REVIEW - Karma audiobook

 Karma by Boy George (audiobook)

ETA: Updated review to increase rating upward!

OVERVIEW

So full disclosure, I have loved Culture Club since their first album came out. I still enjoy listening to their music!! So when I saw a memoir by Boy George, I had to listen to it as an audiobook. I always prefer it when the author of a memoir narrates their own work!

This memoir is told in a fairly straightforward chronological way. Yes, there are sidetracks which I do expect, but it was easy to follow. Boy George has lived one heck of a life and I appreciate that he shared it with all of us. 

OVERALL REVIEW: 3.5 stars

Writing: 3.0 stars

The writing was weak. It was as if Boy George just wrote a chapter title and then just went with what he thought about that time. It was like multiple streams of consciousness in each chapter. A ghostwriter would have a good idea and would have made the book so much stronger. But, this is Boy George's memoir and not mine. 

Narration: 4.5 stars

Boy George is so funny that he cracks himself up throughout the audiobook (and he has a great laugh). But, his Southeast London accent is very strong so it was a little difficult at times for this American. But, I did appreciate that he narrated his own memoir and loved his ad-lib singing of lyrics (plus some bonus songs). 

Character Arc: 3.0 stars

The character arc is really about Boy George coming into his own best self. Beating his drug addiction, being in prison, and Buddhism seems to make his life so much richer and deeper. I am thrilled that he has found his authentic self! But, I really wanted more about the real people in his life like his siblings, parents, and friends.

Memorable:  3.5 stars

For me, the biggest takeaway was Boy George is a prolific songwriter. He sounds like a hoot and I would love to have a drink with him!! 

Entertaining:   3.5 stars

It was entertaining, but it good have been so much more! I only wish that I knew the backstory of the people, places, and bands that he talks about. Again, being an American puts me at a disadvantage, but Wikipedia was my friend!

Book cover: 5.0 stars

Gorgeous Boy George!

Book title: 5.0 stars 

Perfection! 

Recommend

STATISTICS

Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (audiobook)

Karma by Boy George

Blink Publishing

7 hours, 41 minutes

Release date of 01/09/2024

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Boy George

My Goodreads review

Blink Publishing

Los Angeles Public Library

Happy reading 📚, 

Dorothea 💜