Truly
4.7 | 577 ratings
Price: 22.04
Last update: 12-16-2025
Top reviews from the United States
- Love to LearnAn entertaining and delightful read.Lionel Richie’s long-awaited memoir is not just a book — it is a heartbeat set to music. From the first page, it becomes unmistakably clear that Richie isn’t merely recounting a career; he is opening a door into his soul. This is a story told with warmth, vulnerability, humor, and astonishing generosity — the kind of honesty only a man who has truly lived, loved, lost, and risen again can offer.
Richie brings readers home to Tuskegee, and you can feel the red clay, the joy, the pressure, and the history beneath his feet. Every chapter is rich with gratitude — for the people who lifted him, the music that saved him, and the audiences around the world who felt his voice in their bones. The shy young dreamer who once doubted he belonged becomes the Lionel Richie who wrote the soundtrack to millions of lives, yet he never once stops feeling human, real, and reachable.
The stories sparkle: late-night mischief on the road with The Commodores, culture shock in Harlem and the French Riviera, the glittering ascent to Motown fame, the surreal experience of performing for billions, and the almost otherworldly collaboration that became “We Are the World.” But it is the quieter moments — the losses, the heartbreaks, the near disasters — that leave the deepest mark. Richie does not hide his pain. Instead, he turns it into something luminous and strangely comforting, reminding us that our scars do not diminish us; they shape the art we are meant to give the world.
This memoir is wildly entertaining, yes — but more than that, it is healing. Richie invites readers to remember that dreams are never too late, that love is never wasted, and that even when life threatens to break us, music — literal or metaphorical — can stitch us back together. By the end, you don’t just admire Lionel Richie; you feel like you’ve traveled with him, laughed with him, survived with him, and found hope with him. And surprised by how much he curses and just how funny he is.
Radiant, courageous, and brimming with heart, this book is not simply for fans of Lionel Richie — it is for anyone who has ever struggled, ever doubted, ever dared to hope. It is a memoir you don’t just read — you feel. - globe trotterSurprised how much I loved this book! You will too!Read this book, you’ll enjoy it and be better for it! Amazing, super entertaining book, unbelievable life. Lionel Richie takes us inside his creative genius and shares so much wisdom - his own and that from the steady stream of remarkable and legendary people that were part of his life. The stories are incredible, each a little fable with an important message. The thread I see throughout is his extraordinary openness- of mind and equally if not more so of heart - through his entire life. Despite fear, his answer was almost always Yes, and the result from that and hard work has been a life for the ages. I so appreciate that he gave the time and energy to write this book. Richie’s warmth, humanity and sense of gratitude are present on every page. Loved it. What a gift.
- Marty KirtzWhat a wonderful fascinating life!Lionel Ritchie took readers on a journey that was his fascinating life. His storytelling was very enjoyable, and I found myself smiling and sometimes laughing throughout the book. As a matter of fact, I plan to read it again!
- KimberlyTruly-honest reviewI was so happy when I received this however, I do not like the cover all loose. It was kinda annoying. But the book itself is amazing. Next time I would probably just listen to it on Audible
- Rick SpellCould Not Recommend HigherSTOP READING THIS. BUY THE BOOK! A true joy ride of the life of a man who touched us with his music. But he really was a non-singing, weak sax player when he joined the Commodores. Well, he did have the Grandmother who was a music teacher. But from this background in Tuskegee Alabama a star is born and the vehicle was the Commodores. I must disclose that I met his roommate, William King (WAK) at a tennis tournament (one of the best in the nation at his age) after he played my doubles partner and we sat down for lunch. Being a Commodores fan but not wanting to bother I subtly asked him about his time in the Commodores. What followed was 45 minutes of incredible stories of the love he had for that period and spending time with his "musical brothers". Lionel's book is exactly the same. These young brothers were living the dream touring with the Jackson 5 (them in planes, Commodores following along in their van at first) with pillow fights, water fights and anything else as these guys grew up on the road. Quick Story: the song Brickhouse was written musically overnight. WAK comes home & his wife asked where were the lyrics. well, they hadn't started those so he said something like, "well, if you can do it faster go ahead, I'm going to bed." When he awoke she had written the lyrics to their best song. She didn't get credit but later others asked to collaborate with her. What a story I heard!
But this book is much more: a great family story, the Commodores and sleeping under a dining room table as they made it in Harlem, success, but then break-up to go on his own. I didn't broach the Lionel leaving with WAK. would have been inappropriate. But Lionel tells his side. But what is really interesting is they know they need to write songs but his skill was nonexistent. He describes how he slowly "heard the music" and became one of the more prolific writers in our country. And then he's living a Hollywood life and all the issues celebrities have.
Reading this book you can feel the honesty of how he tells his story. Yes, I'm sure two ex-wives would have different stories. But he does not really place blame and takes "some" responsibility. But there is still much more: a silent decade and then reemergence on American Idol.
I'm a fan. Saw him in concert in the past three years. still powerful, still a great story and a great guy. An American gem. Read the book. It's great. - sapphirecanburnAn all encompassing pleasure for an avid reader.The writing is superb. Almost written like a mystery that is a page turner. Very entertaining and absolutely a fun and fascinating read. I loved his music but this book is at a much higher level of interest and is filled with authentic joy.
I bought the hard copy, loaned it to a friend and will keep it in my library on the shelf with biographies that I love. - Calvin W.Once a fan, Always a fan!I am in awe of Mr Ritchie, from many years ago! He was interviewed by Oprah, and gave such an inspiring account of his humble beginnings . The book offers so much more depth, as well as a behind the scenes look into his life. It’s a great read!