Customer Reviews

Life is Just What You Make It: My Story So Far

5 star:		(101)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

As a long-time fan, I anxiously awaited this book, and it was NOT a disappointment. Well-written and concise, it covers Donny and his brother's careers throughout the last four decades. I am a realist, though, and I know the book will have its detractors, most notably the unopen-minded people who let the Osmond's positive views on family and God interfere with letting them listen to the consistent good music that they were capable of making, and later making their fans feel that it was something that they should be apologetic for liking. I hope critics will come to realize that just because someone did not wind up in an alcohol or drug rehab in their autobiography, it does not make their life any less interesting to read about. Isn't it enough that the man feels that even after twenty-five years that he still has to apologize for being Donny Osmond? You can bet that although he may not get the accolades that Michael Jackson did in the eighties, that he is a much happier man with the life that he has lived.

I applaud Donny. I read his book within 2 days and I started reading it again. As a child in the 60's I was teased for loving Donny and I don't regret it. Admiring and following the Osmond family, and the support of my own loving family, kept me straight and out of trouble all my life. Donny shouldn't have to be embarassed about being Donny Osmond. With the way children are teased and abused and victimized by other children in today's world, the kids today should read his book and learn how such actions could affect someone. If they are the ones being teased, then follow his footsteps in dealing with verbal and emotional abuse by society. Maybe if more people read his book they will think twice about not accepting people for who they are. I hope Donny writes additional books in the future, he is as talented in writing as he is in entertaining.

I disagree with the reviewer who said you would only like this book if you'd been a fan of Donny Osmond in the 70s. I'd never heard him sing a song before I saw JOSEPH on video; I read the book and will reread it because it reveals, poignantly but never heavy handedly, a man with an actual emotional life. A man who has grown emotionally and is willing to analyze the process dispassionately, and invite us in. If you want to know what a real man is like, get this book.

The book is a good read and you don't have to be a fan(I have been one since 1970).I always liked the Osmonds music and shows. Mr.Osmond tells us how he dealt with a life of fame and not the stories we once read in Tiger Beat or Sixteen Magazine. You are very luckey to have the parents, siblings and your lovely wife in your life to become the man you are today. Thank you for makeing the public aware that even when one becomes famous, one can still be good, honest and keep his religous belifs, even if others in this world think other wise. Good Luck.

You do not need to be a Donny Osmond fan, or an Osmond fan for that matter to appreciate the message in this book.
Read this book, and learn about the Osmond's strength in their spiritual beliefs; learn about Donny's severe social anxiety dissorder, and how he copes with it.

I strongly recomend this book!!

As a child and teenager, I was one of the girls who hung on every word that Donny uttered, every joke he ever told - every gesture that he made seemed just for me. Then I grew up.

Now 32 years later, I have rediscovered all the things that I think continue to make Donny special. In his book, he discusses what being in the spotlight, constantly scruitizied by fans and foes alike - and the tremendous pressure he put himself under to live up to what he thought was expected of him. You are also introduced to a man who has maintained his principles, kept his faith, and struggled through the good and bad - just like the rest of us. His revelation of his 'social phobia' is one he did not have to share - yet through his pain and discomfort - others may benefit! The world could use more people that have Donny's integrity, and sensibilities to know what is truly important in the world - family, faith and spreading goodness. Not in a 'goody-goody' way, but by setting a postive role model for himself and others. I am grateful for the sacrifices and the caring which he showed toward others. We could all use a lot of that in our lives! Hats off to you, Donny!

This is a must read book, not just for Donny Osmond Fans, but for anyone who needs a lift in their life! Donny tells his story of fame, fortune and inner struggle from the heart, yet does not slam or blame other people in the process. It is a truly inspirational story, that EVERYONE should read! I cried and I laughed...and found the book impossible to put down. Thank-You Donny and Patricia, for letting me see the Donny I never saw when I was a little girl and making him even more real to me!

Being a major Osmond fan throughout my younger teen years, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. The "real" story about the "real" Donny Osmond sounded intriguing and something an old faithful fan would want to read. Yes, there were some very interesting stories and things I never realized or heard of, but I still felt it was a little too sugar-coated. He only touched the surface on the facts that most people would want to read about, i.e. his relationship with his parents or with his brothers. I was shocked that he and his brothers aren't and never really were all that close. What an illusion that turned out to be. Or that his family lost their fortune. A lot more detail was needed. The poor guy never even got a chance to verbalize himself. I wasn't looking for a dirty little tell-all book, because that certainly isn't the Osmond style, but just skimming the surface left the reader wanting more - I felt a lot more. The book was good, I'm glad I read it, but when I finished it, I was left wanting more.

In his book Osmond answers many of the questions we always wondered about. Was family life so idylic, were there any rows? No it wasn't, and yes there were! However is is comforting to know that family life was more normal than we were led to believe during the height of Osmond mania. It says a lot for how the man is regarded when a heavy drinker such as myself can feel shocked at Donny's confession as to having considered trying alcohol to help overcome his stage fright. I won't spoil it for you by letting on whether a drop of the evil brew touched his lips or not. You will have to read the book and find out.

Donny comes across as being the man we always thought he was, genuine, caring, and a thoroughly good egg, but a psychologial wreck. If you ever considered putting your children on the stage, I reckon you might think again after reading this.

An excellent book, but you will have to be an Osmond's fan or around during the seventies to enjoy it. Don't bother otherwise.

...While I will probably never be a fan of the music I really enjoyed the book. I think there are some important lessons here regarding raising children in the entertainment industry. Lesson #1 - Don't do it! Frankly I am a bit surprised that he did not end up another casualty of child celebrity or head into dark places like his friend Michael Jackson. I was most impressed with Osmond's honesty and candor. His handling of his devastating career collapse as well as his social phobia really make for good reading. Somehow I suspect we haven't seen the end of Donny Osmond. Even if you run screaming whenever "Puppy Soldier of Love" comes on you may still enjoy the book. I certainly did.