I have read more than half way through this book and I find myself extremely conflicted. I am not sure if I can write an unbiased review but I will write what I thought was good about this book and those things that I found troubling.
I was and am a Michael English fan and it started from the time his solo music first started playing on Christian radio. I had no idea that he had been with the Gaither's and other Christian groups/Quartets. Although, I never purchased any Gaither music (I do enjoy them) and I have always appreciated their very "approachable" manner. So, the background was interesting to me as was the great poverty that he experienced growing up. Due to a strict upbringing and some personal issues, Michael developed an inferiority complex and later as an adult (Anxiety Disorder - which can be devastating as I too have endured it's terror since early childhood). Michael is very transparent throughout the story and I greatly admire his willingness to be open.
He shares his story of falling in love with a beautiful girl and pursuing her primarily on her terrific good looks. They quickly married with barely any prior courtship which was nearly completely done by telephone as he traveled with his group. They got along like oil and water and shortly after they were married, Lisa had their daughter Megan. While Michael continued to make positive career moves, Lisa raised their daughter back home. When they were together they fought pretty much all the time and divorce discussions often became a part of their disputes.
Then Michael became successful and shortly after, a woman (musician, Marabeth Jordan of First Call) that he had lusted over for years, finally responded. It wasn't long after, that she informed him, she was pregnant. Michael shares how he told his wife and then his daughter and Marabeth's husband (who was a friend). Frankly, I was appalled. He gives his reasons for how this was done (he had his wife's bestfriend in the room) and when others were told there were other witnesses. I wanted to cry. I was heartbroken for his wife, Lisa (who never comes off well), though he always then compliments her after the fact. Likewise, the speech shared with his daughter was also too much. Some things should not be shared and aired in public. I can't imagine how painful and humiliating this had to be for Lisa. I am sure Megan loves her father but again, that was very personal and private! The other scenes were just as difficult. I had to put the book down. I feel like a peeping tom.
Michael always does point his finger at his failings and frailties, it was like being at an open AA meeting, where you hear the most appalling stories but it always works out in the end. Well, Michael saw this as his chance to divorce Lisa and did so. He goes into great detail, naming names of all the Christian artists, who rallied around him with support and forgiveness. Again, I found the name dropping unnecessary. He states he repented and was deeply sorrowful for all whom he had hurt (which is critical because the wounds were deep and he lied to many people). He repented to God (which is also very important).
He eventually returned to performing approx. a 9 mo. or so after. Many churches would not book him and he struggled financially as a result. He did also have an addiction to pain killers which he got inpatient treatment for which is also great.
I have seen you tube videos of recent performances and he shares some of his story and expresses great joy that there are those who still appreciate his music. I do enjoy his music and from listening to 4 or 5 videos, he comes across as very sincere and genuine. Only God can judge the heart. I had planned to attend a concert about 5 or 6 years ago (this happened in the mid 1990's), but the concert was sold out.
As a woman, who had a father in ministry that constantly cheated on my mother, this hit home for me. Obviously, my feelings as to my father's infidelity has colored my reading of this book. I loved my father very much and he is gone now. My mother wasn't perfect and they ended up having an open marriage - for my Mom, I think it was because it was the only way to cope. My family was very well-known in the community. I am certain, that even my friends knew what was occurring, though it was never mentioned.
I like the fact that Michael is so honest here and seems to realize that he was selfish. There is a great deal of Mea Culpa, in this book. Yet, I wonder if he hadn't written this book if his career would have revived as it has. Again, only God knows the heart. I just know that this story made me hurt for all involved. The name dropping was the final straw for me as several of those named are not people I admire, I actually know a few and their fruit is rotten! The Bible says we should seek to honor God and his praise not the praise of man. I had hoped to find healing in this story and I suspect others will but it wasn't to be for me.