The Truth Is . . . : My Life in Love and Music

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Summary: Melissa's truth brings insight into her music to her fans
Review: A very good read. Melissa has had her share of ups and downs, and she shares them with her audience. I liked reading about her songs, why she wrote them, what they mean to her, and having the lyrics included in the book.

Melissa is very open about her past, her affairs, and the end of her 12 year relationship with Julie (the love of her life). Melissa shares her life lessons in this memoir and I would recommend this book to others. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

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Summary: Raw, Honest, and Painful
Review: I cannot even imagine the strength it took for Melissa Etheridge to bare her soul the way she did in this autobiography. In this frank, unembellished, and painfully honest account of her life, from her earliest days as a sensitive child abused by an older sister to her rise to fame to her terribly painful relationships and subsequent breakups, Etheridge simply opens her heart for all to see.

The result is a book that is often painful to read. I frequently got the sense that I was a peeping Tom, peering in at secrets and feelings that should not be shared with anyone. Some of Etheridge's experiences, such as her early attempts at heterosexual dating, her dysfunctional early relationships, her love of music, and her dogged determination to be recognized in the world, are not that different from any other celebrity bio. What makes the book different is the pain that Etheridge does not, or cannot, hide.

What emerges is an unflinching portrait of a woman whose sensitive inner soul belies her tough public persona. Yes, we've seen it all a hundred times before, but something about the extreme honesty of this tale gets under your skin. I came away with a strong and almost protective admiration for Etheridge, a desire to own all of her CDs, and a prayer that she have inner peace. She certainly deserves it.

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Summary: I wish I could give it more stars....
Review: I have only been a fan of Melissa Etheridge for the past 2-3 years. Prior to that, I liked her, but never made an effort to seek her music out. Since I have become a more devoted fan, I have come to rely on her music - especially the 'Breakdown' CD - to release my feelings - her music has such force, and feeling, that on occasion, seems to take my breath away. I must say, I felt the same way about this book - I got it as a birthday gift, and read it the night I got it - and, have since read it again. What I find most appealing about Ms. Etheridge's music, and book, is the fact that although she is baring her deepest emotions - anger, saddness, pain, loss - she does so with such inner strength that is flows into her words, and thus, into you. As I read this book, I found myself feeling very much like I was listening to her talk - listening to her honestly, and painfully, reveal her life. I found myself crying throughout the book, and, in the end, feeling the strongest desire to write to her - something that, as an avid reader, I have NEVER done - just to let her know how much she touched me, and to thank her for her honesty, I would highly recommend this book to anyone, and everyone.

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Summary: Melissa's Truth...a glimps into her heart & soul!
Review: Melissa Etheridge is not only someone to admire, and commend for her song writing and vocal talent, but also someone to look up to and praise for her honesty, for putting everything on the table for the whole world to talk about and judge as they wish. If when listening to her music you are overcome with emotion, feel her pain, sadness, love, joy whatever the song thrives on, you will be deeply touched and mesmerized with the way Melissa writes her life story. She honestly opens herself up, and lets you into her deepest most private thoughts, feelings and relationships. I thought Melissa was tastefully raw, heart wrenching emotional, extremely talented and for the most part honest in her music, then I read this book and I realized....the music is just a part of the beautiful, emotional, truthful woman we know as Melissa Etheridge. Thank you Melissa for giving me an even bigger glimpse into your soul. I hope you find what you are searching for!