A Natural Woman: A Memoir (2012) - Plot & Excerpts
Carole King wrote her memoir on her own. She says it took her years to complete. It doesn't surprise me that she would write it by herself - she is intelligent and creative - and the best person to tell her own story. Knowing her music, it was interesting to learn about what was going on in her life - when she created some of her most popular songs.She is humble but comes across brilliant in terms of her music and intellect. She skipped grades in school and started college at the age of 16. She's a gifted musician and she rose to fame quickly. While she achieved success with her music at a young age, her personal life was filled with problems and challenges. She had a child as a teenager, was married numerous times and had several children. She talks candidly about one of her husbands who was abusive to her. At one point, she dropped out and moved to Idaho to work on a farm. She homeschooled her youngest children who were still living with her during that time.She's an interesting person and her story is a good read. She comes across as a very nice person - which I think she is. I listened 14 hours to this on Playaway (audio) and thoroughly enjoyed hearing Carole King read and sing. Born Carol Klein (Kline) to Jewish parents, she attended a Brooklyn high school for the arts. As a performer, she was timid in the spotlight. As songwriter and pianist Carole King (stage name), she was most successful. She first married at age 17 and delivered baby Louise the following year. Two years later, Sherrie was born. After that first marriage ended in divorce, Carole remarried and bore two more children, Molly and Levi. Sadly, this second marriage also ended in divorce. The relationship with Rick Evers, her third husband, was an abusive one that ended when Evers died of a heroin overdose at age 31. Carole married a fourth time, but the pattern of rocky relationships continued. Throughout her life and career, 72-year-old Carole King has been shaped not only by her four husbands, but also by experiences with various musicians and producers including longtime friend James Taylor. The recipient of four Grammy Awards and member of numerous halls of fame, Carole King is a legend in our time who has authored a perceptive, delightful, and unassuming memoir.
What do You think about A Natural Woman: A Memoir (2012)?
I listed to this on unabridged audiobook, and I was glad I did as she sings and plays in portions.
—Lalderjaney
A great book for Carole King fans. I learned a lot about her from reading this book. Very candid.
—nabulsi
Interesting to hear about someone I only knew from her music.
—fria
Didn't finish. Not a big fan of hers and her lifestyle
—Mariel
