Scan barcode
ridgewaygirl's review against another edition
2.0
It turns out that heroin use is not a good way to build memories. Debbie Harry's memoir, is hampered by this fact as well as her unwillingness to say anything bad about anyone, tell juicy stories or get personal. She's lead an interesting life, what with being a part of the punk/new wave music scene, hanging out and performing at CGBG, a legendary music club in the seventies and eighties, with people like Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and assorted drag queens and musicians, being part of Blondie and touring the world and acting in movies like Hairspray and Videodrome. I just wish there hadn't been so much missing from her memoir.
The book itself is a lovely object. The paper is the kind of thick, matte paper that photographs look good on and there are pictures. Mostly, there is fan art; drawings of Harry sent to her through the years and which she kept. It's a nice, surprisingly sentimental touch from a woman intent in making sure we all know how tough she is (she is very tough, and had to be). There's a lot of name-dropping, but not much in the way of stories. Harry isn't going to say anything bad about anyone and anyway she doesn't remember much of the early CGBG days, has only nice things to say about most of the members of Blondie (there's a bit about two former members behaving badly in 2006) and she's too guarded to say anything about how she felt about any of it along the way.
I'm sure that people who loved Blondie will enjoy this, but it's dull stuff.
The book itself is a lovely object. The paper is the kind of thick, matte paper that photographs look good on and there are pictures. Mostly, there is fan art; drawings of Harry sent to her through the years and which she kept. It's a nice, surprisingly sentimental touch from a woman intent in making sure we all know how tough she is (she is very tough, and had to be). There's a lot of name-dropping, but not much in the way of stories. Harry isn't going to say anything bad about anyone and anyway she doesn't remember much of the early CGBG days, has only nice things to say about most of the members of Blondie (there's a bit about two former members behaving badly in 2006) and she's too guarded to say anything about how she felt about any of it along the way.
I'm sure that people who loved Blondie will enjoy this, but it's dull stuff.
sarah16's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use
Moderate: Rape
vickksx's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
alannawithafada's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
3.25
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.