Face It

Disappointed

I bough this book based on great reviews and and a fondness for rock autobiographies. I have to say I was incredibly disappointed and had a hard time finishing. Though Debbie Harry is a talented musician, she gives a very halting and monotone narration. Her stories often seem unfinished. She jumps around a lot and will start to tell what seems to be a great story (going to one of Timothy Leary’s happenings in the 60’s for example), but then seems to share mundane parts of the storyline and leaves out the interesting details (she talked about his his long lecture and how she ended up being partnered up with a guy who was an FBI agent, and then... that was it). She alludes to extensive drug use but never really talks about it, she mentions her 13 year relationship with Chris Stein and her enduring friendship and love for him, but never once mentions why they broke up or even alludes that there were having difficulties. There was apparently tons of drama between band members, but again, she never really talks about it other than mentioning law suits and bad managers. I think overall, there just seems to be a lack of emotion in the book. More of a bland recounting of memories (and how is it possible to make her life sound bland? I don’t know!) At the end she tries to lighten things up by adding a 12 minute chapter where she rambles on about interesting things about thumbs. Really. Just... thumbs. If found myself rolling my eyes so many times through this book. I guess if you’re already well versed in Blondie history, this might be an interesting little addition to your knowledge base. But as a reader looking for a good story.... look elsewhere.

5 people found this helpful

Great overview of her life!

If you are a fan of the scene she came out or just a fan of her you will enjoy this experience. All of this being said, nothing better than the author reading the work especially since it is about the author. Makes a more wholesome listen. Worth it!

2 people found this helpful

Oddly dull

She either led a dull life for a rock star or was unwilling to really open up about it. Still, it’s Debbie Harry. She narrates her own book and she’s charming!

1 person found this helpful

as far as rock memoirs go, this was bland....

Don't get me wrong, you'll manage to finish the book and be entertained but you won't learn that much more than you already knew if you're a fan. I read a lot of rock star memoirs and typically those who read their own put great emotion into the reading, Debbie lacks that. It's almost as she's reading her own book for the first time.

1 person found this helpful

Literally couldn't stop listening

Truthbaring, real, sometimes raw. Brings you into her world with the attitude, the punk crowd, the real real. Humility and grateful emerge from her voice - from her depiction of a life with many twists and turns. It's more about the journey than the music. It's about the creative process and the idea that a true artist must create. Loved it Debbie!

1 person found this helpful

I loved this book

Debbie's reading of this book will reinvigorate the long neglected punk rock soul in anyone.
So many great stories, snapshots of daily life and tiny morsels of tasty details about the ups and downs of the music business.
Debbie has marched through life with brains, beauty and balls. It's a GREAT book!!

2 people found this helpful

A ‘Tell-some’

Not a tell-all, DH sometimes leaves a little too much out. I kept hoping she would talk about why she never married or had children. A long exposition and the only dull part of the whole book -the chapter on opposable thumbs - would not be required-just the truth, short and sweet.

Also looking forward, what does she still hope to do?

There is one scene which I won’t spoil by talking about it but it is haunting and harrowing and I did wonder about whether she reported it to the police and if not, what her thoughts are on the subject.

DH is the coolest most beautiful and talented big sister to many young women who grew up in her wake.

Unlike another female musical performer who shall remain nameless (because that will drive her crazy) DH never came off as a nasty unkind snarky insecure B.

DH remains dedicated not to the aggrandizement of her own ego but to art! and music and yes- to a great sense of humor and love.

Writing this book was a huge act of generosity. To share with all of us who feel like we know her but really don’t, for all of us who admire and take so much inspiration from her insatiable curiosity and the way she developed her talent I can only say: Thank You, DH for giving us as many details and anecdotes as you have.

We await volume 2 and all future creative endeavors.
xo

A very compelling tale!

Debbie Harry it's a punk rock pioneer, and a very cool, classy chic.

And the book is made all the more enjoyable because she narrates it herself.

can't recommend this enough for any fans of Blondie, Debbie, punk, or rock and roll in general!

Long awaited memoir

I was a kid in the 70’s. I was transfixed by Debbie Harry, and Blondie was my favorite band, still is! I am so glad they’re back together and going strong. This book takes you from the beginning, middle, and end of Blondie, as it were. Then it talks about the years in between, and Chris Stein’s much hushed about illness in the early days of AIDS, and it was rumored that’s what he had, as pictures of the ever loyal Debbie walking out of Lennox Hospital long enough to go home to get a bite & a shower. She was a faithful companion and I like her transparency all throughout her book, her NJ accent just adds to her charm, and I truly liked her talking about her being adopted. Knowing that it has and does affect her. Adoption starts from loss and is indeed lifelong trauma, even in the best of scenarios. Not only has Debbie got the face of a Greek statue, she’s got the talent & presence as well. Was sorry to hear how they were screwed over by a greedy business manager, an all too familiar story, particularly pre-internet days. I will always be a loyal fan. It’s an excellent book and covers the beginning up to the present. Read it , you’ll be glad you did!

Queen of Downtown’s Life Store is a MUST

Debbie Harry is the patron saint of struggling artists in NYC: she busted her ass as a headahop clerk, waitress at Max’s Kansas City and a Playboy Bunny before her and then boyfriend Chris Stein founded Blondie. They sold 50 million records but most importantly created their own genre-defying (punk-pop-new wave-reggae-disco-rock...) style of music which ruled the airwaves in the late 70s and early 80s. Plus she’s a fascinating, brilliant and intellectually curious woman. This book is a chance to spend a few hours with the original Punk Goddess, hearing the stories of her life.