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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
I never read memoirs! This was a part of the Storygraph Genre challenge (read a biography about a musician). I love Lucinda's music so it was a real treat to learn more about her. Her childhood was not so great, and as someone with their own mommy issues, I was touched by her relationship with her mother who struggled with depression and wasn't there for her. It was also lovely to hear from her about all her influences on her music and how she got to where she is today. The stories she shared about the origin of certain songs and the readings of certain verses were great.
Lucinda is one of the greatest songwriters, so it's not terribly surprising that she can bring emotion and craft to the memoir game as well. The book is clean and readable, but full of emotional depths, diving into insights she's gained from years of therapy - heavily focused on her childhood and upbringing, with plenty of stories of boyfriends, musical industry struggles, and song lyric origins. If you love Lucinda's music (and why wouldn't you?), you're going to love her story as well.
I’m a big fan of Lucinda William’s music, and I especially love her song lyrics. I was curious about what formed her poetic vision, and there are times when this memoir answers that question. She quotes her own song lyrics and tells the stories behind them.
The beginning of the book is also interesting, as Williams writes about her mother’s mental illness, her preacher grandparents, and her parents’ openness to the culture and politics of the 60s. But as she pursues her musical career, the book paradoxically slows down. The tone becomes rather flat and business-like. She writes about the people who influenced her, the different places she played, and the pitfalls of the music industry business. Gradually, she becomes more and more successful, although she still has to fight for her right to record her songs the way she wants to. I think this might be more interesting for someone in the industry.
The beginning of the book is also interesting, as Williams writes about her mother’s mental illness, her preacher grandparents, and her parents’ openness to the culture and politics of the 60s. But as she pursues her musical career, the book paradoxically slows down. The tone becomes rather flat and business-like. She writes about the people who influenced her, the different places she played, and the pitfalls of the music industry business. Gradually, she becomes more and more successful, although she still has to fight for her right to record her songs the way she wants to. I think this might be more interesting for someone in the industry.
I don’t read a lot of memoirs. Because, honestly, who cares? We’re all living a life and struggling and surviving and shifting.
But as a fan of (most of) Williams’ records, I was curious to know what inspired the lyrics of the albums. And, I get my answers.
I love how simply Williams writes her life. Matter of fact, to the point. Short, sharp statements. Williams covers a lot of ground in a little time.
But as a fan of (most of) Williams’ records, I was curious to know what inspired the lyrics of the albums. And, I get my answers.
I love how simply Williams writes her life. Matter of fact, to the point. Short, sharp statements. Williams covers a lot of ground in a little time.
If you are a devoted fan, I'm sure this book would be a 4 or 5 star read. Her music and songs are both evocative and honest in their intensity, but the straightforward narration of the book removes the mystery and the vibe of the music. For a true fan, the details of the life stories and the inspiration of the songs may provide added meaning. For those who appreciate a work of art because of what it asks of you and your experience, the reality of the stories behind the song removes an element of empathy and redirects to sympathy.
Some of the artists Lucinda mentions in the book were ones I discovered before I heard her voice for the first time. I was listening to Mia Doi Todd and PJ Harvey years before I was lucky enough to hear Car Wheels for the first time. I could relate to every word in that song. The entire album was just spectacular and I've loved everything she's done since. Hearing her tell the story about how each song came about will really change the way I hear them from now on. Also as someone who has always labeled her as Alt Country to my friends when I played her music for them (and dragged them to her shows), I am truly sorry for the label. I get not wanting to be boxed in and it never occurred to me how limiting that might be for an artist.
Don't tell anybody the secrets I told you might be the most relatable sentiment in any song ever written.
Don't tell anybody the secrets I told you might be the most relatable sentiment in any song ever written.
Thank you, @crownpublishing and @randomhouse, for the gifted book.
When I requested this memoir, I knew of Lucinda Williams through a couple songs. I had no idea that through reading about her life in her own words, I would discover how much I enjoy her music. While I wrote this review, I listened.
Lucinda Williams’ father was a poet, and I think Williams is, too. I feel it in her songwriting. She had a tough early life, a tough childhood. Her dad was always moving the family to find his next adventure, and her mom had significant struggles with mental illness. Williams does not share these experiences with any sadness. Instead, she expresses a deep and abiding love for parents that, while flawed, accepted her and encouraged her to do anything. I found that extremely relatable, and I’m sure many of us can.
Williams hustled a long time before she was recognized. The sheer tenacity of her spirit is impressive. Not to mention, she had a tracheotomy very early on life.
She offers the background on many of her songs. Her family’s vagabond life influenced many of the places and spaces that appear as themes.
Don’t Tell Anybody the Secrets I Told You is a wholly inspiring story that is somehow completely understated. A quick read, highly recommended, and I bet the audio is equally phenomenal.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
When I requested this memoir, I knew of Lucinda Williams through a couple songs. I had no idea that through reading about her life in her own words, I would discover how much I enjoy her music. While I wrote this review, I listened.
Lucinda Williams’ father was a poet, and I think Williams is, too. I feel it in her songwriting. She had a tough early life, a tough childhood. Her dad was always moving the family to find his next adventure, and her mom had significant struggles with mental illness. Williams does not share these experiences with any sadness. Instead, she expresses a deep and abiding love for parents that, while flawed, accepted her and encouraged her to do anything. I found that extremely relatable, and I’m sure many of us can.
Williams hustled a long time before she was recognized. The sheer tenacity of her spirit is impressive. Not to mention, she had a tracheotomy very early on life.
She offers the background on many of her songs. Her family’s vagabond life influenced many of the places and spaces that appear as themes.
Don’t Tell Anybody the Secrets I Told You is a wholly inspiring story that is somehow completely understated. A quick read, highly recommended, and I bet the audio is equally phenomenal.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Lucinda has lived a fascinating life and writes well about it. If you are a fan of her music this is a no-brainer!