This long-time darling of the music industry and singer-songwriter of international renown will capture your heart--and keep you in stitches--with ...
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Jan 27, 2012
Debra
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A long time ago, I read that the more personal you are, the more universal you are. I always thought these words referred to essays and poetry, but I’ve just learned how well they apply to memoirs, too. Falling Backwards covers Jann Arden’s earliest childhood memories, her school life, and the desire to write and play music, those inevitable young adult struggles and, finally, her first recording contract.
I have to be honest and say that I’m a big fan of Jann Arden’s music, which is More...
I have to be honest and say that I’m a big fan of Jann Arden’s music, which is More...
Feb 01, 2012
Tonia
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So far Jann is providing the reader with very detailed accounts of her childhood. I am not sure she is going to make it into the singing career part of her life at this rate as I keep looking at the thickness of the book. I shall keep you updated.
I have been a fan of Jann Arden's music since the release of her first CD in the early 1990's. Her music has always helped me process life experiences, realize that life is complicated, and that we all hope to have relationships with peop More...
I have been a fan of Jann Arden's music since the release of her first CD in the early 1990's. Her music has always helped me process life experiences, realize that life is complicated, and that we all hope to have relationships with peop More...
Jan 11, 2012
Shirley
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I love Jann Arden's original songs, written by herself. They say something to everyone who listens. In Falling Backwards, Jann looks back over her life, growing up in small town Alberta with an older and a younger brother. She endured trials but in her happy go lucky way, she was not fazed by them. At first, anyway. As she graduated and sought to find herself, she worked various jobs including highway construction flag person, fisher-person, busker and others. She always had the support of
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Nov 20, 2011
Lori
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I like Jann Arden. I mean I liked her. After reading her book, however, I love her. She is so insightful, and touching, and tells a mean story in a voice that sounds like the two of you are just sitting around a kitchen table drinking coffee. And funny - this girl is close your eyes so tears don't spurt out funny.
Case in point - After hearing for years how difficult her birth was on her mother, Jann occasionally sends her MOM a card on Jann's birthday that she signs "Sorry about More...
Case in point - After hearing for years how difficult her birth was on her mother, Jann occasionally sends her MOM a card on Jann's birthday that she signs "Sorry about More...
Jan 03, 2012
Sarah
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Her life was interesting, and I liked the narratives about her childhood, but the jokes seem a bit forced throughout, and I found myself thinking that some of the jokes were very adolescent and not appealing to the general adult audience. Really, Jann, I did not need to know that you had worms as a kid, and what your mother's remedy was, and then be reminded of it several times throughout the book. I did enjoy the "in hindsight" view of her childhood as fairly idyllic, despite the pro
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Dec 18, 2011
Shauna
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I have always loved Jann. It started the when I bought and listened to "Living Under June." over and over again at 12 years old. Her songs have always spoken to me in ways no other music has. Is it no surprise that the words she wrote on her life would be the same. So honest, so straight forward but also with the humour she brings to her live shows. This book will make you laugh out loud, cry a few tears and then have you pulling out her albums so you can listen to them with a new foun
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Jan 08, 2012
Allison
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Oh Jann Arden, I have always loved your wit and insight into life and this book managed to capture that perfectly. I especially enjoyed the last third of the book when your life really got rolling, and absolutely loved your descriptions of being out on the fishing boat in BC. Stellar lessons there -- good or bad, everything happens for a reason. I wish I could have heard more about your rise to fame and what you really thought of all the hype, but I guess I'll have to wait for the next book ; )
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Jan 19, 2012
Dorothyanne
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I adore Jann Arden and her down to earthiness and sense of humour. You can hear her voice through this memoir, and the way she talks like her mum and all that. That said, I wished for a bit more editing work. Some stories are repeated, and the memoir reads much more like a chat over coffee or a bottle of wine than an organized memoir. Not that there is anything wrong with that - it's cozy and fun and warm. Sometimes you have enough of your friend's tales, though, and just want to go home and sob
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Nov 17, 2011
Robyn
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I was lucky enough to meet Jann Arden at her book release and cd signing. So I managed to get this book autographed by Jann Arden herself!! This was a great book about Jann Ardens life, the tough parts and her very slow rise to fame at the age of 30! She is such an amazing person and I love how sarcastic and funny she is. She always manages to make you laugh, even when you really shouldn't be laughing. I definitely recommend this to all her fans.
Feb 18, 2012
Alexis
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This memoir follows Jann's life from her childhood to her first recording contract at age 30. She's very candid and speaks about some of the struggles that her family endured. She's also witty and funny and very down to earth. Not a deep read, but rather interesting.
Nov 02, 2011
Natashya
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I loved reading about Jann Arden's youth. She certainly holds nothing back.
The book is candid and filled with her signature humour, see my full review here:
http://livinginthekitchenwithpuppies.blo...
The book is candid and filled with her signature humour, see my full review here:
http://livinginthekitchenwithpuppies.blo...
Dec 23, 2011
Erin
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What an awesome book. I have always loved Jann's music and now I love her writing too. I enjoyed following her on her journey in this book. Not only are the stories and people real but it makes her journey to musician seem that much more extraordinary.
A great read that kept me laughing, feeling, and hooked to the end.
A great read that kept me laughing, feeling, and hooked to the end.
Nov 28, 2011
Christielli
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I loved this book. Jann's writing is just as funny as she is in person. This memoir covers her childhood up until she signed her first record deal, and it was a very enjoyable read. This would make a great gift for any Canadian music fan.
Dec 11, 2011
Michelle
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I cannot suggest this book enough. It is to die for hilarious. I don't even like her music that much. But got this as a gift. I wanted to read it
Out loud to people near me. And for sure laughed out loud a lot!!
Out loud to people near me. And for sure laughed out loud a lot!!
Dec 28, 2011
Jessica
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This was fantastic and further proof that I want to be best friends with Jann Arden. Funny and emotional ... A great read.
Nov 29, 2011
Jeff
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Jann Arden's biography is thoroughly entertaining. Laugh out loud funny, but also touching, and nostalgic--especially for those of us who grew up in the 70s and 80s. Her story is not that of a star, but of a standard family trying to make the best out of life. A very readable treat, for both fans and non-fans.
Jan 29, 2012
Joan
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loved this book, jann arden is hilarious and engaging, but the end was too abrupt. i want more!!!
Feb 11, 2012
Mary Ann
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I preferred her previous books but this was a good read too. It filled in a lot of the blanks in terms of what I know about Jann Arden. I admire her for her persistence, her sense of humor and her ability to appreciate life. Some funny bits in this book.
Sep 05, 2011
What a beautiful, honest book. I know what everyone is getting for Christmas.
Feb 19, 2012
Sio
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Despite all that Jann went through, she survived and seemed to come out stronger. I can't help but admire her all the more after reading this.
Feb 02, 2012
Kristina
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This book was ho-hum. Boring and drab and nothing new. I wouldn't recommend it and wouldn't read it again. It's too bad - I like Jann.
Feb 16, 2012
Barb
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I am a huge fan but to be honest, I was a bit disappointed in this book. It ended just when her career started to take off and that was the part of her life that I would have found the most interesting.
Jan 07, 2012
This was an okay read. Heart breaking at times, but most of us went thought stuff like this. Not as funny as I thought it might be.
Feb 21, 2012
Feb 20, 2012
