Falling Backwards

by Jann Arden

This long-time darling of the music industry and singer-songwriter of international renown will capture your heart--and keep you in stitches--with her powerful stories about coming of age as an artist and as a human being.

Jann's legions of fans are drawn to her sincerity, wit, humour and that infectious sparkle she brings to everything she does. Oh, and did we mention her sense of humour? Jann's natural comedic talents translate seamlessly into her writing, and her dedicated fans will delight in the details of this memoir--where there is no such thing as too much information. Readers will learn about how her brother used to steal her maxi pads to repurpose as GI Joe bunk beds and how she once got gum stuck in her hair so badly that when she woke up her head was glued to the pillow. But with the good times come the bad, and Jann opens up about the darker side of her so-called prairie-perfect nuclear family and the first signs that her brother was a uniquely troubled young man. Jann's readable prose keeps the reader tuned in as she reminds us of the inestimable value of having a teacher who believes in you, wide-open spaces to play and be a child, and a good mother.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Canada, Memoir, Music, Autobiography, Biography Memoir

288 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2011

About the author

Jann Arden is a Canadian born, singer, songwriter, broadcaster and author. The much-celebrated multi-platinum award-winning artist catapulted onto the Canadian music scene in 1993 with the release of her debut album “Time For Mercy” featuring the hit single, “I Would Die For You”. A year later with “Living Under June”, she would have her career breakout hit, “Insensitive” that would solidify her position in the music world.

On April 2nd, 2019 Arden released the paperback version of the Canadian best seller “Feeding My Mother – Comfort and Laughter in the Kitchen as My Mom Lives with Memory Loss” (Penguin Random House Canada). The book shares insights, loss, irony, and yes humour, as mother and daughter face the journey together. The hardcover book spent 21 consecutive weeks on the Globe & Mail bestseller lists.

Whether she is captivating audiences with her heartfelt music, entertaining them with her quick wit or sharing her written word in a boldly honest voice – Jann Arden is a Canadian original – a brilliant multi-dimensional talent!

Reviews

[C. (Comment, don't blank click reviews). · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Gosh, Jann Arden has been a staple since I was in university. She also appeared on the “Ellen” comedy. I have six of her albums. Some favourite songs are “Could I Be Your Girl”, “I Would Die For You”, and “Looking For It”. In June 2021, I was touched by her “Good Mother” performance, for her induction into the Canadian Music Hall Of Fame. Her Dad went to Heaven in 2015, her Mom in 2018, and mine last year, therefore my heartstrings ached with hers.

Her best known hits might be 1990s singles so far but Jann is always touring, writing books, guest hosting “The Social” talk show, or starring in her own sitcom. One time I saw her speak in person. Canada’s “Juno Awards” were in Winnipeg one year, a glamorous event that used to unreachably be held in Toronto when I was a swooning teenager. I was there, at the front, in a gown fit for the red carpet!

I valued Jann’s input on alcoholism recovery in the family. Her deliciously comedic nature filled the rest of her book as gratifyingly as I expected. I almost bestowed “Falling Backwards” five stars.

When she moved to the countryside and neighbour boys shot animals, she said she regretted participating but joked about it a few times. Celebrities often close books on the threshold of their success. Alas, this is what we want to glimpse the most. How did it feel to earn more money and see your songs become hits?

This 2011 autobiography is incomparably thorough but Jann, I wish I could un-read about your Mom checking for worms! It is cool that this prairie gal cleared her mind, working with an old fisherman. I laughed most heartily when she said her songs are morose, compared to her bubbly personality.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I don't know a lot of her songs, I think the only one I can name is "Insensitive", I love Jann Arden. She is someone I would love to sit down and have a great chat with. And that is what this book is. A chat with a cool person, learning about their lives. She is so witty and has a great dry humour. It is amazing all the things she has done and how luck and supportive parents got her to where she is today.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Falling Backwards is the 3rd book of Canadian Singer, Song Writer and Author, Jann Arden that I have read.  This book tells of her life from a small child growing up outside Calgary, Alberta to her first recording contract.  I love that Jann is able to laugh at herself.  The photo on the back cover is after her mom gave her a home perm that didn't turn out as planned. 

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 why I received this book for Christmas, plus her latest CD, and a ticket to an upcoming concert. So, if you think I’m biased when I say that I loved this book, I understand.

The book’s appeal isn’t merely because of its author, though. Jann’s voice is strong, authentic, and candid. She talks about some truly uncomfortable experiences in her life that most of us wouldn’t share with friends and family, let alone strangers. Secondly, her writing style is terrific: straightforward, fluid, poignant, funny. She has an ear for the rhythm of the written word, which is hardly a surprise given how much time she put in learning to write songs.

Although our childhoods were quite different, (she from the Alberta countryside and me from the Vancouver suburbs), she had experiences I could relate to so closely that it was weird. Here’s one: at her parents’ first parent-teacher meeting in grade one, Jann’s teacher told her folks that Jann “could very well be somewhat retarded”. My teacher told my parents that there was something wrong with me because I cut the legs off the picture of the lamb I’d drawn . . . That was the 60’s for you. Obviously, many of her memories triggered memories of my own, but maybe that’s what great memoirs do. Still, as Jann says, “It’s okay to look in the rear-view mirror now and then, but I don’t want to stare.” Enjoy!

[Lee-Ann Sleegers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting biography by a very interesting woman who is a household name in Canadian music. I enjoyed reading Jann's life story because she wasn't afraid to reveal the sad, the ridiculous or the difficult from her readers and she put her own special brand of comedy into many of the pages in the book. It must have been hard to write this book without hurting feelings or revealing too much about the other folks in the family that didn't want their stories shared the same way. Jann is very thoughtful of her family members wishes, or at least that is my assumption, in that she only shares about her brothers what you need to know and again an assumption, what they are willing to let her share. The Canadianism's scattered throughout Falling Backwards are hilarious reminding me of a time when life was very different even though it was only 30 years ago. Thank you Jann for this honest overview of your life and showing that you never know what is going to happen in your life unless you decide to pursue it wholeheartedly.

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 found understanding.

[D.A. Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 sober up.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed out loud too many times to count while reading this book. Jann is a great example of how to accept your family, yourself and your friends as they are, imperfect beings doing their best. It is a great reminder to never underestimate the power of compassion, encouragement and humour while you put your shoulders back and keep moving forward. I am so pleased that I was invited to look in the windows of a "real Canadian family ", just as weird and wonderful as my own.

[Miss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this laugh out loud exploration of her early life.
Though we are some years apart, I related to a lot of her childhood experiences and interests.
Maybe that's more of a Canadian thing?
Oh the misery of a home perm!
'With a smell like a burning cat that someone's thrown up on.' yep. That's it!
Her descriptions are singularly her own, that's for sure.
:-)

[Charyl Hyndman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from cover to cover. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all about what made Jann Arden into the wonderful singer/songwriter she is today. Her story is written with warmth and heart and I loved all of her reminiscing, good and bad. It took me right back to my childhood...such a simpler time.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy her first book and this one is even better. If I didn't know any better - I would think we lived the same childhood. Born and raised and still living in Calgary - it is nice to hear the names of the old places that were around growing up.
Jann Arden is hilarious...

[Tracy Schillemore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jann Arden is funny. This book starts in childhood and goes up to just before she made her first record. She has had an adventurous life. I think this book is enjoyable whether you're a fan or not.

[Jennifer Rayment · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Good Stuff

* I love Jann, she is so delightfully honest and hilariously funny -- and so very accessible, you will feel like you are just shooting the shit with one of your pals while reading it
* She talks about things that we all felt while growing up but didn't always have the honesty to talk out loud about
* The paragraph when she talks about God and wonders if he had a Penis made me laugh so hard coffee came out my nose
* Never lays blame or talks mean spiritedly about anyone
* The love for her family is so real and loving
* I really enjoyed how she describes her passion for music and for the written word
* Self deprecating sense of humour
* In the paperback copy I received for review - my pal Lavender Lines is quoted!
* Honestly she is just a straight forward down to earth fun and wise broad that I would love to hang out with
* Enjoyed the commentary on her parents taste in music - yup my mom and dad loved Nana Mouskouri and Roger Whittaker too -- and I hated that crap as much as she did (My brother and I used to take their albums and play Frisbee with them)
* I totally agree with her description of brussel sprouts as tasting like dog farts and copper pennies!

The Not So Good Stuff

* Sorry Jann if I ever see you out in public I am going to give you a big hug & talk to you like we are old friends
* Might not want to read out in public because you will be laughing so hard
* The last chapter sort of ends abruptly - I can understand why, but still its a little jarring

Favorite Quotes/Passages


"In a womb? My dear mother said it was nothing short of agony. I have given her the odd sympathy card on my birthday. It seems fitting, somehow. The card simply reads, "I am sorry about your vagina. Love, Jann."


"You find out early on that life is not based on a system of punishment and reward. Bad people often get ahead and good people can will die of cancer. There is no sense to be made of any of it. You just have to get up and deal with the day."


"M yidea of pigs has never been the same. Charlotte's Web has never held much water with me. You can forget Babe as well. Pigs are vicious killers with no regard for a child's young life. I am lucky to be alive. Yes,I am dramatic."


"All of the other singers that my parents owned on vinyl seemed to me to have one foot in the grave. Roger Whittaker whistled, for crying out loud, and Nana Mouskouri had big, thick, black glasses. Only old people wore glasses. Only old people whistled. My shop teacher whistled and wore bifocals, that's how I knew the singers on my parents' records were ancient. I was grateful to finally be exposed to artists with whom I had something in common- first and foremost among which was being alive."


Who Should/Shouldn't Read

* If you are a fan of Arden's music, you will love this book
* If you are Canadian -- and most importantly a self deprecating Canadian women (Is there any other such Cdn women) you will frickin love this book

5 Dewey's


I received this from Random House in exchange for an honest review

[Leslie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read a few reviews on GoodReads before reading this book, and I found myself agreeing with some of the critical remarks. First, the humour didn't really come across as funny, but maybe Jann and I just aren't a match when it comes to what makes us laugh. Second, I noticed some stories were repeated that could have been fixed with better editing. And the end seemed abrupt.

I did enjoy reading about her early years prior to high school, and found myself talking with my husband during a long drive about some of the things she did as a kid. The carefree days of childhood back in the 70's seemed so fun. I told my husband I was surprised at how clear her memories were in comparison to mine at the same age(s).

She doesn't sugar coat the ugly truths and I respect her for being so honest. No family is perfect, your past is never without regrets.

However, I am left with questions that only Jann could answer... The biggest question (and the one I tried to Google) appears in Chapter Five. What happened to Duray? When she writes that "they'd lost him the summer of his ninth year", was that literally or figuratively? She goes on to say that her mother and her pieced together their versions of what they think may have happened, but then doesn't say what they think happened!

[Carolyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Jann Arden's music and she is a lot of fun in live performances; she is a great storyteller on stage. I did not love the book and for many of the reasons other people already stated: the book barely skimmed through the teen years when she was starting to sing and play guitar and spent a lot of time on her early grade school years instead. There is not a lot of insight or explanation about her musical background or influences. It is amazing that she is basically self-taught, but I would have liked to learn more about where these amazing lyrics and melodies began. And, her humour does not come across in the book as it does onstage or when you hear her in an interview.

[Allison Baggio · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 ; ) Great stuff!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jann Arden - A Canadian music icon imo. I loved this memoir, especially the stories of her young life. I don't usually read out loud to my non-reader husband, but Jann's writing of her hilarious antics with neighbouring kids Leonard & Dale were too good not to share with him, especially the tale about all 3 riding Snoopy, the huge Clydesdale horse. We laughed so much!
Jann's down-to-earth, honest, true-blue, hard working, loving, comedic & amazing personal experiences made this book one of my top 3 reads this year.

[Dale Stonehouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Minnesotan, I have heard none of Arden's music nor have I heard her radio show. But my curiosity about all things Canadian prompted me to read this memoir. I did learn a few new terms unique to Canada and some Western Canada geography, which is not the point of the book for probably anyone but me.

[Debi Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great sense of humour, a sometimes tragic life and she still holds her head up high. She jumps around topics a lot but I think that is her personality coming out. I really liked this book. a totally different career than Gordon Lightfoot. As much as Gordon was my favourite singer, I like Jann's character better.

[Tra Cey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took a bit to get into this book, but then I really enjoyed it. Jann is Canadian Royalty and I love her quirky sense of humour and silliness; that comes across in this book while exploring her life. I can't believe how vividly she remembers her childhood. She candidly lets the reader into her family and story. Great book. Beautifully Canadian.

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know how Jann Arden manages it. The material in this this book is pretty hefty, but I laughed 'til it hurt.

I write about reading (I'm not as funny as she is) over here.

[Karen Bauer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised how much I enjoyed reading Jann Arden's life up to this point. I wasn't a true fan of her music style but as I see & hear her in various interviews I think I appreciate her more & more.

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book by Jann Arden that I have enjoyed. She takes life by the horns and embraces what comes her way! As I never read books in any order, this one followed the story of her parents passing. What a story teller!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all things Jann Arden, her music, her books. Can't wait to read her 2 others.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jann Arden's life up until she gets her first record deal. Really interesting stories from her early years. Jann has lead quite the life!

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A most enjoyable read, with raw honesty and lots of self deprecating humour. Funny, sad and very real!

[Sam Willan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insight into Jann Arden. Well written with humour and without ego!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed learning about Jann Arden’s personal life and family and what it was like for her growing up.

She taught herself how to play the guitar and wrote her own songs at a young age, keeping it all very quiet. She seemed to be very talented naturally and had a beautiful voice.

I learned that she had a peacemaker put in when she was 20 years old.

She tried to find herself and figure out what she wanted to be, and eventually became the singing sensation that everybody knows .

A singer and songwriter, who used to be known as the funny kid who would cry jokes, and make others laugh. Although her music was very melancholy and sad and very personal.

I started listening again to her music, and I really enjoy the songs. I would describe her as very soulful and from the heart.

[Brian Burhoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jann Arden has always been a fave of ours. Her song lyrics, her printed words — she's a heroine of these Ol' Boomers.

FALLING BACKWARDS opens pages into her life.

One of my most questioned written statements is this: "There are exceptions, perhaps — Stephen King and Terry Pratchett and Octavia E Butler, just three — but I believe that the greatest writers of our Boomer Generation have been our singer-songwriters."

About our Jann, I wrote, "a fave is Jann Arden, with her crazy sense of humour and lyrics that tear your heart out."

She's a remarkable woman, is our Jann...

For more, see http://www.CivilizedBears.com/the-pub...