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Rating: 
Summary: Balanced view of the lives behind the music
Review: Growing up in a Christian household, The Carpenters' music were among the few secular artists we listened to. My introduction to the Carpenters was when my parents bought their 1980 Christmas album. We played it almost to death! In fact, I remember as a teenager overdubbing harmonies with my own voice using two tape recorders, just like the Carpenters did on their albums. I was about to turn 10 years old the very month Karen Carpenter died. I could hardly believe she was gone, because the memory of her beautiful voice was so powerful. I was 15 when the ABC movie on the Carpenters came out, which let me see a glimpse of the reason for the tragic end of Karen's life.As an adult, reading Ray Coleman's book brings back fond memories of the Carpenters and their music. It also gives disturbing insight into the sadness, the anorexia, the complex relationship with their loving yet undemonstrative parents, and the overwhelming need of both Richard and Karen to be perfect yet both desiring to be human. I hope to see a documentary video based from this book, along with updates on Richard's life today. The Carpenters will always have my respect for being true to their talent rather than trying to fit into the "image" of everyone else. I will always enjoy their music.
Rating:
Summary: Balanced view of the lives behind the music
Review: Growing up in a Christian household, The Carpenters' music were among the few secular artists we listened to. My introduction to the Carpenters was when my parents bought their 1980 Christmas album. We played it almost to death! In fact, I remember as a teenager overdubbing harmonies with my own voice using two tape recorders, just like the Carpenters did on their albums. I was about to turn 10 years old the very month Karen Carpenter died. I could hardly believe she was gone, because the memory of her beautiful voice was so powerful. I was 15 when the ABC movie on the Carpenters came out, which let me see a glimpse of the reason for the tragic end of Karen's life. As an adult, reading Ray Coleman's book brings back fond memories of the Carpenters and their music. It also gives disturbing insight into the sadness, the anorexia, the complex relationship with their loving yet undemonstrative parents, and the overwhelming need of both Richard and Karen to be perfect yet both desiring to be human. I hope to see a documentary video based from this book, along with updates on Richard's life today. The Carpenters will always have my respect for being true to their talent rather than trying to fit into the "image" of everyone else. I will always enjoy their music.
Rating: 
Summary: Mildy Interesting Read, But Obviously Biased Execution
Review: I give this book two stars for the poor execution, but I give it one extra star for the mildly interesting read. This book made for a mildly interesting read, but it was almost so worshipful to the Carpenters, that I had to practically force myself to keep reading. It was already badly written to begin with, and was also overstuffed with psychoanalysis. I've never read a biography about anyone before this where the author seemed more like a star struck fan than anything. It was almost like reading Tiger Beat at times. Yes, Ray Coleman knew them personally, and like the many others that knew them is protective of their memory. I mean the sad fact is that to many people (not myself) Carpenters does not immediately evoke thoughts of say, "Close To You", but rather, Karen Carpenter=Anorexia poster child. Sort of like Joan Crawford's memory is now "NO wire HANGERRRRSSS!", rather than evoking thoughts of , "Mildred Pierce." But that doesn't mean he has to make a reader gag at his obvious worshipful and biased view of these entertainers. Even the people he interviewed for this book were kind of vomit inducing. Constantly reiterating that they themselves would have been nothing without the Carpenters, etc; etc. Where would the world be without the Carpenters... The attitude was basically, 'A great big cheer for the Carpenters, we owe them our lives for their genius, blah, blah, blah.' Makes one wonder at the true motives for such loyalty. I'm sure the Carpenters should have been grateful to lots of people too, but you never hear much humbleness on their side of that fence. And all the baloney about being overworked. They made it seem like it was everyone else's fault BUT the Carpenters, oh, they were so young... They were perfectionist workaholics, but alas, it was still everyone else's fault. Even 12 year old entertainers say, 'I need a break.' But, I read on like a trooper, and managed to keep from dropping my groceries (puking). Even the downward slope of their record sales was everyone else's fault but their own. The manager, friends, family, fans, the neighbors, the janitor, Pippi Longstocking, Henry VIII, Miss Piggy... Their loyal friends and family constantly blamed everyone else for that. Fine, but the author was constantly doing the same thing. It was like an ambush times 2. Oh, this person or that person threw off Richard's ever overflowing endless supply of groove, oh, they were marketed wrong, etc; etc. How could anyone NOT play or buy their music? There was obviously something wrong with everyone else, but the artists themselves. There are stars much more talented and much more famous than they were, and whose careers enjoyed much longer and constant longevity, and kept up with the changing times (musically surviving the disco and roller boogie era), that have had similar problems, but have been big enough to say,' `I suck. I've lost it. It's nobody's fault but my own. I've lost my touch, and people are no longer interested.' I prefer a straight story. I cannot stand lip to butt cheek biographies unless it's about someone like Mother Teresa. You know, where it's obvious that it's warranted. (Or villain biographies for that matter, unless it's about, say, the Zodiac Killer). In this lip to butt cheek bio, boy does Ray Coleman deserve the nickname of `Hot Lips' for this one. I don't like books in which it almost seems as though the author is trying to lure you into a certain way of viewing something their way. I don't think a biography should be a platform to sort of persuade or hypnotize the reader about what image it would like to represent. I don't care about the subjects' image, I just want to read and have a right to my own thoughts. I prefer having my own thoughts and opinions. It's one thing for those interviewed to speak about things, but it's almost like the miniature sized author is standing on your shoulder constantly whispering into your ear, and then berating you if you don't feel the same way. Just let me read. I prefer a, `here is the story, just read it,' take on a book. I can't stand the distraction of a `but just remember this', or `regardless, they are still the best,' mumbo jumbo mentality. Over and over again, almost like an overbearing parent, it was reminding me the reader how they were the best act in the world (in his opinion) and about how Richard Carpenter MADE the Carpenters what they were (his opinion), how they were so unique (his opinion). He almost made it seem as though if the reader didn't feel the same way, then they had a heart of stone and they didn't know music. O.K., I get it already. Fine and dandy, he loved them, but it was so obvious that the very arrogant (which was another unattractive distraction) Richard Carpenter had a major dictatorship in the writing of this book. Authorizing a book, and being a dictator are two separate things. The author almost seemed to portray him as some sort of God or rather God's gift to music. That he's a genius. A lot of his best work was hardly from scratch, like many of the true geniuses of music (and there's nothing wrong with that). To be quite honest, I like many people concentrate on Karen Carpenter's voice first, and his arrangements SECOND. His work was usually given a leg up from building blocks provided by others. Sort of like, if Vanilla Ice hadn't used Queen and David Bowie's "Under Pressure", would there have been an "Ice, Ice, Baby?" Hardly a masterpiece, but a short notice example. It was almost an ode to Richard Carpenter. He's a highly talented musician, but he's no Mozart! Or an Elton John! Not even close. I mean as talented as they were, I think even Eminem could have put a better spin on "Boogie Nights", than Karen Carpenter did. Talented as the Carpenters may be and may have been, I doubt there will be a core course in music education on them during this millennium. I mean the Carpenters rock, I love their music, but that doesn't mean the author has to tug at your stomach acids to prove it. And please, let me decide for myself.
Rating: 
Summary: True Stars
Review: I have been a huge fan of these 2 incredibly talented people since I was 7 years old (which got me a few odd looks in the playground I can tell you). I'm 19 now and the music still moves me.
This book offers not explanations, but insight into not only the Carpenters music, but the personal demons that threatened to engulf not only their careers but their lives.
Intriguing, inspiring and heartbreaking. Karen and Richard proved that 2 normal kids can achieve their dreams and touch people's lives.
But as they fell victim to their excessess, and Karen paid the ultimate price.
Karen's glory may have been brief, but fewer flames have shone with as much humanity and beauty.
Thankfully Richard could overcome his adversity and continue with the wonderful legacy of their music.
They truly are stars
Rating:
Summary: True Stars
Review: I have been a huge fan of these 2 incredibly talented people since I was 7 years old (which got me a few odd looks in the playground I can tell you). I'm 19 now and the music still moves me.
This book offers not explanations, but insight into not only the Carpenters music, but the personal demons that threatened to engulf not only careers but lives.
Intriguing, inspiring and heartbreaking. Karen and Richard proved that 2 normal kids can achieve their dreams and touch people's lives.
But as they fell victim to their excessess, and Karen paid the ultimate price.
Karen's glory may have been brief, but fewer flames have shone with as much humanity and beauty.
Thankfully Richard could overcome his adversity and continue with the wonderful legacy of their music.
They truly are stars
Rating:
Summary: Triumphant And Tragic Story Of An Unforgettable Group.
Review: I honestly don't know if the reader below is mocking The Carpenters or simply criticizing them, but I feel it's an unfair and biased review, and one that makes me wonder if this person is anything BUT a Carpenters fan?
I read this book when it was first issued almost 10 years ago, and even today, the story contained within its pages has long since stuck with me. I certainly didn't detect any "kissing up" to The Carpenters, as the previous reader mentions. In fact, I found it to be a well researched, in-depth, most informative book on one of the finest female singers of the '70's, and her genius brother. From their humble childhood days in New Haven, CT, to their move to California and the fame that would ultimately take them the world stage, this is by far the definitive Carpenters biography (and sadly the only one) that has ever been written. Sure, there have been other books which speak of The Carpenters contribution to popular music, but none of them go quite as deep into detail as this one does.
Also, I don't know what the other reader means when he says that it was The Carpenters fault because their career stalled. Well, doesn't that happen to EVERY artist at one point or another? Elvis went through a slow period, Neil Diamond, John Denver... It wasn't just them that experienced a slow period. It's safe to say that every musician has released that "dud" album that was a blight on their career. It's no seceret that almost every other artist of The Carpenters genre such as Anne Murray, Dionne Warwick, Barry Manilow, Helen Reddy, and several others experienced a setback in their record sales, although Anne Murray made a strong comeback in 1978 with the beautiful and heartfelt "You Needed Me" (a song that has yet to be equalled IMO). It was simply a reflection of the music industry in general...
The close of the 1970's saw the rise of disco and punk rock. Country Music too experienced a huge resurgence in popularity with the "urban cowboy" period. It was a time when not only music was undergoing a change, but society in general. The public's tastes were changing. I'm sure that given time, the right material, and had Karen made a full recovery, they would have come back strongly, perhaps even taking 80's music in a whole different direction. And anyone who was an "80's child" will remember how awful the clothes and music bands were back then. (And I ask you, where are most of these bands today)?
There is one thing I agree with, and that's the fact that almost 22 years after Karen's passing, we're still not being told the entire story, and likely never will. There are lots of questions that remain, but we have to remember that those are questions that only Karen herself can answer, and unfortunately she is no longer with us to do so. I only wish someone could have helped this dear woman, and I also find it hard to believe that nobody had a clue of what was going on until it was almost too late. Richard too battled drug addiction. It all started innocently enough with a simple desire (and need) to get to sleep. That was just one more pressure of "life on the road". The endless gamut of one-night stands and sold-out tours all over the world simply took its toll. Unfortunately, he became addicted to a sleeping drug and had to enter a treatment facility in 1979. He fully recovered and is happily married to a beautiful wife with 5 kids.
The year was 1981 when Karen finally admitted to having a problem, and entered treatment in New York with famed psychotherapist Steven Levenkron. She was there for nearly a year before deciding to return home to California, having pronounced herself cured. Many of her friends and family however, were concerned that all was far from well with Karen, and sadly, they were right. We all know what happened next, so I won't go into details, but what I can tell you is that her anorexia was FAR worse than what most people think. (her weight hit a low of 77 lbs at one point)... It's a sad, sad ending to such a beautiful woman with an even more beautiful voice.
I simply don't understand what the previous reader means when he said the author was "buttering up" to The Carpenters. Mr. Coleman was merely repeating what many people stated to him. He travelled from East to West, coast to coast, interviewing over 100 people in the process. I certainly didn't detect any favoritism at all. I simply found that the author wanted to give us a sincere, detailed story on who I (and many others) consider to be one of the finest female vocalists of her generation. It's also a sad reminder of what we ALL lost on the morning of February 4th, 1983...
In closing, I would like to quote the author's simple, yet heartfelt tribute:
"For Those Who Cherish Beautiful Music, And To The Memory Of An Irreplaceable Voice"
Amen!
The Carpenters music is timeless. 100 years fom now, their songs will be just as beautiful, just as jubilant, just as fresh as when the world was first introduced to their sound nearly 35 years ago. If The Carpenters weren't particularly "hip" during their heyday, time has only reinforced that good love songs--and a timeless voice--never go out of style. I highly recommend this bio to anyone, and feel free to add your comments. I'm sure you won't be disappointed, and I found this to be a very heartwarming book, and a beautiful tribute to a lady who is still dearly missed all these years later. If only these "Britney Spears" of today could hear what a TRUE singer should sound like, our radio and airwaves (and our kids) would be FAR better off. Rest in peace Karen Anne Carpenter. Thank-you for sharing your music-and life-with us.
Rating: 
Summary: Good subject--bad execution??
Review: My low rating of this book has absolutely nothing to do with my attitude toward the Carpenters and everything to do with my opinion of the quality of the author's writing. I picked the book up because I wanted to know more about these talented musicians, and I can't deny that it has been informative. The author seems to be very knowledgeable about his subject--I'll give him credit for that much. The only problem is that the book is so poorly written that I have had to literally force myself to keep reading. I don't think I have ever encountered such clumsy prose between the covers of a book written by a professional writer and published by a house as prominent as HarperCollins. The book is chockful of clunky, awkwardly worded, and sometimes completely ungrammatical sentences. Portions of it read like they were written by a high school student in a remedial English class, and rather than a very experienced and evidently respected journalist and writer. I haven't read any of Coleman's other books, so I don't know if the inept writing in this one is typical for him, but I sincerely hope it isn't. If I manage to get all the way through this thing, it will be only because my curiosity about the subject matter was strong enough to overcome my distate for the poor grammar and awkward sentence construction. I sincerely hope someone will write a better biography of the Carpenters--or at least of Karen--someday. Her story has a lot to teach us all, and it deserves to be told, often and well. This book does tell the story--but nowhere near as well as it deserves to be told. I give this book an A+ for the subject matter but a C- for execution.
Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT!!!
Review: This book is THE definitive Carpenters biography. It traces the story of Karen and Richard's childhood days in Connecticut, their move to California, to their struggles for recognition in the music business, then their triumph to the top of the charts, to the sad and untimely death of one the greatest female vocalists who ever lived. This book is also heartbreaking to read. Why did Karen have such poor self-esteem? Why was Richard nearly destroyed too by a pill addiction? Why did Karen feel so unloved and rejected? Why were the Carpenters widely scorned by music critics? Why now, is the Carpenters music gaining popularity among younger listeners and the younger generation? These are but a few questions addressed in this biography. It is difficult not to be touched by sadness while reading this book. It's also hard to read at times, not because the book is difficult, but because there are so many emotions involved. This is a very good book for all who appreciate and enjoy beautiful music, and by the way, as I've mentioned, tears tend to fall. Karen was taken far too soon, and the world indeed misses her.
Rating:
Summary: Soft singers with a somewhat creepy background
Review: This is the single best source of definitive material on Karen and Richard Carpenter's lives, but might be of interest mostly to Carpenters fans or those who love to read rock bios. The book attempts to delve deeply into their lives, what went right and what went very, very wrong.
As most fans know, the Carpenters had overbearing parents who were attempting to make Richard famous when Karen ended up (reluctantly) in the front. While fans enjoyed their sweet hits, "Close to You," "We've Only Just Begun" and many others, their lives descended into Richard's pill-popping and Karen's tragic anorexia.
As one who owns extensive printed materials on the Carpenters, including all their fan club newsletters, it is interesting to see a slight subjective emphasis in this book. Yes, some bios will laud the subjects at hand, while still telling the down side of the story, and this does that to some degree. But oddly, there is too much high stature given to Richard. Though he and Karen were close, it does seem that his control over their career put an extreme amount of pressure on her that helped contribute to her anorexia. Actually, this book has more of an insider picture on her anorexia than anything else ever published. Believe me, it was bad, and you find out just how bad here. I simply wished more information had been developed about when Karen wanted to release her solo album and the family basically talked her out of it. Also, couldn't the author had found more people to talk about the parents' behavior toward Karen and Richard? There's something more there.
Other reviewers have suggested this book is somewhat sanitized. While I don't fully agree, I do think there is a tendency to blame everything/everyone else for the decline in the Carpenters' popularity. They were stuck in a groove. Richard wouldn't change his sound and wouldn't let Karen change hers. All groups must change to stay popular. Plus, no record company is going to fully support a band whose leader is sick with they don't know what (they knew little about anorexia then) and looks like a skeleton.
It has also been said in other reviews that the book had a terrible writing style. I didn't see that. I thought it was perfectly readable. My only comment is that the book has way too much detail. The editors could have cut 75 pages at least and given it a better pace.
That said, it's a pretty decent book. True Carpenters' fans will always take a side or find a fault. But there are no other books on them that are this in-depth, and as time goes on, there probably won't be. Surely Richard won't write his life story, and if so, who cares--it was Karen everyone wanted to know about.
Rating:
Summary: What a wonderful gift she had
Review: To outsiders, it seemed as if Karen and Richard Carpenter were living a dream. And they certainly seemed to have it all - looks, wealth, fame, fans, and an abundance of talent that has gone almost unrivalled in 30 years. Critics from the era and hard rock fans dismissed them, labelling them with phrases such as "Squeaky Clean," "Too Good To Be True," "All American," and many, many others. But appearances can be deceiving. Richard had a drug dependency (the substances he abused were legal, by the way) which almost cost him his career and could have ended his life had he not been rehabilitated, and for 7 years Karen was in the terrible psychological grip of a then unknown disease - anorexia nervosa, a disease which ravaged her emotionally as well as physically, in an identical manner to the fashion in which cancer and AIDS ravage their victims. But despite their personal troubles and turmoil, the Carpenters music remained beautiful, enriching, and touching. With the exclusive co-operation of Richard and Agnes Carpenter and their family and friends, entertainment writer Ray Coleman describes the Carpenters adolescence, their rise to fame, their years at the top, their legendary music, their struggles and Karen's ultimate tragedy in a way that is objective, emotional, and touching, painting a sad portrait of a beautiful woman who never realised how beautiful she was, a beloved woman who never knew how much she was loved, and a famous woman who worked in a corrupt and CORRUPTING industry but never lost her down to earth morality and values, whose greatest wish was to have a family of her own, a wish that sadly, she would never obtain. But if Karen's story achieves anything, I hope it is this - that it may save the lives of other anorexia sufferers. Surely that is what Karen herself would want. It is now 2000, 30 years after the Carpenters debuted. Their records are still being bought, their songs listened to and admired while the artists and critics who deplored them have long been forgotten. Finally, their talents are being acknowledged - Richard is praised for being the great musician that he is, a superior producer and arranger with an unparalleled ear for quality and timelessness. And Karen's voice, that haunting, gorgeous voice, is recognised as being one of God's greatest gifts to music.
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