Book Review: A Natural Woman by Carole King

“It would take me decades to figure out that “home” needed to exist inside me before I could find or create it externally.”

Carole King, A Natural Woman

Review:

I’m a big fan of Carole King, especially after seeing the touring production of Beautiful. I didn’t realize then that she’d written a memoir so I was super excited when I came across the audiobook. 

More than a linear autobiography of Carole King’s life, the book is more of a series of vignettes from different times in her life. Naturally, there is a large focus on her music career. Her narration is wonderful, interspersed with a few musical moments. She seems as genuinely down to earth as she appears in her music. 

I certainly have a deeper appreciation for her music now knowing some of the stories behind the songs or the times they were written and recorded. An uplifting read! 

Likes & Dislikes:

What I liked:

• This felt less like a celebrity memoir and more like a friendly conversation.
• She was able to convey strong spiritual and political beliefs without being preachy or belittling people who think differently.
• She sings a little bit on the audiobook!

What I didn’t like:

• There’s an overall sense of lack of organization. I’d say it was difficult to follow, but at the same it, it’s not a book that is necessarily told from start to finish. This also comes with a lack of context in some places, but I respect that there were probably some details she actively chose not to share.

Afterthoughts:

This isn’t about the book so much as needing to wallow in my worst life decision whenever the opportunity presents itself. I was in New York for BroadwayCon several years ago while Beautiful was still on Broadway. I’d toyed with getting last-minute tickets for the show and got as far as the checkout page when I decided just to stay in and order a pizza. Well. That was the night of the fifth anniversary of the musical and Carole King made a cameo at the end of the show singing the final number… No, I will never forgive myself.

Where to buy the book: