From Library Journal
Cole's performance enhances her refreshingly honest and candid autobiography. Although she is the daughter of legendary singer Nat "King" Cole, she has been no stranger to adversity, both in her career and personal life. The title of her memoir reflects the pop singer's strong religious beliefs; she is certain that, several times in her life, it was only the intervention of angels that saved her. Frankly describing her devastating addiction to drugs, Cole assumes full responsibility for her past mistakes and could certainly serve as an inspiration to others facing the same terrible struggle. She is also open about domestic troubles including her marital problems and love-hate relationship with her mother. This substantial account of Cole's life and Grammy Award-winning career also offers interesting glimpses into the inner workings of the pop music industry. Highly recommended for all music and biography collections.DBeth Farrell, Portage Cty. Dist. Lib., OH
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Songstress Cole's as-told-to autobiography opens with the harrowing tale of how she and her bodyguard nearly were killed in a hotel fire. As it happens, she had just "made a bargain with the Lord." If the deity let her take a hit of freebase as the room filled with smoke, "then that means I'm finished. I'm going to get high, and then I'm going to die." Fortunately, the Lord acted swiftly. As Cole readied the pipe, "the door was blown off its hinges" by "twin angel Gabriels," who turned out to be firefighters. The singer was saved! And her life changed. Besides that amazing grace, Cole mentions her famous father--one of her abiding companions--early and often, so that Nat Cole, God, and the music she considers a gift from them both could be said to dominate her life. Thoughtfully, she recalls her childhood, recounts the legal battle between her mother and her and her siblings over her father's estate, and relates the erratic behavior of an aging Frank Sinatra, whom she felt had transferred his affection for her father to her. Although she concentrates mostly on the good times, Cole isn't shy about the bad times, which makes this intriguing, engaging, and inspirational life story worthy of attention.
Mike TribbyCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
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