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How I Got My Wiggle Back: A Memoir of Healing
The dramatic personal story of Anthony Field, founder and costar of the world's most popular children's musical group, The Wiggles With their distinctive look, catchy music, and upbeat message, the Wiggles have performed their way into the hearts and homes of millions of kids and their parents around the world. Their extraordinary success over the last twenty years includes TV shows, the sale of tens of millions of CDs and DVDs, and sell-out live performances for a million people annually as well as honors including being named UNICEF goodwill ambassadors. Now, for the first time, Anthony Field, the ""blue"" Wiggle, tells his inspiring, behind-the-scenes story of how he overcame depression, life-threatening illness, and chronic pain to get his life back.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published November 30, 2011
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253 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 15, 2012
I was very interested to read this book after hearing about it from a work colleague. We all have an image of The Wiggles being full of boundless energy and always positive and bright - but in truth the blue wiggle Anthony Field, has spend much of his adulthood battling depression (severe at times) and a myriad of potentially serious health problems. It was a shock to read that many times he could barely limp onto stage (after lying curled in pain until the very last moment) and how much he disliked life on the road - be it in Australia or worldwide as The Wiggles became an international sensation.
While the earlier section gives some autobiographical details of Anthony's early life and the foundation of The Wiggles, the majority of this book is about the unconventional chiropractic treatment that has transformed his life. There is a lot of technical information, as well as details of specific exercises that can be performed to help others suffering from the same ailments that Anthony did.
By all accounts the chiropractic treatments have transformed Anthony's life and by looking at the photographs you can definitely see the physical change over time. In fact I would say this is almost a self-help book. You can definitely feel the passion Anthony has for his transformed lifestyle and in that way it is inspirational for those who feel trapped and weighed down by illness and injury.
This is a well written book and an interesting enough read, but if you aren't seeking the lifestyle information within it, you will probably find yourself skimming through some sections.
While the earlier section gives some autobiographical details of Anthony's early life and the foundation of The Wiggles, the majority of this book is about the unconventional chiropractic treatment that has transformed his life. There is a lot of technical information, as well as details of specific exercises that can be performed to help others suffering from the same ailments that Anthony did.
By all accounts the chiropractic treatments have transformed Anthony's life and by looking at the photographs you can definitely see the physical change over time. In fact I would say this is almost a self-help book. You can definitely feel the passion Anthony has for his transformed lifestyle and in that way it is inspirational for those who feel trapped and weighed down by illness and injury.
This is a well written book and an interesting enough read, but if you aren't seeking the lifestyle information within it, you will probably find yourself skimming through some sections.
September 10, 2020
I’m so happy this book was a balanced read. I really worried it would veer off into the territory of only self help, so it was nice to have a measured approach that was tempered by the implementation of heaps of Wiggles anecdotes. Now, Greg was always my favourite of The Wiggles (he was sensible, which is precisely how a two year old Esther would have identified him), but all of them were fundamental parts of my childhood. This book gave a really nice insight into the man behind the blue skivvy, and was a really interesting read about life on the road and as a Wiggle.
The book balances this with the story of Anthony’s ill health throughout his performances and how he eventually learnt to manage this through chiropractic intervention. While I’m aware that it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, some good points are made, and a little exercise never hurt anybody. It may not be what you believe exactly, but it certainly sparks some interesting thoughts, especially about the foundation of the body.
This book is a three from me because I think it could have relied solely on the Wiggles facet of the story, with another book for the medical facets. With that acknowledged, however, I understand it is inextricably linked, and therefore it does make some sense to link the two things up. An enjoyable read, but some may find themselves slogging through the medicine at some points.
The book balances this with the story of Anthony’s ill health throughout his performances and how he eventually learnt to manage this through chiropractic intervention. While I’m aware that it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, some good points are made, and a little exercise never hurt anybody. It may not be what you believe exactly, but it certainly sparks some interesting thoughts, especially about the foundation of the body.
This book is a three from me because I think it could have relied solely on the Wiggles facet of the story, with another book for the medical facets. With that acknowledged, however, I understand it is inextricably linked, and therefore it does make some sense to link the two things up. An enjoyable read, but some may find themselves slogging through the medicine at some points.
March 29, 2013
I was really in it for the goss about the Wiggles, and he delivered that. A nice story about how they all got together, with some great anecdotes of hijinks - like a Henry the Octopus head that had to be retired after the performer celebrated too much the night before and the smell couldn't be got rid of. Ew.
Plus, Jeff (Wake up, Jeff!) really did used to doze off at shows! But really because he was only hired to bring his PA system so he'd doze off while the guys did the show (back in the Cockroaches days, pre-Wiggles) so one day he asked if he could play keyboards, and the rest is history.
And how they got their colours - Jeff had a purple shirt, Murray had a red shirt. Anthony and Greg met at a department story and raced for the blue shirt. Anthony won, so Greg had to have yellow.
The second part is about Anthony's personal story of illness and how he conquered it. I think it's great that he's gone from being crippled with pain and always needing to be near a toilet to being as fit and healthy as he is now, even doing gymastics and acrobatics. But chiropractic makes my quackery sense start twitching. So I mostly skimread that part of the book. It has a lot of tips and photos so you can try and "get your spring back" yourself. Which seems unlikely, given that a celebrity chiropractor (Dr Stoxen) spent 35 hours fixing Anthony, including two marathon 10-hour sessions. Doing it yourself at home by trying to follow some vague instructions and photos is probably not going to achieve anything. Possibly the idea is that anyone who reads the book and sees the possibility of chiropractic easing their suffering will just go and pay a chiropractor to do it.
Plus, Jeff (Wake up, Jeff!) really did used to doze off at shows! But really because he was only hired to bring his PA system so he'd doze off while the guys did the show (back in the Cockroaches days, pre-Wiggles) so one day he asked if he could play keyboards, and the rest is history.
And how they got their colours - Jeff had a purple shirt, Murray had a red shirt. Anthony and Greg met at a department story and raced for the blue shirt. Anthony won, so Greg had to have yellow.
The second part is about Anthony's personal story of illness and how he conquered it. I think it's great that he's gone from being crippled with pain and always needing to be near a toilet to being as fit and healthy as he is now, even doing gymastics and acrobatics. But chiropractic makes my quackery sense start twitching. So I mostly skimread that part of the book. It has a lot of tips and photos so you can try and "get your spring back" yourself. Which seems unlikely, given that a celebrity chiropractor (Dr Stoxen) spent 35 hours fixing Anthony, including two marathon 10-hour sessions. Doing it yourself at home by trying to follow some vague instructions and photos is probably not going to achieve anything. Possibly the idea is that anyone who reads the book and sees the possibility of chiropractic easing their suffering will just go and pay a chiropractor to do it.
January 20, 2019
You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll....wiggle?
Have you ever thought: I wonder what the dastardly handsome Blue Wiggle is really all about? I gotta know EVERYTHING about him!
Then this is the book for you.
Want to know about the Blue Wiggles' bout with drug addiction? Well too bad, cause there isn't one, he was just loopy from local anesthesia after getting his teeth removed!
Want to know about the hardcore partying that the Wiggles do after every show? Well, that's also too bad because they are an immaculate group of people who do no wrong!
Want to know about foot exercises that'll help you fix your way of life? Then good, cause there's a random 120 pages or so of that useless info!
Henry the Octopus puked in his mask at one point. That was about it.
Oh and there's a ton of pictures of Anthony working out and one where he's hanging out with John Travolta for some reason.
I mean, this book is PURE GOLD. So glad that my wife bought it for me for Christmas. I simply couldn't put it down and I want to force my family and friends to read it too because this book is one HOT POTATO!
Have you ever thought: I wonder what the dastardly handsome Blue Wiggle is really all about? I gotta know EVERYTHING about him!
Then this is the book for you.
Want to know about the Blue Wiggles' bout with drug addiction? Well too bad, cause there isn't one, he was just loopy from local anesthesia after getting his teeth removed!
Want to know about the hardcore partying that the Wiggles do after every show? Well, that's also too bad because they are an immaculate group of people who do no wrong!
Want to know about foot exercises that'll help you fix your way of life? Then good, cause there's a random 120 pages or so of that useless info!
Henry the Octopus puked in his mask at one point. That was about it.
Oh and there's a ton of pictures of Anthony working out and one where he's hanging out with John Travolta for some reason.
I mean, this book is PURE GOLD. So glad that my wife bought it for me for Christmas. I simply couldn't put it down and I want to force my family and friends to read it too because this book is one HOT POTATO!
September 17, 2012
A lot of interesting information about this blue Wiggle. I had no idea that he was dealing with some major health issues. The first part of this book is a bit of history on Anthony, his family, his early career and how The Wiggles came to be. The second part is his journey with his chiropractor and nutritionist (among others) to get him healthy. This part was very technical and I skimmed/skipped through most of it. The last part was present day Wiggles and his life now and a little bit on how The Wiggles impacted his life.
I liked it a lot. It was very informative (even though I did skip through a chunk of the middle) It's NOT a Wiggles biography (although that would be something I would like to read) but the experiences of one man and his health issues and his amazing transformation.
I liked it a lot. It was very informative (even though I did skip through a chunk of the middle) It's NOT a Wiggles biography (although that would be something I would like to read) but the experiences of one man and his health issues and his amazing transformation.
February 8, 2018
Was really hoping this book would be similar to Sarah Wilson’s book on anxiety, but as I got about halfway through, it was getting extremely frustrating the way it was written. It turned out to be more of an exercise book than a Wiggles journey. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind if the book was promoted as exercises on how to manage depression, anxiety and stress and this is what was found helpful, then so be it, but please add pictures to demonstrate said exercises with recommendations to said therapists.
August 8, 2012
Wow! I found out how little I know about the Wiggles, which wasn't much as I have 9 grandchildren! I too have been down with sickness and despondency, sore knees etc. I followed the excercises and I am getting my 'spring' back. Great book. Thanks Anthony.
October 3, 2012
This book was a real surprise to me. I now have a much deeper respect for Anthony based on his amazing journey from ill health & chronic pain to his very high standard of health & fitnesss. Good on ya Anthony you've opened my eyes !
August 24, 2019
Will big finish this review later but I really enjoyed this - very cute and had cool backstory that I really enjoyed bc im a Big Wiggles Fan somehow lmao - yeha it was good!!
May 21, 2019
Anthony is the Blue Wiggle, the one who likes food. While he always has a cheery face and appears to be happy and invested in the children's songs he's singing he was hiding some secrets. One of them being the constant pain he was always in. Starting off as a young man in a rock band, Anthony eventually found a way to combine his passion for music and his desire to be a preschool teacher by forming the group the Wiggles. Bandmates Jeff and Murray were also preschool teacher hopefuls studying with Anthony when they formed the group. The band really took off in Australia, faster than Anthony had anticipated. He began to struggle hiding his pain and depression from people he was consistently close with. Luckily, a chance encounter with the group's personal chiropractor answered the majority of Anthony's problems...his human spring was locked! This revelation lead to a lifetime of change as he developed a new exercise regime and was influenced to make healthier eating habits.
It was really nice to read about his successes. That even with a successful career as an entertainer he struggled with depression and other mental and physical ailments...and overcame them. Some of hte more medically heavy chapters were hard to push through, but I really enjoyed the look into the history of the Wiggles.
It was really nice to read about his successes. That even with a successful career as an entertainer he struggled with depression and other mental and physical ailments...and overcame them. Some of hte more medically heavy chapters were hard to push through, but I really enjoyed the look into the history of the Wiggles.
March 7, 2023
It's incredible to read about a person who I grew up watching being the epitome of energy and joy, and find out he was severely struggling behind the scenes, both physically and emotionally. The Wiggles were a household staple of my childhood and it is very interesting to read about them from the other side (at least from the Blue Wiggle's perspective).
That being said, I really liked the parts of the book that were more memoir, less self-help. I like reading memoirs of people who have a story to tell, and Anthony did a good job telling his story. When the book digressed into self-help portions about health, I lost interest and started skimming. Sharing what helped him get better is no doubt helpful to people who also suffer from chronic pains and illnesses, but that's not what I was expecting out of this book. If it were up to me, this book would be labeled better as part-memoir, part-educational, not just a memoir. I feel this would market the book better and give readers a clearer picture of what to expect.
I am glad Anthony got his Wiggle back and was able to share his journey, get back on stage, and continue bringing joy to children across the globe.
That being said, I really liked the parts of the book that were more memoir, less self-help. I like reading memoirs of people who have a story to tell, and Anthony did a good job telling his story. When the book digressed into self-help portions about health, I lost interest and started skimming. Sharing what helped him get better is no doubt helpful to people who also suffer from chronic pains and illnesses, but that's not what I was expecting out of this book. If it were up to me, this book would be labeled better as part-memoir, part-educational, not just a memoir. I feel this would market the book better and give readers a clearer picture of what to expect.
I am glad Anthony got his Wiggle back and was able to share his journey, get back on stage, and continue bringing joy to children across the globe.
March 29, 2024
Loved the Wiggle's documentary, so I was excited to read more about Anthony specifically.
There was too much medical talk for my liking, and was not that interested in his workout routine.
I enjoyed the insight into Anthony's life. Learning about his military and schooling. How his early childhood education then became The Wiggles.
Enjoyed his storytelling about creative thoughts on the show. How his poor romance struggles with depression caused him to not enjoy touring.
Did not enjoy the medical talk. Became bored of the stretches and workout routines, since I don't care to do them.
There was too much medical talk for my liking, and was not that interested in his workout routine.
I enjoyed the insight into Anthony's life. Learning about his military and schooling. How his early childhood education then became The Wiggles.
Enjoyed his storytelling about creative thoughts on the show. How his poor romance struggles with depression caused him to not enjoy touring.
Did not enjoy the medical talk. Became bored of the stretches and workout routines, since I don't care to do them.
January 17, 2019
Inspiring for the most part, although pretty dry in places. Anthony Field is indeed passionate about his ideas on healthy living and the changes brought about through his own personal experiences. I enjoyed his humorous way of writing which even got me through the dry patches. Recommended.
December 10, 2023
Big blue wiggle fan here! Loved all the antidotes about life as a wiggle but got bored with the medical stuff. I can see it would be useful to people who suffer with chronic health issues though, so if you do this book is for you!
February 20, 2024
Huge wiggles fan, was more interested in the biography portion but could appreciate the chronic pain journey and alternative treatments. It occasionally felt too preachy or undervaluing traditional medicine, but I enjoyed it as an exploration of different treatment styles.
November 15, 2017
This book was really fascinating and inspirational.
February 15, 2021
Definitely worth reading. I found the approach and attiitude towards managing and reducing the effects of chronic injuries very insightful.
February 4, 2014
So I admit I was embarrassingly excited to read this book. My kid is in love with the wiggles and I like what they stand for.
Anyways, this book does have some history of The Wiggles and a few fun stories but ultimately it is a self help book to become healthier using non prescription means. The majority of this book talks of that complete with diagrams, photos and exercises. It was a bit of a dry read between stories of The Wiggles and Anthony's pain on the road. I still rated it high because you have to keep in mind it is a self help book and it has to be rated accordingly.
I was hoping there would be a bit more about his resentment for Sam Moran, the second yellow Wiggle who replaced Greg Page but nope. "Sam did a great job" you could almost feel the tension in that line.
The ending of the book made me want to hug my kid to death. I just found it touching.
If I had the money I would definitely pursue the chiropractic work that Anthony is promoting in this book. He made an amazing turn around.
It is a bit of a dry read but full of helpful ideas and some cute stories of life in The Wiggles. If you're looking for an alternative to pain medication check this out. In the meantime can someone write a REAL autobiography of each of The Wiggles???
Anyways, this book does have some history of The Wiggles and a few fun stories but ultimately it is a self help book to become healthier using non prescription means. The majority of this book talks of that complete with diagrams, photos and exercises. It was a bit of a dry read between stories of The Wiggles and Anthony's pain on the road. I still rated it high because you have to keep in mind it is a self help book and it has to be rated accordingly.
I was hoping there would be a bit more about his resentment for Sam Moran, the second yellow Wiggle who replaced Greg Page but nope. "Sam did a great job" you could almost feel the tension in that line.
The ending of the book made me want to hug my kid to death. I just found it touching.
If I had the money I would definitely pursue the chiropractic work that Anthony is promoting in this book. He made an amazing turn around.
It is a bit of a dry read but full of helpful ideas and some cute stories of life in The Wiggles. If you're looking for an alternative to pain medication check this out. In the meantime can someone write a REAL autobiography of each of The Wiggles???
March 21, 2014
Interesting insight into Anthony's battle with chronic illness, as well as a fly-on-the wall account of The Wiggles backstage.
Anthony offers some very specific advice that is quite prescriptive and I am skeptical that it would help as broad a spectrum of chronic illnesses as he claims. Nonetheless I will definitely explore some of the physio and chiropractic techniques he recommends, because, well, you never know. They certainly helped Anthony out of a pretty dire health crisis and wow, I hope I enjoy his degree of health when I hit my 50s. He is certainly a walking billboard for what he espouses. I respect his passion and his wonderful contribution. He's a dude! Go wiggles!
Anthony offers some very specific advice that is quite prescriptive and I am skeptical that it would help as broad a spectrum of chronic illnesses as he claims. Nonetheless I will definitely explore some of the physio and chiropractic techniques he recommends, because, well, you never know. They certainly helped Anthony out of a pretty dire health crisis and wow, I hope I enjoy his degree of health when I hit my 50s. He is certainly a walking billboard for what he espouses. I respect his passion and his wonderful contribution. He's a dude! Go wiggles!
November 13, 2014
I enjoyed the first half of this book, about his youth and the development of his first band and then the Wiggles, and his health struggles. However, the second half was some very specific treatment that worked miracles for him, but seemed a little in depth and boring for a casual read. Many of the ideas were good, about taking care of your body and feeding it right.
June 26, 2014
I spent years watching The Wiggles with my kids, so when I discovered one of the "the Wiggles" had written a book, I wanted to read it. This is mostly about how he overcame years of health problems with the help of two chiropractors. There was enough "history of the Wiggles" to keep this interesting to me and I still contend, I would love to perform with them. :)
April 25, 2016
Inspirational
As someone who battled fibromyalgia, this book is truly inspirational. The hints are very helpful and this book was full of aha moments for me, it was almost as if I was reading my own life story. Who knew I was battling the same physical issues as my favorite Wiggle. This book gives me hope that I can over come chronic pain.
As someone who battled fibromyalgia, this book is truly inspirational. The hints are very helpful and this book was full of aha moments for me, it was almost as if I was reading my own life story. Who knew I was battling the same physical issues as my favorite Wiggle. This book gives me hope that I can over come chronic pain.
July 14, 2016
Really enjoyed reading the back story of the Wiggles and Anthony's life, skipped over most of the self-health-help bit, though I am glad chiro and other treatments helped Anthony out, I wouldn't try it at home on myself.
March 26, 2013
I loved reading about the wiggles.
June 5, 2016
Not only is this book an interesting read from a wiggles fan perspective, but it's also interesting as someone who is a big fan of 'alternative medicine'.
September 14, 2021
This is The Best book I ever Read ! Anthony should DEFIANTLY Write A new one!!!!
August 25, 2014
Very interesting; opened my mind to new ideas and techniques.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews