Lady Sings the Blues by Billie Holiday, William Dufty Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Lady Sings the Blues
Book Review: AUTObiography?
Summary: 3 Stars
This book has had some exellent reviews, and after reading it I was not disapointed. I totaly agreed with what many people said about the book: It is one of the most honest autobiographies ever written. Then I found out the truth behind the book. I saw a special on Billie one night, and was shocked to hear that Billie had nothing to do with the writting of the book. Some ghost writer typed it up, and all Billie did was sign off on it. It is not even known if she ever even read the thing. So my rating of the book is 3 stars. It is still quite informative, and does contain mostly facts, but to call it an autobiography is some what misleading.Book Review: the good, the bad & the ugly...beautifully recounted
Summary: 5 Stars
I picked this book up because the woman's voice moves me. I wanted to learn more about her; wanted to know where all of the pain and dignity came from. I'll admit that I was apprehensive...I was certain that her version of the story would be sugar-coated. My fears were unfounded. Billie doesn't leave anything out. She seems to understand that darker points of her life were where the gift was coming from. She candidly discusses her heroin & alcohol addictions, as well as a brief bout of prostitution. She was as interesting as she was talented. Hers is assuredly a harrowing tale, but it is tempered with dignity, honesty & intelligence. She possessed a wisdom that can only derive from a lifetime of tragic mistakes. My one complaint would be that the disturbing chain of events leading to her death aren't covered here. But, alas, this is an autobiography & death can't really be covered in an autobiography. Get her life from her...try Donald Clarke's Wishing On The Moon: The Life & Times Of Billie Holiday(Viking/1994) for adequate coverage of her untimely death. There is enough trgedy and triumph in Lady Sings to satisfy the strongest craving. Ms. Holiday & Mr. Duffy educated me about jazz and its lifestyle, but, more than that, they made me want to know more...to experience more. Lady Sings The Blues is an amazing chronicle of one of music's most gifted and soulful human beings. If you have the slightest spark of interest, you would be cheating yourself by passing on this wonderfully haunting book. Billie Holiday saw that her story's value was dependent upon absolute honesty on her part. This book would mean nothing without it.Book Review: MOST HONEST AUTOBIOGRAPHY EVER WRITTEN
Summary: 5 Stars
I came across this book at a local library. Never has a more honest reflection of oneself been written. Her words are so vivid on the struggles she has lived through. What a Classy Lady!!!!Book Review: A FASCINATING MUST READ
Summary: 5 Stars
this is the real billie holiday talking...she had a ghost writer...william dufty...but these are billie's thoughts and words. she comes out to be a real human...and a very intelligent one at that...her weaknesses proved to be self destructive and fatal..but we all have our faults...my only wish was that the book was longer...remember that other bios on billie holiday borrow and excerpt heavily from this book. this book is searing!