Life with My Sister Madonna by Christopher Ciccone, Wendy Leigh
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Book Reviews of Life with My Sister Madonna
Book Review: A Touching, Shocking and Gripping Tale by Christopher Ciccone.
Summary: 5 Stars
This book is one of the best I have read in recent years and is THE best Madonna book I have ever come in contact with. I have read them all, so that is a big statement!
As a Madonna fan, I should be disgruntled and angry with Christopher for painting this narcissistic star in such a bad light. However, the book is balance, fair and optimistic leaving me feeling refreshed and inspired. This confirmed everything that has already been said about Madonna but also gives a depth and insight into the life of a huge star more than any other book could do. This is perhaps ever more insightful than an autobiography as it covers all content, bitter and sweet, as well as showing an onlookers perspective to such a diverse character.
I read this book in 2 days flat and could not put it down. Even if you are not interested in Madonna (despite 80% having Madonna based stories) the book is still appealing as it describes the breakdown of a relationship, the behavior of a intriguing artists (both Christopher and Madonna), family life in a conservative Catholic household, coming-of-age homosexuality and friendship.
I felt so touched by this book and wish I hadn't read it...just so I could re-experience the story from a fresh perspective!
Thank you Christopher.
Book Review: Candid and insightful
Summary: 5 Stars
While I generally don't read celeb-bashing books, this one was quite candid. It is clear from the first paragraph of the intimate closeness that Chris has shared with M., and how it evolved more so over time. At times I felt like I was reading over someone's private letters, the details too delicate, perhaps better left between the two of them. And I was angered as well, mostly at her, for it is not just Chris's view of his sister that has tarnished her image--she has also done it many a time herself.
She comes across as a control freak, every piece of work that her brother has done for her has been at the expense of himself. Her relationship with him begins well, but over time it degrades as she must exact more and more terms of her favor over him.
His guilt perhaps lies in the fact that he has become too needy, and his life has become too enmeshed with hers to the point that to remain in her shadow, outside of her court is to be penniless. He has become a people-pleaser when it comes to her, and her incessant need to know the particulars of his life, to insist over time that he needs rehab when it is proven he does not, the only recourse one can expect from such a toxic relationship is extrication from it. I can't find fault in him for writing this, it's been a long time coming.
Book Review: Compelling and kind of sad.
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm a long time Madonna fan with that said I've always known about her less than pleasant behavior having lived in New York and LA and running into her a few times. "My Life With My Sister Madonna" basically tells in detail of stuff the public has heard before about Madonna. If Christopher Ciccone wrote this as carthatic excercise to finally separate from Madonna's enormous shadow well I think he succeded because this is a hit job and it definitely hit the target. A lot of Christophers gripes with Madonna are legitimate for example when he works for her and she withholds payment or when he buys paintings for her that she asked to buy and then doesn't reimburse him stiffing him out of $65,000. I also believe that Christopher could have left Madonna ages ago but by his own admission loves basking in her fabulous light.I gave the book 5 stars because it's absolutely compelling and it is a quick read but I have to say that Christophers reason for writing this book is as flimsy as Madonna's reason for not paying him for services rendered. If you hate Madonna you will love this book If you like Madonna,Like I do you'll be left feeling a little disappointed that Madonna could be so cruel. In any case the book left me sad for the both of them.Book Review: Great job, Christopher. I don't know you but I'm proud of you!
Summary: 5 Stars
It's 2:30am and I just finished. I have to confess, I hate to read. I haven't been able to put the book down - this has never happened to me. I wouldn't call myself a Madonna fan, though at 38, I've followed her career with the rest of the world. Christopher, I admire your honesty in the book and your willingness to share your journey. You are open but not in a way that is malicious to your sister airing her deepest and most private secrets. Though unfortunate, given your journey was so public and in the Entertainment business, I can't imagine another way for you to heal and move on, other than writing the book. To be fair, I thought the various part about the Mercedes you wanted and finally got or the previously-owned Escalade were not necessary to make your point that you felt you were being nickel and dimed to put you in your place. I'm sure she won't, but I hope she reads it one day. If not, I'm sure Ingrid was first in line on Tuesday. I hope you are both able to move forward and be proud of all you've accomplished personally and professionally as brother and sister. Great job, Christopher. This took a lot of guts. I don't know you but I'm proud of you!Book Review: Well writen and very entertaining! Arrived very quickly.
Summary: 5 Stars
I was first of all amazed how quickly I received the book it seems like it was the very next day! I love Amazon the service is FAB.
The book was also very good ...I wasnt going to get it at first cause i thought it would be cheezy but after listening to her brother Chris (the writer) interview on tv I was impressed, he seemed very intelligent, articulate and i really liked the way he exspressed himself. He was very believable. I was not disappointed the book is very well written and was quite entertaining! What he showed made alot of sense, i didnt get the sense it was a brother being a brat and tattle tale on his sister. On the contrary you can really get the sense he had a very deep love for his sister and a great admiration. He still has the admiration but after all these years of being taken for granted his self respect would not allow him to continue to be loyal to her as he had. She didnt earn it. Its sad but understandable. I enjoyed the book very much and read it in 2days!!!!!