Boys in the Trees

A Memoir

By: Carly Simon

Narrated by: Carly Simon

Length: 13 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

Simon's memoir reveals her remarkable life, beginning with her storied childhood as the third daughter of Richard L. Simon, the cofounder of publishing giant Simon & Schuster; her musical debut as half of The Simon Sisters, performing folk songs with her sister, Lucy, in Greenwich Village; to a meteoric solo career that would result in 13 top 40 hits, including the number-one song "You're So Vain". She was the first artist in history to win a Grammy Award, an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe Award, for her song "Let the River Run" from the movie Working Girl.

The memoir recalls a childhood enriched by music and culture but also one shrouded in secrets that would eventually tear her family apart. Simon brilliantly captures moments of creative inspiration, the sparks of songs, and the stories behind writing "Anticipation" and "We Have No Secrets", among many others. Romantic entanglements with some of the most famous men of the day fueled her confessional lyrics as well as the unraveling of her storybook marriage to James Taylor.

Includes original music composed especially for the program by Carly Simon and Teese Gohl plus a previously unreleased bonus song from Carly Simon.

©2015 Carly Simon (P)2015 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

"Carly Simon exuberantly narrates her memoir, which reads like a history of rock and roll from the 1970s onward. Simon's warm and personal style sounds as if she's telling her story directly to each listener." ( AudioFile)

Embarrassing!

I like Carly's music, and the parts of this book that are about the music industry are good. Also interesting, voyeuristic, sad--her childhood story, her depressed father, her (something) mother. But fully half of the book is about James Taylor, and her obsession with him, and that you can't call it anything else at this point, although she tries to, is so sad and pathetic. I was finally ashamed of myself for listening to this very private stuff that should have stayed very private. Carly Simon, by her own report, gave her whole inheritance to her shrink, and he did absolutely nothing to help her, although she sure needs it.

annie whitney

I love the book I love the story only one problem when she's telling her story her music is too loud you can not hear what she's saying over the music

I cried like a baby

If you could sum up Boys in the Trees in three words, what would they be?

Haunting, Sad, Lovely.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Boys in the Trees?

When she described the first night she met James Taylor and spent the night with him- I could feel her love for him in her words. Got goosebumps- the prose she uses- magical and so powerful. Moved me to tears!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Never wanted it to end- it was a masterpiece and a pleasure to listen to- I was mesmerized.I actually feel like I know her now!

Refreshingly honest (and sad)

Carly may have been born into the Simon & Schuster empire, but her life wasn't an easy one by any means. She's a natural writer and a great narrator--though, incredibly, she had to read the audiobook alone in a room because of her stammer. Yes, it's sad that she's still hung up on James Taylor (who is a class A POS, going by these stories) but I find it admirable that she doesn't try to hide from this. It is what it is.

I am not a fan of the constant background music in this audiobook. It was intriguing at first but ended up being distracting. It's almost as if they were afraid the words couldn't stand alone, so they added the music instead. But the words could stand alone just fine.

A trip through time

I thoroughly enjoyed this trip through time with Carly Simon. I've loved her music for as long as I can remember but really had no clue about the life of Carly Simon. Most of us look on from afar at the lives of famous musicians and think, "wow they must be living the life." We don't realize they have just as much drama, craziness, ups and downs and challenges that us "normal" people do.

This was an awesome glimpse into Carly's life from the time she was very young up to her split with James Taylor. (Wow did I have a crush on him when I was a young teen.)

A bonus is having the audio book read by the author. Having Carly read the book to me was wonderful. Her voice is mellow but engaging. Really enjoyed this book.

Beautiful, in her own voice and music

Any additional comments?

This is so uniquely done: Carly's own reading of the entire book with what appear to be
newly scored and arranged versions of the songs that fit into each of the books sections.
Simply a masterpiece!

The last time I enjoyed a read this much was…

…never. I’m speechless. This book was so thoughtfully written, beautifully written and scored. Ms. Simon drew me into her life and her world, describing scenes so that I felt like I was a shadow on the wall, observing every laugh, every heartache, every moment. From just a few feet away. Bravo!

Lyrical & Eloquent

What beautiful writing Carly Simon has demonstrated in this fascinating and at times very sad book. It shows how life can be so beautiful and painful at the same time. Her ability as an author is just as magnificent as her ability as a songwriter and singer. I highly recommend this book even if you didn’t know anything about the people in it.

I love Carly, loved listening to her story but...

... the musical interludes, for which she gives a caveat at the end, are too loud, too obtrusive and totally drown out her voice so I'm not sure why they ever got past a final review?

But if you like Carly, and who doesn't, this is a very sympathetic look at her life, her family, her marriage to Mr. Taylor and her career. Nice to hear she did indeed find some peace of mind finally.

I met Carly once at a celebrity baseball game on the Boston Common and had a lovely conversation about Ben's first album which was still being recorded the time. She was as friendly and warm and funny as I could have ever hope for. And gorgeous. And that voice!

From Simon and Schuster to James Taylor

What made the experience of listening to Boys in the Trees the most enjoyable?

I loved hearing about her MANY relationships with some of my favorite singers of the time Cat Stephens, James Taylor, Kris Kristofferson. She was honest about her one night stands and brief encounters with famous men; she really got around and was kind of non plus about it. She spoke of it as if everyone experiences this. she didn't go to deeply into their intimacy and didnt go to deeply into too many relationships with the famous other than James Taylor. Most of her indepth relationships were her family and she wrote very intimately about these and about her fears and neuroses.. Loved when she told who she wrote specific songs for

What other book might you compare Boys in the Trees to and why?

Tried to listen to the Carol King biography but it was pretty dry and I sadly could not tolerate her voice. I do love her singing voice however. This book was much more interesting and I couldn't wait to get in my car to listen.
Mic Fleetwood's narrated book is by far my favorite rock and roll tell all. It was more historical and less gossip. Carly's book was equally as tasteful.

What about Carly Simon’s performance did you like?

I enjoyed her openness about her roots and how so many rock stars judged her for being a "rich girl." She denies being a rich girl it in the book, however she never ever mentioned money or the struggle to make it; this to me spoke volumes. She obviously was used to the best and not worrying about money. She never once mentions how she paid for things, how much things cost, how she paid for her many different rented apts, hotels, etc. Generally most memoirs describe their writer's struggle to make it. I was unaware of the fact that James Taylor also grew up in a well to do Eastern Coast family.
The instance when she took her children to the Simon and Schuster building to show them what their grandfather had built was poignant and sad.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Not boys in trees. I guess, "From Simon and Schuster to James Taylor"

Any additional comments?

She reads with a very monotone voice. At times it gets difficult to listen to for long periods of time, But I broke it up within short driving trips so it was tolerable. Just because someone can sing does not mean that they are a good narrator. This was a lesson to me. See my Carole King remark above.I didn't really like the title, it didn't make much sense to me.I did, however, enjoy the book and her very laid back style.