Now and Then: The Life-Changing Journey of the Original Yellow Wiggle

by Greg Page, Neil Cadigan

Greg Page will always be synonymous with the children′s supergroup The Wiggles and is forever imprinted in our memory banks as the original "Yellow Wiggle′. Sadly though in 2006 Greg was forced to walk away from his stellar career unable to continue because of a mystery illness. Leaving The Wiggles was a painful and life-altering decision. As a founding member he had devoted over fifteen years to their creation and was instrumental in their phenomenal worldwide success which even included performing for the children of such megastars as John Travolta Sarah Jessica Parker Shaquille O′Neal and Cate Blanchett and leading the Macy′s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It took years for Greg′s condition - Orthostatic Intolerance - to be correctly diagnosed which often saw him suffering from bouts of acute dizziness that left him unable to stand speak or think without great difficulty. The lack of a diagnosis also left him suffering from depression; a frustrating and disillusioning experience for someone who had always led such an active life performing on a daily basis. Correctly diagnosed and medicated Greg is now leading a relatively healthy life and concentrating on getting back to his first love - music.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

ebook

First published May 1, 2011

Reviews

[Krystelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This perhaps reads more as a diary than a Wiggles memoir, and it takes some very highly personal turns throughout the course of the book. While I may not see the same that Greg does in some of the things that have happened through his life, it's important to remember this is his story- so who am I to judge? There are no real wild things in here- Greg is perhaps the most anxiety laden and high-strung of the Wiggles (probably why I liked him so much as a high-strung child myself), but he does offer his soul in this book.

I think my reasoning behind not being quite so into this book is more about fundamentals of literary style than anything else. The book meanders somewhat, and some bits could have gone in editing, but in the end, it does exemplify a truly honest story. The Wiggles were really still just kids when they were catapulted into fame- so going through their autobiographies has shown this in great detail. To those decrying it on the basis of the Elvis business- Page created 'Rock-a-bye Your Bear', which lives rent free in my mind up to this day. If he feels the presence of Elvis around him, I think he's damn well entitled to it at this point.

[Jane White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked it - not a thrilling read and yet I couldn't put it down.
The Wiggles are so integral to my life that their story - thru Greg's eyes - was fascinating.
however, he really must be one of the straightest people on the planet. thankfully - you wouldn't want a Wiggle being anything else, really, would you!!
Greg's story was an interesting look at how fame and success isn't all it looks like, and also a look at how awesome this group of guys is.
I can't help but respect the Wiggles even more after reading this story.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was definitely an interesting read. Greg page is pretty much a nutter-butter. I thought this would be a great read about his adventures as a children's entertainer and subsequent sadness at him needing to leave the group due to illness, but it was mostly him talking himself up because he feels that he's saved the universe, and then loads of stories about how John Edwards (yeah, the guy that talks to ghosts) is his spiritual guide and he sees spirits and ghosts and Elvis and all sorts of crazy.

Don't get me wrong, it was a bizzare and interesting read, but I don't like him anymore, and that's a bit of a shame.

[Miah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always loved the Wiggles, their songs play in my mind to this day. This book was a interesting read about a person I grew up watching and listening to. Back then I only knew him as “Greg Wiggle” thinking “Wiggle World” was a real place where everything was always happy. It was nice to finally get to know the person behind the yellow shirt. This book proves that even celebrities are just regular people with their own problems, emotions and life.

[Alison · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like it but just couldn't finish it.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really good. I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the wiggles or grew up watching the original wiggles.

[Liza Dewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was little kid I watch the original wiggles in tv here on back then Disney channel called preschool channel playhouse Disney so orginal wiggles and Greg page was original yellow wiggles since so obviously with wiggles when I was a little kid I want read the book Greg page the original yellow wiggles worte and I did it was such a great book

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because Greg suffers from a health condition the same as mine. I found it quite relatable and inspiring. Not to mention getting some of the inside scoop on the Wiggles was interesting!

[Tash Nath · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely amazing read! As a huge wiggle fan growing up, I found it very interesting to learn about the behind the scenes of my favourite childhood band and the life of Greg.

[Kelli · Rating 1 out of 5]

sorry, wiggle or not I couldn't stand this. he writes like he is bending down and talking slowly to a toddler.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm a not-so-closet Wiggles fan, so I was looking forward to this book, and I did enjoy some of the background information about the Wiggles contained within the book. However, I felt that was secondary to the "finding himself" theme, which is okay if you like that style of book, but it wasn't what I was looking for.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mom who watches a lot of "The Wiggles" I found this to be a very interesting book. It's filled with funny and touching stories both about the band and Greg himself. I'd recommend this book to anyone.

[Vireya · Rating 1 out of 5]

An inexplicable Christmas gift, not something I would ever have selected to read myself. It might be interesting to Wiggles fans.