Alan Osmond One Way Ticket

by Alan Osmond, Debbie Ihler Rasmussen

At the tender age of eight-years-old, Alan Osmond was assigned by his father to lead his (then) three siblings in a family band–a journey that carried the boys from a humble Utah farm to international fame and stardom. Alan led their family group for six decades, guiding them through the worldwide phenomenon of OSMONDMANIA, resulting in sales of more than one hundred million records. In addition, Alan was the executive producer of the hit Donny & Marie TV series. In his late thirties, Alan was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) a diagnosis which eventually ended his performing career. Alan’s life story is movie worthy–tackling a brutal and competitive entertainment world, six years in the military, Multiple Sclerosis, and fathering eight sons who also launched a successful entertainment career. His love of God, family and country dictated every choice he made and helped the family navigate and survive the sirens of fame and fortune. Contains more than 100 photos. Also contains free music downloads.

Genres: Biography, Autobiography

471 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 28, 2024

Reviews

[Judith And · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I have been an Osmond fan for over fifty years and did enjoy reading about all of Alan Osmond's accomplishments, I did not like the format of this book. I did not need to get hit over the head several times with the same information. The author would state it. Then, you would read Alan's version of the same information. I didn't see the need for this; Alan's version would be good enough. However, I enjoyed Alan's perspective and then his wife's or family's perspective on the same situation. I also noticed some type-o's in the book. The updates from his sons were very moving and written from the heart.

Alan Osmond has led a good and interesting life, I think this book could have presented it better.

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 4 out of 5]

First let me preface this review by stating that I have been a fan of the Osmonds for over 60 years so I was looking forward to reading this book by Alan Osmond. I have read the other books by brothers Jay and Donny and sister Marie Osmond. I rated this book 4 stars but only due to the end of the book whereas Alan's sons did some writing and I enjoyed the somewhat detailed explanation behind the songs on their album The Plan.

However, without that I would only rate it about 3-3.5 stars. To me, if you are going to write a story of your life - then write it. Open up and dig deep or don't. The majority of the history of the Osmonds is well known to anyone who knows anything about the Osmonds - there was nothing new there. It seemed to me to be more of just surface scratching. Perhaps that was intentional. There were some nice segments especially those pertaining to his and his wife's relationship. His experience dealing with MS certainly is an inspiration to everyone no doubt.

Finally, the book does need a better edit - grammar corrections required, words missing and there is repetitiveness in stories. I purchased the Kindle version so maybe it is just with that but still should be corrected.

The book has wonderful pictures, some nice links to music and videos which is a bonus. My review is certainly not going to stop any Osmond fan from reading this - nor should it, however, if you are looking for any new information on the Osmonds of our era (the 70's) you won't find it here.

[Victoria Sigsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm pleased to see this already listed on Goodreads. Some books I have read have not always been on here. So far, there are not many reviews of this book and I don't think everyone who reads it will review it.
I have to give this book 5 stars because when I looked at the way it was laid out and the presentation, I wasn't convinced it was going to be good but I was surprised. There were lots of stories I hadn't heard, despite other people who read it saying otherwise so that was a bonus. I also found it very easy to read and could hear the voice of Alan coming through in it. There were a few things that I now have sorted in to the right order in my head . There are also lots of never seen before photographs.
I have to agree with other reviewers though that the editing needs sorting out. It also gives the impression it has been slightly rushed to meet a deadline. There are also spelling mistakes that should have been picked up on and words missing out of sentences. The repeated misspelling of Led Zeppelin was annoying.
However, as I said, this book still gets 5 stars because it is so readable. The only thing that would have made it even better would have been to include Alan's thoughts about the 50th anniversary tour of the UK. For some reason this was overlooked. I still recommend. An easy very interesting read.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading about Alan's illustrious life in the spotlight! He has always tried his best to put the correct foot forward and do right in the eyes of his parents and God. The Osmonds are a marvel, and a true anomaly in the music industry. We are so blessed to have their songs and great talents immortalized in recordings and film. Even though I have studied Osmond history extensively, there were some things I did not know, and spots where Alan's insight cleared my confusion. This book has been long awaited, since we have the binded thoughts of the majority of his siblings already.

It would be a great discredit to my character, though, if I did not point out that unfortunately there are a few grammar mistakes in the text. I hear this is getting resolved, though, which I am very happy about. Alan's good name should not be sullied by bad editing. *hint, hint Certain people involved in this book should be absolutely ashamed of themselves. What a terrible dishonor to Alan*

I wish a better editor had gotten their hands on this work, but I am grateful we have it all the same. I'm so sorry, Alan!

[disneypal · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lifelong Osmond fan, I think I was looking forward to Alan's autobiography more than any of the other Osmond family members. That is probably because I already knew so much about Donny and Marie's life but I really didn't know a lot about life and performance from Alan's point of view. From age 8, Alan was designated as the leader of the band and his 6 younger siblings always looked to him for direction. He was not only a professional example, but an amazing spiritual example to them. Alan's love for the Lord shines in everything he does and did throughout his life, including leading the musical group, serving in the military, meeting and loving his wife & raising his 8 boys. Despite being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, while only in his 30s, it didn't slow him down or discourage him from living a full and rewarding life. He's a shining example of how one can be famous but not let fame interfere with his love and devotion to his family and the Lord. Such a great read!!

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Alan's story about growing up Osmond. You could feel the love his has for his family between the words. I have heard some of it before, but it was really fun reading Alan (and Suzanne's) version of events.

That said, I really feel the publisher let Alan Osmond down. Which makes me really sad. The editing needs work. I'm not talking about the the occasional typo one can expect, and of which I don't mind, but there were multiple times when passages/paragraphs were repeated within a chapter. The Osmonds were and are know for their hard work and professionalism. I don't think it's asking too much of the publisher (Richard Paul Evans) and the co-author (Debbie Ihler Rasmussen) and the rest of the editing team to do better.

[Kerstin Kohlhepp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book

I love, love, LOVED this book! I loved learning more about the Osmonds. I have been a fan since I was little when my mom showed me the records she had. Then I discovered Osmond Second Generation and became a fan of theirs. Alan has dealt with many things and I love that he still continues in even With his MS. Same with David. I love both said they have MS but MS doesn't have them. True warriors. I love what all Alan has done throughout his life and always kept God and his faith in the front. I truly admire that with the Osmond family. I HIGHLY recommend this book.

[Patti · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this out of curiosity because my friend liked it. It was an enjoyable read. So much to admire about this incredibly talented family! I learned much about what's behind the scenes of making this family successful.

I found the extra fan notes boring after the first few so I skipped those. But the photos included were really fun to see! Kudos for including those!

Alan Osmond and his son are facing their MS challenges with determination, courage, and faith.
I understand that and wish them both well. How wonderful to have a dedicated close family and eternal companions side by side to help get through this time on earth.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many of the stories in this book are familiar and some are brand new. Alan's personal struggles with MS and his positive attitude as he, and his son, David, deal with the pain and disabilities caused by this disease are inspirational. Reading the words of his wife and his sons in the book is a wonderful touch to this biography.
As others have said, the editing in this book does get in the way of the story told. Many things are repeated and there are some spelling and grammar errors that stare back from the page. Sometimes the repeated items mess up the chronology.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Being a life long fan of the Osmond's it was amazing to read about their lives and specifically Alan's. They are inspirational to me. At times I felt the book repeated itself but it was still an enjoyable read. At the end a few of their sayings I hope to use in my own life.
Pain is inevitable, I suppose. But suffering is optional.
I choose not to be bitter, but to be better.
I may have (fill in the blank) but it doesn't have me.

[Gwen Ruebush · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up because it was in the new book section of my library. I thought I would skim through it a bit. It was more interesting than I thought, so I read more than half. It was easy to read and cool to learn how the Osmonds began. There were several times that something is mentioned like you would already know about it in one chapter and then they tell you about it in the next chapter. I wonder if the chapters were rearranged?

[Chris Wittkopp · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are an Osmond fan you will like this book. I feel the editor did not do a great job as a lot of stories were repeated once in a journal entry or letter, then again in the story. This happened several times. My favorite was the stories at the end told by each of Alan’s 8 sons. I also didn’t know about Alan’s time in the service. That was interesting. There were other surprises as well.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiration to All

Thank you Alan for sharing your life with me. I am going through some health struggles right now. You are my inspiration to pull up my big girl panties and not let it defeat me. You are an inspiration to all who would care to listen.

[Karen Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book

I have enjoyed reading every page of this book. Lots of lovely photos and an in-depth look into the amazing life of Alan Osmond and his family. A must read for every Osmond fan.

[Jennifer Hesterhagen]

As all my friends know- I love the Osmonds- so alot of this I knew but I did learn alot from Alan. Very good book. My mom is actually listening to it on audio. If you are a fan- its a great read. Even if not a fan but want to know how it all started - good book.

[TERRI ANDERSON · Rating 5 out of 5]

love

This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. I have been a very, very long time fan of the Oscars of the Oscars especially Alan, but this book fabulous

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story of a wonderful family. The editing wasn't great. Too many repeats of almost the same sentences.

[Susie Hodson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was too much of a book for those who are LDS or are looking to become LDS.

[Carmel · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an Osmond fan for 57 years I'm probably biased but I loved this book... couldn't put it down... so many memories.