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A Sick Life  By  cover art

A Sick Life

By: Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins
Narrated by: Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins
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Publisher's summary

In addition to the balancing act of juggling an all-consuming music career and her family, TLC's Tionne has struggled with sickle-cell disease since she was a young girl - a debilitating and incurable disease that can render her unable to perform, walk, or even breathe.

A Sick Life chronicles Tionne's journey from a childhood spent in and out of the hospital, told she wouldn't live to see 30 or have children, to becoming the superstar musician who is still living out her life's dream of performing. For the first time, Tionne will tell her full life story - the diagnosis, the tumultuous rise to fame, the life in the spotlight, and the hard-fought advocacy work. Through Tionne's tough, funny, tell-it-like-it-is voice, you'll see how the extraordinary singer and advocate found the inner strength, grit, and determination to live her dream - despite her often unpredictable and demanding health issues.

She dives deep into never-before-told TLC stories, including accounts of her friendship with Lisa "Left-Eye" Lopes and the tragedy of her death. Tionne's unvarnished discussion of her disease, unending strength, and ability to power through the odds is a story like no other.

©2017 Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins (P)2017 HighBridge, a Division of Recorded Books

Featured Article: From the Queen of Soul to the Purple One, Hear the Stories of Black Musicians and Artists Who Broke Boundaries


This Black History Month—and every day of the year—we're shining a light on artists and thinkers who demonstrate the boundless depths of Black creativity, joy, and love. We've gathered a list of memoirs by and biographies about artists who totally upended the expectations of a white-dominated field and crafted something entirely their own, making history and changing lives as a result.

What listeners say about A Sick Life

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

I LOVE TLC, but guess I expected more

Perhaps my expectations were too high. I had just finished binge-listening to great audiobooks by Kevin Hart, Jenifer Lewis, Kim Fields, Tiffany Haddish, Taraji P. Henson, and Charlamagne Tha God, that adding iconic Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins’s book to the list seemed like a no-brainer. Unfortunately, the narrator was not as reminiscent as her counterparts. Her voice was monotonous and lacked the energy I’d grown up knowing her to have. Also, it seemed like Rozanda “Chilli” Thomas was left out of the story. In this autobiography she is seen more as a periphery character and not the equal 3rd part of the group. It would have been nice to know how her relationship with the others was prior to and after Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes’ death.

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19 people found this helpful

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    2 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Waste of credit

The narrator was animated and I loved how she changed her voice to match the characters speaking. BUT the story... OMG it is so surface. Like listening to one long magazine article. She definitely could have went deeper into her feelings or the details surrounding her stories. You could tell she was either holding so much back or didn't want to divulge too much info. Either way I could not finish it and I typically finish a book in a day or two depending on how good it is.
This one I only listened as long as I did in hopes it would get better. Sorry to say it never did.
Thank God for Amazon's return policy or I would have been very sad about this purchase.
Love ya T-boz, but next time, don't be so scared to express how you really feel. Especially if it's supposed to be a memoir. 👎👎

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16 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Touching and inspiring on so many levels!

Beautifully written and told, this memoir provides first hand insight into one of the hardest working woman in the entertainment industry's life. Truly inspiring and real, it touched my heart and solidified my love for T-boz and of TLC. My life would not be the same if it weren't for their music. I am grateful to be able to read such amazing stories and thoughts by Tionne. Her book of prose and poetry Thoughts is equally as inspiring, I recommend both. Thank you for sharing your life story with us T. "Dreams" gives me hope and makes me appreciate those closest to me in my life. Your words and this song warm my bitter black heart.

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6 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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My sister in the SCD journey.

My mind can't process being able to write a review after reading this book. I've learned, I've been enlightened, I've reminisced, I've laughed, I've cried and I've drawn strength from this book. I never thought that I could have much in common with you though you are just as human as I.
Thank you Ms. Watkins for being open. Especially about your sickle journey. I know I would benefit from you as a mentor and hopefully that can one day happen.

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5 people found this helpful

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  • CC
  • 01-26-20

Impressed-Wow

I've been wanting to read this for a long time, im not a reader but listening to this was perfect. Been a fan of the group for a long time, but since reading this I have a much bigger Respect for Tionne. She really laid out all her struggles and everything she went through, that must have not been the easiest thing to do. I loved listening to this book and it made me think about those important things in life. A good read for someone going through troubles, she did a good job!

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4 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars
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A whole different world

l love the music TLC brought. I remember being a DJ at the local skating rink and the energy the music brought to the floor. I still love it.

Listening to stories of someone growing up as TBoz did was cool. What I couldn't stand was how she was talking about stealing from a store and returning stolen items was easy money and showing absolutely no remorse for the actions after the fact. Or how when Lisa burned down Rison's house....but that just how Lisa was......really? Sorry, would love to finish this but I just don't/can't relate.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Amazing story, Amazing performance by Tionne

This is an amazing story. I’ve been a life long TLC fan since I was 10 years old. I could write a novel right here, but I’ll keep it short and say that regardless of if you are a TLC fan or not, Tionne’s story will make you laugh, cry, then laugh again. I love how she even includes a few of her solo tracks right at the perfect spots. I am now 37 years old and feel like my life came full circle. TLC kind of raised me and helped me become the man I am today in a way, and now it feels like we are grown together and it’s real talk in this book. Tionne takes you on a journey that you won’t want to break away from, but then leaves you inspired and hopeful. T-Boz, Left Eye, and Chilli for ever!!!!!

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Inspirational Testimony

I loved this book! Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins wrote this from the heart and it shows in her delivery. She is such a positive inspiration to always stay strong and get past any obstacles life may throw at you. This book has changed my perspective of life in such a powerful way. The book flowed effortlessly through her life and was very well-written. I would recommend for every person who needs comfort in any way to pick it up and read.

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1 person found this helpful

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Its all good

This was a fantastic book. I have been living off of what I've heard in the news Hearing the whole story from the horses mouth was eye opening. I had no idea. T-Boz is a trooper may God continue to bless her. Great story!

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1 person found this helpful

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A Sick Life

I didn’t think this book would keep my interest even though she was my favorite TLC artist, however she was compelling and extremely entertaining. I knew she had sickle cell with all the up and downs but didn’t think she went through this much . With all the drama with the initial contract, left eye dieing and having kids, T has had a very hard but enlightening life. I wish her and her family well.

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