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Other Side Of The Pain
Mother of famed 80’s musical recording group “DeBarge” shares the untold story of fame, tragedy and perseverance.
130 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 4, 2014
16 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 19, 2022
Mixed feelings
While I very much sympathize with Etterlene as a victim of a long, brutal marriage, I wanted to see that she at least acknowledged that the extreme violent upbringing of the children at the hands of their demonic father directly resulted in the substance abuse issues and promiscuous behavior in the majority of the DeBarge children instead of making Berry Gordy the villain. All of them were extremely broken by the time they even left for record deals. The seed was planted at home. In other memoirs written about Mama D by the children, they don’t trust their mother because she was weak when they needed her to protect them the most from their father. This book shows her grandiose vision of herself in their eyes. Whatever allows you to get by and sleep at night, Etterlene.
While I very much sympathize with Etterlene as a victim of a long, brutal marriage, I wanted to see that she at least acknowledged that the extreme violent upbringing of the children at the hands of their demonic father directly resulted in the substance abuse issues and promiscuous behavior in the majority of the DeBarge children instead of making Berry Gordy the villain. All of them were extremely broken by the time they even left for record deals. The seed was planted at home. In other memoirs written about Mama D by the children, they don’t trust their mother because she was weak when they needed her to protect them the most from their father. This book shows her grandiose vision of herself in their eyes. Whatever allows you to get by and sleep at night, Etterlene.
June 19, 2015
I wanted to like this book but I can't say that I do. A memoir for me is supposed to be about your life. This book is more like biographical accounts of her famous children. That's pretty much all that it is. She touché on the rumors of Janet and James' children, Bobby's HIV diagnosis and same sex relationships, El's drug addiction, Chico's prison stint, Bunny's cancer. I learned pretty much nothing about her except that she dated and married the wrong guy, literally and figuratively. The religious scripture quotes come across as insincere. Just my perception. There's also quite a bit of self aggrandizement. It was ok but I'd rather read the autobiographies of her children if possible rather than getting second hand info from mom.
February 13, 2020
Thought provoking
Thoughtful and powerful very provoking into the completion of one's own self identity.Well put from a very religious woman who was blessed to have an abundance of Talented children.
Thoughtful and powerful very provoking into the completion of one's own self identity.Well put from a very religious woman who was blessed to have an abundance of Talented children.
April 4, 2018
Compelling compassion
Written from a mother's heart that tells her story with truth and protects her babies in pain, strength and love.
Written from a mother's heart that tells her story with truth and protects her babies in pain, strength and love.
September 20, 2024
some errors
Inspirational but could have used better editing. Overall a mother’s tale of trying times with her famous kids. God bless the Debarge family.
Inspirational but could have used better editing. Overall a mother’s tale of trying times with her famous kids. God bless the Debarge family.
July 18, 2015
Great book
It was short yet informative at the same time. You get a behind the scenes look at Debarge the group.
It was short yet informative at the same time. You get a behind the scenes look at Debarge the group.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews