Aretha: From These Roots
by Aretha Franklin

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Book Summary Information

• In details Aretha paints a vivid picture of a Detroit long gone
• The storefront churches, the basement parties, the explosive R&B shows.

Book Reviews of Aretha: From These Roots

Book Review: A Good Reading...For Whatever That's Worth
Summary: 3 Stars

Many times she comes off as being too "Little Richard-y", trying to give the impression that gospel would have never made the charts if it wasn't for her. Or better yet, her son was the first dancer to wear a suit and tie on Soul Train (perhaps he should get an award for that-Whoooo!) Yeah, like Aretha and her family started it all....

She also does not really set the record straight about "lies" in the press. No self-defense whatsoever. All she wrote was that Natalie Cole lied, Cissy Houston lied, Mavis Staples lied, Time Magazine lied about her and Ted White...Lied about what? Aretha, tell your side of the story otherwise the so-called "lies" will just keep perpetuating. Or perhaps they might have been a little "true" but you can't get a decent rebuttal going for fear of contradicting yourself? And why is it that so many people are rude to you? Like one of your lovers saying something nasty to the press?

She doesn't mention much about her personal life,just what she wanted to reveal, which was fine by me because it didn't seem too relevant. And it's not necessary to reveal her children's father's names either-I mean, she WAS underaged at that time. But she did drop a lot of other people's names like there was no tomorrow (most of whom I wouldn't know or give a darn about) and named just about every food place that she's been to. And the weight, she knows what's behind that, she just won't let out a lot of things.

Overall, I really didn't think this book was horrendous nor was it a spectacular novel. But if you are satisfied with knowing but so much about the Queen (and what she's been eating), then this is the book for you. It is a quick, interesting, and sometimes amusing read. END

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