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Facing the Music and Living to Talk About It
This book is Nick Carter’s autobiography and self-help hybrid in which he chronicles his struggles with a dysfunctional family and the unimaginable rigors of becoming an internationally successful pop-star at the age of 12. From his battle with addiction to serious health complications and the pain of his younger sister’s tragic death, Nick leaves nothing to the imagination and offers true and heartfelt advice to help readers overcome obstacles in their own lives.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published September 17, 2013
135 people are currently reading
1744 people want to read
About the author
Nick Carter
2 books42 followersNickolas Gene "Nick" Carter is an American singer-songwriter, dancer, musician, entertainer and actor. He is best known as a member of the pop group Backstreet Boys. He has released two solo albums, Now Or Never and I'm Taking Off, during breaks taken by the Backstreet Boys. He has made occasional television appearances and starred in his own reality show, House of Carters. He gained fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s as a teen idol. He is also the older brother of singer Aaron Carter.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 189 reviews
September 6, 2016
[I also reviewed this title on my blog: Ishari's Bookshelf]
Let me preface this review by saying: I have been a fan of the Backstreet Boys since they released their very first single "We've Got It Goin' On" on cassette tape back in the day. I must have worn that cassette tape out waiting for them to come back to the states and make/release their full album. I still treasure my signed group picture. And while my taste in music has grown over the years, BSB still holds a special nostalgic place in my heart.
That said...
This was a horrible book. Keep reading, please --> it is NOT horrible because of what Nick has been through. I commend him for overcoming his trials and having the courage to discuss them publicly. And I am NOT passing judgement on him or what he has done over the years in any way.
Got that? Not judging Nick. Not judging his experience or his rehabilitation.
No, this was a horrible book for a couple of reasons:
1. This book didn't know what it wanted to be -- a self-help book or an auto-biography. It kept jumping around...one paragraph would be Nick discussing his childhood and then it would awkwardly morph into how you can lift yourself out of a downward spiral/drug abuse. I felt this book would have been better served if it had EITHER been an auto-biography with a chapter on self-help OR a self-help book with a few auto-biographical anecdotes thrown in the mix. As it stands, the book seems jumbled.
2. It's apparent that Nick is a musician and not a natural writer. The book doesn't read well and random slang thrown into the text gives it a jarring feel (to use slang myself - this book was a hot mess). There is a lot of repetition in the book as well which makes it rather tedious.
3. Most of the sources he used were websites...not to go all academic snob or anything, but (as a history grad student) if I were to turn a paper in to my professor and I used mostly websites and maybe two physical books...well, the results would NOT be pretty. I'm not saying he has to use primary sources or anything...but go to the library...request a book...utilize a better source than the Huffington Post.
3. He's still untested as far as his rehabilitation goes so it seems premature of him to give self-help advice. Again, please keep reading --> I'm not saying that his rehabilitation is false or temporary or, again, that what he has accomplished in kicking drugs and alcohol is trivial. It's not. Anyone who can overcome those trials is amazing and deserves to be commended. It's just that with so recent a recovery, it's hard not to be cautious with viewing his rehabilitation. At the end of the book he talks of his and his fiancee's devotion to exercise and health - almost obsessively so. It comes across as though he is replacing his previous drug and alcohol addictions with an obsessive addiction to exercise which makes one think he hasn't truly conquered the fundamentals of addiction. To replace one addiction with another does not mean one is rehabilitated (even if the new addiction is healthy) because you are still dealing with the same issues, just using a different medium to cope. All that to say - it seems awfully soon to write a self-help book.
So, I give this book two stars --> one for nostalgia and one because of what he has overcome. No stars for the actual book itself because it just doesn't "Got It Goin' On".
Let me preface this review by saying: I have been a fan of the Backstreet Boys since they released their very first single "We've Got It Goin' On" on cassette tape back in the day. I must have worn that cassette tape out waiting for them to come back to the states and make/release their full album. I still treasure my signed group picture. And while my taste in music has grown over the years, BSB still holds a special nostalgic place in my heart.
That said...
This was a horrible book. Keep reading, please --> it is NOT horrible because of what Nick has been through. I commend him for overcoming his trials and having the courage to discuss them publicly. And I am NOT passing judgement on him or what he has done over the years in any way.
Got that? Not judging Nick. Not judging his experience or his rehabilitation.
No, this was a horrible book for a couple of reasons:
1. This book didn't know what it wanted to be -- a self-help book or an auto-biography. It kept jumping around...one paragraph would be Nick discussing his childhood and then it would awkwardly morph into how you can lift yourself out of a downward spiral/drug abuse. I felt this book would have been better served if it had EITHER been an auto-biography with a chapter on self-help OR a self-help book with a few auto-biographical anecdotes thrown in the mix. As it stands, the book seems jumbled.
2. It's apparent that Nick is a musician and not a natural writer. The book doesn't read well and random slang thrown into the text gives it a jarring feel (to use slang myself - this book was a hot mess). There is a lot of repetition in the book as well which makes it rather tedious.
3. Most of the sources he used were websites...not to go all academic snob or anything, but (as a history grad student) if I were to turn a paper in to my professor and I used mostly websites and maybe two physical books...well, the results would NOT be pretty. I'm not saying he has to use primary sources or anything...but go to the library...request a book...utilize a better source than the Huffington Post.
3. He's still untested as far as his rehabilitation goes so it seems premature of him to give self-help advice. Again, please keep reading --> I'm not saying that his rehabilitation is false or temporary or, again, that what he has accomplished in kicking drugs and alcohol is trivial. It's not. Anyone who can overcome those trials is amazing and deserves to be commended. It's just that with so recent a recovery, it's hard not to be cautious with viewing his rehabilitation. At the end of the book he talks of his and his fiancee's devotion to exercise and health - almost obsessively so. It comes across as though he is replacing his previous drug and alcohol addictions with an obsessive addiction to exercise which makes one think he hasn't truly conquered the fundamentals of addiction. To replace one addiction with another does not mean one is rehabilitated (even if the new addiction is healthy) because you are still dealing with the same issues, just using a different medium to cope. All that to say - it seems awfully soon to write a self-help book.
So, I give this book two stars --> one for nostalgia and one because of what he has overcome. No stars for the actual book itself because it just doesn't "Got It Goin' On".
September 21, 2013
Nick could probably write an entire book about tasteless poop jokes and I'd buy it, as I've loved him for 17 years.
Unfortunately, if he'd done that, it would likely only be marginally worse than this. I anxiously preordered what I thought was an autobiography, but turned out to be 90% ridiculously repetitive self help advice and about 10% autobiography. And if you are truly a diehard fan like myself and you read the book Jane Carter released in 1998 two dozen times when you were 12 years old, you'd recognize that the majority of the stories he tells about his past are the same stories told in her book. Even the old photos he shares are the same!
The last straw for me was his short section on nutritional advice. I am a Registered Dietitian (/nutritionist), and I choked on my gum as I read the sentence about an APPLE being high calorie. Please, if you read this book, ignore his shockingly uninformed nutrition advice. Most
women DO NOT need 1800-2000 calories a day, either. Nick, if you ever read this, please consult a Registered Dietitian.
I will continue to love Nick until my dying day and I am so happy he is healthy and drug free. I appreciated his attempt at book writing, but I am still holding out for a REAL autobiography.
Unfortunately, if he'd done that, it would likely only be marginally worse than this. I anxiously preordered what I thought was an autobiography, but turned out to be 90% ridiculously repetitive self help advice and about 10% autobiography. And if you are truly a diehard fan like myself and you read the book Jane Carter released in 1998 two dozen times when you were 12 years old, you'd recognize that the majority of the stories he tells about his past are the same stories told in her book. Even the old photos he shares are the same!
The last straw for me was his short section on nutritional advice. I am a Registered Dietitian (/nutritionist), and I choked on my gum as I read the sentence about an APPLE being high calorie. Please, if you read this book, ignore his shockingly uninformed nutrition advice. Most
women DO NOT need 1800-2000 calories a day, either. Nick, if you ever read this, please consult a Registered Dietitian.
I will continue to love Nick until my dying day and I am so happy he is healthy and drug free. I appreciated his attempt at book writing, but I am still holding out for a REAL autobiography.
September 21, 2013
I do not understand the negative reviews. This book was written as a means of explaining his difficulties and what he did to overcome them. I have read celebrity "autobiographies" where it is all "I did this, they did this to me, feel sorry for me!!" or "Aren't I lucky because I get to do things you won't ever be able to afford?" Here Nick Carter is offering real-world solutions to overcoming obstacles, not just drugs and alcohol. He is not writing as a rich celebrity but as a survivor. He never claims that he is going to tell us his life story. He emphasizes his childhood because our childhoods can sometimes haunt us for the rest of our lives.
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2013
Wow. I read this book to read more about Nick's life. I was not expecting to also learn more about my life. There were so many things I took from this book: taking care of myself, being healthy, working on my goals, focusing on the positive, and living the life I want.
My favorite quote: "You wouldn't tell a friend who is struggling that he is not worthy of success. You wouldn't constantly point out what is lacking or bad about her life. Instead, you build up your friends and encourage them by focusing in their talents and strengths. Why wouldn't we do the same for ourselves?"
There have been so many pains and regrets that I have dwelled on in the past. Some very simple statements in this book had a huge impact on me. Everyone struggles with things, and we can all overcome our struggles and be the person we want to be. I have lots of love and happiness in my life, but I know there is room for improvement. This book definitely gave me motivation to write out my goals and work on making each and everyone goal a reality.
My favorite quote: "You wouldn't tell a friend who is struggling that he is not worthy of success. You wouldn't constantly point out what is lacking or bad about her life. Instead, you build up your friends and encourage them by focusing in their talents and strengths. Why wouldn't we do the same for ourselves?"
There have been so many pains and regrets that I have dwelled on in the past. Some very simple statements in this book had a huge impact on me. Everyone struggles with things, and we can all overcome our struggles and be the person we want to be. I have lots of love and happiness in my life, but I know there is room for improvement. This book definitely gave me motivation to write out my goals and work on making each and everyone goal a reality.
September 18, 2013
Let me just start off by saying, I am a Backstreet Boys fan. So of course when I heard Nick Carter was writing an autobiography, I jumped at it. Nick was always my favorite of the group and over the years I remember hearing some very interesting things about his personal life. It takes a lot of strength to talk about extremely personal things just to friends, but here Nick bears everything from his past for everyone. Starting from his upbringing above a night club in New York to his current relationship with his fiancé. Nothing goes unmentioned.
There were some stories that I knew: feud with parents, feud with brother Aaron, actually fighting with the whole family in general (House of Carters anyone?), dating Paris Hilton, and ultimately his sisters untimely death. Then there were the stories I didn’t know: the lack of parental upbringing as a child, the all night binge drinking with the bumps of coke, the blame he received for Leslie’s death. Nick talks about it all.
What I liked was the brutal honesty. This didn’t read like an autobiography, it read almost like a therapy session. You could tell the words came straight from Nick himself and not another writer. However, that is also the reason why I didn’t rate this book higher. While I applaud him for writing about his experiences, it’s quite obvious that he’s not a writer (at least not the book kind). The book lacks cohesiveness and feels very thrown together, jumping from one topic to the next in no chronological order. Also, there are sections that are repeated multiple times throughout.
Overall, the book lacked structure. It didn’t know whether it wanted to be an autobiography or a self-help book. The chapters would start with a personal story and then suddenly go into “Here’s what to do to counteract these feelings/actions…”. I was instantly taken out of the moment and thrust into a classroom. Nick Carter is not a licensed shrink but he dishes out advice right and left (and repeatedly), all advice he’s gotten by researching the internet. Only a few affirmations come, from what he says, directly from his shrink. If he had just stuck with his story then maybe thrown in a little section at the end about what to do or who to contact if in need, it would have helped the flow so much.
Backstreet Boys fans will probably respond best to this book. So, thank you Nick for sharing your story and I'm happy that you're getting help and are in a better place now with your personal life and professional life. Backstreet's Back, all right!
I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This review can also be seen here on my blog.
There were some stories that I knew: feud with parents, feud with brother Aaron, actually fighting with the whole family in general (House of Carters anyone?), dating Paris Hilton, and ultimately his sisters untimely death. Then there were the stories I didn’t know: the lack of parental upbringing as a child, the all night binge drinking with the bumps of coke, the blame he received for Leslie’s death. Nick talks about it all.
What I liked was the brutal honesty. This didn’t read like an autobiography, it read almost like a therapy session. You could tell the words came straight from Nick himself and not another writer. However, that is also the reason why I didn’t rate this book higher. While I applaud him for writing about his experiences, it’s quite obvious that he’s not a writer (at least not the book kind). The book lacks cohesiveness and feels very thrown together, jumping from one topic to the next in no chronological order. Also, there are sections that are repeated multiple times throughout.
Overall, the book lacked structure. It didn’t know whether it wanted to be an autobiography or a self-help book. The chapters would start with a personal story and then suddenly go into “Here’s what to do to counteract these feelings/actions…”. I was instantly taken out of the moment and thrust into a classroom. Nick Carter is not a licensed shrink but he dishes out advice right and left (and repeatedly), all advice he’s gotten by researching the internet. Only a few affirmations come, from what he says, directly from his shrink. If he had just stuck with his story then maybe thrown in a little section at the end about what to do or who to contact if in need, it would have helped the flow so much.
Backstreet Boys fans will probably respond best to this book. So, thank you Nick for sharing your story and I'm happy that you're getting help and are in a better place now with your personal life and professional life. Backstreet's Back, all right!
I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This review can also be seen here on my blog.
September 29, 2013
You can not go into reading this book about learning the secrets of The Backstreet Boys. That is not what it is about. You will not learn how many fans snuck onto a bus or did this or that. I have loved BSB since 'Quit Playing Games' came out. I am now 30 and still blast them on the stereo when they come on.
Nick's mother wrote a tell all book years ago, which naturally I read as a teenager that was crazy for him. This book is NOT what Jane wrote. You can not compare the two in ANY form.
If you are a fan of Nick's, I would read this book. Not only does it take you along his life, you can see where things happen in BSB life as well. Also, Nick will 'read' to you in your head haha. Makes for interesting dreams since I would read before bed. Nick narrated dreams are fun!
Nick takes you into his life. Into the problems he faced growing up, how he came to Backstreet, the demons he fought, trying to fix them, etc. What makes this different from any memoir or self help book is that he puts the two together.
By mixing both his personal experience and some helpful resources, you are not bored. You are not reading someone who is ' I am better than you so you do it this way!' You are reading ' this happen to me, this is how I am trying to fix it. I hope this or that may help you' instead.
You can tell that he poured his heart into this book. He wants his fans, friends, strangers, etc to know that he is working on his life. He has had such a rough road and is working to a better one.
Being humble I believe is both his strong and weak point. You can see how Nick just wants to help his family. Help them become closer and be a family. That is all he wants and it is sad to see how it all unfolds to how it is now.
I know he probably may never read this review. From what I collect from it is that he just wanted his story out there. He wants to help others get the help they can use so badly. It is something he NEEDED to do both mentally and emotionally.
My only CON on the book is the quotes on each page. They would distract me while reading and my eyes would try to find where on the page that quote is from. But other than that, it is a great book and helps anyone that reads it understand him so much more.
I am proud of Nick Carter. I am proud of where he has come from, what he has walked through and come out on the other side. Do I hope he reads this review one day? Um what fan wouldn't? haha....
Nick's mother wrote a tell all book years ago, which naturally I read as a teenager that was crazy for him. This book is NOT what Jane wrote. You can not compare the two in ANY form.
If you are a fan of Nick's, I would read this book. Not only does it take you along his life, you can see where things happen in BSB life as well. Also, Nick will 'read' to you in your head haha. Makes for interesting dreams since I would read before bed. Nick narrated dreams are fun!
Nick takes you into his life. Into the problems he faced growing up, how he came to Backstreet, the demons he fought, trying to fix them, etc. What makes this different from any memoir or self help book is that he puts the two together.
By mixing both his personal experience and some helpful resources, you are not bored. You are not reading someone who is ' I am better than you so you do it this way!' You are reading ' this happen to me, this is how I am trying to fix it. I hope this or that may help you' instead.
You can tell that he poured his heart into this book. He wants his fans, friends, strangers, etc to know that he is working on his life. He has had such a rough road and is working to a better one.
Being humble I believe is both his strong and weak point. You can see how Nick just wants to help his family. Help them become closer and be a family. That is all he wants and it is sad to see how it all unfolds to how it is now.
I know he probably may never read this review. From what I collect from it is that he just wanted his story out there. He wants to help others get the help they can use so badly. It is something he NEEDED to do both mentally and emotionally.
My only CON on the book is the quotes on each page. They would distract me while reading and my eyes would try to find where on the page that quote is from. But other than that, it is a great book and helps anyone that reads it understand him so much more.
I am proud of Nick Carter. I am proud of where he has come from, what he has walked through and come out on the other side. Do I hope he reads this review one day? Um what fan wouldn't? haha....
December 31, 2013
I didn't realize when I started reading it that this book would be part memoir and part self-help. I'm not a huge self-help reader and I will admit to wanting to read this book for the "juicy gossip" it may potentially hold. But it was a very well done novel.
I've been a Backstreet Boys fan for a looooong time. Not 20 years (since I was 6 then), but at least 15. Nick has always been my favorite as well. I didn't keep up on much of the personal lives of the members of the band, so I didn't know all the hardships that Nick faced through his life. It was a hard life for someone to lead and I'm so happy that he's managed to come into his own and face these demons. He writes with a voice that is friendly and candid, which is refreshing to read.
I did enjoy this book. I didn't love it, but I'm not a self-help type of person, but I give him props for being able to show us all his darker sides. It was also kind of frustrating when Nick would start going into a story and then suddenly veer off into self-help land. I also wish there had been a bit more "juicy gossip" though ;) But this certainly makes me want to give Nick a big hug if I get to meet him again.
I've been a Backstreet Boys fan for a looooong time. Not 20 years (since I was 6 then), but at least 15. Nick has always been my favorite as well. I didn't keep up on much of the personal lives of the members of the band, so I didn't know all the hardships that Nick faced through his life. It was a hard life for someone to lead and I'm so happy that he's managed to come into his own and face these demons. He writes with a voice that is friendly and candid, which is refreshing to read.
I did enjoy this book. I didn't love it, but I'm not a self-help type of person, but I give him props for being able to show us all his darker sides. It was also kind of frustrating when Nick would start going into a story and then suddenly veer off into self-help land. I also wish there had been a bit more "juicy gossip" though ;) But this certainly makes me want to give Nick a big hug if I get to meet him again.
September 6, 2017
The shape of my heart right now is broken as I am realizing that I am giving this a 2 star rating. Noted, I have a bias against self help books and the ~Power of Positive Thinking~ so I was not impressed with the self help part of the book. I am a fan of Nick Carter, BSB, and the stories he included in the book though. I wish it would be more that and less Positive Thinking.
Read
December 1, 2020very into the idea of the average backstreet boys fan reading this and learning they need to go to therapy to unpack their trauma. i do think it's actually kind of amazing a pop superstar "wrote" an entire book about healing like the man loves crying therapy and being a better man! that's great! i mean there's a lot of nonsense about like talking to a clergy about your depression but tbh for some of his fanbase that's probably the best they can get? not great advice about dealing with body image issues either lol a diet and weight loss aren't going to truly solve that but this IS from 2013. i think nick has put in a lot of genuine work tbh but he should do some more thinking about the rape stuff (which is of course unacknowledged in this book because it was not public at that point and who knows he was so trashed at that point in his life he might not have even remembered it) anyway i watched i heart nick carter too and i think he's very for real about this stuff there is a very earnest passion for therapy but there's always room for improvement..................... nick be better
September 7, 2025
I looked up his birth chart and this is exactly what a Aquarious Sun, Cancer moon, Virgo rising man would write. This fuck ass memoir was exactly what I did not want: a man to tell me how to develop empathy and how to diet. If I see you reading this book I will see it as a cry for help. Two stars bc I’m into a good hate read sometimes.
March 14, 2018
As most people who read this book, I'm a BSB fan so typically I'd pick this one to read.
I appreciate Nick's courage to open up to talk about his past and how he wishes that others learn from the situations or mistakes he experienced. I also appreciate his honesty and love how he has noticeably changed for the better even if a little. He used to be broody even in public to the point of rudeness and that's understandable for a person in such situations but it's comforting to see someone try so hard to get better even in such stressful life.
What I didn't like in this book is the repetitiveness and how many things left unsaid. I wished there were more to his essence; characteristics and traits. The book obviously lacked a bit to that side of Nick.
Anyway, a good memoir for those who are interested but don't think you'll get the whole Nick Carter experience. Approach it with the thought that it's focuses mostly and shallowly on Nick's past.
I appreciate Nick's courage to open up to talk about his past and how he wishes that others learn from the situations or mistakes he experienced. I also appreciate his honesty and love how he has noticeably changed for the better even if a little. He used to be broody even in public to the point of rudeness and that's understandable for a person in such situations but it's comforting to see someone try so hard to get better even in such stressful life.
What I didn't like in this book is the repetitiveness and how many things left unsaid. I wished there were more to his essence; characteristics and traits. The book obviously lacked a bit to that side of Nick.
Anyway, a good memoir for those who are interested but don't think you'll get the whole Nick Carter experience. Approach it with the thought that it's focuses mostly and shallowly on Nick's past.
October 6, 2013
Seriously, there isn't a person on this planet who is a bigger fan of this delicious hunk of man meat than me. I was so friggin excited when I found out he was writing a book that I preordered it off Amazon. I liked this book. I loved reading HIS words, knowing he put his own feelings and thoughts into the pages. I've always wanted to read about his life. That being said, he did repeat himself A LOT. And this book is more or less a self help/change your life motivational book, not necessarily a biography. He talks about overcoming his addictions, losing weight, getting in shape, repairing his relationships, but mostly it's about bettering yourself and realizing you are worth more than you might think. It made me tear up more than once, and I thought it was well written. Then again, he could have written a book about cleaning toilets and I would have devoured every word.
October 15, 2013
When I heard about this book, I instantly knew that I wanted to read it because I wanted a behind the scenes look at the life of a boyband member. Instead I got a self-help book with a few (SAD) personal stories mixed in. I hate writing a less than awesome review for this book because I am so glad that Nick found the help he needed and has turned his life around and is wanting to share his story with the world in order to save others headed down the same path he was on. I just felt like this book was an awkward mix of mostly self-help with a little bit autobiography and I was hoping for a solid autobiography that detailed more than just his serious struggle with drugs and alcohol and his family problems. If Nick were to write a true autobiography, I'd definitely buy it!
Thanks to NetGalley for providing the book for review purposes.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing the book for review purposes.
May 28, 2016
The main reason I wanted to read this book is because it's written by Nick Carter and I love BSB. I liked how Nick was open and honest about things he had done and regretted, but also that he doesn't pretend to now have it all together. This book is not a tell-all, but more of a self-help with biographical memories interspersed throughout the book. I thought this kept the story interesting, even though some things were told more than once which was a little dull. I found the larger printed quotes annoying, especially when they were either just said or going to be said next - it just wasn't necessary in my opinion.
If you're a Nick Carter or BSB fan, you'll want to read this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
If you're a Nick Carter or BSB fan, you'll want to read this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
July 4, 2018
Nick has had to find courage and strength to go through his personal life with alcohol and drug problem and share it with his fans and readers. One thing is very clear Nick wants to help people who are going through what problems he went through. I have met Nick Carter with the backstreet boys and Nick is a very down to earth ordinary guy. Nick always makes fan laugh and have a fun time, which is what I think Nick likes to see fans having fun.
Read
January 7, 2015DNF
I got to page 176 and realized I was tired of all the repetition and self help advices anf decided not to waste my time on this book anymore.
I'm not saying it is a bad book. I'm just saying it is not for me. At least not now.
Maybe one day we'll meet again, since I already own it...
I got to page 176 and realized I was tired of all the repetition and self help advices anf decided not to waste my time on this book anymore.
I'm not saying it is a bad book. I'm just saying it is not for me. At least not now.
Maybe one day we'll meet again, since I already own it...
May 12, 2025
Reread: would put this at a 4.5 star book but still a 5-star rating
This is intense, and a sobering (no pun intended, really) look on Nick Carter's life. He pulls us into his past, present, and hopeful future. As I read, I can visualize pictures of him at that given point.
There is a Bibliography and a slew of references in the back, but it would have been nice for the sources to be referred to when they were brought up. There are a few times when Nick says "one source says..." but doesn't have a number or give the source. you have to go to the back and look.
I updated with my thoughts as I read.
Chapter 1: Nick teases a bit with his past, with the pain he put himself through. But the main focus is on how he was blamed for his sister's death. Nick constantly reminds the reader that they are not responsible for another person. That person has to WANT to do better. Yet we shouldn't push them away, but do what we can to guide them. We should recognize that they are harming themselves.
Drugs and alcohol can kill people. Do your best to save a life - especially if it's yours. Rise above your circumstances and change the world.
Seeing a therapist is nothing to be ashamed of. Therapists don't fix you; instead, they give you the tools to help yourself. Out of everyone I know who has gone to a therapist, Nick is the only one who has explained it that way.
Chapter 2: On therapists: "Friends can be great, but they will often judge you according to their own biases and perspectives. Some might be afraid to tell you what they truly feel." - page 40
So...Nick's mom is not exactly who she has made herself out to be.
Which makes a lot of sense.
This is my third Carter book. The first two are of Nick and Aaron (respectively), written by their mother. She paints the boys in bright lights, with herself as the doting mother.
I don't blame her. It's not the fans' business to know she and her husband put a lot on their children, that Nick was drinking as a young teen, that there were fights and guns going on/off at night.
That is NOT to say that Jane was a bad mother. She was very supportive of her children. But she had faults beyond my understanding. As do many, many people.
I did not realize how drugged Nick had become. He explains his behavior on his family background, but doesn't use it as an excuse.
"A victim has no hope. A victim can't see better days ahead. A victim lets other people or events determine the course of his or her life." - page 44
Figure out what has pulled you down. Once you identify that, you can build on your strengths and claim the life you really want.
Chapter 3: Nick explains how the rest of the Backstreet Boys, his "brothers" were people who made him want to be better. He reminds us to surround ourselves with those people, and not those who share our weaknesses. We will only feel worse in the end with that focus. Being around people who want you be be better will allow you to build on your strengths.
I so did NOT realize that Brian was Nick's legal guardian!!! And Nick didn't either, until recent years. I am very surprised Nick's mom chose Brian over Howie (5 yrs vs 7 yrs...and Howie took Nick under his wing from the start) but on the other hand, it makes sense. Brian is truly the "old soul" of the group.
Chapter 4: I love how on page 80, Nick reminds the reader to from the negativity in the past (you did something, someone hurt you, you didn't do enough to reach a goal), get over it and get on with it. I am sharing that with my former students.
"Drama doesn't help. Neither does equating our mistakes and failures with dying....Making mistakes and having problems is part of living, so acknowledge the truth in that and deal with it. Accept that you will make mistakes and look at them as opportunities to learn and become better." - page 81
Nick repeats the phrase that he was a product of his environment, a lyric on his first solo album. An album that nearly destroyed his relationship with the Backstreet Boys, and others. I did not realize how bad it was for him.
He also goes into detail on the downfall to his night of the zombies. He goes into detail about the affects of drugs like Ecstasy and how he'll continue to have side effects the rest of his life. He may die in the future because of what he did in his early 20s. It's a depressing chapter.
I love what he says on page 95 though. To paraphrase, angry lyrics are fine to listen to. A healthy mind can differentiate between the lyrics and real life. An unhealthy mind can't, and takes the lyrics to heart and to a level that they shouldn't.
It's not the lyrics' fault!!
Chapter 5: Or, the Night of the Zombies
Sometimes a person can't/won't change until THEY realize they are zombie-like and have hit rock bottom.
"My therapist helped me understand that you can't change your life for the better if you refuse to honestly look at what drives your self-destructive behavior." - page 113
That is so true.
I like how, on page 114, Nick shows that those who work in rehab centers are professionals. They spoke to him as if drugged celebs are the norm. And maybe in those places they are, but the big thing is that they don't judge you for your past choices; they help provide options for your present/future choices.
Chapter 6: Sometimes you have to ask yourself "what's the worse that can happen?" Then you have to analyze your answer - is it better or worse than what is going on now?
Sometimes we can ignore our survival instincts (especially when we know something is killing us). That is one indicator that we are at a low.
Nick read Why Some Positive Thinkers Get Powerful Results by Norman Vincent Peale. He said that critics find the message to be too simple.
Simple is best! Simple is what people need when they don't know what else to do. Kevin Richardson is awesome for getting Nick the book...and Nick is awesome for finally reading it. He became more organized and set goals for himself to clean himself up.
Before that though, he describes how he quit smoking (writing a message on a white tee). That is freaking awesome. So many people don't understand the power we have over our minds. "
You really can program your brain to get what you want." - page 128
In order to set goals for yourself, you have to know how you work. And then you need to find someone who will help you, someone with an abundance mentality who thinks everyone can be successful and that the good doesn't end. Once you've reached a goal, set another one for yourself. Put yourself to a challenge.
Also? It makes me smile to know he calls his Creator "Pops."
Chapter 7: "My problem was not that I wanted to be in control; I just tried to control the wrong things....It seems like kids from broken families often grow up to be control-freak adults who feel compelled to maintain order and micro-manage every situation." - page 140
That hit me hard. I want to go to therapy now, to pinpoint why I am that kind of kid as well.
And now I understand why House of Carters existed, and why the drama was there.
Nick shows that it's easier to see others destroy themselves and want to heal that, than it is to see it in yourself. He also provides a few examples of how good intentions really need to be implemented well, and not before a person has the right tools.
Be a friend to yourself
Chapter 8: Nick shows that a relapse can sometimes e worse than the original issues, as if the addict is making up for lost time.
"There is nothing cool about a death wish. It is just a waste of a life and a stupid, stupid thing to harbor." - page 164
I especially love Nick's words on different positive things a person can do in their life: eat better, exercise, surround yourself with supporters. I freaking agree with him on exercise: it is supposed to be fun and really makes you feel better. It's a GOOD high.
"Don't think of exercise as working out. Instead, think of it as replacing an unhealthy 'high' with a healthy one." - page 171
For Nick, it took the threat of death to make a real commitment. That just makes me very sad.
Chapter 9: The only time you can't change your life is when you're dead. It's never too late to change yourself for the better.
Johnny Wright, BSB's manager, is a good friend. He set a rule that any of the guys who were late or didn't show up to a rehearsal owed $1000. It was set up because of Nick, but he wasn't the only offender. That's crazy!! And also, he visited Nick to make sure his depression and threats to leave weren't based on random personal issues. He truly cares for the guys.
Page 184 made me laugh - Beiber is not the greatest role model, but he does mention his Christian values often. Taylor Swift is a good example too. Ah, celebs who do well do so quietly.
Your actions don't always match your self-image. WE are often blind and oblivious to the reality. This is especially true when trying to see how others actually perceive us.
"Part of creating a better life is taking responsibility for past mistakes and broken promises." - page 187
And then you can get others to help you reach your goals
Chapter 10: Mph, I find it very sad as well that Nick stopped playing/enjoying basketball during his dark years. Growing up, I know he and Brian absolutely loved the sport and were always playing it.
In this chapter, we learn more about Nick and Lauren's relationship, and how they've both had sordid pasts. But they are very good enablers for each other, and understand what love is. I wish to know more about Lauren and how she and Nick met (along with other small details of their relationship) but I understand that it's theirs.
Nick also talked about his relationship with his Grandpa Spaulding, who Nick's mom talks about in one or both of her books too. He stresses that we should have someone to look up to, someone who encourages us and helps us encourage others.
Whether it's self-help, forgiveness, or understanding, small steps are needed. Small goals help us prevent the past from affecting our future. Nick is more open towards his future (like with marriage and children) and understands anything can happen. When we're open and honest, we can write our own stores.
The very last blurb taken from his book says this:
"Don't ever let anyone else write your story for you."
What a wonderful way to end the book.
This is intense, and a sobering (no pun intended, really) look on Nick Carter's life. He pulls us into his past, present, and hopeful future. As I read, I can visualize pictures of him at that given point.
There is a Bibliography and a slew of references in the back, but it would have been nice for the sources to be referred to when they were brought up. There are a few times when Nick says "one source says..." but doesn't have a number or give the source. you have to go to the back and look.
I updated with my thoughts as I read.
Chapter 1: Nick teases a bit with his past, with the pain he put himself through. But the main focus is on how he was blamed for his sister's death. Nick constantly reminds the reader that they are not responsible for another person. That person has to WANT to do better. Yet we shouldn't push them away, but do what we can to guide them. We should recognize that they are harming themselves.
Drugs and alcohol can kill people. Do your best to save a life - especially if it's yours. Rise above your circumstances and change the world.
Seeing a therapist is nothing to be ashamed of. Therapists don't fix you; instead, they give you the tools to help yourself. Out of everyone I know who has gone to a therapist, Nick is the only one who has explained it that way.
Chapter 2: On therapists: "Friends can be great, but they will often judge you according to their own biases and perspectives. Some might be afraid to tell you what they truly feel." - page 40
So...Nick's mom is not exactly who she has made herself out to be.
Which makes a lot of sense.
This is my third Carter book. The first two are of Nick and Aaron (respectively), written by their mother. She paints the boys in bright lights, with herself as the doting mother.
I don't blame her. It's not the fans' business to know she and her husband put a lot on their children, that Nick was drinking as a young teen, that there were fights and guns going on/off at night.
That is NOT to say that Jane was a bad mother. She was very supportive of her children. But she had faults beyond my understanding. As do many, many people.
I did not realize how drugged Nick had become. He explains his behavior on his family background, but doesn't use it as an excuse.
"A victim has no hope. A victim can't see better days ahead. A victim lets other people or events determine the course of his or her life." - page 44
Figure out what has pulled you down. Once you identify that, you can build on your strengths and claim the life you really want.
Chapter 3: Nick explains how the rest of the Backstreet Boys, his "brothers" were people who made him want to be better. He reminds us to surround ourselves with those people, and not those who share our weaknesses. We will only feel worse in the end with that focus. Being around people who want you be be better will allow you to build on your strengths.
I so did NOT realize that Brian was Nick's legal guardian!!! And Nick didn't either, until recent years. I am very surprised Nick's mom chose Brian over Howie (5 yrs vs 7 yrs...and Howie took Nick under his wing from the start) but on the other hand, it makes sense. Brian is truly the "old soul" of the group.
Chapter 4: I love how on page 80, Nick reminds the reader to from the negativity in the past (you did something, someone hurt you, you didn't do enough to reach a goal), get over it and get on with it. I am sharing that with my former students.
"Drama doesn't help. Neither does equating our mistakes and failures with dying....Making mistakes and having problems is part of living, so acknowledge the truth in that and deal with it. Accept that you will make mistakes and look at them as opportunities to learn and become better." - page 81
Nick repeats the phrase that he was a product of his environment, a lyric on his first solo album. An album that nearly destroyed his relationship with the Backstreet Boys, and others. I did not realize how bad it was for him.
He also goes into detail on the downfall to his night of the zombies. He goes into detail about the affects of drugs like Ecstasy and how he'll continue to have side effects the rest of his life. He may die in the future because of what he did in his early 20s. It's a depressing chapter.
I love what he says on page 95 though. To paraphrase, angry lyrics are fine to listen to. A healthy mind can differentiate between the lyrics and real life. An unhealthy mind can't, and takes the lyrics to heart and to a level that they shouldn't.
It's not the lyrics' fault!!
Chapter 5: Or, the Night of the Zombies
Sometimes a person can't/won't change until THEY realize they are zombie-like and have hit rock bottom.
"My therapist helped me understand that you can't change your life for the better if you refuse to honestly look at what drives your self-destructive behavior." - page 113
That is so true.
I like how, on page 114, Nick shows that those who work in rehab centers are professionals. They spoke to him as if drugged celebs are the norm. And maybe in those places they are, but the big thing is that they don't judge you for your past choices; they help provide options for your present/future choices.
Chapter 6: Sometimes you have to ask yourself "what's the worse that can happen?" Then you have to analyze your answer - is it better or worse than what is going on now?
Sometimes we can ignore our survival instincts (especially when we know something is killing us). That is one indicator that we are at a low.
Nick read Why Some Positive Thinkers Get Powerful Results by Norman Vincent Peale. He said that critics find the message to be too simple.
Simple is best! Simple is what people need when they don't know what else to do. Kevin Richardson is awesome for getting Nick the book...and Nick is awesome for finally reading it. He became more organized and set goals for himself to clean himself up.
Before that though, he describes how he quit smoking (writing a message on a white tee). That is freaking awesome. So many people don't understand the power we have over our minds. "
You really can program your brain to get what you want." - page 128
In order to set goals for yourself, you have to know how you work. And then you need to find someone who will help you, someone with an abundance mentality who thinks everyone can be successful and that the good doesn't end. Once you've reached a goal, set another one for yourself. Put yourself to a challenge.
Also? It makes me smile to know he calls his Creator "Pops."
Chapter 7: "My problem was not that I wanted to be in control; I just tried to control the wrong things....It seems like kids from broken families often grow up to be control-freak adults who feel compelled to maintain order and micro-manage every situation." - page 140
That hit me hard. I want to go to therapy now, to pinpoint why I am that kind of kid as well.
And now I understand why House of Carters existed, and why the drama was there.
Nick shows that it's easier to see others destroy themselves and want to heal that, than it is to see it in yourself. He also provides a few examples of how good intentions really need to be implemented well, and not before a person has the right tools.
Be a friend to yourself
Chapter 8: Nick shows that a relapse can sometimes e worse than the original issues, as if the addict is making up for lost time.
"There is nothing cool about a death wish. It is just a waste of a life and a stupid, stupid thing to harbor." - page 164
I especially love Nick's words on different positive things a person can do in their life: eat better, exercise, surround yourself with supporters. I freaking agree with him on exercise: it is supposed to be fun and really makes you feel better. It's a GOOD high.
"Don't think of exercise as working out. Instead, think of it as replacing an unhealthy 'high' with a healthy one." - page 171
For Nick, it took the threat of death to make a real commitment. That just makes me very sad.
Chapter 9: The only time you can't change your life is when you're dead. It's never too late to change yourself for the better.
Johnny Wright, BSB's manager, is a good friend. He set a rule that any of the guys who were late or didn't show up to a rehearsal owed $1000. It was set up because of Nick, but he wasn't the only offender. That's crazy!! And also, he visited Nick to make sure his depression and threats to leave weren't based on random personal issues. He truly cares for the guys.
Page 184 made me laugh - Beiber is not the greatest role model, but he does mention his Christian values often. Taylor Swift is a good example too. Ah, celebs who do well do so quietly.
Your actions don't always match your self-image. WE are often blind and oblivious to the reality. This is especially true when trying to see how others actually perceive us.
"Part of creating a better life is taking responsibility for past mistakes and broken promises." - page 187
And then you can get others to help you reach your goals
Chapter 10: Mph, I find it very sad as well that Nick stopped playing/enjoying basketball during his dark years. Growing up, I know he and Brian absolutely loved the sport and were always playing it.
In this chapter, we learn more about Nick and Lauren's relationship, and how they've both had sordid pasts. But they are very good enablers for each other, and understand what love is. I wish to know more about Lauren and how she and Nick met (along with other small details of their relationship) but I understand that it's theirs.
Nick also talked about his relationship with his Grandpa Spaulding, who Nick's mom talks about in one or both of her books too. He stresses that we should have someone to look up to, someone who encourages us and helps us encourage others.
Whether it's self-help, forgiveness, or understanding, small steps are needed. Small goals help us prevent the past from affecting our future. Nick is more open towards his future (like with marriage and children) and understands anything can happen. When we're open and honest, we can write our own stores.
The very last blurb taken from his book says this:
"Don't ever let anyone else write your story for you."
What a wonderful way to end the book.
Read
September 11, 2025Physician, heal thyself
I'm impressed with how much actionable information is in this book: When he talks about getting help, he actually addresses things like financial barriers people may face when trying to get into therapy. I wish more self-help style books would do this!
I also think that the writing style and vocabulary are accessible to people who aren't into self-help books. It becomes evident pretty early that he chose to do this because, just like in his professional life, he's trying to reach a particular target audience.
In this case, it's his siblings (and people like them).
As a person who also envisioned a closer relationship with my siblings than ended up happening, I can relate to this element of his struggles more than the addiction struggles.
The biggest takeaway for me was weirldy about forgiveness, though: most people will say something like 'Forgiveness for your enemy is really for you !! "
Well, that doesn't work when a part of you enjoys hating someone!
Look at it this way: forgiving that person makes them less important to you.
(Ok, Nick, maybe I did need to be called out like that!)
I would recommend this for people with borderline personality tendencies who recognize they need to make a change but aren't sure how.
PS: It's nice to know the 2006 version of Nick Carter was exactly as much of a meatheaded moron as he looked. It's also nice that he didn't stay a moron forever.
I'm impressed with how much actionable information is in this book: When he talks about getting help, he actually addresses things like financial barriers people may face when trying to get into therapy. I wish more self-help style books would do this!
I also think that the writing style and vocabulary are accessible to people who aren't into self-help books. It becomes evident pretty early that he chose to do this because, just like in his professional life, he's trying to reach a particular target audience.
In this case, it's his siblings (and people like them).
As a person who also envisioned a closer relationship with my siblings than ended up happening, I can relate to this element of his struggles more than the addiction struggles.
The biggest takeaway for me was weirldy about forgiveness, though: most people will say something like 'Forgiveness for your enemy is really for you !! "
Well, that doesn't work when a part of you enjoys hating someone!
Look at it this way: forgiving that person makes them less important to you.
(Ok, Nick, maybe I did need to be called out like that!)
I would recommend this for people with borderline personality tendencies who recognize they need to make a change but aren't sure how.
PS: It's nice to know the 2006 version of Nick Carter was exactly as much of a meatheaded moron as he looked. It's also nice that he didn't stay a moron forever.
March 27, 2025
Wow... Reading this book was hard because I knew Aaron personally. Everything about Leslie just made me think of him too. I have so much love for the Carter siblings. All of them deserved better. No child should have to grow up in that type of environment. I have a different outlook on Nick now as well. He really owned up to a lot of his past mistakes & has written his narrative to say that he's truly improving himself. He has had a lot of work to do & I am sure he still has a lot left but what matters is that he keeps trying. The same goes for all of us. I loved this book.
August 20, 2024
It was interesting to hear more about the Carters’ childhood, but the story was repetitive and didn’t provide many lesser known details.
December 27, 2013
[DISCLAIMER: I won a copy of this book on the Goodreads Giveaways]
I turned 30 this year. It was hard to admit, harder to deal with, and I still don't feel like I'm in my 30's. But one thing I promised myself was, I am not going to spend any more time reading books I don't like, just because I have this masochistic tendency to finish every freaking book I start.
Unfortunately, Facing the Music and Living to Talk About It is one of those books that's going to have to be put down and never picked up again. I wanted to get at least 25% of the way through before I let go, just to give it a fair shot. But that 25% was brutal. This is a disorganized, rambling piece of self-help, and it did not do a darn thing for me. What bothered me even more than the "If I can do it, so can you!" reiteration was that he kept saying things like, "I wish I'd written this book sooner so I could have given it to my sister and maybe she wouldn't have died." I know that he didn't mean it to come across as arrogant, but my goodness did this scream "Her death was all my fault even though it wasn't!" I feel for you Nick, I really do, and I wish your sister had gotten better too, but this book was not going to save her life.
I have always had a huge soft spot for Nick Carter. BSB were my boys. Okay not really. But I always loved them, especially Nick. Nick, you are not a writer. You should keep singing, because as you said in your "strengths" chapter, that's what you do best. I love you! Really! I promise!
/EDIT/ As a sidenote: When I entered to win this book in the giveaway, there was next to nothing about it being a self-help book. This book, as I remember it, was marketed as an autobiography with bits of advice for people on how to get through the tough times. As you can clearly see, I'm not the only one who had this impression from the description provided back in September. Now, I don't know if the publisher or Goodreads have changed the description several times since then, but I can tell you that what's up there now ("This book is Nick Carter’s autobiography and self-help hybrid in which he chronicles his struggles with a dysfunctional family and the unimaginable rigors of becoming an internationally successful pop-star at the age of 12.") was not up there when I entered the giveaway. If it had actually been autobiography instead of self-help with a few anecdotes about his childhood and time with BSB, I might have liked this. A suggestion to Goodreads, then: Add a time/date-stamp for edits because it's misleading to put up one description and then change it later with no proof of the old description.
I turned 30 this year. It was hard to admit, harder to deal with, and I still don't feel like I'm in my 30's. But one thing I promised myself was, I am not going to spend any more time reading books I don't like, just because I have this masochistic tendency to finish every freaking book I start.
Unfortunately, Facing the Music and Living to Talk About It is one of those books that's going to have to be put down and never picked up again. I wanted to get at least 25% of the way through before I let go, just to give it a fair shot. But that 25% was brutal. This is a disorganized, rambling piece of self-help, and it did not do a darn thing for me. What bothered me even more than the "If I can do it, so can you!" reiteration was that he kept saying things like, "I wish I'd written this book sooner so I could have given it to my sister and maybe she wouldn't have died." I know that he didn't mean it to come across as arrogant, but my goodness did this scream "Her death was all my fault even though it wasn't!" I feel for you Nick, I really do, and I wish your sister had gotten better too, but this book was not going to save her life.
I have always had a huge soft spot for Nick Carter. BSB were my boys. Okay not really. But I always loved them, especially Nick. Nick, you are not a writer. You should keep singing, because as you said in your "strengths" chapter, that's what you do best. I love you! Really! I promise!
/EDIT/ As a sidenote: When I entered to win this book in the giveaway, there was next to nothing about it being a self-help book. This book, as I remember it, was marketed as an autobiography with bits of advice for people on how to get through the tough times. As you can clearly see, I'm not the only one who had this impression from the description provided back in September. Now, I don't know if the publisher or Goodreads have changed the description several times since then, but I can tell you that what's up there now ("This book is Nick Carter’s autobiography and self-help hybrid in which he chronicles his struggles with a dysfunctional family and the unimaginable rigors of becoming an internationally successful pop-star at the age of 12.") was not up there when I entered the giveaway. If it had actually been autobiography instead of self-help with a few anecdotes about his childhood and time with BSB, I might have liked this. A suggestion to Goodreads, then: Add a time/date-stamp for edits because it's misleading to put up one description and then change it later with no proof of the old description.
August 25, 2017
I grew up as a hardcore Backstreet boys fan and they were a big part of my life, however, I honestly wasn't expecting to like this book because Nick Carter was indeed my least favorite of the boys and that's the reason why I took too long to purchase it but when I finally did, I couldn't put it down. The fan in me was quite immersed that I couldn't read it fast enough.
This is not a self-help nor is it an autobiography; it reads more as a cautionary tale. Nick writes about his dysfunctional family in details, the death of sister and his experience with drugs and alcohol. Nothing he says is innovative--which he acknowledges in the introduction--but it's sincere and quite helpful. Nick takes full responsibility of all of his actions--to the point of being too hard on himself-- and he's more than willing to change and evolve. My own observation of Nick's life as the long-time BSB fan that I am, I've never seen him more content or in control ever and I'm proud to witness all of the developments he's going through. His voice is now maturely more beautiful and he's a better performer than he used to be. This new Nick is absolutely admirable.
Although I appreciate the idea of hybrid autobiography + self-help but I wish that some of the stories aren't as repetitive and if there were more stories about himself that we do not know about because much of the content is already well-known.
Overall, this book is thought-provoking. It feels good and more intimate to (sometimes) take an advice from someone's own experience than from an expert. Facing the Music is motivational, helpful and empowering.
I'd recommend you to read as well Backstreet Mom: A Mother's Tale of Backstreet Boy AJ McLean's Rise to Fame, Struggle with Addiction, and Ultimate Triumph.
This is not a self-help nor is it an autobiography; it reads more as a cautionary tale. Nick writes about his dysfunctional family in details, the death of sister and his experience with drugs and alcohol. Nothing he says is innovative--which he acknowledges in the introduction--but it's sincere and quite helpful. Nick takes full responsibility of all of his actions--to the point of being too hard on himself-- and he's more than willing to change and evolve. My own observation of Nick's life as the long-time BSB fan that I am, I've never seen him more content or in control ever and I'm proud to witness all of the developments he's going through. His voice is now maturely more beautiful and he's a better performer than he used to be. This new Nick is absolutely admirable.
Although I appreciate the idea of hybrid autobiography + self-help but I wish that some of the stories aren't as repetitive and if there were more stories about himself that we do not know about because much of the content is already well-known.
Overall, this book is thought-provoking. It feels good and more intimate to (sometimes) take an advice from someone's own experience than from an expert. Facing the Music is motivational, helpful and empowering.
I'd recommend you to read as well Backstreet Mom: A Mother's Tale of Backstreet Boy AJ McLean's Rise to Fame, Struggle with Addiction, and Ultimate Triumph.
July 17, 2013
3.5 stars to be exact.
To be released: September 24, 2013
I'm not going to lie. In high school and college I was a huge Backstreet Boys fan. After their Black and Blue album when they took their 2 year hiatus I stopped paying much attention to them. I sort of kept up with them. I sort of knew what was going on with them. I sort of knew about their music. That means I sort of knew about Nick Carter and his disastrous ways. I knew he dated Paris Hilton and I vaguely remember hearing about the House of Carters television show. I also sort of remember hearing about his DUI. I did hear about his sister's death and I Googled the heck out of that for reactions from Nick and his brother, Aaron.
This book was an eye-opener. Nick talks about how he basically threw his life down the drain. He was heavy into alcohol and drugs. He came from a very dysfunctional family and it spiraled as he got older. It was news to me as I hadn't paid much attention to him since 2004.
Nick realizes the mistakes he's made and the damage he's done to himself. He doesn't know what damage he may have caused his body, but he knows he wants to fix what he can. This book is for him to help himself and give him the chance to help others. He dedicates it to his late sister Leslie whom he wished he could have helped and brought back from the brink.
If you are or were a Backstreet Boys fan I think you'll enjoy this look into Nick's life. He's not afraid to tell the embarrassing moments. He gets deep and knows when he messed up.
I read this as a review request from netgalley using the Adobe Digital app on my laptop. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review in any way.
To be released: September 24, 2013
I'm not going to lie. In high school and college I was a huge Backstreet Boys fan. After their Black and Blue album when they took their 2 year hiatus I stopped paying much attention to them. I sort of kept up with them. I sort of knew what was going on with them. I sort of knew about their music. That means I sort of knew about Nick Carter and his disastrous ways. I knew he dated Paris Hilton and I vaguely remember hearing about the House of Carters television show. I also sort of remember hearing about his DUI. I did hear about his sister's death and I Googled the heck out of that for reactions from Nick and his brother, Aaron.
This book was an eye-opener. Nick talks about how he basically threw his life down the drain. He was heavy into alcohol and drugs. He came from a very dysfunctional family and it spiraled as he got older. It was news to me as I hadn't paid much attention to him since 2004.
Nick realizes the mistakes he's made and the damage he's done to himself. He doesn't know what damage he may have caused his body, but he knows he wants to fix what he can. This book is for him to help himself and give him the chance to help others. He dedicates it to his late sister Leslie whom he wished he could have helped and brought back from the brink.
If you are or were a Backstreet Boys fan I think you'll enjoy this look into Nick's life. He's not afraid to tell the embarrassing moments. He gets deep and knows when he messed up.
I read this as a review request from netgalley using the Adobe Digital app on my laptop. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review in any way.
December 10, 2013
Like other reviewers, I love the backstreet boys. I have since I was young. I also have experience with alcoholism in my family so both Nick and AJ entering rehab hit close to home for me.
First, I was expecting this to be an autobiography so I was a bit surprised when I read the first couple of pages and it turned out it was a self help book. Not what I was expecting, but I decided to read on. The book would jump into being an auto-biography and then back into being a self help book, which made it choppy and seemed to slow it down for me. I think Nick was trying to use pieces of his life as an example to how to apply the advice he was given, but it just didn't come across well. His advice is often good, but it also seems pretty cliche'd and he repeats himself a lot when giving it. I also felt that he came across pretty preach-y at times. While I do applaud all the hard work he's put into his recovery, he's also pretty fresh on his journey. My Mother was sober for over a decade when she relapsed. Nick in his own book talks about how hard he went after his goals, but then the second he left his safe haven, he went back to drinking and using again - that there should be enough to show that he's probably too green to be doling out advice.
I am with other reviewers - Nick has overcome quite a bit and he should be proud of himself for it. His life was not easy, he struggled a lot and he's faced a lot of his demons. I can appreciate him wanting to share his story in order to help other people, especially when you take into account what happened with his sister. However, when it comes to the quality of the book, I think it could have been better if Nick had just waited until further along in his recovery and had a better editor.
First, I was expecting this to be an autobiography so I was a bit surprised when I read the first couple of pages and it turned out it was a self help book. Not what I was expecting, but I decided to read on. The book would jump into being an auto-biography and then back into being a self help book, which made it choppy and seemed to slow it down for me. I think Nick was trying to use pieces of his life as an example to how to apply the advice he was given, but it just didn't come across well. His advice is often good, but it also seems pretty cliche'd and he repeats himself a lot when giving it. I also felt that he came across pretty preach-y at times. While I do applaud all the hard work he's put into his recovery, he's also pretty fresh on his journey. My Mother was sober for over a decade when she relapsed. Nick in his own book talks about how hard he went after his goals, but then the second he left his safe haven, he went back to drinking and using again - that there should be enough to show that he's probably too green to be doling out advice.
I am with other reviewers - Nick has overcome quite a bit and he should be proud of himself for it. His life was not easy, he struggled a lot and he's faced a lot of his demons. I can appreciate him wanting to share his story in order to help other people, especially when you take into account what happened with his sister. However, when it comes to the quality of the book, I think it could have been better if Nick had just waited until further along in his recovery and had a better editor.
October 5, 2013
http://luhathoughts.blogspot.com/2013...
I don't know what I was expecting when I chose to read this book. All I know is that I was watching "Watch What Happens Live" and Nick Carter was a guest, and they started talking about his breakup with Paris Hilton, and that their story was in Nick Carter's autobiography. At that point, I didn't even know he had written one. So, I hunted for it, and started reading it. And I am sorely disappointed by it. I guess what I got wasn't nowhere near what I wanted to get from this book. Ninety percent of this book is inspirational self-help mumbo jumbo. I am sure Carter feels fantastic about his recovery from addiction, and I am sure he is making a positive impact in his life, but frankly, this book reads like his AA journal. It's his writings to remind himself to stay on the course, and live a better healthier life. The book may be an interesting souvenir for his die-hard fans, but for only casual fans like myself, it's a whole bit of nothing. I think, actually, that if you took out those parts in this book, you would probably be left with a chapter. I mean, fine if he did not want to diss Paris Hilton in the book by being level-headed about their whole relationship, but a little bit of dirt would have added just a little flavor. His personal stories here would probably account to a long essay. Even his chapter on healthy eating could have been more specific. I guess I should have known this from the bland title of the book.
I don't know what I was expecting when I chose to read this book. All I know is that I was watching "Watch What Happens Live" and Nick Carter was a guest, and they started talking about his breakup with Paris Hilton, and that their story was in Nick Carter's autobiography. At that point, I didn't even know he had written one. So, I hunted for it, and started reading it. And I am sorely disappointed by it. I guess what I got wasn't nowhere near what I wanted to get from this book. Ninety percent of this book is inspirational self-help mumbo jumbo. I am sure Carter feels fantastic about his recovery from addiction, and I am sure he is making a positive impact in his life, but frankly, this book reads like his AA journal. It's his writings to remind himself to stay on the course, and live a better healthier life. The book may be an interesting souvenir for his die-hard fans, but for only casual fans like myself, it's a whole bit of nothing. I think, actually, that if you took out those parts in this book, you would probably be left with a chapter. I mean, fine if he did not want to diss Paris Hilton in the book by being level-headed about their whole relationship, but a little bit of dirt would have added just a little flavor. His personal stories here would probably account to a long essay. Even his chapter on healthy eating could have been more specific. I guess I should have known this from the bland title of the book.
August 4, 2020
I was a massive BSB fan in my teens then lost track of them when I went to uni. A friend recently sent me a link to a video they had done for COVID and I thought I'd look them up. I didn't realise they'd released so many more albums since my teenage years, and I looked up whether there were any books about the group. No - but I eventually found this. I was mostly a AJ fan before but Nick seems to have shared many similar experiences with me over the last 8 years - loss of close family members, marriage, children, amongst other things, and I was very interested in his story.
Unlike some of the other reviews, I actually liked the fact this was part memoir, part self-help book, and part history of the band. He could have written more about all of those things. I admit that the first few pages didn't grip me, but it didn't take long until I couldn't put it down. No one would know, looking at his clean cut image, of the darkness into which he fell for a long time. I really found it amazing he had continued to function as a pop star at the same time, and was surprised just how depressed he had been. A lot of the advice in this book was fairly general but there were a few points which really resonated with me and which I will be considering further.
I would definitely recommend it, particularly for any BSB fans.
Now I just want to read books by the other band members!
Unlike some of the other reviews, I actually liked the fact this was part memoir, part self-help book, and part history of the band. He could have written more about all of those things. I admit that the first few pages didn't grip me, but it didn't take long until I couldn't put it down. No one would know, looking at his clean cut image, of the darkness into which he fell for a long time. I really found it amazing he had continued to function as a pop star at the same time, and was surprised just how depressed he had been. A lot of the advice in this book was fairly general but there were a few points which really resonated with me and which I will be considering further.
I would definitely recommend it, particularly for any BSB fans.
Now I just want to read books by the other band members!
April 9, 2020
As a huge backstreet boys fan, I can honestly say I didn't take reading this book lightly. Sometimes you just want to pretend your celebrity heroes are perfect and deny they are human. It was stupid off me, because I already knew he struggled a lot and that he is human. But, I guess I wasn't ready to let go of that picture perfect backstreet boy I imaged for 20 years.
Now that I've read it, I'm kicking myself for not reading it sooner. There are SO MANY people I want to recommend this book to! And he is most definitely human, and it made it that much better to read.
His story is inspiring. Not very many people hit rock bottom that deep and come out of that like he did.
Nick, if you ever read this review, I high five you and applaud you. As a fan and as a person, I'm incredibly proud of you.
Now that I've read it, I'm kicking myself for not reading it sooner. There are SO MANY people I want to recommend this book to! And he is most definitely human, and it made it that much better to read.
His story is inspiring. Not very many people hit rock bottom that deep and come out of that like he did.
Nick, if you ever read this review, I high five you and applaud you. As a fan and as a person, I'm incredibly proud of you.
June 24, 2015
Nick Carter wrote a book. It is exactly what you would expect a book written by Nick Carter to be. Bless his confused little blond head. It’s a pretty terrible book. The personal anecdotes were brief, and the self-help portions were repetitive and un-authoritative. (I don’t know about you, but I watched House of Carters. I find the idea of taking life advice unsourced from Nick Carter pretty terrifying.) Nick was pretty clearly messed up for a pretty long time, and he seems to have finally turned it around, so good for him. He’s a dumbass, but at least now it seems like he’s a happy dumbass.
January 19, 2014
Nick, you know I love you but damn. Repetitive much? You should stick to making amazing music and showing us your sweet dance moves. Those are things your truly excel at. Please tell me where I can purchase house of Carter's?
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