Cher

By Cher

Book Review: Cher by Cher

Overview

Cher, the autobiography by the iconic Cher herself, is not just a celebrity memoir; it's an intimate, often raw, and deeply engaging journey through her extraordinary life. The book provides a compelling narrative that spans her rise to fame, her rollercoaster relationships, and the ongoing reinvention that has defined her career. Unlike many celebrity memoirs that feel ghostwritten or sanitized, Cher's voice is authentic and unapologetically hers, delivering a story that’s both inspiring and surprisingly relatable.

Content Summary

Early Life and Beginnings

• Explores her difficult childhood, marked by her parents' divorce and struggles with her identity.
• Details her early aspirations and her fortuitous meeting with Sonny Bono.
• Describes the formation and initial success of Sonny & Cher, including their iconic TV show.

Navigating Fame and Fortune

• Chronicles the stratospheric rise to fame and the challenges of living in the spotlight.
• Discusses the complexities of her relationship with Sonny, both personally and professionally.
• Reveals the struggles with controlling her image and the pressures of the entertainment industry.

Relationships and Personal Life

• Offers a candid look into her high-profile romances, including her marriage to Gregg Allman.
• Explores her evolving views on love, marriage, and personal independence.
• Addresses her relationships with her children and the challenges of motherhood under scrutiny.

The Constant Reinvention

• Details her solo career and the various challenges in maintaining relevancy.
• Highlights her foray into acting, winning an Oscar for "Moonstruck".
• Explores her continued musical evolution and her enduring status as a pop icon.

Beyond the Glitter

• Shares moments of vulnerability, revealing the struggles with self-doubt and societal pressures.
• Provides insight into her political activism and her commitment to various causes.
• Offers a reflective look at her legacy and her enduring impact on popular culture.

Strengths

• Authentic Voice: Cher's unique personality and voice shine through, making it feel like a personal conversation.
• Candid Honesty: She doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable topics, providing a refreshingly open look into her life.
• Engaging Narrative: The book is well-paced and reads like a compelling story, keeping the reader hooked.
• Inspiring Journey: Her resilience and continuous self-reinvention are incredibly motivating.
• Comprehensive Coverage: The autobiography spans her entire life and career, offering a full picture of her experiences.

Weaknesses

• Occasional Rambling: At times, the narrative can feel slightly disjointed or jump between topics.
• Selective Focus: Some aspects of her life may be glossed over while others are given more attention.
• Potential for Bias: As it's an autobiography, events are obviously presented from her own perspective.

Overall Impression

Cher is a must-read for fans of the iconic entertainer, but also for anyone interested in a story of resilience, self-discovery, and defying expectations. It provides a compelling glimpse into the life of a woman who has continuously reinvented herself while remaining true to her authentic self. While not perfect, the book's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a worthwhile and engaging read.

This autobiography is a testament to Cher’s enduring legacy and her status as a true original.

Buy the book here.