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Summary: Hope remains the child of bitter experience
Review: "Singing Lessons" - - a journey into Hell with a personality who might appear to epitomize success. Her battle to comprehend, her relentless search for serenity whilst dealing with her only son's suicide is an enriching literary experience akin to late night soul baring over endless cups of coffee: a catharsis for writer and reader with stream-of-consciouness qualities which resonate authenticity.
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Summary: Her story bears witness to transcendence of the human spirit
Review: In SINGING LESSONS Judy Collins tells the story of her journey through the terrible storm of her son Clark's suicide. Though her literary voice may not equal the soul tingling clarity and simple eloquence of her singing voice, her story bears witness to the transcendence of the human spirit. I felt that too large a portion of the book digressed into events of the singer's past not directly relating to her relationship with her son. Though, admittedly, it is difficult to separate the threads forming the fabric of one's life, some judicious editing in this area might have been beneficial. While the details of where, when, and with whom she performed are of interest, especially to long-time fans of her music like myself, they still detract somewhat from the emotional intensity of her story. However, despite this one criticism, I thoroughly loved the book. Although in the end we each must navigate our own course beyond the challenges life presents us, through her own example, Judy Collins offers hope and encouragement to her fellow travelers. Upon closing the book, I played the companion CD that came with it. The first song, "Singing Lessons," conveys in a few wonderful minutes all the joy and sorrow, the hope and despair, that the book does in its 331 pages. What a testament to the story's theme of transcendence - from pain something of great beauty may be born!
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Summary: Judy Collins hits high notes with moving memoir!
Review: Judy Collin's latest memoir "Singing Lessons", brings to light the legendary singer's healing journey after the suicide of her only son, Clark. "Singing Lessons" showcases Collins signature writing style with journal entries and rare photos. Judy's unmistakable lyrical prose honestly and vividly details her personal tragedy and ultimate triumph of the heart. A very inspiring view into the life of one of America's most treasured artists. I highly recommend "Singing Lessons" as some of Collins finest writing to date. A spiritually uplifting read with a companion CD of new songs. Excellent!
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Summary: "A book of rare honesty, sensitivity, and warmth!"
Review: Judy Collins somehow made it through the worst time of her life and she shares it with us, plus a CD included to boot. Who can ask for anything more?
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Summary: Touching memoir
Review: Read SINGING LESSONS by Judy Collins . . . this is a very
touching memoir of her life, her son's suicide and companion's
serious illness, and how she managed to survive these
events.Judy Collins has always been one of my favorite performers . . . I also enjoyed reading about how her career evolved, as well as how she played with such other favorites of mine as Tom Paxton, Leonard Cohen, Joni, Mitchell, and Peter, Paul and Mary. Best of all, the book came with a four-song CD (much to my
surprise) . . . what a treat to be reading her words at the
same time I was listening to her sing! There were many memorable passages; ...P>[Andrew Weil confirms what I have learned through trial and
error about depression.] "The best single treatment (for
depression) is vigorous, regular aerobic exercise, at least
thirty minutes a day, five days a week." Most of the time, after I spend a half hour or more exercising, any cloud of depression lifts so completely that I feel a small miracle has been accomplished.
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Summary: What really matters at the end
Review: The writting style is stunnigly beautiful and impressive,just as authour's music always had a certain healing power.Many singers/actors are not capable to remember anything more than their LP's and awards - celebrities memoirs are too often simply boasting about their career - but Collins have a perfect ballanced view on her past and she writtes about her inner life much more than her career,which is mentioned basically briefly. Portraits of her father and mentor Anthonia are described with affection and of course the book never stops reflecting on her son.This is a clear picture of Judy Collins life from her point of view - no celebrity gossip,no recording dates,what really matters here are feelings and precious memories she shares with reader.At times I thought her story about son sounds a bit obsessive - until it made me realise that I think about my mother every day and she died 12 years ago,so I guess we never really let go.Not only that second half of the book brings very helpful observations how to cope with depression,Collins also have sharp witt and she saved certain original sense of humour which must be life-saving quality (on her knees in the bathroom of the White House,she laughs at herself),the whole book is a warm,affectionate celebration of spirit still shining bright after tragedy and life downfalls.
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Summary: This is Judy's best book to date - it is a source of hope
Review: We were all wondering how Judy could create a meaningful follow-on memoir and exceed the high expectations created by "Trust Your Heart." Since that book was published, Judy's son committed suicide and she married her long-time friend. This book is a fantastic insight into the healing process--the healing that can be brought about by loving and caring people--the healing process that only you can do despite friends and caring supporters. While this book brings you down to depths of despair the ultimate message is very uplifting and gives us all hope and lets us see the bright side of life -- all in all a very, very positive and uplifting book. Oh, and as an aside, it provides another fascinating glimpse into Judy's exciting career. There are some good tidbits in there for the Collins fan. Good job, Judy!
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Summary: "A book of rare honesty, sensitivity, and warmth!"
Review: While listening to the current recordings of this remarkable performer, humanitarian, and personality, one is immediately struck by the warmth of her voice and its enduring stamina and honesty, the same can be said about, "Singing Lessons, A Memoir of Love, Loss, Hope, and Healing. If anyone wonders if it is possible to survive unbearable tragedy, and thrive, they only have to read this book. If anyone wonders about physical, spiritual, and emmotional vibrancy, beyond the age of 40, they have only to read this book! It has been said that to survive any great tragedy, you have to go through it and experience it honestly. For those of us who have gone through far less than the loss of an only child, this book is a triumphant road-map on how to grow and survive any of lifes unfathomable, unexpected, and unreal experiences. Judy Collins is a shinning example, not only for those trying to cope with an enormous tragedy, but many of the new comers in todays music and entertainment industry who could well learn a "lesson" from her tremendous example on how to be a "good" star, someone who is truly grateful for the position they have achieved, and seeks to give back to the world, a true sense of caring, a steady sense of responsibility, and most of all, an enduring sense of the "real" kind of love, that makes this book "sing," and the journey possible and worth the effort to continue.
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