A Paper Life

By: Tatum O'Neal

Narrated by: Tatum O'Neal

Length: 5 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

Filled with stunning revelations, here is the sensational memoir of one of Hollywood's most talented and troubled stars - an inspirational true tale of survival and triumph against all odds

Though she has shunned the media spotlight, Academy Award-winning actress Tatum O'Neal at last goes on the record to tell her story - a tale of personal turmoil and ultimate triumph that is part Hollywood tell-all, part Greek tragedy, and part Shakespearean drama.

In her trademark no-holds-barred style, she names names as she chronicles the ups and downs of being Hollywood royalty, including:

• her nearly fatal addiction to drugs
• her destructive relationships with mother, the late actress Joanna Moore; her famously overbearing and flamboyant father, Ryan O'Neal and his former longtime live-in love, Farrah Fawcett; and her wildly explosive ex-husband, international tennis pro John McEnroe
• her early years - a time of tubulence, loneliness, and abuse - as a virtual orphan forced to raise herself and her "Irish twin", younger brother, Griffin
• her explosive, untold stories of the top figures in pop culture and sports

Ultimately, we see the emergence of an extremely gifted, spirited, and intelligent woman - the ultimate survivor who is a role model to all women.

©2004 Tatum O'Neal (P)2004 HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.

Critic reviews

"In this honest, disturbing memoir, O'Neal...reveals the behind-the-scenes story of her lonely, chaotic life." (Publishers Weekly)

well written.

What a horrible childhood she lived. I'm happy she has found a better life now for herself and her kids

Absolutely incredible!

Wow! I had no idea about Tatum’s life. This was incredibly eye-opening and vulnerable. Very well done. Highly recommend.

Great Book - Honest and Bittersweet

This account is painfully honest and heartbreaking to listen to at times. It exemplifies that mad highs and lows of fame and wealth from a woman who seems to only be searching for something real and true. No one in her life and in the book is dashed but treated as the complex humans they are. I was fascinated by every word and hope the writer continues to heal and blossom. Tatum is a greatly underestimated actress.

Real and Compelling

Totally I understand child custody issues when fighting a spouse with money. Also understand feeling alone without anyone to lean into. Loved the book and hearing it from Tatum herself. I had no issues listening the whole book to the end.

Beautiful, honest and heartbreaking

Such a brave child who turned into a strong woman and her coming to grips with all the adults who failed her and her siblings.

Revealing, in many ways.

Would you try another book from Tatum O'Neal and/or Tatum O'Neal?

Yes, I would. I was attracted to her honesty, or at least what I perceive to be her honesty, her willingness to be real. I did not find her tone blaming, just truthful.

What did you like best about this story?

She paints a very clear picture of the genetics of addiction.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Her narration was very strange, as other readers have commented, but I got used to it. This in itself was revealing, I thought. It reveals the fact that these are not all Tatum's words; the book was cowritten. But it also reveals that Ms. O'Neal is not out to score points. I heard the little girl in her voice and it was earnest and endearing. I couldn't imagine anyone else narrating this book.

What else would you have wanted to know about Tatum O'Neal’s life?

What happened next? But I suppose I have to read the next book!

The struggle for a good life in a bad environment

Tatum articulately expresses the difficulties of growing up in a family where appearances are all that matter, requiring denial, lies, blame-shifting, etc., much better than I am able to. I respect her courage to speak up (even though doing so is the ultimate 'sin'), her fight to protect innocence, and beyond that to forgive. What genuine love is there that is not founded on truth and dignity? None, and she instinctively knows this. I appreciate Tatum for the inner qualities she has nurtured, and the difference she has been trying to make in her world. This is the essence of the battle that is life. May God bless her in all the best ways.

started out strong, but ended weakly

a little over half way through it turned into a typical "everyone is wrong" and "poor me." although i stayed with it, i found my interest waning and found myself yelling at specific comments made by Tatum. i am looking forward to reading McEnroe's book now to find out his side of the story.

the most interesting part of the book revolves around Paper Moon, and how she got there.

This was a wonderfully told story

This was a wonderfully told story. I enjoyed learning about her life. We all have things we need to overcome.

Excellent "Read"

For anyone who is old enough to have seen Paper Moon and has followed the O'Neil family throughout the decades, it is fascinating to hear the history through the eyes of Tatem as a child and a fascinating look into what goes on behind closed doors. I got through the book in two days. Excellent company for a long flight.