So I have begun listening to part of my selected audiobook before posting here on my blog and Goodreads. Normally, the audiobook sample provided by the library is not enough to get a feel for the audiobook. So that is how I missed posting about this particular audiobook.
But, I did have the benefit of it being my first audiobook of 2025. As I was finishing it way after midnight on New Year's Day, fireworks were going off which was appropriate for this autobiography! Outlandish, outrageous, and wild!
Thank you to my friend, Becky, for recommending this book. For some reason, I had returned it and barely read it! I am so glad that I checked it out from the library again!
NOTE: I have been a huge fan of Elton John since the early 1970s. Also, I even attended one of his concerts with my husband which included me knocking out one of his contact lenses. I guess I got a little too excited! LOL!
TRIGGER ALERT: Alcohol abuse, drug usage, foul language
OVERALL REVIEW: 5.0 stars
Writing: 5.0 stars
Elton writes beautifully. He was honest, real, and raw. The strong writing doesn't surprise me as Elton is a child of the British school system, but he may have had a ghostwriter, too. Who knows and who cares?
Narration: 4.5 stars
It was good narration by Taron Egerton who played Elton in the movie, Rocketman. He is a great mimic and did fantastic voices. Taron and Elton have similar voices, but not identical.
Normally, I choose to read memoirs or autobiographies narrated by the author. It gives more emotion and character to the audiobook. So it was a little disappointing not to be narrated by Elton.
Character Arc: 5.0 stars
The audiobook is primarily chronological with some flashbacks to fully explain important parts of the story. This is my preferred choice for memoirs and autobiographies.
Memorable: 5.0 stars
Elton really spills the tea so to speak. He is a huge gossip which is so hilarious! However, he is a very loyal and devoted friend to his long-term friends including many celebrities and friends from his childhood.
His life has been a series of ups and downs with a difficult childhood, drug and alcohol addiction, health issues, and family of origin issues. I related to Elton and his life especially the working class upbringing and difficult family life. He set boundaries and kept them for himself, his husband, and his children. This is important to me as I have done the same. Thank you for the validation, Elton!
Entertaining: 5.0 stars
Oh, my goodness! Elton is a hoot! He told real and hysterically funny stories! Also, he really enjoyed sharing his life with such a dry sense of humor. Elton is another celebrity I could enjoy a meal, but enjoy the conversation even more!
Book cover: 5.0 stars
Perfect.
Book title: 5.0 stars
It sums Elton up!
HIGHLY recommend
