Rating: 
Summary: A Memoir?
Review: Although Richard Chamberlain is a person I admire, the book could have offered more.It was very enlightening about his childhood and I could sympathize with his battles through life. But all was too short. It was more a book about his spiritual beliefs which I enjoyed very much,but not much of a memoir of his life. I think another book would be welcomed Richard!
Rating: 
Summary: Serious, empowering and I hope he writes more books
Review: As a rule I avoid books by famous people like avoid anthrax, since most are so self serving and alas full of white lies. This book is a rarity and for a variety of reasons. There is so much I like about this book it is hard to know where to begin. First off it isn't a gossipy book but an honest empowering book and a book that teaches valuable lessons without the reader being aware of it, until hours or perhaps days later. Lessons about honesty and kindness, and how what we think we want often isnt what is important but it is the "now" that matters. I have always respected Mr. Chamberlain and in an ironic sense he as been a teacher from afar for me. I read of his respect for Dr Brugh Joy in the 80's and read Dr Joys works. I read bit and pieces of his private life which as the mother of a gay son, made me more compassionate and an activist. I read of his respect for J. Krishnamurti who had a place here in California and I promptly read his works and grew in ways I never imagined. I read where Mr. Chamberlain was an artist and having seen his work I was once again in awe of the connection we shared, since I am an artist with a fondest for painting Koi. His works can be found on the Internet under Richard Chamberlain Artworks. Then I read this awesome book and discover he also likes or prefers Japanese style homes and has had wise spiritual mentors and find myself feeling like this is a man I would like in my circle of friends. And the lessons he shares of how he and Martin dealt with designing and building their dream home and the obstacle they encountered really struck home with me since we are going thru a similar journey. Again the whole story he tells reminded me of the whole Buddhist "now" lesson.
I loved reading how he on a daily basis discovers new lessons, which is a good reminder that the wise soul is constanlty learning until the day they die. But I guess what I also like and respect about this book is his utter kindness and humility. It was so nice to read positive albeit honest critiques of well known actors and actresses whom I had only read negative things about, which shows that Mr. Chamberlain really does appreciate and grasp the Buddhist concept of "now." And his " We're used to thinking of the sacred as something set apart in a heavenly realm to be worshiped from afar. We invent distant deities who judge, reward, and punish us. We give these deities omnipotent power and consequently we fear them (when we give ourselves time to think about them at all). Wouldn't it be a splendid joke on us if the sacred wasn't distant and "other" in the least, if holiness in fact surrounded and infused every atom of the clamorous tumult of our everyday lives? What if God, rather than being the remote creator and judge of our strife-ridden world, IS (emphasis added) our world and our selves and everything that exists and everything beyond existence too? What if, despite our fears to the contrary, we're ultimately NOT (emphasis added) separate from sacredness, but wholly unified with each other and the divine? What if the only barrier between us and our realization of our divinity is simply our ignorance?" is right on the mark. The photos are wonderful and the one of him as a child looking for four leaf clovers and the story connected with that is enlightening. And reading of his weaknesses and his not being willing to stagnant or play the pity party victim made me proud. I like the way he writes because it holds your attention and makes you hope that he will write more books, since he is a wise soul with a lot of humility and in many ways he brings to life the adage that when the student is ready the teacher will appear. I also want to commend Judith Regan whose show on FOX I used to watch, and who published the Rush Limbaugh books. I say this because this book is so opposite the Limbaugh books. It is humble, empowering, gracious, kind, funny, and inspiring and one that I think most thoughtful, open minded and searching readers will savor and re-read again and again and each time reap new wisdom that will enhance ones life.
Rating:
Summary: Unexpected
Review: Don't pick up this book if you're looking for a gossip-fest. It was an interesting read, but certainly not what I expected when I picked up a celebrity biography. It's more an inspiration/philosophy book as Mr. Chamberlain details his own pyschological deconstruction and the construction and growth of his personal spiritual philosophy. Yes, it's got some great stories about behind-the-scenes Hollywood and the celebrities he worked with on the way. The Shogun experience was especially interesting. He's also well-traveled and those stories are as interesting as the "Hollywood" ones. The whole book is written in a gentle, thoughtful voice, and even though it wasn't what I expected, I find myself thinking that I may have just met a "gentle and thoughtful" person through its pages.
Rating: 
Summary: A Major Disappointment
Review: Everybody who wrote in 5-Star reviews is probably seeing my 1-Star review (and I'm being generous with 1 star, at that), and they're thinking, "Oh, this review is by another one of those shallow individuals who was just looking for a trashy, self-serving, ghost-written Hollywood-type autobiography, someone who doesn't appreciate all the deep spiritual insight that this book provides."
To them I say, GET OVER IT! I found this book a major disappointment mostly because I'm gay, and I wanted the book to tell me more of what life was like for a closeted Hollywood gay actor who was in his prime during years in which being gay was considered an illness and/or a crime. Needless to say, Richard Chamberlain didn't give me what I wanted, which proves to me that he's STILL in the closet, in the sense that he probably says "I'm so much more than just a gay actor: Look everybody, I'm this deeply spiritual person (Move over, Shirley MacClain), and besides, that part of my life is private and nobody's business." I have news for you, Richard: when you write your autobiography, you're letting readers in on what your "business" is. Read Billy Bean. Read Christopher Isherwood. Read Ned Rorem, for God's sake! And let's not kid ourselves here, many of the gay readers of this book found out about it because of all the free publicity it received in the gay press. With all that, Mr. Chamberlain has the gall to stingingly refer to the people who were about to "out" him as "gay activist cowboys", all the time spouting his new-age "I love everybody because we're all LOVE and GOD" drivel. If it weren't for these "activist cowboys"--many who have given their lives to the cause of equal rights for gays--he wouldn't be able to live his life the way he does today. I find it almost disgusting that he spends more time in this book talking about his loss of heterosexual virginity, than he does about his relationship with Martin (whose last name is never mentioned, by the way.) Does anybody think that Goldie Hawn would refer to her first husband, Gus Trikonis, as simply "Gus", or Carol Burnett would call the father of her children "Joe", instead of Joe Hamilton? Of course not! Even Liz Taylor remembers the last names of her spouses. But "Martin" reamains just "Martin". Chamberlain may as well have put an asterisk and the disclaimer (Not his real name) after each minimal mention of Martin, for all the attention he lavishes on his life-partner.
Richard, if you were worried about offending all those old ladies who worshipped Dr. Kildare, and that's why you mentioned your gayness so briefly--and no, doing drag to play Drew Carey's mother doesn't count as part of being gay--I'll try to break this news to you as gently as I can: They're all dead, Richard! They're all dead! There's nobody left to offend now.
Looks like I'll have to wait for Tab Hunter to write his autobiography!
Rating:
Summary: A MAGNIFICENT ACTOR....A MAGNANIMOUS MAN!
Review: For over four decades, I have followed the career of the incomparable Richard Chamberlain. He has been my favorite actor since I was fifteen years of age. Amazingly, I knew nothing personal about the man, yet, I have loved every performance, every character, and in spite of new faces, and changing times, he has remained at the top of my list. Always! Then SHATTERED LOVE, was published. I bought it, hoping to know something about my favorite actor, but was not prepared for what I discovered within its covers. I always knew this man was special, but the reality of his depths, far surpassed my expectations. I found the memoirs he chose to share with his public, extremely honest, inspiring, insightful, sad, funny, and always, amazingly fascinating, and charming. The integrity of this man leaps from every page. He exudes class, kindness, and thoughtful optimism. Through the years, he has travelled in some very influential circles, with first hand knowledge of the rich and famous; but there is never a hint of gossip, rather he always takes opportunity, to help his readers see the best in others.
He is a man, who has lived with terrible, gripping, fears of his sexual orientation, becoming known to the public. He feared he would not be able to do what he loves most....act! He feared he would disturb his fans fantasies, which ride on his exceptional abilities, as a romantic leading man. In reality, he had nothing to fear, for instead of being hated, the beloved actor has always been adored! You will find within the pages of this fascinating and enjoyable book, not only a talented and versatile actor, but a man, whom you will respect and like so very much! This is a man, you will love and honor, just as he is.
You will laugh and cry, when you read how, a delighted six year old Dickie, danced in an old tutu and toe shoes, to the beautiful music of SWAN LAKE, and the disgusted glares and sneers of his parents. You will smile, when you share with the insect world, a captivating, adoration for this inspirational man. On a hot humid day, while swimming in a cool stream, Butterflies took opportunity to sip him, and Fireflies, in the pitch darkness of night, gathered to lead him down a treacherous mountain, when he became stranded in the Andes. It is noteworthy, that they too, found him both delicious, and worthy of saving, that we might continue to enjoy his talents.
This is a soul searching man, who has chosen to live with an open-heart, greatly respecting the environment, caring for God's wild creatures, and insightful enough to recognize, enjoy, and breathe Birdsong! His enlightening and well-written book, certainly inspired me to action. My daughter, within weeks of reading this book, took me to lunch and revealed her best kept secret. At the age of 27, she finally needed to share, that she is homosexual. Richard's book was very helpful to me, in my quest to be loving and supportive. My daughter, her partner, and our family, enjoy a close and ever growing relationship, largely due to Richard's courage.
I also, became pro-active at my office, where I mounted, on a large bulletin board, pictures (in full costume), of all Richard Chamberlain's film characters. In the center, I mounted a book jacket of SHATTERED LOVE. As individuals comment on the bulletin board, I am able to challenge them to order his films and book from Amazon.com. I spent the entire summer, reviewing my Richard Chamberlain, film collection. Night after night, with pen and paper in hand, I took notes, and attempted to write an objective review, for all 40 films and documentaries. I then, submitted them to Amazon.com. My goal was to inspire others to familiarize themselves with the actor's fine work, and to read his fascinating book, SHATTERED LOVE.
It was wonderful to discover, that knowing about the person, Richard Chamberlain, made me appreciate the actor and his extraordinary talents even more. This is a book, that will challenge you to want to become a better person, deepening your desire to be more compassionate and understanding of your fellow man. It is a true treasure, revealing not only a magnificent actor, but a magnanimous man!
Rating: 
Summary: Lack of Taste
Review: I admit that I was interested in Richard's memoirs with respect to his personal endeavors and I must say that this book truly missed the point. The spiritual insights and hardships, as well as the professional goals of his life were overly detailed resulting in an uninteresting book. Anticipation of another book, with more of an intimate appeal would be welcomed so that the reader can really feel his personality and believe that he also experienced living with more flavor.
Rating: 
Summary: As if You're There
Review: I am currently enjoying reading this book. Richard Chamberlain writes in great detail as to imagine you've seen the same places. The book is amusing and easy to read. I have been a fan of Mr. Chamberlain's since Dr. Kildare but didn't know much about his personal life. This has been very interesting. It's also fun to read about other celebraties mentioned in this book. I would highly recommend this book to all his fans.
Rating:
Summary: Shattered Hopes
Review: I anxiously awaited this book. Coming-out novels are usually poignant memoirs of the trials associated with living in the closet. How disappointed I was to find very little about R.C.'s experiences in Hollywood. Rather than a tell-all story of one man's journey to freedom, Shattered Love is merely a vehicle for R.C. to repeatedly discuss his pantheistic beliefs. The book belongs more in the self-help section than in the biography area.
Rating:
Summary: Coming out at age 67, how brave--NOT!
Review: I cannot believe this book actually has gotten a few positive reviews. I gave this two stars instead of one, because it's not terrible writing. It's just that I doubt that anyone but the most die-hard RC fan would be interested in it, anyone else shouldn't bother.
When an actor comes out of the closet in the middle of a thriving career, then I will be impressed, NOT when it's near the end (or in this case, mostly over).
There is no insight about what it was like working while hiding that part of one's life. And if I were his life partner and got such a paltry mention, I'd leave him! The rest of it is random musings that wouldn't matter to most people.
If you want an alternative recommendation, get the graphic novel anthalogy "American Splendor." Harvey Pekar worked as a file clerk all his life and managed to lead a more interesting one than famous mini-series star Richard. Go figure.
Rating:
Summary: Richard's book is enlightenment and pure joy!
Review: I could hardly wait to get my copy of Richard's book - and I just received it the other day. Of course, since I have admired Richard for a long time not only as an actor but most of all as a human being and was lucky enough to even meet him several times, I couldn't wait to read his book. I always knew that he couldn't be compared to any other actor and I never did. There was always more to any character he ever played. And now he even surpasses himself - what a joy to read his book! He surpassed my greatest expectations I ever had, it is all so true and wonderfully written, so honest and with passion. It certainly takes more than reading it only once, it is a book by one of the best men I ever got go know to read over and over again. Thank you so much or say it in Hawaiian "Mahalo nui loa" - Richard, you are so right and I feel happily uplifted in sharing your memories and the discovery of what is life all about with you. And I do not want to forget to include here my wholehearted thanks to Moani who made the book come true!! What a wonderful treat!
All my love and Aloha to both of you
your loyal friend from Germany
Elvi
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