mckellstar's review against another edition
4.0
4/5
Very interesting read, or listen in my case. While a bit long, I think everything was in there for a reason and as it’s his first chance to really tell HIS life story it made sense.
I thought this was pretty eye-opening in regards to the Royal family’s relationships with one another and will hopefully lead to further discussions on the monarchy as an (outdated and racist) institution and the toxic ecosystem of the press.
ETA: I listened to this while I was sick, so I did miss a few snippets here and there, but these are my initial thoughts. I feel like he could have touched on some things that were glossed over or just not mentioned, but maybe Meghan will release a book? I would looove to read her story. I found it so odd that Harry spoke about getting help and getting therapy but he didn’t mention the fact that Meghan was not allowed to get any help? Like… why? So maybe he decided that was not his story to tell.
I don’t know. Like I said, some things were not really touched on - like the whole “I was born into one of the most privileged and racist institutions”, but I don’t think he doesn’t know that. How can he not, especially since marrying a biracial woman? I’m trying to take this book at face value and see it as a stepping stone, or as the beginning of a bigger story, because the story is still being written.
The reviews or “reviews” stating he’s a traitor or decrying how he could do this to his family… yikes.
Very interesting read, or listen in my case. While a bit long, I think everything was in there for a reason and as it’s his first chance to really tell HIS life story it made sense.
I thought this was pretty eye-opening in regards to the Royal family’s relationships with one another and will hopefully lead to further discussions on the monarchy as an (outdated and racist) institution and the toxic ecosystem of the press.
ETA: I listened to this while I was sick, so I did miss a few snippets here and there, but these are my initial thoughts. I feel like he could have touched on some things that were glossed over or just not mentioned, but maybe Meghan will release a book? I would looove to read her story. I found it so odd that Harry spoke about getting help and getting therapy but he didn’t mention the fact that Meghan was not allowed to get any help? Like… why? So maybe he decided that was not his story to tell.
I don’t know. Like I said, some things were not really touched on - like the whole “I was born into one of the most privileged and racist institutions”, but I don’t think he doesn’t know that. How can he not, especially since marrying a biracial woman? I’m trying to take this book at face value and see it as a stepping stone, or as the beginning of a bigger story, because the story is still being written.
The reviews or “reviews” stating he’s a traitor or decrying how he could do this to his family… yikes.
klaudiaslowik's review against another edition
2.0
Despite the book covering a fascinating topic and having such a huge potential to be insightful and shocking, I feel like the writing has ruined it for me on multiple occasions. At points it felt like no one proofread this, or if they did, it was after a full bottle of Merlot on an empty stomach. Some sentences were ridiculous, including this beauty worthy of a place on a math test your teacher composed to save you from failing: "There were never more than fifteen of us, though somehow there were never less than fifteen either." I don't agree with Harry on his views on the army and the need for a monarchy, but I don't think it's fair to count it towards the final score for this book. I enjoyed the last, maybe 60 to 100 pages? I thought the insight on how he felt after being 'cut-off' by his father was really good. It inadvertently critiques the way the whole institution works, which kind of contradicts his earlier statements. I enjoyed reading his criticism towards the British press. I just wish the whole book was like that rather than the occasional snippets.
edit: Isn't it ironic how much of this book was taken out of context and turned into click baits by the press?
edit: Isn't it ironic how much of this book was taken out of context and turned into click baits by the press?
baileylizhi's review against another edition
3.0
It really did just read like a therapy session. Also Freud would have a field day with the amount of times "mummy" and "penis" were mentioned, as well as their proximity.
clittleford3's review
emotional
informative
reflective
3.5
Really interesting. It was pretty obvious there were still some raw unresolved emotions.
catsflipped's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
I laughed, I cried, I was shocked but most of all I am ashamed.
In this deeply moving book Prince Harry bares all, his down to earth manner and painful honesty is refreshing and totally believable. If you've already decided you believe what the media want you to believe then give this book a miss. If you want to see the inner workings of a family that are usually a mystery hidden behind protocol then this is a must read.
I read very few biographies, but I would read this one again and again.
In this deeply moving book Prince Harry bares all, his down to earth manner and painful honesty is refreshing and totally believable. If you've already decided you believe what the media want you to believe then give this book a miss. If you want to see the inner workings of a family that are usually a mystery hidden behind protocol then this is a must read.
I read very few biographies, but I would read this one again and again.
cwouters's review against another edition
3.75
the last act was quite good but the military part was not. overall an interesting read but obviously not appropriately critical of many systems involved