Customer Reviews

And the Beat Goes on

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Although I believe Sonny was trying to be honest in this book, Cher and Chastity Bono have both stated inaccurate information. Sonny & Cher have completely different stories regarding their initial meeting, and exactly when they stopped sleeping in twin beds and actually became "involved" with each other. I suspect it's due to the age factor. Cher was 16 when they met.... In the book Sonny claims they met in April 62, but that would have made Cher 15 at the time. I've heard their actual meeting at Aldo's occured in November of 62. I think Sonny just has some of his dates mixed up and who knows the truth about when their relationship became more than "platonic". At any rate, I had to laugh at Sonny's description of the lack of "fireworks" in the bedroom.....that was an obvious pot shot at Cher. Cher claims that before she had Chastity, she had 4 miscarriages. Sonny only recounts two, but for someone who claimed his relationship lacked "fireworks" in the bedroom, his "wife" sure had enough pregnancies.

Another interesting point is that Sonny and Cher's supposed marriage in 1964 was a ruse. I guess nobody bothered to confirm the fact that they weren't legally married. Oh sure, they married themselves in the bathroom of their house and exchanged cheap sterling rings (his said "CHER", hers "SONNY"--they're seen wearing these rings in photos throughout the 60's and featured prominently in their movie "Good Times"). They didn't actually legally marry until Chastity was 8 or 9 months old....sometime in the fall of 1969.

The most interesting part of the book, is Sonny's early work in the record industry (nobody can ever claim that Sonny was a slacker--he had tenacity and determination in everything he undertook), and especially his time spent with Phil Spector at Gold Star studios. His stories of Spector just confirm the weirdness that is Phil Spector. Spector was prone to fits of anger, hissy-fits and just general oddness. I laughed out loud as Sonny recounted Phil spending hours in his car trying to find the perfect driving position in which he'd look "coolest" (arm out the window, one finger on the wheel, sunglasses on or off?, back towards the window).

The whole Sonny & Cher relationship gets a little sad towards the end, and I found myself feeling sorry for Sonny. I suspect through his words, he still held a great deal of fondness for Cher, but the two of them just couldn't stop taking shots at each other in the press. I also have no doubt that despite Cher's tough exterior and constant rants about her terrible marriage to Sonny, she felt the same fondness towards him. Nobody who talks the way that Cher did to the press prior to Sonny's passing and then behaves the way that she did upon hearing of his death, and the ensuing funeral is being entirely truthful (hence the accusations of Cher "acting", and using his death as a publicity springboard). I suspect there were some deep, deep feelings there, but the two of them were both so stubborn and prideful that they couldn't get past the hurtful bantering.

Despite some inaccurate info. This book is still an interesting read as Sonny is mostly quite honest with his emotions.

Sonny's seemlingly honest rendition of his life (mainly his life with Cher) is enjoyable, brutally honest at times, and often both refreshingly funny and painfully sad. Although he doesn't hesitate to criticize Cher, he owns up to many of his own weaknesses and mistakes as well. It is evident that despite their painful divorce, Sonny still has great affection (and no doubt love) for his ex-wife. He is still searching for answers as to why their relationship ended the way it did and all these years later, he still seems at a loss to explain it. Clearly, Cher was his soulmate, the love of his life. Bono tells us this without really stating it plainly. And despite his subsequent marriages and political career, Sonny was never able to rid his heart of the dark haired 16-year-old girl he met in a Hollywood coffee shop. A must-read for all Sonny and Cher fans. This tragic love story will break your heart.

This Is a really good book, I decided to read it after I read THE FIRST TIME by Cher because I really am into Sonny&Cher. It gives good details and he doesn't tell lies in it to make himself look good. A lot of the information is the same as in The First Time. Read it, and you'll know a lot more a bout Sonny Bono.

What a great book! Sonny Bono had such great talent and it shows on every page. One of the best bios I have ever read. His life story and times with Sonny & Cher are so fascinating any way - but very well written in this book. You will not want to put this book down! (Unlike Cher's "The First Time." Big disappointment.)

You don't have to be the smartest,or the most talented person in the World to make it big,Sonny proved that.You have to believe in yourself.Sonny became a great songwriter,TV Star,Movie Star,Mayor of Palm Springs,and married some of the most beutifull Women I've ever seen.This book gives you the rise and fall,and rise and fall again of the most famous couple ever.You could never count on Sonny or Cher not to make another comeback.This book is very simple to read,and I enjoyed every page.Its tragic what happened to Sonny at the end,but he will be remembered always.

Sonny Bono has done it again in this funny book. To me, he's never stopped me from laughing at him because I have seen his variety show with Sonny and Cher and I can't stop laughing at him. He does have quite a sense of humor. He and Cher have been one of my favorite singers from the 60's/70's, even if I'm only 29 years old. I was introduced to Cher in 1998 or so before he died, I think. I did get to see her when she was doing the Farewell Tour in New Mexico, so the drive wasn't that far from my state. The reason I said not far was because I do live in the 4 Corners. I am an avid reader so I do enjoy the music history from the 50's - 70's and it stops there so yes, I do know a lot and enjoy it but I have lost touch of it lately sadly but I haven't lost my touch. This was a funny read but it does make me wonder what Sonny would've thought about his daughter turning into a man. That scares me!

I have always been, and always will be, a Sonny and Cher fan. I read this story after seeing the movie based on this book. Cher has had her rounds with Sonny, claiming inaccuracies with some information. But after such a relationship and such a life, can anyone keep the correct dates? No matter who is right or wrong, this is the story from Sonny's view. Sonny was in love- but was he in love with Cher as a whole, or Cher the star? But make no mistake- while he does put down and take jabs at Cher, he never once claims to be a perfect man. He owns up to his mistakes.

It seems as though Sonny is very open and candid throughout most of this book, explaining his affair, and the hurt he felt when Cher left him. It's so sad that he has passed on now, as he could have continued to be a great man who did a great many things. From music to politics, this tells his life in all.

A good read - well written. He had an interesting life. He really lets loose on Cher as well.

This is a great book and I do think it shows what a wonderful man Sonny Bono was. I recommend that every reads it.

Bristel

I really enjoyed this book. I felt compelled to read this book the moment I spotted it since Sonny and I share the same birthday even though I was born in the same year as Cher. And Chastity was born the very same day as our daughter...the beat goes on as there are numerous coincidences. This is certainly getting off the track as far as my book recommendation goes though. I would highly recommend this as a good biography... a great deal of insight from Sonny's personality and perspective.