
If life is a journey, she's taken a hell of a trip and it's to her credit that she pushes on and continues to fight the good fight.
She doesn't skirt around the controversy or try to shirk away her actions or culpability for any mistakes she made. She confronts it all -- head-on without fear or denial. She's to be commended for her honesty and for her uniquely American life and the truth she's pursued relentlessly all these years.
Many people are still mad about Vietnam (and but for her moment in the gun turret, wasn't she right about the whole sad affair?) but those are the same folks who think we're doing right by Iraq right now, so there's no winning that crowd over. They'll simply stay mad forever, even though she's the one who really shows her love for this country by trying to make it better and to hold its leaders accountable to the people who give them their power.
She's a remarkable human being and she can be extremely proud of this book.
I love Jane Fonda.......2007-08-11
This book is exceptional and explains in detail the life of Jane Fonda. Any fan of hers must have this book. A wonderful DVD is also included in the paperback edition.
WOW!.......2007-07-25
WOW! Sometimes, that's the only word that comes to mind when one's jaw drops.
I've watched a dozen of Jane Fonda's movies over the years (I was born in 1964) and a number of her father Henry's and brother Peter's and niece Bridget's films as well. But I never really took much interest in her beyond that - didn't know much about her personal life.
However, an interview in the L.A. Weekly recently in connection with the release of her latest film "Georgia Rule" (which I haven't yet seen) made me interested in her as a person. I then remembered that she had a autobiography out and I checked it out from the library this month and began reading it yesterday.
579 pages, with many b/w photos, most of which I had never seen before. Her developement can clearly be seen in these pictures: she went from tomboy to bombshell - talk about a late bloomer! The text is divided into three chapters/acts: a clever idea.
An important note: Fonda did not write this with someone else - she wrote it herself, which is rare these days for stars of her caliber. She is an excellent writer and very personal - it felt like she was talking to me directly. She reveals aspects and incidents in her life that few would have guessed, but she does it with grace. It is one of the most moving and fascinating autobios I have read, right up there with "Cash" by Johnny Cash, another big favorite autobio.
Her psychological insight is remarkable, her wit a joy, and her pain very real. Her story is proof that wealth and fame is no guard against misery, but unlike Paris Hilton and the likes, who are sadly famous for just being famous, the reader will care deeply about Jane Fonda.
She doesn't hate and has immense compassion and understanding for her family, for her three famous ex-husbands and even for her critics. She loves her now-grown kids and is doing much to help other kids with self-esteem issues. This book is a real eye opener - I had always viewed Jane Fonda as a strong and capable woman with no skeletons in the closet. I now know that she is indeed a strong woman - precisely because she has dealt with the skeletons and has overcome her troubles. This book is stunning and so is Jane by the way - she turns 70 on December 21. (She looks like Henry Fonda in drag, but in a good way, - the resemblance is uncanny!)
I'm on page 113 and I can't wait to get back to the rest of it. (the audio book version sounds fantastic - gotta get my little paws on that too).
Pardon my gushing, but thank you for writing this book, Jane - only you could have done the job so well. You state that you hope that by telling your story, you can help others. In that you have succeeded.
This book should be a Oprah's Bookclub pick so that it can reach even more people - especially women.
Good Read.......2007-06-09
After reading this book, I have an even stronger regard for Jane Fonda. I love that she has constantly evolved through her life and how she takes responsibility for her choices. I bet I would like her very much if I ever truly knew her.
The only thing about the book is that I wish there had been more in-depth information on the making of her films. She glosses over most of her films, and that was disappointing. But still very much a worthwhile read.
Jane Fonda's life is an open book.......2007-05-11
I always liked Jane Fonda, but after reading her autobiography, I now have a deep and sincere appreciation for her and her body of work, including her activism. I loved the brutal honesty she infused in the book. My Life So Far allowed the reader into some of the deepest corners of her life, which resulted in Jane allowing herself to heal. An added benefit was that the reader had the chance to learn some valuable lessons from Jane's experiences. Her life is a lesson for girls and women dealing with parental issues, sexual issues, relationship issues, career issues, motherhood issues, aging issues and more. Jane was able to capture her life so far in such an unapologetic and matter-of-fact manner that she became human and much less iconic. Great read. I highly recommend it.
Customer Reviews:
All The Days of The Life of Alison Sweeney.......2007-09-05
As I have been a viewer for Days of our Lives since it started airing on television, I have watched Ali grow up and wanted to read about her own life and the struggles which she faces in her real life. The only thing was I was hoping for an email address so I could write to Ali and the book did not have it. I have tried her web site but can't seem to get it to work for getting a message to her. Her book is very good, I started it and did not put it down until I was finished.
Jackie Hall
Amazing book.......2007-05-13
This is a terrific book! Alison Sweeney is not only an incredible actress but she is also a sweet, down to earth person. When I read this book I felt like I really knew her. She has the same everyday struggles as we all do. It was so good to hear someone who is famous being so honest about her struggles such as weight loss. This book is so inspiring and uplifting. I would highly recommend it to anyone.
Grat Read even if not a Days Fan!.......2007-03-31
I have watched days on and off for years but was never a huge Sami fan. I picked up this book to read while recovering from surgery. I had heard Ali will be hosting Biggest Loser and I wanted to know more about her.
The book is written with such honesty, like Ali is talking to a friend.
I was impressed by the honesty in her weight struggles and social life issues growing up in show business. I think it would be an inspiring read for any teen/young women struggling with weight, self esteem issues. It is obviosuly a great read for Days fans too.
Book Looks Good.......2007-03-09
I have not had a chance to read the book yet. It was in great condition and looks like it will be good. I like Allison Sweeney so I'm sure that I will enjoy the book when I have the chance to read it.
All the Days of My Life (so far).......2006-11-06
The book was a very interesting insight into Alison Sweeney's life and how she is off camera. She sounds like a person I'd like to meet.
Book Description
For the first time in trade paperback, entertainer, singer, and pop culture icon Donny Osmond returns to bring his life story up-to-dateDonny Osmond has been a superstar since the age of six -- one of the few child stars whose popularity has endured for four decades. He's been a teen idol, a Broadway actor, and a talk show host, and to this day is still touring to sold-out crowds. This new edition of his acclaimed memoir fills in the gaps for his millions of fans, with three new chapters providing more fun, more revelations, more faith, more love, and more laughter.
Customer Reviews:
A book that is impossible to put down.......2007-05-31
I read it in 3 days. Just a great book (I don't think I would make it as a professional reviewer)!
Too Many Words Too LIttle Honesty.......2006-11-20
I love biographies and I loved the Donny and Marie show as a kid. I thought I would really like this book, but it was very poorly written. It is amazing to me the Donny Osmond had the help of a professional.
Donny spent so much of the book defending the actions of his obviously controlling father, a situation so common when children become entertainers. The book did not come across as real. He spent too much time trying to spare everyone's feelings. He spent too much time talking about how great his family was when they very clearly weren't.
There didn't need to be dirt, but it seems the author still has not come to terms with his family situation while growing up. I hope he writes a more honest book some day when he is older.
Best Autobiography ever.......2004-02-10
As much as I followed the Osmond Family careers, I read this hoping to find all the rumors to be false. It opened my eyes to how it really was for him in the limelight.
Glad to have the MAN back......the little boy grew up.
Very Spiritual, inspiring........2002-01-14
You do not need to be a Donny Osmond fan, or an Osmond fan for that matter to appreciate the message in this book.
Read this book, and learn about the Osmond's strength in their spiritual beliefs; learn about Donny's severe social anxiety dissorder, and how he copes with it.
I strongly recomend this book!!
Not an Osmond fan but loved the book.......2001-09-08
...While I will probably never be a fan of the music I really enjoyed the book. I think there are some important lessons here regarding raising children in the entertainment industry. Lesson #1 - Don't do it! Frankly I am a bit surprised that he did not end up another casualty of child celebrity or head into dark places like his friend Michael Jackson. I was most impressed with Osmond's honesty and candor. His handling of his devastating career collapse as well as his social phobia really make for good reading. Somehow I suspect we haven't seen the end of Donny Osmond. Even if you run screaming whenever "Puppy Soldier of Love" comes on you may still enjoy the book. I certainly did.
Amazon.com
Betty Friedan has given us another terrific and bravely written book--this time, it's a personal memoir from a woman who changed the world. Her many professional accomplishments are detailed here, from her beginning as a labor reporter to the creation of The Feminine Mystique and the organization of NOW, as well as all the fascinating travel, marches, writings, and controversies that have become her career. Told with characteristic straightforwardness, her personal and professional lives are comfortably mixed in every chapter: the death of the ERA occurred at the same time she found her dream home, and Indira Gandhi and Friedan had a relationship that mixed political admiration with a similar fashion sense. Her messy divorce and lack of child support is detailed without bitterness, while her well-publicized differences with Phyllis Schlafly are described in an illuminating and entertaining manner. The tone is both intelligent and conversational--there are no heroes in this book, but no one is a total villain either. Personal recollections of various politicians, activists, and events offer strong opinions, such as Friedan's belief that the National Women's Conference of 1977 was nearly derailed by right-wing ERA opposition, rather than the unexpected lesbian-rights organization that presented itself so strongly during the Houston convention. Divisions within the larger force of feminism are addressed simply--Friedan is first a pragmatist, and was often at odds with the famous sexual-politic theorists of the '70s. Wise and encouraging, Life So Far is a fascinating read for feminists and fans of all varieties. --Jill Lightner
Book Description
At last Betty Friedan herself speaks about her life and career. With the same unsparing frankness that made The Feminine Mystique one of the most influential books of our era, Friedan looks back and tells us what it took -- and what it cost -- to change the world.
Betty Friedan's The Feminine Mystique, published in 1963, started the women's movement; it sold more than four million copies and was recently named one of the one hundred most important books of the century. In Life So Far, Friedan takes us on an intimate journey through her life -- a lonely childhood in Peoria, Illinois; salvation at Smith College; her days as a labor reporter for a union newspaper in New York (from which she was dismissed when she became pregnant); unfulfilling and painful years as a suburban housewife; finding great joy as a mother; and writing The Feminine Mystique, which grew out of a survey of her Smith classmates and started it all.
Friedan chronicles the secret underground of women in Washington, D.C., who drafted her in the early 1960s to spearhead an "NAACP" for women, and recounts the courage of many, including some Catholic nuns who played a brave part in those early days of NOW, the National Organization for Women. Friedan's feminist thinking, a philosophy of evolution, is reflected throughout her book. She recognized early that the women's movement would falter if institutions did not change to reflect the new realities of women's lives, and she fought to keep the movement practical and free of extremism, including "man-hating." She describes candidly the movement's political infighting that brought her to the point of legal action and resulted in a long breach with fellow leaders Gloria Steinem and Bella Abzug.
Friedan is frank about her twenty-two-year marriage to Carl Friedan, an advertising entrepreneur. She writes about the explosive cycle of drinking, arguing, and physical battering she endured and explores her prolonged inability to leave the marriage. (They are now friends and the grandparents of nine.)
Friedan was not only pivotal in the founding of NOW, she was also the driving force behind the creation of the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL), the National Women's Political Caucus (NWPC), and the First Women's Bank and Trust Company. She made history by introducing the issue of sex discrimination as an argument against the ratification of a Supreme Court nominee. She convinced the Secretary General of the United Nations to declare 1975 the International Year of the Woman.
In this volume, Friedan brings to extraordinary life her bold and contentious leadership in the movement. She lectures, writes, leads think tanks, and organizes women and men to work together in political, legal, and social battles on behalf of women's rights. It is exactly this breadth of vision that makes Friedan's memoir an important and compelling work.
Customer Reviews:
A Look Back.......2002-02-01
This is a courageous book written by a courageous woman. The story is of a life that continues to endure despite many hardships. If Betty Friedan had been less bright, one wonders if her life would have been easier. My personal favorite part in the book is that of her childhood. One can see her development as a feminist. When one is involved in raising daughters, I feel there is alot to learn in this book. As an aunt with four young nieces, I see the great responsibility one has in raising women to become leaders in the world today. That is why I recommend this book for library use.
a remarkable woman's journey.......2000-08-07
Betty Freidan comes through clearly in her book---superbright, sensitive, vital, a woman who has taken great pleasure in men, children, writing, and the women's movement she sparked in l963 with the publication of "The Feminist Mystique." She's good company, as frank about her foibles as she is about her gifts and accomplishments. Unlike the extremists who entered the women's movement after her, she is balanced and moderate. "I've always thought of women's liberation as men's liberation as well." She says about what she might want on her gravestone, "She helped make a world where women feel good about being women and free to really love men." A recurring motif in her memoir is what she calls her "Jewish existential conscience", a feeling that she has to use her life to make the world better. (The "Christian correlation" might be, Jesus' parable of the use of talents.) She has indeed been a friend to women----and to men--everywhere.
Must Read.......2000-07-08
A must read for those of us who were lucky enough to come of age in the 60s. Friedan left me with a profound sense of gratitude. Because of NOW's vigilance, I had the "right" to carry my daughter to term without being fired from my job as a high school teacher in 1974 . Because of the movement's persistance, I had the "right" to seek and obtain a job as a Superintendent of Schools in a market that was 90 percent dominated by men. Friedan's words inspire me to do more to improve conditions for children and families.
Facinating Lady, Education on process of Social Movement.......2000-06-19
As a biography, "Life so Far" is a fast paced account of the full life of a exceedingly accomplished woman. It is full of successes, failures, and SECRETS that others who are so accomplished would not tell.
But, it is much more than a bigraphy.
It provides a first rate education on the successful orchestration, and challenges, that would apply to development of most any political/ social movement. This insite, so skillfully revealed, is gained through fast pace read of the book, for the simple reason that you cannot put it down.
More specific, and equally enligtening the book provides a comprehensive overview of the womens social/political movement toward equality as told through the actions Betty Friedan's remarkable life. The book accounts the tremendous progress, but also reminds us to continue to question social/political order because the job is not complete.
One of the most powerful and interesting books I have read -- I have just logged on to Amazon to order 3 more copies of the book for friends -- spread the word, this is definately a 5-star!
Deluded.......2000-06-18
Friedan might have been the first president of NOW, but she never fully grasped that sisterhood actually meant that women had to work together with each other and sometimes she would not be in the limelight.
Although I am very sorry to hear she was beaten by her husband all of these years and went through a messy divorce, this does not excuse her bizzare and obsessive behavior towards Gloria Steinem and other feminists. THe fact that Friedan maintains that Steinem "just wanted to disappear me" suggests just how narrow minded and self centered Friedan really is.
This book might be good for entertainment or a study of people with mental problems, but by no means should it be mistaken for a feminist tome or action plan. The eloquent research of the feminine mystique has been replaced with a heaping pile of paranoid garbage.
Average customer rating:
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Crain: my life so far
Karen Suzanne Crain Rice
Manufacturer: PublishAmerica
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Women
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ASIN: 1413733573 |
Book Description
Beginning with my great-great grandparents, this is my story thus far. I finally decided to share it, as it may inspire others to never give up.
Average customer rating:
- Confession of a Hurting Friend....not a Spoiled Celebrity
- Genuine Portrayal of Realities in Life that do not Discriminate
- Fantastic look at faith from a beautiful woman inside and out
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Mosaic: Pieces of My Life So Far
Amy Grant
Manufacturer: Brilliance Audio on MP3-CD
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: MP3 CD
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Behind the Eyes
ASIN: 1423343093
Release Date: 2007-10-16 |
Book Description
With her unmistakable voice and honest lyrics, Amy Grant has captured a unique place in American music. As the best-selling Christian music artist of all time, a cross-over pop sensation, and the wife of country music star Vince Gill, Amy has lived much of her life in the spotlight, subject to adulation, speculation, and scrutiny. Now for the first time she bares her heart and soul to reveal thoughts on everything from motherhood and marriage to fame and forgiveness. Whether describing personal moments alone on a moonlit hillside or very public ones performing with the likes of Tony Bennett and James Taylor, Amy presents a captivating collection of beautiful reflections on life, love, and faith.
Rendered with the lyrical insight we see in her music, Amy reflects on the pieces of her life through the years, forming a vivid mosaic of memories rich in color, varied in texture, and united in their heartfelt design.
“Thanks to writing and remembering, IÂ'm re-inspired to value both the mundane and magical moments. In trying to capture a few memories as best as I can, I give myself the gift of treasuring what has been so far a very full and meaningful life. I hope you will do the same with yours.” - Amy Grant
Customer Reviews:
Confession of a Hurting Friend....not a Spoiled Celebrity.......2007-10-16
I was offered the opportunity to read and review Amy Grant's new biography, Mosaic. Had it been in the bookstore, I might have picked it up, glanced through it and come away with a very different impression than I've developed from reading it cover to cover.
I haven't been a rabid Amy fan. As a matter of fact, I've seen her in concert once and that was because I went to see Mercy Me and Amy opened for them. I purchased her Christmas CD at a garage sale. This information is not a slam in any way. I'm just sharing where I am coming from where Amy is concerned.
Driven to curiosity by the talk before, during and after her divorce from Gary Chapman I purchased Amy's Behind the Eyes CD. The lyrics from several songs haunted me. As a survivor of a rotten marriage gone good, I felt compelled to write to Amy. Crazy as that sounds...who does that? But I did. I don't remember what I wrote, other than to tell her it didn't have to end in divorce. I wondered like much of the rest of the world why she thought God wanted her to be happy at the expense of her children's pain.
I almost turned down Mosaic because of my thoughts and feelings. What if she showed no remorse, no awareness of the sanctity of marriage? What if she lightly dismissed the damage done to her children? How could I recommend this book? Then my daughter reminded me that I don't like to sit in judgment of others and I love people who screw up daily, and that I have to look into the mirror and see behind my own eyes. I needed to give Amy's book a fair reading.
I'm sorry, Amy.
Amy's divorce is as much a symptom of America's brand of diluted Christianity as it is a picture of our pathetic human weaknesses. Why should she, though in the public eye and ministering to thousands through her music, be held to a higher standard of holiness? A standard that a full half of professing Christian married couples can't meet? I, myself, am still married only because God held me in place. Everything in me wanted to be divorced and free of the pain that my husband and I inflicted on each other.
Mosaic starts like a feel-good anecdotal "Chicken Soup" style of book full of sweet stories inspiring song lyrics which end each chapter. A section of names and events details Amy's relationships with celebrities and treasured encounters with them.
Had the book been just this feel good celebrity stuff, I wouldn't recommend it. But as the book progresses Amy begins to dig deep. The promotional quotes from Mosaic have been light and chatty, friendly and homey. What dug under my skin and into my heart was the poetic poignancy with which Amy described the events and people that have shaped her through much pain and loss. Those are the entries that contain the lyrics from some of the songs that haunted me from Behind the Eyes. Amy shares her thoughts on depression, faithquakes and the death of innocence. She left me feeling like I hadn't been reading the words of a spoiled celebrity, but instead, hearing the confessions of a hurting friend.
Fame doesn't save us. A good spouse, wonderful children, great friends, history, and money can't save us. If we could each grasp how much we are loved by the Creator of the universe, maybe we wouldn't be so quick to run away from Him to find our own way. We all grab for worthless bandages. Most of us don't have the burden of the spotlight of fame to complicate our paths.
Genuine Portrayal of Realities in Life that do not Discriminate.......2007-10-16
This book is a candid glimpse into the private life of someone who has lived much of their life in the public eye. When I know a celebrity for their talents, rarely do I also know or see them as a real person. In this book Amy Grant succeeds masterfully at integrating her public and private persona for those who have only known her through her celebrity status.
She not only evidences her deep and abiding faith throughout these pages, she also acknowledges that all of our lives are affected by detours we have taken as a result of some of our choices. The lyrics and poetry as well as her prose evoke a variety of emotions in the reader. Her descriptive language brings the people, places and experiences of each event to life in the readers' mind.
I could see and hear the waves, imagine the shattered shells along the shore, and feel the sand on my feet as if I were there myself when she is talking about trips to the Florida shore.
For any fan of Amy Grant's and even those who have no idea who she is, this is a genuine portrayal of realities in life that do not discriminate. She willingly opens the door on her experiences in a way that many people will be able to relate to. There are lessons to learn in observing others' circumstances. This book is a wonderful example of sharing personal lessons in life and faith to help others along in their circumstances and walk of faith. Hearing others' perspectives also encourages me to recognize and cherish the blessings that God has provided to me.
While this is more an anthology than a single narrative, I couldn't put it down and finished reading only to wish there was still more left for me to read.
Fantastic look at faith from a beautiful woman inside and out.......2007-10-16
Mosaic by Amy Grant took me by surprise. The book itself is lovely with color photographs, but it was the text that moved me so many times. Amy takes the lyrics from several of her songs and offers the inspiration behind them as well as other short personal vignettes. The format flows beautifully and gives a deeper view of her life than even a memoir could have. She talks about growing up in her tight-knit family, the love she has for her children, the pain of her divorce, and the miraculous love she shares with husband Vince Gill. She offers herself completely exposed without polish or facade, and it's an amazing sight. Her writing is lyrical and poetic with scenic descriptions and occasionally knock-the-wind-out-of-you emotion. Reading how she struggles to keep her mind on God when praying, a spontaneous dance in the moonlight as prayer to the Lord, her wonder at finding herself in such a lofty place, all of it makes her very real and her faith profound. I found myself putting the book down to reflect on her words or to share sections with my husband. It's just too powerful to take in all in one sitting, and many times it brought me to tears. This would make a great present for a loved one or yourself!
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A Peace of Me: A Self-Portrait of My Life So Far
John, Jr. Riddick
Manufacturer: Sadorian Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0971814899 |
Customer Reviews:
A Catalyst.......2002-12-20
Not only is this book inspiring but it is hilarious. I actually laughed out loud (a number of times). The serious, life changing situations that this young man endured could have overwhelmed the mind. But the author provided great balance with humor, which didn't seem forced but flowed naturally. This book will inspire the young and old to not give up during the trials of life. It proves that God has a purpose for us all. It also proves that many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord shall deliver them out of them all. Put 'em up, author!
Average customer rating:
- GOOD voice ,BAD writing.
- It's cute but the publishers erred
- Music does flow in her blood
- Well Written And Enjoyable To Read
- Wow, no talent and no brains either!
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Voice of an Angel : My Life (So Far)
Charlotte Church
Manufacturer: Grand Central Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Similar Items:
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Charlotte Church - Voice of an Angel
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Tissues and Issues
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Charlotte Church - Voice of an Angel in Concert
ASIN: 0446527106 |
Book Description
How did a schoolgirl from Wales become an international sensation? And how can she possibly cope with staggering, worldwide fame? In this fascinating account, the young singer shares her amazing true story. From humble beginnings in Wales singing on local radio to singing for Prince Charles, President Clinton, and the Pope, to her quick rise to the top of the music charts, Charlotte Churchs unique story is an inspiring tale of a phenomenal young talent and will touch the hearts of millions of music lovers worldwide. Charlotte Churchs first album, Voice of an Angel, reached #1 on Britains classical music chart, #10 on its pop music chart, went to #28 on North American music charts, and went double platinum in five weeks. Her second album sold 2.5 million copies. She was the youngest artist ever to appear on the Billboard 100. Sony Classical has signed Church to a five-album deal, signifying their strong commitment to the long-term success of the young singer. Charlotte Church has been featured in numerous publications, including People, Newsweek, USA Today, Billboard, and the Washington Post. She has appeared on Dateline, The Rosie ODonnell Show, Good Morning America, the Today show, the Tonight show, the 1999 MTV Music Awards, and Touched by an Angel.
Customer Reviews:
GOOD voice ,BAD writing........2005-12-28
Charlotte Church can sing. what she Can't do is write. in fact I'm not all that sure she wrote all of this book herself. I think its more then likely that she had a ghost writer to help her. this book does give some good info about charlottes life and early career, but there is really WAY to much about her family. she also says that she read wuthering heights by Jane Austen. right. bottom line: get her CDs not her book. our get this book from the library like I did.
It's cute but the publishers erred.......2005-06-11
I bought this book recently at the Dollar Tree for $1 because I was curious. I read it and thought it was cute. BUT, that having been said, I believe the publishers really erred in how they originally released this book; they took it FAR too seriously for a "biography" purportedly written by a 15-year-old!
First of all, the book as released was too expensive. The audience to which it should have been geared was pre-teen girls, unlikely to pay $22.95 for a (thin) hardcover book; it should have been released directly to paperback. Secondly, since the book was written in a chatty diary format, it would have been appropriate and more entertaining to have had portions of it in Charlotte's own handwriting (assuming it's not too dreadful), and other portions done like a scrapbook, particularly the tales of her travels.
Given how Charlotte's life has changed since she wrote it, this book is also a nostalgic read. The "angelic" little girl with the lovely clear soprano voice seems to be long gone at this point, replaced by a "pop tart" who appears to want to be in the mold of a Britney Spears or a Christina Aguilara.
Music does flow in her blood.......2004-03-25
After reading this book, you'll know what music is to Charlotte; it's in her. I thought the book was well written. I don't know why some people seem to be passionately against her. One reviewer says Charlotte doesn't write about her music, but that's not true. Most of this book IS about her music! As a matter of fact, I bought "Voice of an Angel" after reading this book. I only wish she showed her Welshness more in the book.
Well Written And Enjoyable To Read.......2003-09-08
I too am a classical singer, and I must admit that Church might not be as wonderful as the World has made her to be. I do also have to say that I very much enjoy listening to her music and I think she has a lot of potential. Those who give her such low reviews, in my opinion, are jealous and unfair to Church.
As for the book? I thought it was very well written and I thoroughly enjoyed every chapter! I'm 15 and it kept my attention through the whole book. I found her life to be not that of a rich and famous singer/star, but that of a regular teenage girl. Sure, she's got about a million times more than most regular people will ever have, but she lives in a semi-regual way compared to other stars. It tells a lot of interesting facts about how she got started, her family, her home and travels.
In all, I have to say that this was very entertaining. I would recomend this book to those of you who are not jealous of this teenage star and for those of you who like to read about famous people.
Wow, no talent and no brains either!.......2003-01-23
I'm sorry, but this is ridiculous. Can someone please tell me why so much hype concenring this "child prodigy"? Yes, at 12 years old she was good, however not as amazing as America percieved her to be. Now, years later she's gotten worse, and still everyone fusses about her! and now the next thing i see, we have to read about her life so far? please! she seems very shallow according to this book, to tell you the truth, she doesn't seem interesting enough or have enough depth to her to write a book. she just seems like a one-dimensional money-making machine that once showed potential and now is just something to make money off of. I'm sorry if this is cruel, but that's the price publishers risk when releasing nonsense like this.
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