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alannawithafada's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
3.25
booksnpunks's review against another edition
3.0
A really great memoir - my love for Debbie Harry and Blondie has just grown after finishing this. I liked learning about her childhood and search for her biological parents as I had no idea she was adopted. The bits where she was starting to perform at CBGB were really great because of all the amazing people she managed to meet in a short space of time - I love reading about the emergence of the New York punk scene and how it blossomed. I also thought the parts about her relationship with Chris were so nice to read about as you can tell they were in love with each other and I'm glad they stayed friends. The bit about Ted Bundy left me shook and I also didn't know she went out with Penn Jilette?
I'm just going to go and listen to Blondie for hours on end now.
I'm just going to go and listen to Blondie for hours on end now.
henrymarlene's review against another edition
3.0
Debbie Harry surprised me: “I know there is misogyny and I know there is bias, but I’m more concerned with being good at what I do.” It was very clear in her memoir that she has always been unfazed by the antics of men, their actions almost an utter waste of time to comprehend. Yet she played the game well, again and again, to make it clear of who she is. Debbie Harry was there to do what she wanted to do, and still does so. And she really is a mystery. She provides a compelling and vivid narrative of her life, starting with memories as a 3 month old child to growing up and working in the 70s, 80s, 90s, and beyond.
The book felt like I was chatting with Debbie Harry, having a coffee on the couch with her dogs. Reading this book made me feel like we were chatting about old times, lost loves, maddening situations, sadness, loss and surprises. It was clear though that she is a rather private soul, only telling you only what she wants you to know. And after finishing 'Face It', I realised that it was exactly what I needed to know, and I wasn't left wanting any more from her. Just to replay and sing along to all the songs from Blondie and Debbie Harry on the stereo.
The book felt like I was chatting with Debbie Harry, having a coffee on the couch with her dogs. Reading this book made me feel like we were chatting about old times, lost loves, maddening situations, sadness, loss and surprises. It was clear though that she is a rather private soul, only telling you only what she wants you to know. And after finishing 'Face It', I realised that it was exactly what I needed to know, and I wasn't left wanting any more from her. Just to replay and sing along to all the songs from Blondie and Debbie Harry on the stereo.
tonybosco's review against another edition
2.0
Disappointing. After acquiring both of Chris Stein’s great photo books, I was anxiously anticipating Debbie Harry’s autobiography. The short-form stories that he told around his photos were great. I expected Debbie’s book to be even greater. To be fair, she openly grapples with how much info to divulge to the reader. I get that. But her story is incredible and too much of it is glossed over.
Some meetings with celebs, or rockstars is explained in-depth. Others, usually of great notoriety, is treated as a passing thought.
And then the fan art. For reasons that she doesn’t do an adequate job explaining, the book is jam-packed with art of Debbie sent to her by fans.
There were definitely interesting and unknown tidbits that gave me greater insight and a better understanding. But I was left wanting much more. This quick read is certainly recommended for anyone with even a passing interest in Debbie Harry, Blondie, or the era of their heyday, but I suspect other fans will come away also feeling just as disappointed.
Some meetings with celebs, or rockstars is explained in-depth. Others, usually of great notoriety, is treated as a passing thought.
And then the fan art. For reasons that she doesn’t do an adequate job explaining, the book is jam-packed with art of Debbie sent to her by fans.
There were definitely interesting and unknown tidbits that gave me greater insight and a better understanding. But I was left wanting much more. This quick read is certainly recommended for anyone with even a passing interest in Debbie Harry, Blondie, or the era of their heyday, but I suspect other fans will come away also feeling just as disappointed.
dannylikethephantom's review against another edition
4.0
I picked up the audiobook as well as a physical copy, and both are great. Hearing the author tell her own story is a bit transcendent if you’re a fan, and the drawings included with the physical copy make staring at the pages worth it.
Non-linear and meandering at times, but absolutely an enjoyable read, especially if you’re going to chase it by seeing them live, like I did.
Hearing Debbie confirm that the Bundy story absolutely cannot be corroborated in a way that sounds like a PR statement is worth the price of admission alone. Speak your truth, Debbie.
Non-linear and meandering at times, but absolutely an enjoyable read, especially if you’re going to chase it by seeing them live, like I did.
Hearing Debbie confirm that the Bundy story absolutely cannot be corroborated in a way that sounds like a PR statement is worth the price of admission alone. Speak your truth, Debbie.
doublearegee's review against another edition
5.0
Debbie Harry is freaking amazing. I listened to the audiobook and it was great to listen to her tell me about her life. She was real and raw but kept it discreet.
jeffburns's review against another edition
3.0
The least revealing memoir ever. It was interesting, but it quickly became a litany of famous names and very superficial accounts of yours and album sessions. As far as personal thoughts, readers learn almost nothing.
francescaguardo's review against another edition
1.0
How is it possible to make an interesting life, in an amazing city, during one of the most interesting times, a chore? As much as I like Blondie, I’m sure from this that I’m not entirely a Debbie Harry fan. Despite her insistence she was ‘punk’ every 5 secs, I could barely remember a moment from the book where that was the case. There was a lot more chat about how beautiful she and others thought she was.
An entirely forgettable book which tells a story that would likely be far more interesting if told by literally anyone else
01/02/23: Revisiting this review (down to 1 star) after having read Viv Albertines memoir which puts this to absolute shame. If you are looking for someone who is legitimately calling themselves “punk”, I’d head over there where not only the writing is infinitely better but the stories are just far more interesting and sensitively explored. Hers is a story worth reading.
An entirely forgettable book which tells a story that would likely be far more interesting if told by literally anyone else
01/02/23: Revisiting this review (down to 1 star) after having read Viv Albertines memoir which puts this to absolute shame. If you are looking for someone who is legitimately calling themselves “punk”, I’d head over there where not only the writing is infinitely better but the stories are just far more interesting and sensitively explored. Hers is a story worth reading.