A Natural Woman: A Memoir

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.

I eagerly anticipated the release of this book because I had a great appreciation for Ms. King's talent and always sensed that she was an exceptionally good and decent person. Her memoirs caused me to think about a generation of young people, many of whom seemed to become musicians, born during the second world war. There has been much said and written about the baby boomers and our effect upon society. However, it has been this immeadiately preceeding generation, born during the war, which have been our leaders and our guides, our big brothers and sisters. It is they who deserve much of the credit for the quality of life we have enjoyed.

If you can imagine sitting for several hours pleasantly and contentedly listening to an old friend share the stories of their experiences, you have a feel for the enjoyment you'll have experiencing this book. It's not perfect and I doubt any of us is capable of creating a truly accurate self-portrait, but Carole's stories and reflections will carry you through a journey of your own life and fill you with the warmth of remembering how very good it has been.

Just as it would be listening to any friend, sometimes her stories seem to go into excessive detail in some areas and leave out significant information in other areas. In the end, I think you'll close this book with the warm feeling of having spent time with an incredibly hard-working, talented, warm, and loving woman. You'll be a better person for the experience.

Rather than simply write a memoir, King placed the events of her life in a greater historical context. I felt like I learned a lot about songwriting, the record business, and popular culture in general. And she's funny!

Her voice brings emotion to the story; sometimes her amusement or excitement really shines through. Plus, listeners get to hear her sing and play the piano.

I have and will continue to do so. I have been a fan of Carole King's music since the 60's...this book has made me a fan of Carole King the person.

This book is filled with great scenes...if I was forced to pick one it would probably be the fight to retain the rights to the road across the ranch in Idaho.

Although Carole and I do not agree on everytingpolitically, I respect her views and admire the way she stands up for them. This book is a fantastic read and portal into the music lifestyle of the 60's and 70's.

Perhaps a professional reader. Carole is an awesome talent but reading isn't one of them. she sounds like a little girl.

I did learn things I didn't know and found interesting

Hearing Carole King read this book is so entertaining. The whole book is as if she is sitting down with you telling you stories about her life. Occasionally she breaks into song which is fun to hear. Her stories about different musicians provide a fascinating perspective like when she goes to John Lennon's and Yoko Ono's apartment for tea. Carole King is an amazing woman who has lived through amazing times.

I have been a fan of Carole King's since her (and my) teenage years. I really wanted to like this book. I really wanted to enjoy Carole reading her life story. But I couldn't.
The book itself needed some serious editing. It interrupted its own flow in places so much that I found myself actually disoriented at times. Paragraphs and pages were devoted to miscellaneous and trivial events, such as winning a court case over the privacy of a road or getting lost in Japan, but only one brief sentence to sending one's youngest son off to live with his father. I'm still confused about how she fell in love with her first husband. Did he just look like a picture she fell in love with that she kept in her wallet of some random model guy or did he have other, endearing qualities? We don't know. There is no depth.
And the narration is just plain awful. I'm sorry. I continue to love Carole's music and if I ever get the chance to see her perform again I will run, not walk, to get tickets. But please don't ask her to read a book again.
I feel like a traitor. I really wanted to enjoy this book. But I didn't.

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

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!

Enlightening, informative, surprising

James Taylor. I never knew that James and Carol were so close. James was so kind to Carole by giving her the limelight.

I would reccomend this book to anyone interested in the life of Carole King and the pop music of the 20th Century.

Not only did it give details about King's life, but a snapshot of the music industry in a very turbulent time in our country's history.

I liked the way she would break out in song when discussing various musical pieces.

I was particularly moved by an explanation of domestic abuse that King described during a dark period of her life.

Although very long, this book kept my attention from beginning to end, anyone who love's King's music is sure to find it entertaining and informing. I will warn the reader though, if one is looking for a lot of detail regarding King's friendship with James Taylor, there seems to be pieces missing.