Reviews on Amazon
By Miss O'Dell. Filed in Uncategorized |
It is quite interesting to me how people respond to my book. The truth is that there are some wonderful reviews and there are also some more critical reviews. As a first time author, it’s hard to not feel some ‘pain’ about the ones that are more critical and some true gratitude for ones that are favorable. I want to address the ones that are less favorable.
A few people felt that I had taken advantage of my relationships with the ’stars’ I worked for and more importantly felt that I was naive and too carefree – or scatterbrained. Well, I was only in my twenties for the most of the book and I think, like most young adults I made some pretty risky and probably stupid choices. But to those people I can only say, ‘thank God, you’re not my parents!”
I wrote this book for the fans. And from all accounts, they are enjoying the experiences that I’ve chosen to share with them. I’m very proud of the story of my life that I was able to tell in 400 pages and wouldn’t change a thing.
So to those people who didn’t enjoy my book, I highly recommend that you go and buy Sarah Palin’s book. Maybe it’s more up your alley.
And to those who did – THANK YOU!!
Saturday, November 28th 2009 at 2:33 pm
Dear Ms. O’Dell. Thank you for writing your book. It was absolutely riveting, and I could not put it down. I was just 10 in ‘68, but already a ‘rock fanatic,’ and The Beatles were my band. They are still my favorite. We lived on River Valley Rd. then, and my friend and I resided in a fantasy world where we were ‘double dating’ — she with Paul and I with George – we would make up elaborate dance routines to their albums in the basement, calling ourselves ‘the gogo girls of River Valley.’ We lived loved and dreamed The Beatles, and as young as I was, if I could’ve scraped up the cash to London you would’ve seen a kid on the Apple doorstep. (But I like to think I would not have resorted to being an ‘apple scruff,’ as you and I share many of the same qualities…!)
Thank you again for digging deep and writing a courageous memoir that touched me throughout. My husband is your age and we go back to his home town of Prescott when we can — also Santa Fe — and I lived and worked several years out west, so am familiar with the beauty of AZ and Washington, and I am so glad you found a great spot to land and a wonderful family and circle of friends to live within, full circle. Peace and blessings…
Saturday, November 28th 2009 at 6:38 pm
Chris, I loved your book but I also love Sarah Palin (though not her book, can’t get through the first few pages! How’s that for diversity….
Sunday, November 29th 2009 at 8:34 pm
Miss O’Dell, as much as you would like to, you can’t please everyone. Some people just aren’t interested in the musical and cultural history of the 60’s. They are either too jaded or too young to understand what those times were all about. But for those of us who “get it”, your book is a revelation.
After reading Pattie’s book, Eric’s book, and books about the Beatles and many other bands of the 60’s and 70’s, your book did the best job of revealing the personalities of the individuals. It also helped tie up a lot of loose ends and bridge gaps between those other books.
Did you take advantage of the “stars”? Did they take advantage of you? From reading your book, the answer is clearly “no”. You had a real relationship with each of these “stars”. Some were friendships and some went much deeper than that, but you cared about each other. (Which also explains why you were definitely NOT a groupie!) Even when you realized the failings in others (such as George) you remained loyal friends.
You’re right. You were young, naive, and did some stupid things, but didn’t we all during that time? After all, it was the time of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll and you were living everyone’s fantasy. You convey your wonder and unbelief in the situations you found yourself in, but without bragging, being mean-spirited or trying to “dig up the dirt”.
And ultimately, your story is one of survival and recovery. Instead of being a casualty, you kicked drugs, went to school and became a counselor to help others. That sends a very positive message. You have every right to be proud of your story. So THANK YOU!!
Monday, November 30th 2009 at 9:16 pm
Chris, what I loved most about your book was that you got to realize the fantasy so many of us Beatles fans have…namely, you’d just be going about your normal, everyday life, when suddenly, by an accident of fate you’re in the Beatles inner circle. And it just got better and better!
As for your comments on Sarah Palin, I see a connection in the way we think. For the nay sayers…Screw em! To paraphrase Ozzy Osborne’s comments on Paul, about you I have this to say…”You could piss on a blank page, and I’d not only buy it, but treasure it”. Or to paraphrase Donovan’s comments on Paul, my comment would be, “you could fall on a piano, and write a hit book before you got up!”
Don’t let the buggers get you down!
Wednesday, December 23rd 2009 at 1:08 pm
Hi! I just sent you an email through your site, but I thought I’d comment quickly here as well. I actually thought your book struck just the right balance. I thought it showed what your experiences were without being trashy. It gave just enough info without making me feel like you were sharing too much. I don’t think you took advantage of your relationships at all – it seems like if Pattie didn’t have a problem with your book (and it looks like Leon Russell approved of it too) than you are fine. As long as you and the people you care about are ok with what you wrote, I wouldn’t worry. Thank you for sharing your memories!
I was up til 3am three nights in a row reading your book! I couldn’t put it down!
Sunday, December 27th 2009 at 3:53 pm
Chris,
Your book is a great read. It’s witty, funny, emotional and honest. I find myself drawn into the story and wanted more (do I hard Volume 2 ?).
I have been taking notes for our Q & A session with May Pang and Nancy Andrews on the cruise and I know this is going to be one fantastic event with and your friends.
But more importantly I’m looking forward to getting to know you better. You seem so down to earth and honest.
Thank you so much for this book.
It is one of the best presents I have ever received. Your web designer and one smart lady.
See you on the cruise!
Woody
http://www.BeatlesTributeCruise.com