Reviews

Spare by Prince Harry

styxis's review against another edition

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3.0

I was the shadow, the support, the Plan B. I was brought into the world in case something happened to Willy. I was summoned to provide backup, distraction, diversion and, if necessary, a spare part. Kidney, perhaps. Blood transfusion. Speck of bone marrow. This was all made explicitly clear to me from the start of life’s journey and regularly reinforced thereafter.


This was a very personal memoir about Prince Harry's life which made me actually think that I now know more of who he is, not just as a royal, but as a human. Despite my disinterest in the Royal family, Harry's book helped me with understanding their daily lives, and especially, his own.
Sadly, most of the book was not that interesting for me. It was very informative, sure, but definitely not the genre I normally read and I really stepped out of my comfort zone for this one. And with nothing crazy interesting (fantasy-, action- or romance-wise) happening, it was a bit rough to go through.
However, I must admit that I understand why this is on the bestseller list. In no other book will you get such honest and detailed thoughts of the British royal family than in this one. And Prince Harry is very truthful in everything he thought, did and said throughout his life.

gimbal_lock's review against another edition

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funny slow-paced

mollyhaymore's review against another edition

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4.0

I loved this book! I understand why some people feel that this book is a family matter and shouldn’t have been handled publicly, but I disagree. The way that I read and saw the book was Harry, giving his experience from his eyes and showing either what the press got wrong or if they got it right, what went into his actions. I feel like if it was any other person writing this book, I would agree that it should not have been written, but this man’s entire life has been publicized for our entertainment, and I feel it is only right for him to get the chance to tell it from his perspective. Sure, there is a lot of bias. You do need to take with a grain of salt, but what biography or memoir is all fact with absolutely no bias? Megan and Harry deserve to be able to speak out about their experiences especially because we have been judging them without ever getting their side or caring enough to stop before making an assumption about them. I think this book was well written, brave, and could change the direction of the royal family, which has been needing to happen for a very long time.

anniecakestoo's review against another edition

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3.0

I ended up enjoying this book way more than I anticipated. Once I got used to he author’s prose, I found myself cheering for him and his family. This book is, once again, a tome to the power of therapy and the universal experience of (often tortured) family dynamics.

hiweeboop's review against another edition

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4.0

3.5 stars — I enjoyed reading what Harry had to share with us. :) It felt like he was rambling at times, but made it more authentic!

slamjo's review against another edition

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emotional reflective

3.5

aimalicious811's review against another edition

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5.0

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved hearing about Harry’s time in Africa, and his military service. This book helped me understand more the reasons for his decisions.

ktlemone2's review against another edition

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3.0

I have so many thoughts on this book. This book is a really interesting read, I would definitely recommend it.

emmajarvis's review against another edition

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4.0

I’m so glad I’m not famous

lis_allenwalker's review against another edition

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I don’t know how to rate this book. Objectively for me it was pretty much a snooze fest until Part III. Though if there are any jarheads reading it I could see them loving Part II. If you’re a Diana lover Part I is for you.

In the context of a historical record, I get what the point was: if you tell all your own stories you take the power away from the press.

I wanted to love this, and I did love parts of it, but I wouldn’t give it five stars. There are plenty more interesting biographies out there that are much less cringey.