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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
2.5 stars
I didn't enjoy this memoir as much as the other 5 I've read recently. Some reviews have said the 1986 memoir "I, Tina" was more enjoyable, so I might check that one out. As it stands, this book felt strangely disconnected to me.
It's not so much that some moments were glossed over - it's 100% up to the subject to decide how much they want to share. The issue was that, at times, contradictory things were said. Perhaps that was to explain that Turner herself was a bit contradictory. There's emphasis on buddhist tenets and forgiveness, but there were times she'd state that she never expressed her grudge and resentment towards her mother but there were moments described where she did. Which, hey, more power to her. Her mother really didn't do right by her, but that combined with other moments that kind of made me wonder if there were editing notes to insert certain things. As if it wouldn't have looked as clean if not all aspects of her story were pretty?
I don't know. There were a few moments where this wasn't as enjoyable a memoir for me to read. At times, Turner doesn't entirely come across as a likable person. Particularly with respecting boundaries and the wishes of others. The speed with which she moved in with Erwin and then took over his home, despite his own tastes regarding home decor, was... not great. However, I've read other memoirs that had moments where the subject didn't entirely come across as likable and I still enjoyed those. I feel my primary issue with this book was that I was only engaged in what was happening like... 30% of the time. Didn't expect Phil Spector and Mel Gibson to be described so... gently either. Both of them are abusive men - one a convicted murder and the other a racist and antisemetic piece of shit. Cool they worked with you, but this book was published long after it was known how awful they were. The decision to leave out what they did later was a choice.
Even aside from the awful descriptions of moments with Ike, it just wasn't as captivating as I expected it to be. It's a me problem, so it didn't impact my rating too much. Tina Turner is a legend, she's lived an extraordinary life, she's worked with amazing people and I think this book is one of the better ways to explain the life of a woman that went through a terrible domestic situation like she did.
There's always a worry I have that stories like that will emphasize the abuse more than the recovery - which is my least favorite thing. I enjoyed that this book was way more centered on her life after Ike and how she recovered and got to the point that he no longer had any power over her or her thoughts. It showed how women can essentially get a second wind after 40 and it's never too late to find the love of your life. Those things I thought were nice to read.
Not a solid recommend from me because it wasn't as engaging as other memoirs I've read, but worth a read if you're a fan. I may check out I, Tina.
I didn't enjoy this memoir as much as the other 5 I've read recently. Some reviews have said the 1986 memoir "I, Tina" was more enjoyable, so I might check that one out. As it stands, this book felt strangely disconnected to me.
It's not so much that some moments were glossed over - it's 100% up to the subject to decide how much they want to share. The issue was that, at times, contradictory things were said. Perhaps that was to explain that Turner herself was a bit contradictory. There's emphasis on buddhist tenets and forgiveness, but there were times she'd state that she never expressed her grudge and resentment towards her mother but there were moments described where she did. Which, hey, more power to her. Her mother really didn't do right by her, but that combined with other moments that kind of made me wonder if there were editing notes to insert certain things. As if it wouldn't have looked as clean if not all aspects of her story were pretty?
I don't know. There were a few moments where this wasn't as enjoyable a memoir for me to read. At times, Turner doesn't entirely come across as a likable person. Particularly with respecting boundaries and the wishes of others. The speed with which she moved in with Erwin and then took over his home, despite his own tastes regarding home decor, was... not great. However, I've read other memoirs that had moments where the subject didn't entirely come across as likable and I still enjoyed those. I feel my primary issue with this book was that I was only engaged in what was happening like... 30% of the time. Didn't expect Phil Spector and Mel Gibson to be described so... gently either. Both of them are abusive men - one a convicted murder and the other a racist and antisemetic piece of shit. Cool they worked with you, but this book was published long after it was known how awful they were. The decision to leave out what they did later was a choice.
Even aside from the awful descriptions of moments with Ike, it just wasn't as captivating as I expected it to be. It's a me problem, so it didn't impact my rating too much. Tina Turner is a legend, she's lived an extraordinary life, she's worked with amazing people and I think this book is one of the better ways to explain the life of a woman that went through a terrible domestic situation like she did.
There's always a worry I have that stories like that will emphasize the abuse more than the recovery - which is my least favorite thing. I enjoyed that this book was way more centered on her life after Ike and how she recovered and got to the point that he no longer had any power over her or her thoughts. It showed how women can essentially get a second wind after 40 and it's never too late to find the love of your life. Those things I thought were nice to read.
Not a solid recommend from me because it wasn't as engaging as other memoirs I've read, but worth a read if you're a fan. I may check out I, Tina.
Tina Turner is an amazing woman. My Love Story chronicles the numerous hardships she endured and the amazing triumphs she achieved. Even during the darkest sections of her life, she rebounded and faced life with enthusiasm, energy, drive and purpose. An inspirational read, uplifting and fulfilling. I particularly enjoyed the sections wherein she met and performed with some of her musical heroes.
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
An interesting autobiography, I learnt a lot about Tina that I never knew. Some very interesting information, and wow what a life she lived. I am glad she found a true love in Irvine. They sound like a perfect couple.
The writing was good, well structured. The only thing I felt detracted from it was the continuous ‘bragging’ about brands, well that’s how it felt to me. I guess reflecting on her childhood, it is a psychological thing for Tina, just like filling her space with things. The fact she had nothing as a child, drives her to ensure she never feels like that vulnerable child again. That’s my pop psychology thoughts on it. So I can see the real, valid reasons for her name dropping, and over compensating. But not sure how the continued mention of her brands etc etc sits with her very average fans.
The writing was good, well structured. The only thing I felt detracted from it was the continuous ‘bragging’ about brands, well that’s how it felt to me. I guess reflecting on her childhood, it is a psychological thing for Tina, just like filling her space with things. The fact she had nothing as a child, drives her to ensure she never feels like that vulnerable child again. That’s my pop psychology thoughts on it. So I can see the real, valid reasons for her name dropping, and over compensating. But not sure how the continued mention of her brands etc etc sits with her very average fans.
Lovely. Much of this was included in the documentary of her life, and I loved reading it in her words. I loved reading about her ascent as a solo artist and her love with Erwin.
fast-paced
This one goes on the DNF pile. I realize she has led an interesting life but I’m not a fan of books that tell me how I should feel about the people in them and that includes memoirs. She tells the reader she is talented, she’s a survivor, she’s strong, she is a leader, her voice is a gift from god, her wedding was the most beautiful and elegant. Lots of dropping of brand names, designers, celebrities that don’t really add to her story. I was not impressed.
Tina Turner’s life was a blessing to us all who have known enough to pay attention. As she says throughout this book, in her life she turned poison into medicine. I will never be able to truly express how much I love her. She’s been an inspiration, a light in the darkness, my guide in trying to be who I am meant to be. I know she is still with us. And that is such a great joy.
This wasn't a bad read, but had I not seen What's Love Got to Do With This or read the book it was based on maybe I would have loved it a little more. I've read somewhere recently that Tina said she's never seen the movie, which I believe to be true, but it seems like maybe the co-authors asked her questions about specific scenes from the movie and she provided additional background to fill out scenes from the movie. Parts of the book were newish information, but much of it seemed like a cliff notes version of the book and I ended up scanning the last half of the book.
All of that said, I do think this is a worthwhile read for someone perhaps unfamiliar with her life and career. And who has neither seen or read What's Love Got to Do With It. I'd actually read this first and follow-up with What's Love Got to Do With It.
All of that said, I do think this is a worthwhile read for someone perhaps unfamiliar with her life and career. And who has neither seen or read What's Love Got to Do With It. I'd actually read this first and follow-up with What's Love Got to Do With It.
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
I loved everything about this book except one thing: the end! Narration by Heather Alicia Simms was exceptional and the story telling, sublime. But why oh why did it have to end with her son's suicide and that's the abrupt ending of her tale and what we, the readers, are left with?! Extreme sad face.