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Out of My Mind: An Autobiography

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There was a time when all of us and our mothers too were in love with Rick Nelson. But the one most in love with him was Kris Harmon, who became his wife in April 1963. She wrote a book about this life, and it is a book from which everyone can learn -- from her example, her words, and her artwork.

Rick Nelson brought rock music into the living rooms of America and made it acceptable. He was the teen idol of a generation - the Prince of Rock and Roll in the days when Elvis was the King. I am appalled that the kid at Starbuck's doesn't know who Rick Nelson is today.

Rick's fans have always criticized Kris for reasons I only partially understand. (Remember, they weren't wild about Yoko either.) For instance, Kris had a temper; Rick did not. His fans criticized her when she was with him on the road and when she was not. Kris and the kids always had to compete with the fans and his band for his attention. Rick liked being a father, but he was not home very often.

In 1981, she left the marriage and Rick reluctantly. Rick's sudden death in an airplane crash in December 1985 shocked the nation and left many people in addition to his family bereft for a long time. I attended a Tribute to him in 1993 in L.A. and was surprised at the number of people from all over the world who grieved his death as a personal loss.

In 1987, Kris was accused by her family of being an unfit mother at the time she sought treatment for pill and alcohol addiction. This is, unfortunately, a reason that keeps many women from seeking treatment when they need it. Asking for help takes courage; getting help means one will be a better mother. To be punished for it enrages me still. She discusses this time in her life without sparing the hurt.

The book has over 100 of her paintings in it and many poems. Some reviewers have called it a daybook, or journal, not a traditional autobiography. It is a memoir in the true meaning of the word -she has elevated her personal story to a more universal level.

When asked in an interview once how she feels about Rick now, she said something like, "I miss him. He was funny. We were friends and had fun. And I still miss him." After all those years of fights in court, the truth emerges.

Kris is building an extraordinary legacy. It is clear that she finds solace and salvation in her artwork and in New Mexico. She is, for the first time, being recognized as herself, not the daughter of someone famous, or the wife of someone famous, or the mother of someone famous - but for herself. And it is clear that she has learned that death ends a life, but not a relationship.

Kristen Nelson Tinker gives us an insider look at what it is like to be a part of America's most celebrated television family through beautiful artwork and stirring poetry. A first hand account of the perfect sitcom family and what happened after the cameras stopped rolling. This book will make a wonderful addition to your living room. It is a fantastic conversation piece!

This book was received as a gift, after reading it I just could not put it down. It's true interest from start to finish, Kris did a great job with this book with alot of talent and love!

I recommend any Rick Nelson fan, get a copy and enjoy!!

This woman is a great artist and I love the format of the book--which features all her big beautiful paintings and the significance next to each of them. I love all the colors, the people, the brightness, the boldness, and the happiness she projects in her paintings. She reminds me so much of Faith Ringgold with her larger than life artwork, cartoonish-like characters, and her real-life storytelling. For quite some time now, I have been stressing over what to paint. I am now very inspired to, like the artist, paint my life's memorable moments.

I always loved The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet, especially when Kristin joined the cast in later years. This book is Kris's autobiography, a personal glimpse into her life and soul, and an in-depth look at the woman behind the actress on TV. A very gifted artist, Kris expresses herself through her paintings. I marveled at the detail in each work of art, examining each one and identifying the people and elements within. Also present are excerpts from her personal journal and poetry, many filled with sadness and poignancy reflecting Kris's struggles throughout her life. This book is largely a celebration, however, of the life of a very gifted artist. I hope Kris writes another book one day.

After watching a presentation about Rick Nelson's career on VH1, I was uncomfortable with the portrayal of Kristin Nelson. Curious about her, I purchased a copy of, "Our Of My Mind." What an interesting book! Through the use of her paintings, poems, photographs, and diary entries, she recalls her life.
A victor over her personal struggles, a successful single mother, and a talented artist, one can only admire her.

This is a book you can savor cover to cover, or pick up and open anywhere. I'm so glad I own it.

I really enjoyed this book. I found it very honest and interesting. The paintings are just wonderful. I think the book would be a good read for Ricky Nelson fans, and also those who enjoy folk and primitive style art. The paintings are vibrant and lovely. I found Kristin Nelson's story to be very moving and her art illustrated that very well. I would highly recommend it, I will enjoy it for years to come.

Kristin Nelson Tinker was raised in a family of celebrity as the daughter of football star Tom Harmon and model/actress Elyse Knox. She was known as the family outcast by always speaking her mind. She has said in the book she "dreamed of one day marrying Ricky Nelson" and wanted him to rescue her and take her away. Her prince came through for her and she married him at the age of 17 on April 20, 1963. They then had four beautiful children. It's sad that the marriage couldn't be saved, but she doesn't talk badly about Rick in the same way that someone like Priscilla Presley did about Elvis in Elvis and Me. Kris is respectful and kind in her book about her life with Rick and even talks lovingly about her children. It's no secret her children feel that they've suffered because of her drug and alcohol problems, but it's obvious she's always loved them and always wanted the best for them. She just wanted to be accepted by all those people in her life that she loved and felt she never was. She learned the hard way that you just have to love yourself and then and only then others will learn to love you too. I think this book was beautifully written and when I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. Kris is a very strong woman and a very gifted painter. I highly reccomend this book to anyone who wants to know the true story about what life was like in the life of "America's Heroes".

This book is written by an extraordinarily strong lady, it is an elegant book to be read for years to come, and each page is a learning experience.