My review of this book can be found on my YouTube Vlog at:

https://youtu.be/bTPjF58jd8Y

Enjoy! ( )

Pretty much one continuous whine. A real object lesson in the pitfalls of having a massive celebrity in the family for both the celebrity and siblings who aren't able to create a strong identity independent of the star. Other than that, any truth is obscured by self-serving or fawning justification. ( )

I thought there would be a lot more scandal and insight into this iconic legend. It seemed more like whining - but was a guilty read nonetheless! ( )

Reading this book provides a glimpse into some aspects of Madonna's life that readers might otherwise not be aware of. I think when you read this you have to condsider that the author (her brother) may be biased. With that in mind, this book should be read with 'a grain of salt'. Otherwise, this memoir of Christopher's life as Madonna's brother is simply another person's perspective on past events and can be enjoyed as such. Reading this book doesn't change my views on Madonna; her life is far too removed from my own for me to have any strong opinions it. This book was a great travelling companion during the summer and a quick, easy read. The sometimes graphic details or adult situations make it more suitable for older teens and adults. ( )

Though many might disagree with me, I found this memoir surprisingly well-written, or at least very engaging, and I had trouble not reading it all in one sitting. Whether you like Madonna or not, her brother Christopher lays it all out & I think you'll come away with an altered perspective after reading this. Of course, there are always two sides to a story, and this one's bound to be biased, but I can't help but lose a little respect for Madonna after reading this. I've always had mixed feelings about Madonna -- I've respected her ability to become a success & she seems a very organized, structured individual, and overall I like her music, although I prefer the older stuff. But as a person, I've always questioned her morals & wonder what she's really trying to achieve. Her brother presents her as a selfish, attention-seeking person who cares little for the feelings of people around her, and I have no doubt that's an accurate description for the most part. Overall, I've lost more respect for her after reading this & I feel for Christopher and the way she's treated him, but at the same time I think he should have stood up for himself a long time ago. Essentially, they've both used each other through the years to get what they want, but obviously Christopher has ended up with the shorter straw. My hope is that Christopher Ciccone wrote this as a sincere therapeutic process as opposed to a money-making endeavor. ( )