Rating: 
Summary: Through the Fire & Into The Light
Review: This memoir of Chaka Khan's life is a must-read. This brilliant piece of work titles each chapter with the title of one of Ms. Khan's songs. Excerpts of the lyrics in the book serve as a kind of icing on what's going on in each chapter. It's a very intelligent book, touching on world/social events while at the same time applying that era to her personal ups and downs. Chaka is very frank in the book. She's basically "keeping it real". It's sheer honesty, sometimes brutal, sometimes shocking, sometimes inspiring. Chaka leaves no rock unturned. And yes, the drug use is in the book. I felt privileged to have this look into this legend's exciting life and I'm a better, more knowledgable person because of it. It's about hope, despite the circumstances. Get it, you won't be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Papillion (aka Hot Butterfly)
Review: Though the book name is Chaka! "Through the Fire", Ms. Khan shows that she can go through the fire, shed the traces of her former selves and spread her wings and soar like the Hot Butterfly that she is. As stated by previous reviewers this is a very honest and heartfelt review of the ups and downs, and turn arounds of a artists who is royalty in the world of music. Ms. Khan traces her interesting, but turbulent childhood and teens years as a black panther, through her initial rise to fame with Funk Legends Rufus, and her forray into a successful solo career. Behind the glitz and glamour Chaka shares in details her many addictions to drugs and the many insecure men she has had in her life. Throughout all of this Chaka was able to eventually find herself, self love and innerpeace. This book is very inspiring and Chaka's narrative reads like a movie script. You feel like she's sitting in the roon with you as you read it. I say this is a Must Have, and you'll walk away very inspired. As the old cliche's go Chaka proves that she is "A woman, a Backbone, and it's all in her".
Rating:
Summary: Papillion (aka Hot Butterfly)
Review: Though the book name is Chaka! "Through the Fire", Ms. Khan shows that she can go through the fire, shed the traces of her former selves and spread her wings and soar like the Hot Butterfly that she is. As stated by previous reviewers this is a very honest and heartfelt review of the ups and downs, and turn arounds of a artists who is royalty in the world of music. Ms. Khan traces her interesting, but turbulent childhood and teens years as a black panther, through her initial rise to fame with Funk Legends Rufus, and her forray into a successful solo career. Behind the glitz and glamour Chaka shares in details her many addictions to drugs and the many insecure men she has had in her life. Throughout all of this Chaka was able to eventually find herself, self love and innerpeace. This book is very inspiring and Chaka's narrative reads like a movie script. You feel like she's sitting in the roon with you as you read it. I say this is a Must Have, and you'll walk away very inspired. As the old cliche's go Chaka proves that she is "A woman, a Backbone, and it's all in her".
Rating:
Summary: Great book!
Review: Too bad not enough people know about Chaka Khan in 2005.
One great female vocalist.
This is a great book.
Rating: 
Summary: Chaka Uncut
Review: Well, considering that Aretha was born in 1942, and Chaka in 1953, biologically it is unlikely Ree could be Chaka's mother.... It's all in the details. A great read about a great diva, though. The substance abuse though surprised me. Another great read would be Shadows and Light, the Joni Mitchell biography.
Rating: 
Summary: Less than what I expected
Review: With all the glowing praise heaped upon Khan's autobiography, I anticipated a work cut above the usual. Unfortunately, it is the usual lifestyle that entertainers tout as part of their past that makes this book "routine": dysfunction in the family, drug abuse, touring and band tensions, failed relationships, and "rehabilitation" from all the wrongs.While a well-written and organized piece, the book just fails to really "catch fire". The two sets of personal photos are welcome and do add to the enjoyment of the read. Also, a lengthy discography fills out the final section of the book. I just wish the text had been more scorching.
Rating:
Summary: Less than what I expected
Review: With all the glowing praise heaped upon Khan's autobiography, I anticipated a work cut above the usual. Unfortunately, it is the usual lifestyle that entertainers tout as part of their past that makes this book "routine": dysfunction in the family, drug abuse, touring and band tensions, failed relationships, and "rehabilitation" from all the wrongs. While a well-written and organized piece, the book just fails to really "catch fire". The two sets of personal photos are welcome and do add to the enjoyment of the read. Also, a lengthy discography fills out the final section of the book. I just wish the text had been more scorching.
|
