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)

Legend in her own time

A fascinating read with great detail. A revealing look at one of music's prolific songstress in our time. Enjoyed how the background music was placed while Carly reveals all without fear.

Boy in the Tree

Great information and reflection of Carly's early life, performance career through 1980 and marriage to James. You can tell she is still in love with him and hoped for a better outcome. Still wanted more from her life from the mid 80's to now but that'll be her next book

I gave the performance 4 stars only because the background music was a bit loud at times and a little distracting at first but eventually liked it. Music selection is good and definitely set a lot of the mood.

Carly is still one my favorite singer songwriters and hope she finds the courage to do a national tour.

Too much James Taylor

I wanted her to talk more about the songs and her comeback in the 80s. There is way too much stuff about her relationship with James Taylor. He is not interesting to me. It's a good book though and very well written.

Wow

Where does Boys in the Trees rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I have not listened to many audio books before, but this book really was a great first go at it. The delivery, passion and feeling in Carly's beautiful familiar voice, with occasional music in the background told her life story through humor, truth, fears, pain, disappointments, all wrapped around an exciting life. Born of musical royalty rubbing shoulders with and inter- mingling with the whose who of the music and the entertainment world since birth, kept me listening through the night. I googled pictures of her family, friends and loves of her life while I listened. I picked up where I left off in the morning and listened all the next day until the book was done. I LOVED IT.

Excellent

Wonderful book- excellent narration- worthwhile read! I highly appreciated and recommend this audio book. You will enjoy

WOW! Really enjoyed listening to this on tape while driving...

I thoroughly enjoyed hearing Carly's journey literally from her!! Such a way with her words! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

Insightful and Modest Rock Star...?!

I would love to get to know Carly. She has written an intelligent and honest memoir that clearly took a lot of courage and self- examination. She is a wonderful writer, which I wasn't expecting in someone so talented in other ways....her story would have been interesting enough, but as written ( and scored), it was a truly memorable experience. As her old friend may have said, "Well done, Simon Sister!"

she's so vain, here's why

Where does Boys in the Trees rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

this audio book really kept my attention and intrigued me.

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

oh , so many memorable moments....i feel like i lived them with her, she made them very accessible.. her meeting with Sean Connery really summed up her personality for me. the drive to meet and be close to a celebrity. which seemed to be a big theme in here life experience. her competition with her sister and the way she got disappointed and felt cheated ,reflected her paradigm.

What about Carly Simon’s performance did you like?

i loved her candid accessible style. she shared her weaknesses and frailties . i liked the way she did some singing . enjoyed her "magical thinking".

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

not an extreme reaction. i was surprised by how much i enjoyed it and my heart opened to her. i found her emotional math interesting . one disrespectful mom and two long legs don't equal an affair with mick jagger. but hey, we all rationalize our lives.

Any additional comments?

i hope she can make some money with the book, i appreciate her candid tell all.

Readers voice and music great!

Would you consider the audio edition of Boys in the Trees to be better than the print version?

The readers voice is also the author so there is a personality added to this listening experience. Highlighted with music was awesome. Especially if you are a fan of this songwriter and her music.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Carly Simon

What about Carly Simon’s performance did you like?

Her narrative of her life as a child and throughout her life.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I think it was interesting but a very long story to go through without breaks due to the transitions and the experiences throughout authors life.

Any additional comments?

I would probably have lost interest in this memoir if it had not been narrated by the author and the added special effects of the music and singing by the author.

Awareness

I always wonder how someone got to be how they are, and Carly let me see some things that have shaped her. Are any of us aware of all the things that have molded us, no. This is a wonderful, heartfelt, look at her.