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Karma: My Autobiography
THE OFFICIAL STORY OF A MUSICAL ICON - TOLD IN FULL FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HIS OWN WORDS 'I went to a lot of trouble to create Boy George and then I went through a whole battle for years about not wanting to be him. But now I enjoy and embrace it in a way that I wasn't able to as a young person.... I'm finally learning to be George Alan O'Dowd from Eltham.'Karma is the definitive autobiography from the incomparable Grammy, Brit and Ivor Novello award-winning lead singer of Culture Club and LGBTQ+ Boy George. Told in his inimitable style, Karma tells the story of the charismatic frontman - the drama, the music, his journey of addiction and recovery, surviving prison, meeting legends like David Bowie, Prince and Madonna, and the highs and lows of a life lived in the spotlight and in the headlines.This is the explosive and searingly honest account of Boy George's life as a child growing up in sixties London, coming out to his Irish Catholic family and exploring his sexuality through the hedonism of the seventies - the glam rock and punk rock revolution that birthed Culture Club - and the heydays of the nineties, to finally embracing the man and artist that he is today. With all the humour, honesty, sarcasm (and hats!) that you'd expect, Karma gives us a unique insight into Boy George's incredible story and the true evolution of a music icon.'Culture Club is always going to be one of those lovers I go back to. I've railed against it and that Boy George character I created. For years I convinced myself I was a creature of habit, unchangeable, immovable. But eventually you have to look in the mirror. Not looking for spots, looking for something deeper. Why the hell am I here? I would say life is the point of life.'
368 pages, Hardcover
First published November 9, 2023
459 people are currently reading
1412 people want to read
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did-not-finish
February 27, 2024DNF @ 11%. I wouldn't say that I'm a huge fan of Boy George and/or Culture Club, but (karma karma karma karma) “Karma Chameleon” was my very first favorite song when I was, like, four, and Boy George has always seemed like an interesting character so I decided to give this audiobook a go.
And, well, I think maybe this book is meant for people who are much bigger fans than I am? Or maybe who were really into the 70s and 80s music scenes and might actually know who all these people he keeps mentioning are? There is near constant name-dropping, and with the exception of David Bowie and maybe a couple of others, I have no idea who any of them are.
It's also very stream of conscious-y, with Boy George seemingly just spouting off anecdotes and thoughts as they come to mind, which has never really been my preferred style of writing.
He is a fun narrator, though – it's adorable whenever he starts giggling about something he's just read. And the cover is gorgeous in an I'm-tripping-on-acid-while-Boy-George-stares-at-me-disapprovingly sort of way.
But, yeah, unfortunately this one just wasn't for me.
And, well, I think maybe this book is meant for people who are much bigger fans than I am? Or maybe who were really into the 70s and 80s music scenes and might actually know who all these people he keeps mentioning are? There is near constant name-dropping, and with the exception of David Bowie and maybe a couple of others, I have no idea who any of them are.
It's also very stream of conscious-y, with Boy George seemingly just spouting off anecdotes and thoughts as they come to mind, which has never really been my preferred style of writing.
He is a fun narrator, though – it's adorable whenever he starts giggling about something he's just read. And the cover is gorgeous in an I'm-tripping-on-acid-while-Boy-George-stares-at-me-disapprovingly sort of way.
But, yeah, unfortunately this one just wasn't for me.
February 1, 2024
So. I grew up in an era with Boy George and most recently have seen him quite a few times on
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
as a pop up friend of PK and some of the other girls who he mentions in the audiobook.
I thought, hey let me see what he has to say in his memoir since I was too young at the time when he was 'really big' to remember much and he seems like such a great and interesting person on RHOBH.
Unfortunately this was a DNF for me. I do read many memoirs, and I do prefer them in audio format but with this one... well I just wasn't a fan of the way he was rattling off memories so quickly. Almost like ticking them off his fingertips. I wanted to really dive into these memories and feel a little more from the book.
It just felt too rushed and I wasn't a fan.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and Boy George for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I thought, hey let me see what he has to say in his memoir since I was too young at the time when he was 'really big' to remember much and he seems like such a great and interesting person on RHOBH.
Unfortunately this was a DNF for me. I do read many memoirs, and I do prefer them in audio format but with this one... well I just wasn't a fan of the way he was rattling off memories so quickly. Almost like ticking them off his fingertips. I wanted to really dive into these memories and feel a little more from the book.
It just felt too rushed and I wasn't a fan.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and Boy George for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2024
Stumbling across this title in BorrowBox, I knew I had to listen to the audio. Narrated by George himself? Yes please. I was a young fan in the 80's, I think possibly influenced by an older female neighbour. I didn't care about his sexuality, I just loved the band for that little part of my history, proudly displaying my posters with fading blue tak.
Of course, telling the story, this way of life for George was not always accepted, and we hear a lot of his childhood and family life. Lots of reflection by he and colleagues and friends along the way about the LBTBQ community and the differences between then and now. My impression is the 'just get on with things' vibe, and not making such an issue of things.
George tells us about his past, the lessons learned by many mistakes. What I gleaned from this is that it's only a mistake unless you don't learn from it, and George certainly has learned from his past, and unafraid to tell us all about it. George O'Dowd was the shining light of the Culture Club, but this fame wasn't easy in the 1980's, freely admitting this was not handled at all well.
I liked how he talked about his fame and his dramatic way of dealing with it as a young man, now he strives for kindness and understanding. You can't hate anyone, what's the point in that. He wishes his adversaries well, and lives his life using meditation and tools which will serve him, not hinder. If a fan wants a selfie while he's in his trackie dackies, even without make up - so be it. It's easier and quicker to go with it than have the drama. George is just like any of us with insecurities, but well able to laugh things off and tell his story with a warm honesty.
This memoir is an easy read, from George's childhood up till now in his early 60's. A couple of court cases, a stint in goal, a near bankruptcy and an unhealthy obsession with fellow member Jon Moss (aka Joan Moist by George!) who was solely involved in managing the band's earnings, causing a devastating financial split.
I did not follow George's stint in the Australian jungle for I'm a Celebrity, nor was I aware of the extent of his troubles with addiction, but I was so pleased to read this memoir, I got to hear his chuckle after many sentences, and two songs were also included. I want him to come back to Oz, I'd love to see him sing now I am older and wiser.
I recommend this short memoir, especially the audio, which I listened to via the BorrowBox platform and my public library.
Of course, telling the story, this way of life for George was not always accepted, and we hear a lot of his childhood and family life. Lots of reflection by he and colleagues and friends along the way about the LBTBQ community and the differences between then and now. My impression is the 'just get on with things' vibe, and not making such an issue of things.
George tells us about his past, the lessons learned by many mistakes. What I gleaned from this is that it's only a mistake unless you don't learn from it, and George certainly has learned from his past, and unafraid to tell us all about it. George O'Dowd was the shining light of the Culture Club, but this fame wasn't easy in the 1980's, freely admitting this was not handled at all well.
I liked how he talked about his fame and his dramatic way of dealing with it as a young man, now he strives for kindness and understanding. You can't hate anyone, what's the point in that. He wishes his adversaries well, and lives his life using meditation and tools which will serve him, not hinder. If a fan wants a selfie while he's in his trackie dackies, even without make up - so be it. It's easier and quicker to go with it than have the drama. George is just like any of us with insecurities, but well able to laugh things off and tell his story with a warm honesty.
This memoir is an easy read, from George's childhood up till now in his early 60's. A couple of court cases, a stint in goal, a near bankruptcy and an unhealthy obsession with fellow member Jon Moss (aka Joan Moist by George!) who was solely involved in managing the band's earnings, causing a devastating financial split.
I did not follow George's stint in the Australian jungle for I'm a Celebrity, nor was I aware of the extent of his troubles with addiction, but I was so pleased to read this memoir, I got to hear his chuckle after many sentences, and two songs were also included. I want him to come back to Oz, I'd love to see him sing now I am older and wiser.
I recommend this short memoir, especially the audio, which I listened to via the BorrowBox platform and my public library.
January 22, 2024
I have been a Culture Club fan since first viewing their music videos when I was 4 years old. I was lucky to have older brothers who watched MTV religiously. MTV was at its pinnacle at this time bringing exciting, eccentric, and sometimes avante-garde music videos to the masses. Artists like Cindi Lauper, Adam Ant, Bananarama, Duran Duran, Divo, Flock of Seagulls, Culture Club, and so many others brought color and optimism into my life and made me fall in love with music.
I enjoyed the sections of this book dealing with Bow Wow Wow, Malcolm McLaren, Culture Club, and Adam Ant. I did not realize how all these acts were interlinked even sharing members at certain phases.
I loved hearing about Boy George's musical idols like T Rex and David Bowie. Bowie had such an impact on artists and Western culture and it is great to read artists like Boy George, John Lydon, Lenny Kravitz, Sinead O'Connor and so many others giving Bowie all the props and respect he deserves.
Overall I enjoyed this Autobiography. One thing bothered me and that was Boy George's empathy toward Donald Trump. In one chapter he talks about equality, especially in the LGBQT community, and that he can not stand people who deprive people of their rights. Several times in the book he seems to defend Donald Trump who has been endorsed by the KKK. Trump is a man who will crush any progress that the LGBQT community has attained and his clownish appearance and behavior should not fool anyone.
I enjoyed the sections of this book dealing with Bow Wow Wow, Malcolm McLaren, Culture Club, and Adam Ant. I did not realize how all these acts were interlinked even sharing members at certain phases.
I loved hearing about Boy George's musical idols like T Rex and David Bowie. Bowie had such an impact on artists and Western culture and it is great to read artists like Boy George, John Lydon, Lenny Kravitz, Sinead O'Connor and so many others giving Bowie all the props and respect he deserves.
Overall I enjoyed this Autobiography. One thing bothered me and that was Boy George's empathy toward Donald Trump. In one chapter he talks about equality, especially in the LGBQT community, and that he can not stand people who deprive people of their rights. Several times in the book he seems to defend Donald Trump who has been endorsed by the KKK. Trump is a man who will crush any progress that the LGBQT community has attained and his clownish appearance and behavior should not fool anyone.
December 1, 2023
THIS RATING IS NOT ABOUT THE CONTENT. Boy George has whatever memories and experiences he has, and I'm not going to pass any judgments on his life.
A book is not a song, a song is not a book. Boy George's lyrical style works for his songs. It doesn't work here. Sorry.
The book itself is a mess. It's basically stream of consciousness and name-dropping for 300 pages. I'm not sure what Spencer Bright did for this book, but it wasn't editing or writing. There are a ton of typos, missing words, and misspelled words that a semi-decent editor/ghostwriter would have caught and corrected.
A book is not a song, a song is not a book. Boy George's lyrical style works for his songs. It doesn't work here. Sorry.
The book itself is a mess. It's basically stream of consciousness and name-dropping for 300 pages. I'm not sure what Spencer Bright did for this book, but it wasn't editing or writing. There are a ton of typos, missing words, and misspelled words that a semi-decent editor/ghostwriter would have caught and corrected.
January 30, 2024
This is what I refer to as "machinegun memoirs".
It's half stories and tidbits in no particular order or flow.
A lot of name dropping, which can happen organically in a memoir, but didn't.
I enjoyed a few of the stories and there is some lovely new music here, but overall it was not well structured.
I prefer a memoir that unfolds like a story and pulls you in with a slow unfurling of their life.
Yes, I read memoirs for the gossip, but you can get the tea in a more natural and less obvious way lol.
Boy George does narrate his audio himself, so you get his giggles which are adorable and made the audio a little cuter.
Thanks to NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for my ALC.
It's half stories and tidbits in no particular order or flow.
A lot of name dropping, which can happen organically in a memoir, but didn't.
I enjoyed a few of the stories and there is some lovely new music here, but overall it was not well structured.
I prefer a memoir that unfolds like a story and pulls you in with a slow unfurling of their life.
Yes, I read memoirs for the gossip, but you can get the tea in a more natural and less obvious way lol.
Boy George does narrate his audio himself, so you get his giggles which are adorable and made the audio a little cuter.
Thanks to NetGalley & Dreamscape Media for my ALC.
June 24, 2024
I love George’s honesty and his rawness in this book. It jumps around a bit and we go off on tangents sometimes, but the whole thing keeps moving forward while also moving off to the side and backwards at times. George himself states that he is very cynical but not bitter, and that definitely comes through in his writing. Equal parts funny and sad (the saddest chapter was when his lovely mum passed) I enjoyed this book as a whole, even when some chapters frustrated me. I wish nothing but happiness for George as he really deserves some pure happiness in this lifetime.
November 10, 2023
**listened to the audio book**
I adore Boy George - as a person and as an amazing vocalist and song writer. I have always said I would love him to be my dream uncle (and Kathy Burke as my dream aunt)
I love how Boy George narrates the book. It makes it so much more personal. I also really appreciated the music tracks - such a cool idea, not sure if it’s been done before?!
George is so honest and is unashamedly himself!
Really enjoyed this book and George’s laughter that is splattered throughout the audiobook!!
I adore Boy George - as a person and as an amazing vocalist and song writer. I have always said I would love him to be my dream uncle (and Kathy Burke as my dream aunt)
I love how Boy George narrates the book. It makes it so much more personal. I also really appreciated the music tracks - such a cool idea, not sure if it’s been done before?!
George is so honest and is unashamedly himself!
Really enjoyed this book and George’s laughter that is splattered throughout the audiobook!!
January 4, 2024
Extremely disappointed in this book. I didn't enjoy the read and don't feel i have any further insight into the author than i did before i started it. I'd never really paid much attention to culture club or boy george musically (apart from the commercial hits that are always played on the radio e.g. karma chameleon), however i've always felt boy george was a fascinating person who has lived an incredible life, therefore would have an amazing story to tell in his book. The bad thing is, he doesn't tell that story in the book.
The book is not cohesive and seems to read like the author is just stating every random thought and memory in his head. He gives no timeframes or dates to reference anything, and only ever stays surface level with little to no detail given other than, this happened, that happened. Its like george is giving a quick run down of everything he can remember before he forgets it. It might as well have been bullet points. It is clear that george is currently at a place in his life where he does not want people to remember the negative events of his life, so he seems to decide to either skip them all together or gloss over them as if it was barely worth mentioning (for example his prison sentence).
I did my research before reading this book as boy george has written two previous autobiographies in 1995 and 2003, so i wanted to clarify if this was a contiuation of the previous books or a stand alone. Boy george himself stated in several promotional interviews for the book that this is his definitive autobiography, which covers both the previous books as well as his life up to date. Considering the 1995 book was 500 pages and the 2003 book was 300 pages, plus there has been 20 years of life lived between 2003 and 2023 (when this book was released), i was shocked to find the 'definitive' autobiography was 360 pages. 800 pages of previous books plus 20 further years squeezed into 360 pages seemed quite a task, but it becomes quite clear how this was achieved when you learn that your not getting any actual stories, just a quick list of random things that happened. After choosing to read the definitive autobiography as opposed to the previous ones, i was also not happy that the previous books were referred to on numerous occasions, and on multiple occasions george mentions a situation that happens then comments that hes not going into it and if you want to know you can read the other books to 'look it up'.
The book seems to skip extremely large chunks of time that featured what you would think were quite important details to include, such as the break up of culture club, which is never directly mentioned, and only indirectly mentioned in the sentence, 'i hadnt performed with the band for a number of years'. Theres also barely any mention of his solo career apart from random comments about 2 or 3 song he recorded which he liked.
Another issue with the book is that george seems to presume everyone reading it knows his story and the characters involved. I know some of george's story and the characters involved such as marilyn and steve strange, however if i did not know the little that i already knew, i would have been lost as the book does not give any information on who these people are or why they are significant to be mentioned in george's story. Additionally, as i only casually knew george's story, there were multiple occasions when he was speaking about people, places and events that i knew nothing about, and given he does not feel the need to give any context about anything in the book, it was hard to keep track.
The last few chapters are awful as they have no direction and seem like the author is desperately trying to remember anything else that happened at any point in his life, just to fill pages. Oddly, the only chapter in the whole book that george seems enthusiastic in giving detail to, is the chapter on his stay in the jungle for the reality show 'I'm a celebrity... get me out of here'. The amount of detail he goes into about his brief under two week stay on the show, makes it feel like it belongs in a completely different book, and really highlights how lack luster the detail given in the rest of the book is.
Overall the book reads as though boy george was at an interview, and the interviewer has stated, 'before we start, give us a quick and condensed run down of your life'. George states in the book he used a co-author, so you almost get the impression, george just gave the co-author a run down of what he wanted included in the book, and the co-author included it 'as is', with no further questions asked. No wit, no sass, no excitement, no fasinating insight into fame and fortune, no drama or gossip, no detail, nothing you would expect from a boy george biography. Ironically the main ingredient missing from the book seems to be 'boy george', and what you are left with is a tired, unenthusiastic book by someone who seems passed caring and likely only did it for the cheque. Would not recommend.
The book is not cohesive and seems to read like the author is just stating every random thought and memory in his head. He gives no timeframes or dates to reference anything, and only ever stays surface level with little to no detail given other than, this happened, that happened. Its like george is giving a quick run down of everything he can remember before he forgets it. It might as well have been bullet points. It is clear that george is currently at a place in his life where he does not want people to remember the negative events of his life, so he seems to decide to either skip them all together or gloss over them as if it was barely worth mentioning (for example his prison sentence).
I did my research before reading this book as boy george has written two previous autobiographies in 1995 and 2003, so i wanted to clarify if this was a contiuation of the previous books or a stand alone. Boy george himself stated in several promotional interviews for the book that this is his definitive autobiography, which covers both the previous books as well as his life up to date. Considering the 1995 book was 500 pages and the 2003 book was 300 pages, plus there has been 20 years of life lived between 2003 and 2023 (when this book was released), i was shocked to find the 'definitive' autobiography was 360 pages. 800 pages of previous books plus 20 further years squeezed into 360 pages seemed quite a task, but it becomes quite clear how this was achieved when you learn that your not getting any actual stories, just a quick list of random things that happened. After choosing to read the definitive autobiography as opposed to the previous ones, i was also not happy that the previous books were referred to on numerous occasions, and on multiple occasions george mentions a situation that happens then comments that hes not going into it and if you want to know you can read the other books to 'look it up'.
The book seems to skip extremely large chunks of time that featured what you would think were quite important details to include, such as the break up of culture club, which is never directly mentioned, and only indirectly mentioned in the sentence, 'i hadnt performed with the band for a number of years'. Theres also barely any mention of his solo career apart from random comments about 2 or 3 song he recorded which he liked.
Another issue with the book is that george seems to presume everyone reading it knows his story and the characters involved. I know some of george's story and the characters involved such as marilyn and steve strange, however if i did not know the little that i already knew, i would have been lost as the book does not give any information on who these people are or why they are significant to be mentioned in george's story. Additionally, as i only casually knew george's story, there were multiple occasions when he was speaking about people, places and events that i knew nothing about, and given he does not feel the need to give any context about anything in the book, it was hard to keep track.
The last few chapters are awful as they have no direction and seem like the author is desperately trying to remember anything else that happened at any point in his life, just to fill pages. Oddly, the only chapter in the whole book that george seems enthusiastic in giving detail to, is the chapter on his stay in the jungle for the reality show 'I'm a celebrity... get me out of here'. The amount of detail he goes into about his brief under two week stay on the show, makes it feel like it belongs in a completely different book, and really highlights how lack luster the detail given in the rest of the book is.
Overall the book reads as though boy george was at an interview, and the interviewer has stated, 'before we start, give us a quick and condensed run down of your life'. George states in the book he used a co-author, so you almost get the impression, george just gave the co-author a run down of what he wanted included in the book, and the co-author included it 'as is', with no further questions asked. No wit, no sass, no excitement, no fasinating insight into fame and fortune, no drama or gossip, no detail, nothing you would expect from a boy george biography. Ironically the main ingredient missing from the book seems to be 'boy george', and what you are left with is a tired, unenthusiastic book by someone who seems passed caring and likely only did it for the cheque. Would not recommend.
March 22, 2024
I choose audiobooks for their ability to keep me engaged and truly be able to listen and understand regardless of whether in traffic or just on a weekend drive or relaxing at home.
Karma by Boy George does this tastefully.
Starting with being aware and knowing his sexual preference at age 6, he begins with his childhood and growing up in the New Republic era with his parents and 3 other siblings.
Boy George dives into his teen years and early adulthood from leading a band, to coming out, to being in a tumultuous relationship and starting Culture Club. We get the raw and gritty of his adult life, dealing with drugs, being on the road, trying to hide from the world; while trying to find himself and be better. He is real, honest, and fully transparent about his life.
His greatest and biggest supporter was his mom; for whom he admits he will forever be in awe of her and seeks her energy often.
I enjoyed this FOR his transparency. Much more than a snippet, it gives decades of accounts on how he came to be, fell short, and rose again…. Better than ever. At 62, Boy George is still touring, writing, and producing; a musical virtuoso, who will always be a “fan”.
If you are a fan of his music, the bands, or Boy George himself, this is definitely for you!
Thank you NetGalley and Blink Publishing for an advanced complimentary copy for my honest review.
Karma by Boy George does this tastefully.
Starting with being aware and knowing his sexual preference at age 6, he begins with his childhood and growing up in the New Republic era with his parents and 3 other siblings.
Boy George dives into his teen years and early adulthood from leading a band, to coming out, to being in a tumultuous relationship and starting Culture Club. We get the raw and gritty of his adult life, dealing with drugs, being on the road, trying to hide from the world; while trying to find himself and be better. He is real, honest, and fully transparent about his life.
His greatest and biggest supporter was his mom; for whom he admits he will forever be in awe of her and seeks her energy often.
I enjoyed this FOR his transparency. Much more than a snippet, it gives decades of accounts on how he came to be, fell short, and rose again…. Better than ever. At 62, Boy George is still touring, writing, and producing; a musical virtuoso, who will always be a “fan”.
If you are a fan of his music, the bands, or Boy George himself, this is definitely for you!
Thank you NetGalley and Blink Publishing for an advanced complimentary copy for my honest review.
February 22, 2024
I enjoyed this. Told by Boy George himself, this was a sad, funny, fascinating and entertaining read. I was able to listen to the audiobook, narrated by the author, which doesn't always work but this time it definitely did! He was amazing, a peak into his life and inner thoughts and feelings. He even sings, which I absolutely loved! I haven't listened to any of his newer music and from what I heard, I'm really missing out. He's so talented. I love how he mentions that some songs we just love for no apparent reason. Yes, that's so true! He said he's already written another autobiography in the past, so I'll have to check that out as well.
December 9, 2023
I am a fan of boy george he is a talented singer and love his sass and bluntness. However this book.. the amount of spelling and grammar errors not good.. where was the proof reader?! I felt like i needed to know more... it felt bit messy ? :(
But still think he is cool !
But still think he is cool !
November 27, 2024
Having read ‘Take It Like A Man’ when it was released I wondered if would enjoy this as much, of course I did
You have to give it to BG, he spends the intro telling us how he has changed and how he meditates and does not wish this to be a book gossiping and slating folk….
And then spends the next 250 plus pages doing so, from Marilyn to Jon Moss, the infamous Philip Sallon, Madonna, Adele, Janet Jackson and anyone else you can think of but then does say how he loves them all now, even those that wronged him
Its delicious as it comes of course, impossible not to read and grin and take you back to your own 80’s and remember the impact this man had on teens of that era, and ‘yoof’ today think they invented edgy 😏
Loved the chapters on ‘I’m a celeb get me etc’ even though didn’t watch the show and loved his caustic honesty and bravery in talking about his battle with drugs and his time in prison, also being sued by Jon Moss, still his sweetheart I think even after everything
So many tidbits, tales and anecdote’s you could write a book after reading it
He finishes the book sounding content, happy and yet as contradictory in some things as we all are
If you like it you will love it if you don’t I doubt you will be reading it
(Was good to see the co writer mentioned in the book and in the acknowledgments and actually have his own too)
You have to give it to BG, he spends the intro telling us how he has changed and how he meditates and does not wish this to be a book gossiping and slating folk….
And then spends the next 250 plus pages doing so, from Marilyn to Jon Moss, the infamous Philip Sallon, Madonna, Adele, Janet Jackson and anyone else you can think of but then does say how he loves them all now, even those that wronged him
Its delicious as it comes of course, impossible not to read and grin and take you back to your own 80’s and remember the impact this man had on teens of that era, and ‘yoof’ today think they invented edgy 😏
Loved the chapters on ‘I’m a celeb get me etc’ even though didn’t watch the show and loved his caustic honesty and bravery in talking about his battle with drugs and his time in prison, also being sued by Jon Moss, still his sweetheart I think even after everything
So many tidbits, tales and anecdote’s you could write a book after reading it
He finishes the book sounding content, happy and yet as contradictory in some things as we all are
If you like it you will love it if you don’t I doubt you will be reading it
(Was good to see the co writer mentioned in the book and in the acknowledgments and actually have his own too)
March 21, 2024
George O’Dowd, you are one sassy, unlikeable, fascinating, bitchy, hilarious, loveable, spiritual soul who caught my attention on Top of the Pops when I was around eight years old.
I couldn’t believe my eyes because… there he was. A man. Dressed like a girl. With a full face of makeup. And ribbons in his hair, on the telly…
From that day forward I was mesmerised by Boy George. Cue me saving up all my pocket money doing the washing and wiping up, for Culture Club on cassette, Culture Club in magazines, Culture Club posters. Badges! Hundreds of badges. It was delightfully good fun.
My obsession didn’t last too long, as I got sidetracked by heavy metal (as you do!) but my pre-teen years were predominantly spent braiding my hair with bits and pieces from mums sewing box and attaching badges with slightly ‘offensive’ slogans onto everything, until dad put a stop to it… I wonder why…
I enjoyed Karma, George’s latest autobiography (I believe he’s written two others prior) and although the book itself was a bit chaotic in terms of timelines and George’s thought processes, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
It was an eye-opening, celeb-name-dropping, brutally honest account of everything Boy George and everything George O’Dowd.
‘Boy George is a creation, five parts hat, twenty parts outfit, and thirty five percent make up’.
See, even his quotes are completely bonkers! And that’s why I’ll always have a soft spot for the man from the Church of the Poison Mind.
I couldn’t believe my eyes because… there he was. A man. Dressed like a girl. With a full face of makeup. And ribbons in his hair, on the telly…
From that day forward I was mesmerised by Boy George. Cue me saving up all my pocket money doing the washing and wiping up, for Culture Club on cassette, Culture Club in magazines, Culture Club posters. Badges! Hundreds of badges. It was delightfully good fun.
My obsession didn’t last too long, as I got sidetracked by heavy metal (as you do!) but my pre-teen years were predominantly spent braiding my hair with bits and pieces from mums sewing box and attaching badges with slightly ‘offensive’ slogans onto everything, until dad put a stop to it… I wonder why…
I enjoyed Karma, George’s latest autobiography (I believe he’s written two others prior) and although the book itself was a bit chaotic in terms of timelines and George’s thought processes, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
It was an eye-opening, celeb-name-dropping, brutally honest account of everything Boy George and everything George O’Dowd.
‘Boy George is a creation, five parts hat, twenty parts outfit, and thirty five percent make up’.
See, even his quotes are completely bonkers! And that’s why I’ll always have a soft spot for the man from the Church of the Poison Mind.
October 19, 2024
I think it would have been better if it had been narrated by someone else. His pace was very quick and made it sound like he was just rambling off on tangents as opposed to following a written narrative. I’m guessing that’s how it was written, but a slower speaking pace could have made it seem more intentional.
I don’t know much about Boy George, other than he sang a couple of my favorite songs growing up, and I always thought he looked awesome. Some of his opinions/comments in this book kind of made me wish I hadn’t listened to it. I’m starting to feel like the phrase “never meet your heroes” should be amended to include “don’t read about them, either,” because you learn things that, yes, make them human, but also kind of disappoint. At least, that’s been my experience.
Can I still enjoy his music? Absolutely. I was rocking out to one of CC’s albums when I needed a break from the book, and really enjoyed the unreleased songs that were included in the audiobook. Would I want to sit down and chat with him, if given a chance? Probably… if only to ask “WTF?” in regard to some of those opinions and comments. Will I read/listen to another of his books/bios? Probably not. I’d rather keep what remains of the illusion and let him stay “secretly” human.
I don’t know much about Boy George, other than he sang a couple of my favorite songs growing up, and I always thought he looked awesome. Some of his opinions/comments in this book kind of made me wish I hadn’t listened to it. I’m starting to feel like the phrase “never meet your heroes” should be amended to include “don’t read about them, either,” because you learn things that, yes, make them human, but also kind of disappoint. At least, that’s been my experience.
Can I still enjoy his music? Absolutely. I was rocking out to one of CC’s albums when I needed a break from the book, and really enjoyed the unreleased songs that were included in the audiobook. Would I want to sit down and chat with him, if given a chance? Probably… if only to ask “WTF?” in regard to some of those opinions and comments. Will I read/listen to another of his books/bios? Probably not. I’d rather keep what remains of the illusion and let him stay “secretly” human.
January 25, 2024
I'm conflicted. On one hand, this isn't very good. Here's the thing, it's written in a way where it's assumed the reader is already familiar with Boy George's life and already knows who the people are that he talks about. I resorted to Google in some instances. On the other hand? There are parts of this book that are really great. The chapter where he talks about his mother's death stands out. Also, while I picked this up for the camp and bitchiness - it is George's disarming self-awareness that makes portions of this book actually work. This is a guy I would want to have a conversation with. Unfortunately those moments of self-awareness are overshadowed by the the rest of the book being muddled and messy.
January 28, 2024
Title and Author: Karma: My Autobiography by Boy George
Overall Grade: A-
Narration: A-
Depth and Topics covered: A
Writing: A-
Best Aspect: He is very real and not shy about saying anything
Worst Aspect: If you are a fan (there is new music on the audio) or if you really love biographies.
Overall Grade: A-
Narration: A-
Depth and Topics covered: A
Writing: A-
Best Aspect: He is very real and not shy about saying anything
Worst Aspect: If you are a fan (there is new music on the audio) or if you really love biographies.
January 11, 2024
I love when celebrities narrate their own memoirs! I’m a big fan of Boy George and Culture Club - I love how creative Boy George is aside from being super talented.
Told in his own words, his memoir is a look back at his life from his early days of coming out to his Irish Catholic family, to the punk rock days of The Culture Club, celebrities he met and worked with in the 90s to finally coming to terms with who he is today (and it involves some meditation practices). He has lived a fascinating life for sure, but the way this book was written made it a little difficult for me to get into. It’s basically a stream of consciousness, meandering monologue. It definitely makes it more personal, and works for the audiobook, but I’m not sure I would have been able to get into this if I wasn’t listening to him narrate his own story. I still enjoyed this candid look at his life though, told with his cheeky sense of humor and wit.
Thank you to Netgalley, Blink Publishing and Boy George for the ALC! “Karma” is out now. This review will be shared to my instagram blog shortly :)
Told in his own words, his memoir is a look back at his life from his early days of coming out to his Irish Catholic family, to the punk rock days of The Culture Club, celebrities he met and worked with in the 90s to finally coming to terms with who he is today (and it involves some meditation practices). He has lived a fascinating life for sure, but the way this book was written made it a little difficult for me to get into. It’s basically a stream of consciousness, meandering monologue. It definitely makes it more personal, and works for the audiobook, but I’m not sure I would have been able to get into this if I wasn’t listening to him narrate his own story. I still enjoyed this candid look at his life though, told with his cheeky sense of humor and wit.
Thank you to Netgalley, Blink Publishing and Boy George for the ALC! “Karma” is out now. This review will be shared to my instagram blog shortly :)
October 14, 2024
I lisened to the audiobook of Karma: My Autobiography, which is narrated by Boy George . We knew each other slightly back in the Billys/Blitz days and so I always enjoy his reminiscences, especially when they are about this era.
This is a fun listen, not least because George repeatedly makes himself laugh by some of what he has written. It's a little repetitive and incoherent but, as I love his forthright and outrageous personality and his sense of humour, I was happy to just go with it. We are exactly the same age and have many of the same cultural touchstones which makes it even more engrossing.
It turns out the last 20 years or so have been fairly eventful and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the highs and lows of this period, not least his fallings out with Philip Sallon, Marilyn, and Jon Moss. He now seems to be in a very good place and good luck to him. Hopefully we'll have another autobiography (which would be his fourth) in 10 years time.
4/5
This is a fun listen, not least because George repeatedly makes himself laugh by some of what he has written. It's a little repetitive and incoherent but, as I love his forthright and outrageous personality and his sense of humour, I was happy to just go with it. We are exactly the same age and have many of the same cultural touchstones which makes it even more engrossing.
It turns out the last 20 years or so have been fairly eventful and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the highs and lows of this period, not least his fallings out with Philip Sallon, Marilyn, and Jon Moss. He now seems to be in a very good place and good luck to him. Hopefully we'll have another autobiography (which would be his fourth) in 10 years time.
4/5
January 11, 2024
4.5⭐️ Being of a certain age, I can clearly remember seeing Culture Club on Top of the Pops, and my nan’s reaction to Boy George! I really enjoyed this one, which I listened to as well, read by George himself. There was so much I didn’t know, and it truly was warts and all. I loved his relationship with his mum and how his spiritual side is at the forefront of his life now 😊
January 9, 2024
Boy George is an interesting person! Listening to this audiobook felt like having a long gossip session with a friend, especially when he finds an amusing moment and chuckles. I found his stories to be fascinating but a little difficult to follow because it was more steam of consciousness rather than a set timeline. There’s a lot of funny asides made that had me laughing out loud and even more name dropping. The songs added in here and there, original compositions, were fun and broke up the stories nicely. This was an honest and fun glimpse into his life and exploits.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #Dreamscape_Media for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #Dreamscape_Media for an honest review.
November 24, 2023
Not the entertaining read I’d expected. The bitching about certain people gets too repetitive…who cares? It meanders around back and forth…repeats several things several times, he contradicts himself a lot…it was just ok. I expected it to be a lot more interesting and witty.
February 21, 2025
*** 1/2
My favorite parts of this was Boy George having a laugh as he narrated this, that and his dislike of Musk, how topical.
My favorite parts of this was Boy George having a laugh as he narrated this, that and his dislike of Musk, how topical.
December 10, 2024
Wow, a real in depth and in your face memoir. Definitely not shy and only straightforward on his past. The book was jam packed with endless memories and at times I had trouble keeping track of places and people. Endless talk but I grew up in the 80's and loved reading about the band and song origins.
April 5, 2025
This is a very interesting autobiography written and narrated by the one-and-only Boy George. I wouldn’t describe myself as a Boy George fan, though I do like his Culture Club songs. But I love his image. I admire all sorts of people who are unafraid to wear the clothes and styles that speak to themselves – and don’t care what anyone else thinks. People who can turn themselves into a living breathing artwork. I love to be able to do that myself – but really I have absolutely no sense of style. Boy George is beautiful, and always looks amazing – though, as he says in this book – hates to be seen without his makeup and a hat.
Over the years he has calmed down a lot. He has weaned himself off drugs, practices meditation instead. Though he still throws the occasional hissy fit, they seem more planned these days, and under control.
I was particularly interested in his time in the jungle, as I watched all of his series of ‘I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here’ (given up on this since Nigel Farage was on) – great to get some ‘back stage’ info.
There are a lot of apologies in this book, for previous bad behaviour. An a few chuckles as he recalls things that went pear-shaped, and others that were just really funny. This is a mature Boy George, who has grown up into some one you’d really like to meet, invite home for a meal or such like. A lovely, stable human being – not just a talented pop star.
The audio book contains a couple of his new (2023) songs, which remind me that I need to look into what he has produced over the last decade.
Recommended to not only Boy George fans
Over the years he has calmed down a lot. He has weaned himself off drugs, practices meditation instead. Though he still throws the occasional hissy fit, they seem more planned these days, and under control.
I was particularly interested in his time in the jungle, as I watched all of his series of ‘I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here’ (given up on this since Nigel Farage was on) – great to get some ‘back stage’ info.
There are a lot of apologies in this book, for previous bad behaviour. An a few chuckles as he recalls things that went pear-shaped, and others that were just really funny. This is a mature Boy George, who has grown up into some one you’d really like to meet, invite home for a meal or such like. A lovely, stable human being – not just a talented pop star.
The audio book contains a couple of his new (2023) songs, which remind me that I need to look into what he has produced over the last decade.
Recommended to not only Boy George fans
November 24, 2023
I have been a fan of Boy George and Culture Club since the 80's. I have seen them in concert a few times and have always been fascinated with George, his looks, his style and his persona. This book was everything I thought it would be and more. I'm just so glad he overcame his earlier years antics and was able to write about all. I also had the thrill of meeting him in 2017 and he was all I thought he'd be and more. Love the Bowie, Joni Mitchell, Rod Stewart and PK mentions as they are some of my Favs also. Hoping to catch him in a performance of Moulin Rouge on Broadway in 2024.
January 3, 2024
I don't know a great deal about Boy George, but based off his persona I felt he would have an interesting life, and I was really excited to read this.
Coming away from it, I don't feel like I actually know any more about him. It was 300+ pages of self-righteous bragging, name dropping, and bitching (whilst simultaneously saying he doesn't hate anyone).
There was no organisation to the writing and the stories jumped around far too much. There were grammar and spelling mistakes throughout, and everything just felt messy. One line ("every guitar thwack is just the cousin of another guitar thwack") was repeated three times within the same chapter, too. How did the ghost writer, editors, and publishers not catch any of this?
Its definitely not something I'd pick up and read again, and I wouldn't recommend it. Very disappointing.
Coming away from it, I don't feel like I actually know any more about him. It was 300+ pages of self-righteous bragging, name dropping, and bitching (whilst simultaneously saying he doesn't hate anyone).
There was no organisation to the writing and the stories jumped around far too much. There were grammar and spelling mistakes throughout, and everything just felt messy. One line ("every guitar thwack is just the cousin of another guitar thwack") was repeated three times within the same chapter, too. How did the ghost writer, editors, and publishers not catch any of this?
Its definitely not something I'd pick up and read again, and I wouldn't recommend it. Very disappointing.
January 12, 2024
Oh my goodness but this was a fun listen! I can't imagine it would be anywhere near as fun to read - listening felt like having a dishy cocktail filled brunch or happy hour with the cool but dangerous friend who you didn't really want to be like but couldn't help but be fascinated by...
It's very stream of consciousness and random and it feels more like anecdotal memoir than autobiography. But he's so clearly captivated by the sound of his own voice and his own life experiences, that the way he presents and tells them is utterly engaging. I love the way he cracks himself up and spontaneously laughs or bursts into a bit of snark at random moments. I also really enjoyed the included songs, it further enhanced the feeling of hanging out with a friend for a boozy, gossipy afternoon!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
It's very stream of consciousness and random and it feels more like anecdotal memoir than autobiography. But he's so clearly captivated by the sound of his own voice and his own life experiences, that the way he presents and tells them is utterly engaging. I love the way he cracks himself up and spontaneously laughs or bursts into a bit of snark at random moments. I also really enjoyed the included songs, it further enhanced the feeling of hanging out with a friend for a boozy, gossipy afternoon!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
November 24, 2023
An interesting read
May 20, 2024
Yet another memoir by the irrepressible Boy George. I’ve read the other two but still thought he had more to say, so dug into this one. I actually listened to it, narrated by Boy George and found it hugely entertaining.
It’s more of the same; funny anecdotes, memories of important past events - and non stop bitchiness. all interspersed with George’s humour and refreshing candour.
I love the man. I’ll be happy to read another autobiography by him by 2030 🙌
It’s more of the same; funny anecdotes, memories of important past events - and non stop bitchiness. all interspersed with George’s humour and refreshing candour.
I love the man. I’ll be happy to read another autobiography by him by 2030 🙌
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