WOW! This is one of the very best I've ever listened to for a couple of reasons. First, Carole reads it herself...often singing some of the lyrics from the songs whose stories she is telling. Second, she begins this autobiography in her childhood and tells the roots of her musical talent, which began at home. Third, she very effectively describes the longing she has always had for a happy, intact family, and why she believes each of her marriages failed to fulfill that dream. Part of her story includes physical abuse she suffered at the hands of one husband, with a plea that other abused women reach out for help, knowing how difficult it was for her to do. Lastly, she tells the very personal stories of many other musicians whose music was evolving as hers was, who are close friends of hers, and who recorded the songs she wrote: Joni Mitchell, the Drifters, the Byrds, the Monkees, Blood Sweat and Tears, Aretha Franklin, and many more. Did you know that she--not James Taylor--wrote "You've Got A Friend"? You'll learn about her environmental activism, how she home schooled her children who went on to become accomplished artists and musicians, the stories behind many of her wonderful songs and more...even if you're not a Carole King fan, you'll be moved. Just LOVED this audio book!
I absolutely loved this book. Just couldn't put it down. Like a Who's-Who from someone who seemed to know everyone both in the New York and California music scene. I did not realize the number of songs that she had written before the Tapestry album. Lots of stories - Little Eva was Carole's baby sitter waiting for her big break (yes, Carole wrote the song Locomotion). Her life in Idaho was kind of bizarre to me and how she seemed to pick the wrong men; but Hey - she obviously lives the way she wants to and is a strong woman. Great Reading! Even worth buying new (which I don't do very often!)
