A Natural Woman: A Memoir

A young Jewish girl growing up in Brooklyn, N.Y., in the 1940s and ’50s hits it big (huge) in the pop music field and lives to tell us all about it. In her fascinating memoir, singer/songwriter Carole King chronicles her life story. And while she’s seen her share of sorrows—parents’ divorce, brother’s institutionalization, four marriages, one physically abusive husband—most of King’s life has been blessed. Of course, she had talent, a background in music and drama, and a touch of chutzpah. She recorded hit albums, played everywhere, and knew them all: Neil Sedaka, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, the Fugs, John and Yoko. In this audio edition, King narrates (and sings) her memoir—as much a history of rock ’n’ roll as of her own life—and once she begins telling her exciting, tumultuous story, it’s hard to stop listening. She narrates slowly and enunciates clearly. King’s voice is positive, chirpy, and utterly engaging, and she proves an excellent storyteller. A Grand Central hardcover. (Apr.)