A Better Me

This is Gary Barlow as honest, heartfelt and more open than ever before

By: Gary Barlow

Narrated by: Gary Barlow

Length: 10 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

Best-selling audiobook; shortlisted for the Specsavers National Book Awards 2018

Includes an additional new chapter.

Gary Barlow is one of the most successful British musicians and songwriters of all time, but 15 years ago, as he himself admits, he hit rock bottom - he was out of shape, out of work, depressed.

Food for him had become an addiction, a means not only of comfort but almost of self-medication as he grappled with the cruel twists of fate of musical stardom. In 2003, as he struggled with the disappointment of an underperforming solo career alongside the tireless media taunts; Gary turned to food. Relentlessly. In the space of nine years he had been on 20 diets in the hopes of a resolution to all his woes. After asking the doctor what the 'cure' for obesity was, it sunk in that he was the only one who could take control of his health. Gary describes this realisation and the task that lay ahead - 'it was like being at the foot of a massive mountain'.

So how did he go from an obese, out-of-work and depressed pop icon, to a superstar of music and TV and an accomplished musical songwriter and producer who is full of vitality, fitter, happier and more successful than ever before. What happened?

In his extraordinarily honest memoir A Better Me, Gary tells of his journey back to professional success and mental and physical health. From reforming Take That to critical and commercial acclaim and reigniting his own legendary songwriting career; to overcoming his weight problems and crippling obsession with food; to TV judging panel stardom on The X Factor and Let It Shine and at last finding balance in both his personal and professional life.

A Better Me is a remarkably frank memoir of Gary's life as he battled with weight, stress, fitness and depression, and staged one of the most thrilling professional comebacks in years. In his warm, witty and authentic voice, he recounts his story with compelling insight, captivating honesty and a human side that people rarely see. Here is one of the UK's most beloved pop stars open, honest and raw and as we've never seen him before.

©2018 Gary Barlow (P)2018 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

New fan

I didn't know who Gary Barlow was a month ago. I came across his music on YouTube and then found his book. After listening to his book, I'm forever a fan. He's authentic, he's talented, he's a rare find. Thank you for sharing your story. I have taken more from it than I thought I ever could. Now I'm off to discover the better ME!

Outstanding Telling of a Life

I "discovered" Gary Barlow in November 2018 and have since come to love and admire him with a passion! This book is a raw and compelling story about the struggles of a famous person and weight, and his lifelong relationship with food. It is sprinkled with stories of fame and his Take That band with the humility and self deprecating humor that seems apparent in his interviews. Fantastic!

Brutally honest celebrity biography

A very frank biography of singer/songwriter Gary Barlow. I love the band Take That, so when this came out I had to read it. When I found out he was narrating the book himself, I had to hear it in his own voice.

Gary struggled with obesity and depression in the aftermath of the break-up of Take That in the 90's. His solo career bombed and he became a recluse, eating his way into anonymity. When the band reformed and became very successful in 2006, Gary found himself dealing with serial dieting, struggling to balance his personal and professional life and other out-of-control emotions. Being a bloke, he didn't handle it well.

The book was brutally honest and moving. I enjoyed listening to him, even though some of the passages were harrowing. Mr. Barlow has a very deadpan sense of humor. He makes an effort to use different voices to distinguish different characters. He's got a northern British accent, but I was able to understand everything he said. In fact, hearing him tell his story was better than just reading it, in my opinion.

Captivating, heartfelt and Brilliant

Firstly, I have to say that yes, I am a fan of Gary from the first time round with Take That. I found out about this book through a fan page on Facebook and immediately became interested. I pre ordered on Audible and waited for it's release. I was not to be disappointed. Anyone who knows Gary's music knows that he is one talented bloke. He is a natural writer and his own narration made the story come to life. I could literally picture the scenes being played out as if a movie. I laughed, I was thoughtful and I cried such tears that my 3 year old was running to dry my eyes and give me a hug. It's a fantastic story of a journey thus far of one of the most talented and capable men on this planet. He might be a self confessed non intellectual but that wouldn't put him in in the category of being non intelligent. He is natural and honest and his sense of humour shines through in spades. I can safely say that this would be a book that you would never regret buying and listening to. We can all learn a thing or two from Gary and my admiration for this man has only deepened through hearing his story. Congratulations Gary Barlow on a beautiful written book.

Wow!

Simply loved it! Honest, funny and sad at the same time. And narrated by GB! Not a fan-book, a book for everyone.

an examined life

one of the most intriguing modern life stories there is, and to think his life is only half way done! mind blowing.

Amazing story about one man

I’m ordinary fan of take that. I’m young. I’m only 24. I only know take that since 2013. Firstly i liked their good pop music. Then, i started to like them as persons. That’s why I was listening to it. There’s a lot of to learn from is. You get to know music industry, how boybands work, how your career can be ruined. How can you rebuild yourself. How can relationship with food can change. How to live on while you buried your child. I think barlow did a great job reading it. He did a right decision to read it himself. No one could read it his story better. And his story is not only for a take that or gary barlow fan. I think is for everyone who has any of similar experience in life.

So good I forget where I’m driving.

I find that autobiographies are usually boringly-written stories about interesting people, or boringly-written stories about boring people. But this book is a brilliantly-written tale about a brilliant person and an absolute delight to listen to (obviously.)

I already adored Gary's writing style (which is why I love his songs and deep lyrics,) but now I love him even more. No part of the book was dull, and so many parts made me burst out laughing or shedding tears. This book has also, (authentically) "accepted it won't be in fashion." There are no trending thoughts in this. It's just true, honest, wonderful Gary.

This book is so worth the money. Worth all the stars. Worth everything! I'm utterly depressed that it's finished, but now I shall listen all over again.

as expected .... entertaining

had me laughing so much in places and told me so much about his demons despite his huge success .... really good, enjoyed it - great narration

Tugs at the heart and honest

I thought Gary Barlow was authentic in his feelings, and provided depth to the emotions he felt when dealing with his life's experiences. The pain, sorrows, and joys he's felt was brought out by his sincere expressions put forth in this audio book. I enjoyed it and found it an uplifting story.