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storybrooke13's review against another edition
4.0
This book is absolutely fascinating! It’s so interesting to learn more about Carole King’s life, but I also think they did a great job of setting the scene and letting us know what life was like in certain time periods. Carole King has lived a life of many things, and I certainly respect her more after reading the book. The book is very very detailed, it almost seems more like a glimpse into her diaries, which made it easier to connect but it also was a lot of material.
oceanwriter's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.5
I’m a big fan of Carole King, especially after seeing the touring production of Beautiful. I didn’t realize then that she’d written a memoir so I was super excited when I came across the audiobook.
More than a linear autobiography of Carole King’s life, the book is more of a series of vignettes from different times in her life. Naturally, there is a large focus on her music career. Her narration is wonderful, interspersed with a few musical moments. She seems as genuinely down to earth as she appears in her music.
I certainly have a deeper appreciation for her music now knowing some of the stories behind the songs or the times they were written and recorded. An uplifting read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Death, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Addiction, Mental illness, and Drug use
andrearbooks's review
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
After seeing Beautiful (the musical), it only made sense that I take this on. I highly recommend the audio version as Carole reads it, and I think it's much more captivating hearing her stories in her voice.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Death, and Drug abuse
madismurdermysteries's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
2.5
I love Carole King, and this had points where it was a really interesting read. But so much of it was *so* slow, I’ve tried reading it multiple times over the course of 8 years and this was the first time I was finally able to do it
km_loves_books's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
4.5
janetll's review against another edition
3.0
An unflattering memoir? Maybe she gets points for being honest?
I like Carole King's music, but her, not so much after reading this book. Four husbands and two long term relationships. Four children she sent to live elsewhere while she stayed purposefully snowed in, unable to be reached in an emergency. A host of people she willingly supported in their quest to do nothing. A list of wonderful things she's done (enumerated by herself), and a very tedious lawsuit that I didn't need to know so very much about.
The beginning of the book is interesting, telling her ancestor's immigration stories and how she started supporting herself and her family by writing music. The story of how she suffered domestic violence is wonderful and brave in the telling. The rest of it is kind of dreadful.
I like Carole King's music, but her, not so much after reading this book. Four husbands and two long term relationships. Four children she sent to live elsewhere while she stayed purposefully snowed in, unable to be reached in an emergency. A host of people she willingly supported in their quest to do nothing. A list of wonderful things she's done (enumerated by herself), and a very tedious lawsuit that I didn't need to know so very much about.
The beginning of the book is interesting, telling her ancestor's immigration stories and how she started supporting herself and her family by writing music. The story of how she suffered domestic violence is wonderful and brave in the telling. The rest of it is kind of dreadful.
bmpicc's review against another edition
3.0
I had an urge to read this after seeing the musical 'Beautiful'. While her story was incredibly interesting (and I am grateful it was actually written by her), there were parts that dragged or felt repetitive. She spoke of several of my favorite artists which was fun, but she also name-dropped the same folks over and over.
Most reviews take issue with her having multiple husbands. Being that her first relationship resulted in marriage at 17, that didn't bother me. What did irk me was her ability to leave her children with different people... in different states... at various ages/stages in their lives.
It is worth checking out if you are a fan, or just plan curious. Pretty quick read considering it is 450 pages!
Most reviews take issue with her having multiple husbands. Being that her first relationship resulted in marriage at 17, that didn't bother me. What did irk me was her ability to leave her children with different people... in different states... at various ages/stages in their lives.
It is worth checking out if you are a fan, or just plan curious. Pretty quick read considering it is 450 pages!
littletaiko's review against another edition
3.0
A Natural Woman by Carole King provided an interesting look at her life and especially at how music is made. In a way as someone who can't tell one note from another it almost provided too much information and stripped away the magic of music. She has led quite an amazing life and tells her story with honesty.
trayceebee's review against another edition
5.0
I got this book for free when I attended PLA 2012 in Philadelphia.
LOVED this book! I don't know if Ms. King had a ghostwriter or not, but I felt it was incredibly well written. (I'm a stickler for good grammar and spelling, etc.)
I knew Carole King had written many of the songs we hear every day, but a) I didn't realize HOW many it was, and b) I guess I hadn't realized she didn't write the lyrics to all her songs.... I also didn't realize she'd been married four times--wowza!
I am impressed, not only with all she's been through and has kept an upbeat attitude throughout, but also with what a good mother she is!
LOVED this book! I don't know if Ms. King had a ghostwriter or not, but I felt it was incredibly well written. (I'm a stickler for good grammar and spelling, etc.)
I knew Carole King had written many of the songs we hear every day, but a) I didn't realize HOW many it was, and b) I guess I hadn't realized she didn't write the lyrics to all her songs.... I also didn't realize she'd been married four times--wowza!
I am impressed, not only with all she's been through and has kept an upbeat attitude throughout, but also with what a good mother she is!