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clairereviews's review
5.0
Review: Back to the Boy by James Arthur Published by: Hoddor & Stoughton (5th October 2017)
ISBN: 978-1473665880
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5*
Synopsis:
There are many things people don't know about me and maybe when they read about those things they will have an understanding of the journey I have been on and why I've made the mistakes I have.
Nothing that has happened in my adult life makes much sense if you don't know what life was like for me growing up. I have to go back to the boy, because he can tell you a lot more than I can...
In this book James shares his struggles with mental health issues which led to drug-abuse, and how he dealt with the feelings of intense pressure and loneliness that accompanied his sudden rise to fame. Back to the Boy gives an insight into the life of one of the most exciting musicians of today, and how his experiences are reflected in the blend of raw emotion and passion in his music. This is a story of hope and self-discovery to inspire those who have ever hit rock-bottom and managed to pick themselves up again.
Review:
Wow. Just...wow! Back to the Boy is unputdownable! I read it cover to cover in one sitting, and was utterly transfixed. 2012 X Factor winner and Sane mental health ambassador, James Arthur, really does bare his soul in this refreshingly honest and unflinchingly raw account of his life thus far. A rags-to-riches story you may have heard before, but this one is quite different. This one made me sit up and take notice. Now it all makes sense. The behaviour. The drugs. Everything.
The candid account of life as a young boy and the struggles as an adult trying to cope with mental health issues make for uncomfortable reading at times and can certainly stir up emotions you may not even be aware are there. I found this so insightful, as a fan and as a reader too. I just want to give James a great big hug. I'm seeing him live (for the second time) next month, so you never know...maybe I'll get the opportunity!
If you, or someone close to you has mental health issues, depression, anxiety, panic attacks...you need to read this book, or buy it for them! The book is intelligently written, flows well and has enough high points to balance out the low. I think James's openness in Back to the Boy could help a great many people who are struggling, and it would also make the perfect gift for every James Arthur fan. #JArmy
ISBN: 978-1473665880
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5*
Synopsis:
There are many things people don't know about me and maybe when they read about those things they will have an understanding of the journey I have been on and why I've made the mistakes I have.
Nothing that has happened in my adult life makes much sense if you don't know what life was like for me growing up. I have to go back to the boy, because he can tell you a lot more than I can...
In this book James shares his struggles with mental health issues which led to drug-abuse, and how he dealt with the feelings of intense pressure and loneliness that accompanied his sudden rise to fame. Back to the Boy gives an insight into the life of one of the most exciting musicians of today, and how his experiences are reflected in the blend of raw emotion and passion in his music. This is a story of hope and self-discovery to inspire those who have ever hit rock-bottom and managed to pick themselves up again.
Review:
Wow. Just...wow! Back to the Boy is unputdownable! I read it cover to cover in one sitting, and was utterly transfixed. 2012 X Factor winner and Sane mental health ambassador, James Arthur, really does bare his soul in this refreshingly honest and unflinchingly raw account of his life thus far. A rags-to-riches story you may have heard before, but this one is quite different. This one made me sit up and take notice. Now it all makes sense. The behaviour. The drugs. Everything.
The candid account of life as a young boy and the struggles as an adult trying to cope with mental health issues make for uncomfortable reading at times and can certainly stir up emotions you may not even be aware are there. I found this so insightful, as a fan and as a reader too. I just want to give James a great big hug. I'm seeing him live (for the second time) next month, so you never know...maybe I'll get the opportunity!
If you, or someone close to you has mental health issues, depression, anxiety, panic attacks...you need to read this book, or buy it for them! The book is intelligently written, flows well and has enough high points to balance out the low. I think James's openness in Back to the Boy could help a great many people who are struggling, and it would also make the perfect gift for every James Arthur fan. #JArmy
lucyluelovesbooks's review
5.0
A great read I enjoyed this book from beginning to end so sad at times though !
shonaellen's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.0
Picked this up randomly from my local library. I watched Xfactor when James won the show and have always liked his voice. In this book, James is very open about his mental health struggles. However, I did find the content to be quite repetitive. Overall, an enjoyable read.
betweenthe_pages's review
5.0
This was such a beautiful book. I didn't think I could admire James more, but the honesty in this book is stunning. ❤️
vivien82uk's review
5.0
I have been a fan of James Arthur since x-factor. I can totally relate to this book the demons of mental health is all consuming. James tells is story with complete honesty and I applaud that. This book is definitely a journey through James life and everything he’s through, he’s brave, strong and totally talented! Thank you James for sharing your story xx
emoozzah's review
4.0
James is the perfect example on how damaging one's parents behaviour can be to their child.
If you think about it, James is one of those "lucky" ones who have the strength to fight for themselves, who don't want to give up completely. But how many teenagers have the power to do so? More often, the reality is that these kids grow into disfuctional adults who can't cope with their demons, so they end up distroying their lives and the lives of their loved ones.
It was a heartbreaking story with a happy ending, although I wish James focused more on the specific techniques which helped him fight depression.
If you think about it, James is one of those "lucky" ones who have the strength to fight for themselves, who don't want to give up completely. But how many teenagers have the power to do so? More often, the reality is that these kids grow into disfuctional adults who can't cope with their demons, so they end up distroying their lives and the lives of their loved ones.
It was a heartbreaking story with a happy ending, although I wish James focused more on the specific techniques which helped him fight depression.
scottishlindsay's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
hollyberry's review against another edition
3.75
What a moving and heart wrenching autobiography this was to read.
James has been an idol of mine since his first X Factor audition, and although I knew the rough outline of his background, I could never have imagined anything to this extent.
In many places I found myself grateful for the upbringing I’ve had, and I am truly truly proud of James for coming “Back From the Edge” and sharing his life with us.
The openness and honesty of this was fantastic, a must-read for all fans of James Arthur, and anyone who feels they take their lives for granted.
James has been an idol of mine since his first X Factor audition, and although I knew the rough outline of his background, I could never have imagined anything to this extent.
In many places I found myself grateful for the upbringing I’ve had, and I am truly truly proud of James for coming “Back From the Edge” and sharing his life with us.
The openness and honesty of this was fantastic, a must-read for all fans of James Arthur, and anyone who feels they take their lives for granted.
emily_lea's review against another edition
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced