Customer Reviews

You Don't Know Me: Reflections of My Father, Ray Charles

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I found this book at the library, and was surprised to see only one review posted here before mine. This is one of the most loving, compassionate memoirs I have ever read about famous parents . . . especially about a father with some serious flaws. Ray Charles had a serious drug problem and fathered many children outside of his marriages, yet one may find it difficult to harshly judge him while reading this book. Mr. Charles Jr. does not glorify his father, either. And he certainly does not write in a way that is disrespectful to his mother. Just the opposite--he sees his mother as an astoundingly strong woman, who held the family together, took exceptional care of her three sons, and taught them good values. There are some really nice childhood memories in "You Don't Know Me", just as there are some harrowing ones. But the nice ones seem to prevail, and it was really interesting, touching, and downright fun to read them. There's more sadness towards the end of the book . . . but life and love goes on . . . especially the love of a son for his father.

You Don't Know Me offers a wonderful, courageous yet shocking glimpse into the behind-the-scenes life of Ray Charles Robinson, Jr. It describes in great detail what life was like for Ray, Jr., as one of the children of the prolific and controversial singer, Ray Charles. Mr. Robinson is very honest in his portrayal: he doesn't sugarcoat anything. He reveals things about himself that must've been difficult to do. And he lovingly remembers his father even though the two wasn't on the same page throughout his life. I loved reading about his fond memories of growing up with his family. And I was amazed at some of the heartbreaking moments that his precious mother endured. Now that's one strong woman!! The book was funny in parts, and you will absolutely learn more info about Ray Charles than any other biopic could ever reveal. I would encourage fans of Ray Charles, fans of music artists bios, and people intrigued with the other darker side of Hollywood, to pick up this book, read, enjoy, and learn. It teaches you to embrace life, appreciate the good moments, and cherish and honor our musical artists while we have the chance.

"Everybody knows Ray Charles. Well at least we know the songs, Georgia on My Mind, Unchain My Heart, Hit the Road Jack and What I Say. This is the story of the man - all of his unbelievable talent and personal failures - told by his oldest son. Compelling."

I had bought this book for my mother since she is a Ray Charles fan,she absolutely loved it and suggested i read it. I read the book in less than a day! It basically tells of the kind of father that Ray Charles was through his sons perspective.You Don't Know Me: Reflections of My Father, Ray Charles

This was a great and honest portrayal of growing up in the house of Ray Charles. Anyone who wants more, never before heard stories about Ray Charles through his son's eyes should pick this book up immediately.

Just finished reading this book and found it to be extremely entertaining. Well worth the money. Good read.