What do you think?
Rate this book
The Key Is Love: My Mother's Wisdom, A Daughter's Gratitude
For beloved superstar Marie Osmond, one gift that her mother gave her stands above the rest: the gift to trust and follow her heart. Even when the path seemed bleak, it was this unwavering faith that allowed her to follow her dreams, both professional and personal, and survive the hardest times in her life.
In an age when most women work outside the home—and nearly a third of women raise their children alone—being a mother is no easy task. No one knows that better than Marie, who has been an entertainer for forty-eight years and a mother for thirty. She, like so many women out there, has struggled through years of being a single parent and a working parent, while juggling the need to be there for her children and still be there for her other “family,” the multitude of fans and followers who look up to her.
Through it all, Marie has turned to the person who helped her at every stage of her life and her career: her mother. Drawing on the wisdom that Olive Osmond imparted over the years, Marie weaves a rich, touching, and honest memoir about her life offstage and off-camera, where she took on her most important role: motherhood. Through personal delights, dreams, downturns, and devastating tragedy, Marie offers insights on creating a strong family, raising happy and independent children, and, especially, moving forward when it seems impossible to do so.
In an age when most women work outside the home—and nearly a third of women raise their children alone—being a mother is no easy task. No one knows that better than Marie, who has been an entertainer for forty-eight years and a mother for thirty. She, like so many women out there, has struggled through years of being a single parent and a working parent, while juggling the need to be there for her children and still be there for her other “family,” the multitude of fans and followers who look up to her.
Through it all, Marie has turned to the person who helped her at every stage of her life and her career: her mother. Drawing on the wisdom that Olive Osmond imparted over the years, Marie weaves a rich, touching, and honest memoir about her life offstage and off-camera, where she took on her most important role: motherhood. Through personal delights, dreams, downturns, and devastating tragedy, Marie offers insights on creating a strong family, raising happy and independent children, and, especially, moving forward when it seems impossible to do so.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published April 2, 2013
26 people are currently reading
311 people want to read
About the author
Marie Osmond
18 books25 followersOlive Marie Osmond is an American singer, actress, doll designer, and a member of the show business family The Osmonds. Although she was never part of her family's singing group, she gained success as a solo country music artist in the 1970s and 1980s. Her best known song is a cover of the country pop ballad "Paper Roses." From 1976 to 1979, she and her singer brother Donny Osmond hosted the TV variety show Donny & Marie.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
February 11, 2021
I'm not a fan of Marie, never have been. My husband and I knew her ex, Brian Blosil, many years ago before she met him. I read this book to see what she had to say about him. She never mentioned him by name, but it is clear that she despises him.
I was very surprised to see that she thinks she has wisdom to give advice to other mothers. For instance, she has the idea that once a child is two years old, they are old enough for her to go back to work. Excuse me? A two-year-old is old enough to be without his/her mom? Little tidbits like this peppered the book.
Marie has one thing that is most dear to her, and that's the spotlight. She has made that very clear by her actions, which speak much louder than her words in this book. She bemoaned the fact that she "had to be" the breadwinner when she was married. She turned her childrearing over to whom? Nannies? Her ex-husband whom she calls a monster? If he was such a monster, why on earth did she keep adopting kids with him and having two more? (She has given birth to three children, the other five were adopted.)
It is painfully obvious to me that she does not practice what she preaches. If she wants to prove what a good mother she is, she should go home and raise her four remaining kids. Then maybe she can give us advice on how to do it. I gave up my career (in the entertainment business, same as hers but not as stellar) to raise our four children. When I see her sacrifice all for her children, like most mothers do, then I'll listen to something she has to say.
Update: Her body does look fabulous, and I applaud her ability to lose all that weight and keep it off.
I realize my review above sounds a little harsh, but I still stand by what I said, though I might have toned down the criticism a bit. When children suffer, my mother bear claws come out. Also, since my husband and I knew Brian quite well way before she met him, we know his faults and his good qualities. Everyone has them, bad and good. My family knows the Osmonds quite intimately. I think I may be a little too close to the situation to be able to give a review that's any kinder. But I wish them all well and am happy Marie and Steve have found happiness again.
I was very surprised to see that she thinks she has wisdom to give advice to other mothers. For instance, she has the idea that once a child is two years old, they are old enough for her to go back to work. Excuse me? A two-year-old is old enough to be without his/her mom? Little tidbits like this peppered the book.
Marie has one thing that is most dear to her, and that's the spotlight. She has made that very clear by her actions, which speak much louder than her words in this book. She bemoaned the fact that she "had to be" the breadwinner when she was married. She turned her childrearing over to whom? Nannies? Her ex-husband whom she calls a monster? If he was such a monster, why on earth did she keep adopting kids with him and having two more? (She has given birth to three children, the other five were adopted.)
It is painfully obvious to me that she does not practice what she preaches. If she wants to prove what a good mother she is, she should go home and raise her four remaining kids. Then maybe she can give us advice on how to do it. I gave up my career (in the entertainment business, same as hers but not as stellar) to raise our four children. When I see her sacrifice all for her children, like most mothers do, then I'll listen to something she has to say.
Update: Her body does look fabulous, and I applaud her ability to lose all that weight and keep it off.
I realize my review above sounds a little harsh, but I still stand by what I said, though I might have toned down the criticism a bit. When children suffer, my mother bear claws come out. Also, since my husband and I knew Brian quite well way before she met him, we know his faults and his good qualities. Everyone has them, bad and good. My family knows the Osmonds quite intimately. I think I may be a little too close to the situation to be able to give a review that's any kinder. But I wish them all well and am happy Marie and Steve have found happiness again.
April 18, 2013
I have loved Marie Osmond ever since I was a little girl. I loved THE DONNY AND MARIE SHOW and, yes, I loved--still love--Donny, too! I even had a Marie Barbie doll with this gorgeous purple dress. It was the ONLY Barbie doll I had. I loved it because it was Marie Osmond.
I continue to love both Osmonds to this day. I own JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, which Donny was in, and I know all the songs! Yes, I sing along whenever I watch it and I watch it as often as I can!
So when Marie's son died because he killed himself (just a few years ago), my heart broke for her. Here was this woman who has lived such an incredibly charmed life, yet she's just as human as the rest of us and can be broken by sadness, too. Marie's book THE KEY IS LOVE is a beautiful memoir not only of Marie's relationship with her amazing mother, but also the story of Marie's overcoming adversity in her life through love--not just the death of her son, but more (you'll have to read her book if you want to know more).
Marie shares her heart in THE KEY IS LOVE; she is open and honest and transparent about her own depression, her own failures as a wife, mother, sister, daughter, and entertainer, as well as about the tragedies she has suffered through, most of which have happened within the past ten years.
Her writing style is fresh, friendly, and inviting. I felt as if I was listing to my best friend share her heart. She made me feel that if she and I are ever to meet (oh, I hope...!), that we would instantaneously be bosom buddies because she's of the Race of Joseph (read the ANNE OF GREEN GABLES if you want to know what the Race of Joseph means).
If I thought I loved Marie Osmond before I read THE KEY IS LOVE, that love has grown by leaps and bounds through reading her wonderful memoir. Don't walk to get your copy, run. And then READ.
I continue to love both Osmonds to this day. I own JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, which Donny was in, and I know all the songs! Yes, I sing along whenever I watch it and I watch it as often as I can!
So when Marie's son died because he killed himself (just a few years ago), my heart broke for her. Here was this woman who has lived such an incredibly charmed life, yet she's just as human as the rest of us and can be broken by sadness, too. Marie's book THE KEY IS LOVE is a beautiful memoir not only of Marie's relationship with her amazing mother, but also the story of Marie's overcoming adversity in her life through love--not just the death of her son, but more (you'll have to read her book if you want to know more).
Marie shares her heart in THE KEY IS LOVE; she is open and honest and transparent about her own depression, her own failures as a wife, mother, sister, daughter, and entertainer, as well as about the tragedies she has suffered through, most of which have happened within the past ten years.
Her writing style is fresh, friendly, and inviting. I felt as if I was listing to my best friend share her heart. She made me feel that if she and I are ever to meet (oh, I hope...!), that we would instantaneously be bosom buddies because she's of the Race of Joseph (read the ANNE OF GREEN GABLES if you want to know what the Race of Joseph means).
If I thought I loved Marie Osmond before I read THE KEY IS LOVE, that love has grown by leaps and bounds through reading her wonderful memoir. Don't walk to get your copy, run. And then READ.
April 1, 2014
I read this for my book group. If you are an Osmond fan, you would probably like this book. But the Osmonds were before my time and I'm also not into the lives of the rich and famous. Marie does give tribute to her amazing mom, but most of the book is more about her than her mom. She spends a lot of time trying rationalize her guilt for being a working mom and not spending more time with her kids. But she has had some difficult things to deal with and I imagine that she made the best choices she could at the time. The writing is mediocre and she does a lot of name dropping of people more famous than she.
Even though my personal reaction to the book was not enthusiastic, it still provided for a good group discussion. Women in the group shared many of their own personal experiences and feelings which were brought out by things in the book. It was also fun that one member of our group was a teenager when Donny and Marie were popular. She had a teen crush on Donny and her walls were covered with posters of him. :)
Even though my personal reaction to the book was not enthusiastic, it still provided for a good group discussion. Women in the group shared many of their own personal experiences and feelings which were brought out by things in the book. It was also fun that one member of our group was a teenager when Donny and Marie were popular. She had a teen crush on Donny and her walls were covered with posters of him. :)
October 15, 2015
I got this book (as crazy as it sounds) at my local Dollar Tree Store. I have always enjoyed the Osmond family and I figured I would find something interesting about this book plus it was $1. I would go back and pay the suggested retail of $25.95 after reading it. Marie Osmond is really vulnerable, honest, and forthright in this book unlike most celebrities who try to make themselves sound like a victim or perfect. She has been through numerous things that I cannot even imagine going through as a mom and her words were very wise and sound. I share a lot of her values and therefore I agreed with many of her parenting strategies and ideas. By the end of the book, I had wept several times for her and for myself. I highly recommend this book if you are a newer parent or even if you are going through a grieving process unrelated to parenting. She writes with such emotion and the empathy I had for her was extremely painful yet mind changing. I loved every single page of this book.
June 7, 2016
Read this for book club. Based on the title and introduction, you'd think this was a book about Marie Osmond's mom, but it read much more like a book about Marie, with references to her mom thrown in. Nothing wrong with writing a book about yourself, but it kind of rubbed me the wrong way that she gave the impression this was a collection of her mother's advice when it was actually a series of personal essays, most of which did NOT revolve around her mother. Also, the name-dropping. Kind of annoying.
I think if you are already interested in the Osmonds, this would be a fun read to get an inside peek into their lives, but it was pretty lackluster for me.
I think if you are already interested in the Osmonds, this would be a fun read to get an inside peek into their lives, but it was pretty lackluster for me.
June 5, 2015
I highly enjoy all of Marie Osmond's books. This woman is amazing. She has gone through so much in her life and still manages to be upbeat and funny while simultaneously giving very good advice. She has worked with so many famous people and her family is extremely talented, yet Marie comes across as humble and genuinely loving toward her fans. She is hilarious and open about her life, and I find it extremely interesting to read about how she tries to take care of her kids and keep her family together when she has so many responsibilities and obligations. I find myself sympathizing with Marie and cheering her on. She isn't afraid to talk about her mistakes and what she's learned from them. I've read some other reviews that complain about Marie's "name dropping" of famous people, but her whole life has been spent in show biz; of course she's going to have a lot of experiences with other entertainers! She never comes across as bragging.
This particular book is about the wisdom Marie's mother, Olive Osmond, passed on to her through the years. She must have been an incredible woman to lovingly raise nine children (seven of whom are famous singers and performers) while traveling all over the world for their concerts and supporting them in all of their other endeavors, yet still have time to serve others and regularly give motherly advice to Elvis, of all people (not to mention millions of Osmond fans in her weekly emails)! I especially love hearing about how Olive and Marie interacted when Marie was a teenager on the Donny and Marie Show. That was a crazy life for a teenager; I can't imagine it, and it's endlessly fascinating to me.
I highly recommend this book to any female friend.
This particular book is about the wisdom Marie's mother, Olive Osmond, passed on to her through the years. She must have been an incredible woman to lovingly raise nine children (seven of whom are famous singers and performers) while traveling all over the world for their concerts and supporting them in all of their other endeavors, yet still have time to serve others and regularly give motherly advice to Elvis, of all people (not to mention millions of Osmond fans in her weekly emails)! I especially love hearing about how Olive and Marie interacted when Marie was a teenager on the Donny and Marie Show. That was a crazy life for a teenager; I can't imagine it, and it's endlessly fascinating to me.
I highly recommend this book to any female friend.
May 31, 2013
I admit to some voyeuristic interest in the Osmond family, since it seems I practically grew up with them and sometimes fantasized about being rich, beautiful, and famous as they were. And I was already Mormon, so we had that in common. So I checked out Marie's new book, a tribute to her mother with quite a bit of autobiographical content. I thought the wisdom shared in the book was spot on. I found the parts about Marie's homosexual daughter and her son who committed suicide particularly interesting, and I appreciated Marie's candidly expressed feelings. Some parts did feel self-serving--plenty of references to her line of dolls, best-selling albums, Hallmark Chanel talk show, etc. But maybe I'm being unfair. If I am interested in her because of these accomplishments, why should I complain because she mentions them? The book could have used some paring down to put the bits of "wisdom" more concisely, and I REALLY hate the title. Why didn't someone fix that? It would sound so much better if it were "A Mother's Wisdom, a Daughter's Gratitude", or even "My Mother's Wisdom, My Own Gratitude", or something like that.
February 8, 2016
"Character is doing what's right even when no one is watching"
"Forbearance; Tolerating hardship with good grace. Not allowing the trials of life to steal our joy"
Marie Osmond showed a lot of commitment by creating this wonderful book. When I read this book I felt sorrow, joy, and wisdom. Olive Osmond (her mother) had raised 9 children all on her own while her husband worked, Marie Osmond being the only girl had looked up to her greatly. Marie, as a mother of her own now, looks back and lives day to day following her mothers example of love and compassion. Very substantial read! Will reread in the future.
"Forbearance; Tolerating hardship with good grace. Not allowing the trials of life to steal our joy"
Marie Osmond showed a lot of commitment by creating this wonderful book. When I read this book I felt sorrow, joy, and wisdom. Olive Osmond (her mother) had raised 9 children all on her own while her husband worked, Marie Osmond being the only girl had looked up to her greatly. Marie, as a mother of her own now, looks back and lives day to day following her mothers example of love and compassion. Very substantial read! Will reread in the future.
November 19, 2016
While I was a real Osmond fan growing up, for some reason I never thought much of Marie. I still can't say why. After reading this book, however, I have a new found respect for her. It sounds like she has had some big challenges along the way, she's had a strong upbringing with what sounds like outstanding parents. She, like many, has learned some things the hard way, but has come out on the other side.
August 3, 2019
Picked this book up on a whim, not having been an Osmond fan or knowing anything about her or her parents. Perhaps that made the book more interesting. I enjoyed reading it more than I expected, she’s a good-hearted person and her parents were very driven, hard-working, old-school people - glad I wasn’t their child, though.
April 6, 2013
Such great wisdom Olive Osmond had. I only wish I had this book when I was beginning my journey as a new mom. I love Marie and how she has carried herself through her difficult times with such grace. She has been a great example for me.
June 6, 2013
I've been a life-long Osmond fan & I knew Mother Osmond was a strong, loving woman. This is a wonderful tribute to her. Marie also shared quite a bit about her own life. She is such a strong woman. I respect her even more now.
February 12, 2014
I really enjoyed the book. I been an osmond fan for years. And she really is an inspiration even tho it shows that no one is perfect
May 29, 2013
What a beautiful tribute to her mom. The subtitle highlights what she accomplishes in her writing...passing on he mother's wisdom and expressing a daughter's gratitude.
Quotes I liked:
(84) "Children change every idea of how you think your life should go. That is a blessing. There is no job in existence that takes more time, focus, commitment, and love. And, for me, there will never be any job that gives me more joy and a feeling of accomplishment."
(146) "Love yourself enough to know that as a woman, and especially as a mother, you have to take care of yourself first, before you can take care of others. We can get swept up in tornadoes of activity, trying to conquer the storms in our lives. Instead, I've had to learn for myself that I need to go to the eye of the storm, the quiet center, to be able to see clearly and get perspective on why everything is spinning out of control around me. This usually means realm taking time to try to still your mind and listen to your intuition."
(173) "There is nothing better about life without you." (Her plea to others to find help and not commit suicide--the whole chapter was about reaching out to her audience, not about resolving her grief.)
(216) "'Discipline is a muscle. You have to strengthen it to be able to do the things you want to in this life.'"
(251) "We are raising our children in verbally harsh times...We seem to live in a culture that celebrates 'Getting away with something' or twisting the truth to fit our need, rationalizing our waste of time, resources, and talents instead of holding ourselves to a higher moral standard. Just look at how we've declined as a society. It seems althat people only feel bad about a misdeed if they get caught at it...I "fear for this outcome," too. I want my children to be able to live in a world where your word counts for something and where they understand and appreciate that the gifts they've been given are to be shared and that people always come before possessions."
(301) "My mother would have told me: 'The key is love...and that means loving the season of life you are in. When you are young, enjoy your youth, your education, and interacting with many different people. When you find a spouse, love your marriage and your children. Capture in your hearts the moments your children are young, for they quickly pass by. In the fall of your life, appreciate your wisdom, speak your mind, and give back to the community. And in your winter season, cherish your loved ones, rest in a job well-done, love the simple pleasures of life.' My mother would tell me: 'don't miss the present moment by living in the past or anticipating the future. Find a way to give and re I e love right now, in the current circumstances of your life. Measure your accomplishments in love.'"
Quotes I liked:
(84) "Children change every idea of how you think your life should go. That is a blessing. There is no job in existence that takes more time, focus, commitment, and love. And, for me, there will never be any job that gives me more joy and a feeling of accomplishment."
(146) "Love yourself enough to know that as a woman, and especially as a mother, you have to take care of yourself first, before you can take care of others. We can get swept up in tornadoes of activity, trying to conquer the storms in our lives. Instead, I've had to learn for myself that I need to go to the eye of the storm, the quiet center, to be able to see clearly and get perspective on why everything is spinning out of control around me. This usually means realm taking time to try to still your mind and listen to your intuition."
(173) "There is nothing better about life without you." (Her plea to others to find help and not commit suicide--the whole chapter was about reaching out to her audience, not about resolving her grief.)
(216) "'Discipline is a muscle. You have to strengthen it to be able to do the things you want to in this life.'"
(251) "We are raising our children in verbally harsh times...We seem to live in a culture that celebrates 'Getting away with something' or twisting the truth to fit our need, rationalizing our waste of time, resources, and talents instead of holding ourselves to a higher moral standard. Just look at how we've declined as a society. It seems althat people only feel bad about a misdeed if they get caught at it...I "fear for this outcome," too. I want my children to be able to live in a world where your word counts for something and where they understand and appreciate that the gifts they've been given are to be shared and that people always come before possessions."
(301) "My mother would have told me: 'The key is love...and that means loving the season of life you are in. When you are young, enjoy your youth, your education, and interacting with many different people. When you find a spouse, love your marriage and your children. Capture in your hearts the moments your children are young, for they quickly pass by. In the fall of your life, appreciate your wisdom, speak your mind, and give back to the community. And in your winter season, cherish your loved ones, rest in a job well-done, love the simple pleasures of life.' My mother would tell me: 'don't miss the present moment by living in the past or anticipating the future. Find a way to give and re I e love right now, in the current circumstances of your life. Measure your accomplishments in love.'"
August 30, 2019
I picked up Marie Osmond's latest book, The Key is Love, because (1) I'm a longtime Osmonds fan; (2) I've read her other books so I figured I might as well read this one too ; ) & (3) I was curious to hear what she had to say about recent events in her life, including her son Michael's suicide, and her decision to remarry her first husband (!), 25 years after they were divorced (& wearing the same dress she wore at their first wedding, some 30 years earlier).
Ostensibly, Osmond wrote this book as a tribute to her mother, Olive Osmond, but it also updates fans on recent events in her life.
As you might expect from a devout Mormon girl, Osmond delivers platitude after platitude about the glories of motherhood. As a childless (not-by-choice) woman, I found it a little hard to swallow at times.
But there are some surprises along the way. Some of what Osmond writes is platitude, true, but there actually is a lot of good old-fashioned wisdom in her mother's words & advice. And although Osmond extols old-fashioned ways & values, make no mistake, she's a thoroughly modern working mother.
While Osmond believes there is no higher calling than motherhood -- and she's got 8 (!!) children to prove it -- she's also a working mother (whose office just happens to be a stage in Las Vegas), the primary family breadwinner for most of her adult life and, at times, a single mother. In her own way, she's been "leaning in" for the past 50 years, since she started singing with her famous brothers as a toddler.
And the show must go on (eventually) -- even when your beloved son commits suicide. As a bereaved parent, albeit of a slightly different variety, my heart went out to Marie as I read this section of the book. This woman understands grief & loss. She is also frank about her own problems with getting & staying pregnant, and her struggles with postpartum depression.. At least half of her eight children are adopted, and she writes about how many of those children came to her.
There are certain details Osmond declines to reveal, citing her children's privacy. She writes about the failure of her second marriage, and while she doesn't tell us exactly what went wrong, several of her children clearly did not get along with their father. Hmmmm.
If you're not as Osmonds fan, you probably won't be compelled to pick up this book... but if you were to do so, I think you night enjoy it more than you might think. ;) 3.5 stars.
Ostensibly, Osmond wrote this book as a tribute to her mother, Olive Osmond, but it also updates fans on recent events in her life.
As you might expect from a devout Mormon girl, Osmond delivers platitude after platitude about the glories of motherhood. As a childless (not-by-choice) woman, I found it a little hard to swallow at times.
But there are some surprises along the way. Some of what Osmond writes is platitude, true, but there actually is a lot of good old-fashioned wisdom in her mother's words & advice. And although Osmond extols old-fashioned ways & values, make no mistake, she's a thoroughly modern working mother.
While Osmond believes there is no higher calling than motherhood -- and she's got 8 (!!) children to prove it -- she's also a working mother (whose office just happens to be a stage in Las Vegas), the primary family breadwinner for most of her adult life and, at times, a single mother. In her own way, she's been "leaning in" for the past 50 years, since she started singing with her famous brothers as a toddler.
And the show must go on (eventually) -- even when your beloved son commits suicide. As a bereaved parent, albeit of a slightly different variety, my heart went out to Marie as I read this section of the book. This woman understands grief & loss. She is also frank about her own problems with getting & staying pregnant, and her struggles with postpartum depression.. At least half of her eight children are adopted, and she writes about how many of those children came to her.
There are certain details Osmond declines to reveal, citing her children's privacy. She writes about the failure of her second marriage, and while she doesn't tell us exactly what went wrong, several of her children clearly did not get along with their father. Hmmmm.
If you're not as Osmonds fan, you probably won't be compelled to pick up this book... but if you were to do so, I think you night enjoy it more than you might think. ;) 3.5 stars.
May 8, 2013
Marie Osmond’s life may seem glamorous from the outside, but she is just as human as the rest of us. She may have rubbed elbows with celebrities from Oprah to Elvis, but she has also dedicated her life to raising eight children, some to whom she gave birth and some she adopted. In The Key Is Love, Sr. Osmond shares with us some of the hard-won lessons she’s learned over her years as a mother, as well as the wisdom her mother passed on to her.
She has dealt with two divorces, the death by suicide of a son, substance abuse by some of her children, postpartum depression, and the host of other challenges that face a single, working mother. And she doesn’t shy away from those difficult topics in The Key Is Love. In some of the most moving and emotionally raw passages in the book, she describes her son Mike and the excruciating loss and pain she felt when he committed suicide. Her stated goal in reliving such painful memories and committing them to paper is the hope that “they will be read by any person considering suicide as a way to spare your family more grief or because of a false perception that everyone would be better off without you. There is nothing better about life without you.”
Sr. Osmond told about when her daughter Jessica came out to her as a lesbian and her decision to “[stand] by her as a mom who loves her unconditionally.” She goes on to say “As a Christian, my understanding of God is that we are each created as one of His own children…I love my daughter with the same fierce love that I have for my other children. I know this is how Heavenly Father loves us, no matter what circumstances we create for ourselves or have even been put into without choice.” I hope that other parents of gay children will follow her example and continue to love their children unconditionally.
Read the rest of this review on my blog Build Enough Bookshelves.
She has dealt with two divorces, the death by suicide of a son, substance abuse by some of her children, postpartum depression, and the host of other challenges that face a single, working mother. And she doesn’t shy away from those difficult topics in The Key Is Love. In some of the most moving and emotionally raw passages in the book, she describes her son Mike and the excruciating loss and pain she felt when he committed suicide. Her stated goal in reliving such painful memories and committing them to paper is the hope that “they will be read by any person considering suicide as a way to spare your family more grief or because of a false perception that everyone would be better off without you. There is nothing better about life without you.”
Sr. Osmond told about when her daughter Jessica came out to her as a lesbian and her decision to “[stand] by her as a mom who loves her unconditionally.” She goes on to say “As a Christian, my understanding of God is that we are each created as one of His own children…I love my daughter with the same fierce love that I have for my other children. I know this is how Heavenly Father loves us, no matter what circumstances we create for ourselves or have even been put into without choice.” I hope that other parents of gay children will follow her example and continue to love their children unconditionally.
Read the rest of this review on my blog Build Enough Bookshelves.
November 12, 2013
Growing up I was a big fan of "The Donny and Marie Show." I had a huge crush on Donny and wanted to be just like Marie. After reading this book, I realized how hard it was for her to be for Marie. She had very moral and religious parents whose upbringing made some of the trials she dealt with a little easier because of her faith. Her marriage falling apart, the death of her son, dealing with severe postpartum depression were all reasons to totally give up and yet she finds strength again and again. She says starting her day with prayer and reading her bible all help. And of course remembering the wisdom, love and encouragement from her mom. She has a much worked for but strong relationship with her children. She and her husband were able to re-marry and her brothers are always there for her. She shares that women like Loretta Lynn, Lucille Ball, Pearl Bailey and even Tina Turner gave her little nuggets to apply to life. She tries to be available to her children, to listen whenever they need her to. A lesson she learned from her mom. She has kept a journal almost her life. There were times her mom would write words of encouragement and advice in it. After reading this, I want to be more of a mother to my children and become a woman that is respected not because of who she is, but because I exhibit Godly character and puts others first, especially my husband and my children.
September 10, 2013
I have been a fan of the Osmond Family since I was a pre-teen. I watched the Donny and Marie Show and generally just loved the music. I did not know much about their personal lives other than that the were Mormon and from Utah. Reading this book is an eye opening thing. It is strange to discover that sometimes people are just people, like anyone else, with the same amount of learning to do about life and the same Joy, Tragedy, Pain and Pride in Family that so many others have. I learned a lot by reading this book, and it has made me treasure my family, especially my mother a bit more. I have not read the others by Marie, but now I may.
The personal triumphs,tragic loss and the knowledge that in the end, Faith and Family is always Priority One and Two, comes through this book as a shining lesson to us all.
I laughed, cried, thought, considered, felt pain and shared this story. What a wonderful memorial to parents that remind me of people in my family. When all life is passed, it will be the love that we gave, expecting none in return that will be our legacy, that lesson above all, is why this book is a stunning and wonderful read. Thank You Marie.
The personal triumphs,tragic loss and the knowledge that in the end, Faith and Family is always Priority One and Two, comes through this book as a shining lesson to us all.
I laughed, cried, thought, considered, felt pain and shared this story. What a wonderful memorial to parents that remind me of people in my family. When all life is passed, it will be the love that we gave, expecting none in return that will be our legacy, that lesson above all, is why this book is a stunning and wonderful read. Thank You Marie.
July 31, 2016
Marie is optimistic. She is beautiful both outside and inside. She has had a phenomenal life growing up in a family of performers as a Mormon. She lived in Weber County where I live part of her life.
She is amazingly candid about her son that committed suicide, Michael. That would be hard. I think she wrote this book to discuss that and get it out in the open. I don't fault her a minute for him doing that. It was not her fault.
She loved her mom but I think she missed it when she said her mom never had to work. Her mom went on the road with their family so yes she was a working mom. True she was with her kids but all of them were working too. From reading this, I think Olive Osmond was an exceptional person as was her husband. They made the whole Osmond thing click. After it got going the boys and Marie kept it alive.
I saw Marie about five feet from me when she was about 17 at the Salt Lake Airport. She was beautiful and it was a memorable moment.
She gives some good advice in this book. Love is the spirit of God. As Marie says: The Key Is Love. I believe that too.
She is amazingly candid about her son that committed suicide, Michael. That would be hard. I think she wrote this book to discuss that and get it out in the open. I don't fault her a minute for him doing that. It was not her fault.
She loved her mom but I think she missed it when she said her mom never had to work. Her mom went on the road with their family so yes she was a working mom. True she was with her kids but all of them were working too. From reading this, I think Olive Osmond was an exceptional person as was her husband. They made the whole Osmond thing click. After it got going the boys and Marie kept it alive.
I saw Marie about five feet from me when she was about 17 at the Salt Lake Airport. She was beautiful and it was a memorable moment.
She gives some good advice in this book. Love is the spirit of God. As Marie says: The Key Is Love. I believe that too.
June 23, 2013
First disclaimer, I am a huge Osmond fan. Second disclaimer, I am LDS, and am deeply devoted to the Gospel. Third disclaimer, I have had the privilege of visiting over the years with both Marie and Olive.
I simply loved this book. Unlike others, I did not feel it was an advertisement for anything. It felt like a woman who was pouring out her soul about the deep love and respect she had for her mother. I found her devotion to her children and her beliefs to be solid and refreshing. One may not agree completely with Marie's parenting, but you have to respect that she loves her family and it shows in what she says and in her example.
I felt as if I was given a glimpse into her personal life that I hadn't previously known. And believe me, I know a lot of Osmond trivia!
Well done, Sister Osmond! Well done.
I simply loved this book. Unlike others, I did not feel it was an advertisement for anything. It felt like a woman who was pouring out her soul about the deep love and respect she had for her mother. I found her devotion to her children and her beliefs to be solid and refreshing. One may not agree completely with Marie's parenting, but you have to respect that she loves her family and it shows in what she says and in her example.
I felt as if I was given a glimpse into her personal life that I hadn't previously known. And believe me, I know a lot of Osmond trivia!
Well done, Sister Osmond! Well done.
June 3, 2013
I am a HUGE Osmond fan and have read all of Marie's books and this one is my favorite. She tells lots of stories about her family (why she adopted, challenges with her children, etc) and shares stories of her mom. She goes into great detail about the days before her son's tragic death and the moment she found out, I can only imagine how difficult this was for her to write about. She I one of the most honest and open celebrities and just a genuine person (I have been fortunate to meet her a few times).
While I was secretly hoping she would go into more about her 2nd marriage and divorce, ultimately, I respected the fact that she kept it private for the sake of her children.
This is a great book, not just for fans, but also for mom's because she offers a lot of wisdom (after raising 8 kids, she has gained a lot of knowledge). I can see me re-reading this book many times.
While I was secretly hoping she would go into more about her 2nd marriage and divorce, ultimately, I respected the fact that she kept it private for the sake of her children.
This is a great book, not just for fans, but also for mom's because she offers a lot of wisdom (after raising 8 kids, she has gained a lot of knowledge). I can see me re-reading this book many times.
June 12, 2013
I felt like this book didn't really know what it wanted to be - a tribute to Marie Osmond's mother or an advertisement for all of Marie's projects. The subtle references to her Las Vegas show, her line of dolls on QVC, her talk show on Hallmark and various other endeavors were a tad irritating, however I felt she did make some good points about being a parent. The chapter where Marie writes about losing her son was heartbreaking as was hearing about the death of her mother. Marie certainly has a different life than the rest of us and in a lot of ways I found it hard to believe that she could possibly relate to me and my simple and frugal life as a mom. But it was an interesting read and I admire her greatly for being able to survive - and thrive - despite the many hardships she has endured in her life.
July 8, 2013
I did not have high expectations for this book, as I was a tad suspicious that the author was just using her fame to market yet another product. However, I was pleasantly surprised. Osmond is candid, and even fearless at times, as she discusses both the heartaches and heartwarming experiences she has had with her family.
She is respectful and grateful in her references to her own mother, and her genuine appreciation for her famous family is endearing. In spite of my skepticism, I was touched my her simple honesty and rare wisdom. I would comment that she is just an ordinary women with an extraordinary talent, but that wouldn't do her justice. Perhaps it is more accurate to say she is an extraordinary woman of faith and strength, who has the courage to share a portion of her life with the world. And the world is just a little bit better because of it.
She is respectful and grateful in her references to her own mother, and her genuine appreciation for her famous family is endearing. In spite of my skepticism, I was touched my her simple honesty and rare wisdom. I would comment that she is just an ordinary women with an extraordinary talent, but that wouldn't do her justice. Perhaps it is more accurate to say she is an extraordinary woman of faith and strength, who has the courage to share a portion of her life with the world. And the world is just a little bit better because of it.
May 3, 2014
I think Marie is one of the most beautiful women. I have been an Osmond fan for as long as they have been around.
This was not a very well-written book. The extensive name dropping was very irritating. The story jumps around and when you get hooked on one topic, you are swept off to another. Even with the chapter titles, I often did not know what the chapter was about.
Marie has experienced many of life's hills and valleys. I didn't learn anything new about her life that I didn't already know with the exception about her daughter Jessica.
I appreciate her sharing her insights, but was disappointed in never mentioning her second husband Brian Blosil. I would have thought marrying her first husband Steve a second time would have held a chapter of it's own, but it did not.
Last word. Beautiful cover. Very disappointed in the photos included in the book.
This was not a very well-written book. The extensive name dropping was very irritating. The story jumps around and when you get hooked on one topic, you are swept off to another. Even with the chapter titles, I often did not know what the chapter was about.
Marie has experienced many of life's hills and valleys. I didn't learn anything new about her life that I didn't already know with the exception about her daughter Jessica.
I appreciate her sharing her insights, but was disappointed in never mentioning her second husband Brian Blosil. I would have thought marrying her first husband Steve a second time would have held a chapter of it's own, but it did not.
Last word. Beautiful cover. Very disappointed in the photos included in the book.
May 5, 2016
I've been an Osmond fan since I was a little girl. Has their posters on my wall, their albums on my stereo, and I was in love with Donny like every other girl my age. Marie's books have always interested me. They seem to leave a heartfelt message in my heart. They remind me of my own childhood, when chores were expected to be done, manners were taught and were to be given, and respect was to be earned and to be given. Although this book talks about her raising her children it took me back to a time when I as being raised. To not expect anything to be just handed to you, to work hard, and to remember to keep your faith as #1. I feel bad that she has had to bury a child but as a mother who has also had t bury one she came through it with dignity and poise. You can tell she truly loves her family and that is a rare find these days.
April 11, 2013
Enjoyed the book, but would have liked to see more honesty into the break up of her marriages. She was heart wrenchingly honest about the suicide of her son Michael. I appreciated her candor in speaking and supporting her gay daughter Jessica, especially when it goes against the Mormon church and seemingly her brothers. The Mormon church needs more courageous moms like Marie to speak up on social issues from a mother's heart with love. Excellent job. Being an Osmond fan for over forty years and watching numerous tv interviews etc... I am still confused about why her early marriage to Craig dissolved and how Blosil's children feel about him now being Dad. Her honesty in some areas about her life make me wish she would tell the truth about her marriages.
May 8, 2013
I am a bit partial to the book because Marie's family has meant so much to me for more than 40 year!
Also, I have recently become committed to working to educate people about the signs of suicide and what can be done to help prevent it...especially for youth. Marie's son, Michael, committed suicide when he was 18 years old. Her descriptions of the events and situations that led up to that suicide were so insightful to me. I am grateful for her openness and frankness throughout the book.
Throughout the book, Marie shares the wisdom she gained from one of my own heroes, her mom. She was a woman I wanted to be like in so many ways. Her description of her parents' relationship was especially sweet and tender...and she left me crying describing her parents' first and last dance.
Also, I have recently become committed to working to educate people about the signs of suicide and what can be done to help prevent it...especially for youth. Marie's son, Michael, committed suicide when he was 18 years old. Her descriptions of the events and situations that led up to that suicide were so insightful to me. I am grateful for her openness and frankness throughout the book.
Throughout the book, Marie shares the wisdom she gained from one of my own heroes, her mom. She was a woman I wanted to be like in so many ways. Her description of her parents' relationship was especially sweet and tender...and she left me crying describing her parents' first and last dance.
October 24, 2013
This is not the most well-written book. If it weren't for her chapter headings, you would have no clue what the main idea of each chapter was supposed to be. She skips around in her thoughts. It is almost like she grabs your attention with one great story, and then before tying it all up, she starts another story and then all of a sudden, the chapter is over.
However, there were some opinions and ideas I could relate to. I think there will be many parenting topics we can discuss at book club. I am really looking forward to that.
Even though I have heard about the Osmond family and remember watching Donnie and Marie's talk show, I don't know much about Marie. I enjoyed learning more about her. It sounds like she had a very grounded up-bringing, despite being a child star.
However, there were some opinions and ideas I could relate to. I think there will be many parenting topics we can discuss at book club. I am really looking forward to that.
Even though I have heard about the Osmond family and remember watching Donnie and Marie's talk show, I don't know much about Marie. I enjoyed learning more about her. It sounds like she had a very grounded up-bringing, despite being a child star.
January 6, 2016
Okay, I’ve always had a soft spot for Marie because, back in 1982 when I was just a cub United Press International reporter, I scored one of the only pre-wedding interviews with Marie, and my story and byline was picked up by all the national newspapers. (Think Kim Kardashian and Kanye, today.) This book is a heartfelt essay on being a woman, being a mother, and being somewhat of a disappointment to one’s self. Despite her obvious successes, Marie is pretty hard on herself. She is very honest about her shortcomings. I admire her work ethic, her genuine likeability, and her interest in others. She is more of a businesswoman than people give her credit. She seems like someone with whom I would like to go to lunch and chat.
March 11, 2019
Reading this book is like having a conversation with a friend. Despite Marie Osmond's celebrity, the stories she shares about her life and family are very relatable. At the same time, the juxtaposition between her attempts to raise her children with the same values her parents taught her and dealing with the weirdities of fame keep it all interesting. I especially appreciated the sensitive way she dealt with her children's struggles. After reading a string of memoirs by authors who grew up in horribly disfunctional families, it was a breath of fresh air to experience stories of a family who genuinely care about each other, and who circle the wagons to help when one of them experiences a tragedy, as the Osmonds do.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews