REVIEW - From Here to the Great Unknown (audiobook)

From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley/Riley Keough (audiobook)
 

OVERVIEW

One of my most vivid memories is finding out that Elvis Presley had died from a newspaper. I was 16 years old and my family was on vacation in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. We saw a newspaper that read, "The King Is Dead" and were confused as England had a queen. It was shocking and sad to discover that Elvis was gone.  

So I cannot imagine what Lisa Marie Presley must have felt seeing her dad on his bathroom floor dying as CPR was performed. I cannot imagine the horror of watching someone that you love at such a young age being taken away from you. Truly I believe that the generational trauma in the Presley family began with Elvis's death. 

NOTE: If you are offended by "f-bombs" or triggered by drug usage and death by suicide, this is not the book for you.  

OVERALL REVIEW: 3.0 stars

Writing: 3.0 stars

Unfortunately, this book is not well written. 

It is based on tapes Lisa Marie recorded to begin the foundation of her autobiography. Riley Keough, her daughter, fills in some of the gaps in the audio to make it more understandable and add a back story. 

I am surprised that it is an Oprah's Book Club pick. 

Narration: 3.5 stars

This book has three narrators. First is Lisa Marie whose poorly recorded excerpts are included and are the most powerful and raw part of this audiobook. Second is Riley who read well but was emotionally flat (as I think she is still processing so much). Finally, Julia Roberts does an outstanding job for most of the audiobook. 

Due to the three narrators, an audiobook is the way to go with this memoir, IMHO. 

Character Arc: 3.0 stars

The audiobook is told chronologically which I thoroughly enjoyed. 

My real issue is that this book is just too short due to huge time gaps in Lisa Marie's story. Her life was not fully explored which is disappointing. 

Memorable:  3.0 stars

Yes, there are some salacious parts, but most don't add depth to the story. It is all personal decisions and I support Lisa Maria in them all. 

The biggest takeaway for me is what would Lisa Marie's life have been IF her father hadn't died on that fateful day. Good, better, or worse - we will never know. This book is all about grief and loss along with generational trauma including drug and alcohol abuse. 

Entertaining:   3.0 stars

It wasn't entertaining per se. It was just what it was.  

Book cover: 3.0 stars

A much better picture could have been picked.   

Book title: 3.0 stars 

Unsure if it is a good title.  

LUKEWARM recommend

STATISTICS

Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) borrow (audiobook)

From Here to the Great Unknown by Lisa Marie Presley/Riley Keough

Random House Audio

6 hours, 42 minutes

Release date of 10/8/2024

INFORMATIONAL LINKS

Lisa Marie Presley/Riley Keough

My Goodreads review

Random House Audio

Los Angeles Public Library

Happy reading, 

Dorothea 💜