dorothy_gale's review against another edition
5.0
5★: IT IS POSSIBLE TO TURN POISON INTO MEDICINE. Tina Turner, the Queen of Rock and Roll, passed away at the age of 83 on May 24, 2023. Even though she had largely retired from performing 14 years prior, some irrational part of my brain was upset that I didn’t get to see her in person. She had been a part of my life since I was six years old, first as a soundtrack, then in my teens as an icon of resilience and choice, next in my 20s and 30s as comforting nostalgia, and last as classy legend. She was a TRUE DIVA — not a spoiled, demanding, selfish princess — but a humble, generous, grounded queen.
When, 25 days ago, I learned that she had died, I did three things: (1) I shot the messenger [figuratively], (2) I showed my kids some of her classic performances, and (3) I put this audiobook on hold. I was 15 when I watched the 1993 film What’s Love Got to Do with It, starring Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne. I hadn’t previously known anything about her life before her Private Dancer album — especially that she survived all forms of horrendous abuse from her World’s Worst A$$hole husband, and that she credited Buddhism at least in part for her escape and recovery. I had also recently watched the 2021 HBO documentary Tina, which was shockingly just as upsetting in that FORTY-FOUR YEARS LATER, the stupid-a$$ media was STILL asking her about frickin’ Ike‼‼ The misogynistic dinosaurs need to GROW UP and CATCH UP and EVOLVE! I was happy, though, to see the most mature Tina in her Swiss abode, peaceful and happy, living the life she had always deserved. I wanted MORE of that, and that’s why I wanted to pay tribute to this legend by hearing her truth, her way.
And this book delivered. She owns her journey and success, and I learned even more about her family relationships, her soulmate Erwin Bach, her health challenges, her sense of style and fashion and beauty, her insecurities, and her tragedies. You can hear and even feel her strength and optimism. She was more than a sultry voice or famous set of legs. She was and will forever remain an inspiration — a powerful alchemist capable of turning poison into medicine. She was SIMPLY THE BEST.
When, 25 days ago, I learned that she had died, I did three things: (1) I shot the messenger [figuratively], (2) I showed my kids some of her classic performances, and (3) I put this audiobook on hold. I was 15 when I watched the 1993 film What’s Love Got to Do with It, starring Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne. I hadn’t previously known anything about her life before her Private Dancer album — especially that she survived all forms of horrendous abuse from her World’s Worst A$$hole husband, and that she credited Buddhism at least in part for her escape and recovery. I had also recently watched the 2021 HBO documentary Tina, which was shockingly just as upsetting in that FORTY-FOUR YEARS LATER, the stupid-a$$ media was STILL asking her about frickin’ Ike‼‼ The misogynistic dinosaurs need to GROW UP and CATCH UP and EVOLVE! I was happy, though, to see the most mature Tina in her Swiss abode, peaceful and happy, living the life she had always deserved. I wanted MORE of that, and that’s why I wanted to pay tribute to this legend by hearing her truth, her way.
And this book delivered. She owns her journey and success, and I learned even more about her family relationships, her soulmate Erwin Bach, her health challenges, her sense of style and fashion and beauty, her insecurities, and her tragedies. You can hear and even feel her strength and optimism. She was more than a sultry voice or famous set of legs. She was and will forever remain an inspiration — a powerful alchemist capable of turning poison into medicine. She was SIMPLY THE BEST.
flying_monkeys's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
I dare you to read My Love Story and not admire this woman. Talent, heart, perseverance -- she has true grit and the character many of us lack nowadays. Constantly tested throughout her life, she never gave up her dreams and she never surrendered her Self.
What you'll read about in My Love Story is Tina's drive to achieve all that she dreamed she can be. She doesn't shy away from her mistakes. She doesn't gloss over her struggles. And she's not afraid to share her deepest vulnerabilities.
Structured around her relationship with Erwin Bach, their wedding, which Tina describes as the happiest day of her life, and the subsequent deterioration of her health. The narrative is pretty much chronological from her childhood to her early romances to meeting Ike Turner to leaving him to having to battle to reclaim her career to the hard work she put in to be the artist she always wanted to be.
She shares the stories behind her so-called comeback (though, she reminds the reader, she was never actually away) to the boosts she received from other artists like Cher and David Bowie.
She also mentions Beyoncé as a young artist much like herself. (I can totally see it!) And I respect Tina's view of her image, one she was quite deliberate about creating, one of being sexy without being threatening to other women. She said she's sexy without being sexual.
And, evidenced in her relationships with people like David Bowie and Oprah, Tina embodies the most valuable aspect of networking: true connection. So much of social media, online communities, and even in-person events are saturated by a gimme, gimme mindset. I really enjoyed reading about a legendary rock star who first and foremost creates relationships based on genuine interest and reciprocity rather than from a "What can this person do for me or my career" place.
Re-reading this "review" I realize I'm gushing, but this is a woman who deserves to be gushed over. I truly regret never getting to see her perform, but I'm thankful for her willingness to share of her personal life, to let us see the woman behind the star. As usual, Tina did not disappoint.
One disclaimer: The final chapter, about her son, is devastating. Be warned. I was a sobbing fool when I closed the book.
What you'll read about in My Love Story is Tina's drive to achieve all that she dreamed she can be. She doesn't shy away from her mistakes. She doesn't gloss over her struggles. And she's not afraid to share her deepest vulnerabilities.
Structured around her relationship with Erwin Bach, their wedding, which Tina describes as the happiest day of her life, and the subsequent deterioration of her health. The narrative is pretty much chronological from her childhood to her early romances to meeting Ike Turner to leaving him to having to battle to reclaim her career to the hard work she put in to be the artist she always wanted to be.
She shares the stories behind her so-called comeback (though, she reminds the reader, she was never actually away) to the boosts she received from other artists like Cher and David Bowie.
She also mentions Beyoncé as a young artist much like herself. (I can totally see it!) And I respect Tina's view of her image, one she was quite deliberate about creating, one of being sexy without being threatening to other women. She said she's sexy without being sexual.
And, evidenced in her relationships with people like David Bowie and Oprah, Tina embodies the most valuable aspect of networking: true connection. So much of social media, online communities, and even in-person events are saturated by a gimme, gimme mindset. I really enjoyed reading about a legendary rock star who first and foremost creates relationships based on genuine interest and reciprocity rather than from a "What can this person do for me or my career" place.
Re-reading this "review" I realize I'm gushing, but this is a woman who deserves to be gushed over. I truly regret never getting to see her perform, but I'm thankful for her willingness to share of her personal life, to let us see the woman behind the star. As usual, Tina did not disappoint.
One disclaimer: The final chapter, about her son, is devastating. Be warned. I was a sobbing fool when I closed the book.
kemunto's review against another edition
3.0
Not too bad. But I should have known not to pick this up because I hate stories about the music industry, especially from the 90s going back. I skipped the whole section on Ike, so scary. Nope.
csw_1981's review against another edition
3.5
Not superlative writing but worth reading because she is an extraordinary person.
starwitness's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
enbybirdprince's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
erin_oriordan_is_reading_again's review against another edition
4.0
Have I read anything else from this author? Yes, I read [b:I, Tina|568429|I, Tina|Tina Turner|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1387748133l/568429._SX50_.jpg|2329558].
Was this book better than this author's other book(s)? They're both pleasantly hopeful and inspiring. Tina is a mentally strong person who has overcome so much in her life. However, while I, Tina ended on a happy note with Tina reclaiming her life from her ex-husband Ike, this one ends on a sad note.
Was this book enjoyable? Very. Since my husband had a kidney transplant earlier this year and was on dialysis for five years, I found her chapters about her health struggles relatable. I was also glad she has such a rewarding relationship with her husband. He seems great.
Did I learn anything new from this book? I learned that Tina is still the lovely person we met in I, Tina. I also learned she struggled with undiagnosed dyslexia as a child; I don't recall that being mentioned in her previous book. Now I'm extra proud of her that she loves to read and returns to favorite books again and again.
Where did I get this book? I borrowed this ebook from my local library using the Libby app.
Do I recommend this book to other readers? Yes, I would recommend this book to anyone who's interested in celebrity memoirs. The one thing to be aware of is that Tina doesn't narrate the audiobook. It's read by a voice actress.
Was this book better than this author's other book(s)? They're both pleasantly hopeful and inspiring. Tina is a mentally strong person who has overcome so much in her life. However, while I, Tina ended on a happy note with Tina reclaiming her life from her ex-husband Ike, this one ends on a sad note.
Was this book enjoyable? Very. Since my husband had a kidney transplant earlier this year and was on dialysis for five years, I found her chapters about her health struggles relatable. I was also glad she has such a rewarding relationship with her husband. He seems great.
Did I learn anything new from this book? I learned that Tina is still the lovely person we met in I, Tina. I also learned she struggled with undiagnosed dyslexia as a child; I don't recall that being mentioned in her previous book. Now I'm extra proud of her that she loves to read and returns to favorite books again and again.
Where did I get this book? I borrowed this ebook from my local library using the Libby app.
Do I recommend this book to other readers? Yes, I would recommend this book to anyone who's interested in celebrity memoirs. The one thing to be aware of is that Tina doesn't narrate the audiobook. It's read by a voice actress.
hannahga's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
What an enigma Tina Turner was! Elegant, extremely talented, and unshakably strong. Her story is winsomely told and full of charm. The tougher topics are handled with such tact and grace that it's almost too easy to forget how much she has been through. Her journey of loving others and allowing herself to be loved is inspiring. She seemed like a truly remarkable woman!
tangiblereads's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Tina Turner My Love Story gave me insights into Mrs. Turner that I did not know. I think most people think they know all they need to based off What’s Love Got to Do With It movie, but there is so much more. Not to mention, just like she stated, her life has been without Ike longer than when he was in it. So I am happy she has taken control of her life and living it on her own terms. Who wouldn’t want that. Story was honest, specific, and inspiring. I love how she embraces aging (although she herself even admits that is only as good as your looks and health hold up) and love. I did find a bit of a contradiction in that she states she is not a diva, but I clearly get deva vibes. She is an expensive label junky and high end furnishings. However, a lady knows what she wants and has the dollars for it. Lovely lady and I appreciate her telling her story. Very inspirational. RIP Tina Turner, aka Anna Mae Bullock. May you continue rock n roll in eternity