A review by rainbowofcrazy
Unlovable: A memoir from the voice of Savage Garden by Darren Hayes

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

5.0

This book is something special. I can’t quite fully describe what it means to me. Darren is such a beautiful storyteller. It was so easily to visualize his story and to be there right with him, every step of the way.

This book is very hopeful, but it’s also incredibly dark. Darren did not have an easy life. He grew up in a home filled with domestic violence, and he suffered from depression and anxiety and so much trauma, all while trying to discover his sexuality as a gay man. Even from the start, this story is dark and heartbreaking, and it’s not an easy read. There’s also mention of suicidal thoughts, and I am just so incredibly thankful that he is still with us in this world today.

It’s not all sadness and darkness though! There are lots of wonderful stories and funny stories. I knew very little about Darren; so I learned so much with this book (like Darren, you’re funny!) I loved learning about his life: how he got into music, how Savage Garden got started, how the band really ended (and the ugly fallout!). I got wonderful insights on how their biggest hits were crafted (I learned what really inspired the song “I Want You” and 🤭). I learned about what it was like for him to become a rockstar and finding himself while being one of the most successful bands in the world – to suddenly disappearing off the music map. I learned how he was able to ultimately overcome so many personal struggles, conflicts with his family, with the band, with his sexuality, and how he became stronger through it all.

The format of the book is a little unusual. It didn’t feel like it went in any particular order and I found it rather chaotic. I’m not sure it flowed that well for me, and it took some getting used to the jumping around, but the content is what really shined through.

I also really need to gush about the audiobook. I highly recommend getting a hold of the audiobook if you can, because for one, his voice!! I mean, we’ve all heard his singing voice. It’s frickin magic. And his speaking voice is just as beautiful! He has such a lovely voice for narration. Can we get him to just narrate every single book ever made, please? I’d like that very much.

There is just so much in this book, and it’s completely worth a read, especially if you like Darren Hayes, Savage Garden, are interested in the music business, if you’re part of the LGBTQIA community, or have ever struggled with your identity or your mental health. There’s something in this book for everyone.

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