Bryan K. Chavez

No Interesting Story Here

Revisado: 12-12-23

I almost exclusively listen to memoirs and this was by far one of the least interesting or engaging of them all.

The book reads more like a report (Who? What? When? Where?) than an actual memoir with interesting, insightful or memorable experiences or anecdotes.

If you care to know more about Mr. Allen’s history of car purchases, moving/housing journey and boyfriends, this book is for you. Even the minimal references to his sexual experiences feel salacious rather than integral to his story.

For someone with a such an exciting career, all of the stories are superficial and offer nothing more than dates, times and places. There is no substance to this memoir at all. You will find this book extremely boring. (If I could return it, I would.)

After listening, I know very little about Mr.Allen. To me, the purpose of a memoir is to learn about and be inspired by another’s journey. With the exception of his career in the Secret Service, Mr. Allen’s journey of self-discovery and maturation is like most everyone else’s — gay or straight.

My only revelation from listening to this memoir is — What would make someone think their life is so interesting that it warrants writing a book? In this case, I guess being gay and a Secret Service agent was enough.

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Fascinating Glimpse of a True Musical Genius

Revisado: 10-29-19

As if Prince’s genius was not already obvious, this memoir only serves to reaffirm it. This man was living on a whole different plane than everyone else...on just about every level. While the book is brief, it does offer a fascinating glimpse into his upbringing, talent and philosophy. You’re left wondering what the book might have been, especially given Dan Piepenbring’s insight on working with him just prior to his passing. Even though it’s difficult to hear (especially for fans), it’s intriguing to learn about the musical icon’s life in the month’s leading up to his tragic and untimely death.

As a lifelong fan, I found myself tearing up not so much out of sadness, but simply missing his unique and special presence in the world. (If you never experienced him in concert, you truly missed out on one of life’s greatest joys. It breaks my heart knowing I will never seem him perform again — pure bliss, excitement and love.) The book should serve as a testament to not only artists, but everyone, that you should always be true to yourself, always do your best and be kind to others. Prince’s life is a prime example of why you should listen to your heart and ignore all the noise. (The book will encourage readers to take a deeper reflection on his lyrics, as he was wise beyond his years and always teaching us so much.)

As he famously sang, “But life is just a party and parties weren’t meant to last.” Thank you for one funky ride. I love you forever, PRINCE!

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A Must-Read For All, Especially Young Men

Revisado: 09-28-19

First, don’t be deterred by the length. Because of Chanel’s cadence, you can increase the speed with no to little distraction. (For me, I switched between 1.5x to 1.75x with no problems.)

As someone who’s been fortunate to never have experienced a sexual assault or violent crime, I found this memoir to be so insightful, enlightening and deeply touching. I hope as many people as possible experience the book, regardless of their personal connection to her story. However, most of all, I hope more men (especially young men) read the book, in an effort to better understand how challenging it is for women to navigate the world just as women, let alone as victims of sexual assault. I consider myself compassionate, but this memoir encouraged me to further reflect on ways I can better advocate for women. As men, we spend so little time (if any) having to worry about our safety, behavior and words in our daily lives. For women, it’s a constant challenge to be aware of your surroundings, how you’re dressed or who you talk to, no matter the environment. And, for sexual assault survivors, it can be an even more tedious, stressful experience. The book reminded me that there are survivors all around us, but we just don’t know it.

Chanel’s courage and strength are to be commended. The book is so well-written (and narrated even better), you can’t help but feel the highs and lows of her journey from victim to survivor, in your heart. Thanks to her sharp wit, I chuckled. Thanks to her honesty, I cried. Thanks to her vulnerability, I related. Thanks to her strength, I smiled. It is simply one of the best memoirs I’ve ever read because it leaves you with so many emotions and, most importantly, hope and healing. (Give me this type of memoir over any celebrity one any day.)

This book will stand as a monument to the power of finding and using your voice for good. (The book is worth hearing her read her powerful Emily Doe Victim’s Impact Statement alone. It allows you, as the reader, to walk in someone else’s shoes — one of the best gifts in changing the world.) Chanel overcame so much forced upon her by her perpetrator, but, at times, and even more upsetting, by society and the judicial system. Her ability to find the words to so flawlessly and perfectly share her pain and ultimate triumph is inspirational.

There is no question that her life’s calling is to be a writer. (I look forward to her first novel or children’s book.)

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Disappointed with memoir, narration can be distracting

Revisado: 05-06-19

Everyone has a story with tragedy and triumph. Although well-written, I’m not sure I gleaned much from this book, as it largely serves as a love letter to his mother and her family. It seems Black got the opportunity to share his story, namely because he’s famous. My review is not meant to diminish Black’s story, but it was uninteresting — in the sense that I was hoping for more insight on his career and experiences in Hollywood. Other than a few (and very brief) mentions, don’t expect this book to be a celebrity or entertainment memoir. Additionally, I found the narration too impassioned and emotional. Based on this book, it seems Black is a very sad and angry man. His voice is often shaky (nearly on the verge of tears) or aggressive to the point that I found it distracting. Well I prefer audio books be read by the author, as it feels more authentic. However, in this case, this book might have been better read by someone less close to the story. I also felt that Lance has a healthy ego in his role in the LGBT rights movement. Unless you’re a specific fan of Dustin Lance Black, I would not recommend this book — nothing revelatory or interesting. Every family has to fight, every family has strife, every family has secrets, every one loves their mother...it’s all about perspective — Black’s journey is no different. Just because someone is famous or achieves financial success, doesn’t necessarily mean they need to (or should) share their story. (If this book somehow gets made into a movie, I bet Black will be producing it, as I just can’t see any major interest from Hollywood in sharing this version of his life.)

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Paisley Park is in Your Heart -- Sincere, Thoughtful & Heartfelt

Revisado: 04-05-17

I'm a 30+ year PRINCE fan, who has no issue with his friends and family now sharing their respective stories. I know PRINCE was private in life, but that does not mean others are not allowed to share their journey. We're now seeing a different side to PRINCE -- a more human side. And it does not take away from or diminish his musical legacy. The music, because it's so good, will always endure.

That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's well-written and well-read (with lots of emotion.) Truth be told, I cried at several points, given Mayte's own audible emotions. Clearly, this is a work of love -- only intended to honor PRINCE. It was extremely sincere, thoughtful and heartfelt. Even though PRINCE was a man of mystery, he was still a human being. The book helped me see another side of the musical icon and I'm grateful. His music may have been perfection, but he was flawed and conflicted just like the rest of us. Thank you, Mayte, for sharing your experience. I highly recommend the book for all fans, whether casual or die-hard. Unfortunately, sometimes it snows in April. I still deeply miss PRINCE. And the book proved to be cathartic for me, as I trust it will be for others.

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A Must-Read For Any PRINCE Fan

Revisado: 05-06-16

As a lifelong PRINCE fan, the book offers insights fans have always wanted to know about "Purple Rain." I purchased the hard copy months ago to add to my collection of PRINCE books. I just never got around to picking it up. Unfortunately, after his death a few weeks ago, it renewed my interest -- so I bought the audiobook. However now bittersweet, it reminded me why I loved him and his mad genius so much -- always focused, different and a trailblazer. If you're a PRINCE fan (even casual), it's a must-read to learn more about one of the world's last iconic/legendary/genius musical artists at his peak -- probably the last.

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Can We Talk? Less Laughs, More Heart

Revisado: 05-24-15

I was expecting a more heartfelt memoir. With all due respect to Melissa Rivers, she is not a comedian. I felt like many of the jokes were unnecessary and forced, in attempt to be "funny" like her mother. (I didn't mind her relaying Joan's jokes. It's when the book veers off into Melissa's "stand-up routine" that I felt it was questionable. Joan's deftness and wit in delivering a joke was unparalleled.) I was hoping for more insight into the life and career of a comedy icon from a true insider. However, there is nothing new or really interesting here. The book may have been rushed to capitalize on her recent death and, frankly, it shows. I would have readily waited a year or two to pass for a more sincere, introspective and comprehensive memoir about a true comedy legend.

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