A Natural Woman

A Memoir

By: Carole King

Narrated by: Carole King

Length: 14 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

Listen to the New York Times best-selling memoir that is "revealing, humble, and cool-aunt chatty" about the incredible life that inspired the hit Broadway musical Beautiful (Rolling Stone). Carole King takes us from her early beginnings in Brooklyn, to her remarkable success as one of the world's most acclaimed songwriting and performing talents of all time. A Natural Woman chronicles King's extraordinary life, drawing listeners into her musical world, including her phenomenally successful number one album Tapestry, and into her journey as a performer, mother, wife and present-day activist. Deeply personal, King's long-awaited memoir offers listeners a front-row seat to the woman behind the legend. The audiobook will include dozens of photos from King's childhood, her own family, and behind-the-scenes images from her performances.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2012 Carole King (P)2012 Hachette Audio

I wish there was more about the songwriter & songs

Would you try another book from Carole King and/or Carole King?

It took me several tries to mine through this one. The book seems like it was written as a memoir for Carole's future great great grandchildren. For example, she spends pages explaining what a 45 rpm record is compared to other formats and how things have changed thanks to iTunes. Frankly, I found passages like this utterly bewildering. I was hoping that she would spend more time talking about the fantastic songs that she wrote. If you want to get to know Carole the songwriter, look elsewhere. If you want a very basic outline of what she has been doing, who she has worked with and where she has been, this book may appeal.

Would you ever listen to anything by Carole King again?

If she wrote a book about songwriting? Yes. Another memoir? No.

What does Carole King bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Carole's narration is very good and has a sweetness that no one else could match.

Insight into a legendary performer

What did you love best about A Natural Woman?

I would not have bought the book or enjoyed it as much if it was not read by Carole King herself, I loved her delivery and occasional signing. She has led a full and interesting life. I recently saw the Broadway show, Beautiful, about her life, and I bought the book to listen to prior to attending the show so that I would know the complete story. It enhanced the show for me. There are a few slow parts, but overall a great listen.

Surprisingly boring

Carole King seems like a very sweet person and it was great hearing her narrate. However, it seems that she did not want to share much of her personal life. I found about 20% of this interesting and the rest seemed like “filler” (how to record an album, history of 45s, LPs, etc, ).

Hearing it is even better than reading it!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes! I've already read the book, but after hearing Carole King read parts of it I decided that I wanted to hear her read the whole book. I'm so glad I did. She reads beautifully, sings bits of songs, imitates voices. Highly recommended.

A memoir for any fan

If you could sum up A Natural Woman in three words, what would they be?

Reminiscent, Real, Relevant

What does Carole King bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

To hear this story in Carole's own voice was moving. Her history is my history. Each moment, each song brings back a flood of memories. It's so interesting to hear what was going on in her life while remembering what was going on in my life at the same time.

Any additional comments?

Any Carole King fan must hear this book.

Love her!

Truth is, there was a lot of time spent on subjects I believe most of us are not that interested in, but are part of her life. Like a lawsuit she was part of. But when she talks about meeting Paul & Linda McCartney, or other musicians, she held my attention. Hers is an amazing life! And what a talent! We’re all blessed by the music she’s given us!

Wonderfully done and memorable

FAN- fantastic . Her way of weaving in all aspects happening made the book come alive for me

thank you, Carole

No ego in this memoir; it's a real, raw , talented, refreshing sharing of a beautifully flawed and perfect life. Thank you, Carole King, for your music and for this book.
Amy

Really good for Carole King fans

I am a fan of Carole King which is why I was so looking forward to reading/listening to her book. The reason I only gave it 4 stars is because although I appreciate her wanting to write and ‘own’ her own story unfortunately, she’s not the best narrator. Also, Carole King is a VERY, VERY find-the-silver-lining kind of person and although she went through several very difficult times in her life she seems to spin them into something good. I suppose that may be a good way to live but it got a bit sugary for me. I’m glad I read it and I think her fans should as well.

I Like Her EVEN more now !

Would you consider the audio edition of A Natural Woman to be better than the print version?

It is wonderful to hear Carole King tell her own story with her wonderful rhythms and accent.

Any additional comments?

Carole's honesty and openness is brave and refreshing and her unique perspective as a woman who lived through the 50's and 60's music scenes and then, wrote the book on the 70's makes for a fascinating story. Her life story includes her struggles with her desire to stay true to herself and those she loves - she keeps it real - and that is an inspiration as well. Music history buffs will learn stuff, too!