Skip to main content
Swap Used Books - Buy New Books at Great Prices!
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of A Natural Woman: A Memoir

A Natural Woman: A Memoir
margaretlee avatar reviewed on + 171 more book reviews


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!