All of Me

The True Story of that Great Canadian We Fondly Call Anne

The surprises in this book were shocking - her personal participation with smoking, drugs, and alcohol; the adultery. She kept it very well hidden for decades. So why reveal it now? Was it to show her human side?

Did not like the foul language - so not like her. Not that it was a huge surprise she was exposed to it frequently. Who isn't?

The interviews she has given about writing the book have been very helpful in further understanding where she was coming from and what she was thinking. Big question about the problems with the drugs and alcohol in the band - if she was writing the checks, why didn't she but them under contract that mandated no use of these substances 24 hours before a show. Is that too idealistic? Or was it the fact most men back then really didn't care what women had to say - even if they were writing the checks?

It was humbling she shared the details of the deaths of each of her parents. Without question, that is one of the hardest experiences any of us will ever have in life. I'm sure that stirred some deep feelings for her.

It was a big surprisse to read about her health challenges. She has appeared to have kept herself in such exceptional physical shape that it was never noticeable when she was on stage. She has always had the best shaped legs - they put the majority of us to shame - yet she neglected to share her secret in accomplishing that. Was it just a great gene pool?

Another expectation was more details about the deterioration of her marriage. The fact she never bad mouthed Bill at any time in the book is a typcial reflection of the high class this woman has reeked of on countless occasions throughout her life. The surprise is it is very uncommon for someone divorced to speak of their ex without a negative tone and/or bitter accusations. While her comments about the break up were brief, she acknowledged her absence as a major contribution leading to the divorce. Very understandable why Bill got hooked on the booze - he undoubtedly loved this woman so very much, he needed something to numb his loneliness and longing for her during those long absences.

Readers have to admire Anne for being honest about the reasons for her retirement. She has worked very, very hard for forty years and paid the ultimate price through loneliness and great losses in her life. Her music has provided comfort to many of us die hard fans that have clung to her music for those 40 years to help us get through our own tough times.

This book left me wanting to know more about her patriotism to her beloved Canada. While she was gracious to entertain millions of Americans over the years, there was never any question about her loyalty to her roots. Expected a bit more on her receiving Canada's highest honor, yet not too surprised as she is not one known for bragging.

The pictures in the book are absolutely fabulous. Thank you, Anne, for sharing those with us. Her willingness to do that is reflective of her ever present graciousness. Anne has always been kind and patient in mingling with her fans. Providing these pictures allows us another keepsake to honor of her noble life.

Her next book could be the secrets of her golf game which seems to have captured alot of interest - and jealousy.

Rest well, Anne, but never forget you are dearly loved and sorely missed in person on stage. Once you are rested, maybe one more duet - with Susan Boyle in Canada? Make people come to you now.

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

For the Anne Murray fan in all of us!

For those of us who regard Anne Murray as providing the soundtrack to our lives, this is a must-read! One gets an interesting look into the public and private life of this Canadian songbird - from family to career to divorce to her passion for golf (who knew?!), this book keeps you interested and actually wanting to know more! I finished the book feeling like I just made a new friend; she's very down to earth and gives you an honest look behnd the scenes - all of them! Recommend this book to everyone - even if you're not a fan, this book may turn you into one!

Very good reading

I found this book very interesting reading, great for a rainy day. It would make a good book for a book club to be discussed. I found that it may look glamourous to be a singer and a big mega star, but sometimes it comes at a cost to your own privacy and your own private life.
she certainly had to make many choices in her life to get to where she is today. But I'm giving too much of the book away, so read read read........

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A must read for Anne Murray fans

I enjoyed reading this and learning of the struggles she had with her record company in promoting her music. I've been a fan for many years but learned some very interesting things from her autobiography.

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