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adamrussell's review against another edition
reflective
sad
slow-paced
3.25
Even without the acknowledged misrepresentation of certain relationships, this book has problems. Moby describes events from 40+ years’ ago with a level of detail and familiarity that cannot be accurate. In doing so, he undermines the credibility of his broader narrative.
This book also wallows - consuming it feels a little like the self-indulgence Moby has indulged in for so much of his adult life. It would be more interesting to hear less about the parties, and a bit more about the shame the morning after andhis subsequent battle with alcoholism, once he admitted his problem .
Still, it takes a level of vulnerability to write a book like this. Then It Fell Apart provides a level of insight into the fragile reality of celebrity that is hard to find, and hard to read.
This book also wallows - consuming it feels a little like the self-indulgence Moby has indulged in for so much of his adult life. It would be more interesting to hear less about the parties, and a bit more about the shame the morning after and
Still, it takes a level of vulnerability to write a book like this. Then It Fell Apart provides a level of insight into the fragile reality of celebrity that is hard to find, and hard to read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism and Drug use
Minor: Vomit
nyzerman's review
3.0
This review is based on the audio book. I would give it 2.5 stars if I could. I am just now getting into audio books and this was available through my local library on RGB. I thought an audio book read by its author might be a more interesting and genuine audio experience. I liked Moby's album, Play, and knew he was a vegan and recall a vague memory of his tea shop, either from reading about it or seeing it featured somewhere online perhaps. I had no idea how much of a tortured soul he was or that he was an alcoholic struggling with addiction throughout much of his life. His life story is interesting but frankly, his narration was monotone and without passion - there were certainly parts of the book where he was angry or upset and if not listening to the words, I would never be able to detect his change of emotion. I found myself drifting off at times, forgetting that I was listening to an audio book because the narration was very flat (and ironically, I feel badly for being critical because a lot of the issues in his memoir seem to stem from his own self criticism.) I would have liked a more emphatic narration that would allow the reader to feel the emotion rather than just hear it blandly spoken.
yaboigingerino's review
4.0
As I predicted, it got worse. Way worse.
But at the end of the day, it's just the actions of Moby that make me quiver and feel confused, not the writing or anything.
And because it really ramps up in this memoir, I think it rates a star higher than the previous one.
But at the end of the day, it's just the actions of Moby that make me quiver and feel confused, not the writing or anything.
And because it really ramps up in this memoir, I think it rates a star higher than the previous one.
woolpierogi's review
1.0
This book. I had an uneasy feeling the entire time I was reading it. Something didn't feel right about it. It is exceptionally self-serving (but I guess one could argue that a memoir can't be anything but self-serving). Moby had a very rough childhood, yes. It's sometimes hard to read. But everything feels like either "I deserve everything I have because my life was hard" or "how amazing am I for overcoming all of this?"
But, after reading, I read all of the statements by people he referenced in the book and while some he didn't even verify the spelling of - others (Natalie Portman) he just altered the truth to make himself sound less gross.
Do not recommend. 1.5 stars? I guess? I finished it. I could have stopped. So, that's something.
Genre: Arts and Entertainment; Autobiographies and memoirs; Life stories
Tone: Gossipy
Writing Style: Candid
But, after reading, I read all of the statements by people he referenced in the book and while some he didn't even verify the spelling of - others (Natalie Portman) he just altered the truth to make himself sound less gross.
Do not recommend. 1.5 stars? I guess? I finished it. I could have stopped. So, that's something.
Genre: Arts and Entertainment; Autobiographies and memoirs; Life stories
Tone: Gossipy
Writing Style: Candid
wesleymccraw's review
5.0
Maybe it's a tale everyone knows, but seeing it played out can still provide insight. A brave book.
cate_ninetails's review against another edition
4.0
"As I was leaving my hotel the receptionist asked, “Do you need validation?” She was asking if I wanted the hotel to stamp my valet-parking stub, but for a second I got excited, thinking she was offering to give meaning to my life."
I chose this quote for my review because I felt that it sums up Then It Fell Apart quite nicely. In fact, most of the book seems to be Moby, both at the highest highs and the lowest lows, ever seeking validation from friends, acquaintances and total strangers. An admitted narcissist, he lays himself bare with some truly rock and roll stories but at the same time, amidst the constant name dropping and cataloguing of material wealth I never got the sense that this book was anything but a personal catharsis. The stories about using up and abandoning women, demanding drugs and shambling from place to place are shared almost like collected badges of honour. At no point did I really feel any regret behind the words that were written. But then I thought, maybe I am focused on the wrong thing, and maybe there is no reason for regret. Maybe these experiences were necessary, as a journey- not a final destination nor the sum of one man's parts. As the book came abruptly to a close, with simple and familiar words that take a lifetime for some to say, I realised that it finished not at Moby's end, but at his beginning.
I chose this quote for my review because I felt that it sums up Then It Fell Apart quite nicely. In fact, most of the book seems to be Moby, both at the highest highs and the lowest lows, ever seeking validation from friends, acquaintances and total strangers. An admitted narcissist, he lays himself bare with some truly rock and roll stories but at the same time, amidst the constant name dropping and cataloguing of material wealth I never got the sense that this book was anything but a personal catharsis. The stories about using up and abandoning women, demanding drugs and shambling from place to place are shared almost like collected badges of honour. At no point did I really feel any regret behind the words that were written. But then I thought, maybe I am focused on the wrong thing, and maybe there is no reason for regret. Maybe these experiences were necessary, as a journey- not a final destination nor the sum of one man's parts. As the book came abruptly to a close, with simple and familiar words that take a lifetime for some to say, I realised that it finished not at Moby's end, but at his beginning.
woolpierogi's review against another edition
1.0
This book. I had an uneasy feeling the entire time I was reading it. Something didn't feel right about it. It is exceptionally self-serving (but I guess one could argue that a memoir can't be anything but self-serving). Moby had a very rough childhood, yes. It's sometimes hard to read. But everything feels like either "I deserve everything I have because my life was hard" or "how amazing am I for overcoming all of this?"
But, after reading, I read all of the statements by people he referenced in the book and while some he didn't even verify the spelling of - others (Natalie Portman) he just altered the truth to make himself sound less gross.
Do not recommend. 1.5 stars? I guess? I finished it. I could have stopped. So, that's something.
Genre: Arts and Entertainment; Autobiographies and memoirs; Life stories
Tone: Gossipy
Writing Style: Candid
But, after reading, I read all of the statements by people he referenced in the book and while some he didn't even verify the spelling of - others (Natalie Portman) he just altered the truth to make himself sound less gross.
Do not recommend. 1.5 stars? I guess? I finished it. I could have stopped. So, that's something.
Genre: Arts and Entertainment; Autobiographies and memoirs; Life stories
Tone: Gossipy
Writing Style: Candid
jonshiel's review against another edition
4.0
Moby doesn't seem like quite as much of a dickhead after you learn about his background. Sure he's still quite smitten with himself but to be fair he does make decent music so I guess thats justified. The book is actually paced quite well.
memydogandbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Honest, poignant and eye opening insight into Moby’s life when he rocketed further into global fame with the release of the album ‘Play’ and the 10ish year’s that followed. Pretty much hedonistic debauchery and self destruction.
Juxtaposed with his poor and challenging childhood this is a truly truthful and moving read.
Juxtaposed with his poor and challenging childhood this is a truly truthful and moving read.