Coming Home to Myself: A Memoir

by Wynonna Judd

From the heart of one of the most beloved performers in music comes a candid memoir of professional triumph, private heartbreak, and personal victory, a coming-of-age account of a very private search for harmony and a very public rise to fame. Coming Home to Myself is the result of that emotional journey, a song of personal discovery that taught Wynonna Judd to love not just what she does, but who she is. From a truly exceptional woman comes an unexpected memoir of survival, strength, hope, and forgiveness, filled with an exultant and empowering message certain to resonate with those who have dreamed of finding themselves, and who only needed the courage and inspiration to begin their own journey.

Genres: Biography, Memoir, Nonfiction, Music, Audiobook, Biography Memoir, Celebrity

Audible Audio

First published September 27, 2005

About the author

Wynonna Ellen Judd (born Christina Claire Ciminella) is an American country music singer. Her solo albums and singles are all credited to the singular name Wynonna. Wynonna first rose to fame in the 1980s alongside her mother, Naomi, in the country music duo The Judds. The duo released seven albums on Curb Records, in addition to charting twenty-six singles, of which fourteen were Number One hits.

After The Judds disbanded in 1991, Wynonna began a solo career, also on Curb. In her solo career, she has released eight studio albums, a live album and a compilation album, in addition to charting more than twenty singles of her own. Her first three singles — "She Is His Only Need", "I Saw the Light" and "No One Else on Earth" — all reached Number One on the U.S. country singles charts, as did 1996's "To Be Loved by You". Three of her albums are certified platinum or higher by the RIAA.

Wynonna is most recognized for her musical work, although starting in the 2000s, has also pursued other interests, including acting and philanthropy.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Normally when I read a celebrity memoir I dont particularly care about the behind the scenes/ making of albums/movies/tv shows. I tend to skim those parts because I find it boring. But with Coming Home To Myself by Wynonna Judd I actually wanted to know more about her career.

Wynonna Judd is a legendary Country singer she along with her mother Naomi were known as The Judds. Wynonna's sister Ashley Judd is actress and humanitarian. I knew a little bit about Wynonna because she was on Oprah but I'm not a fan her music so she was never someone who I thought alot whole about.

It's a good thing that Wynonna is a Country singer because she's led the kind of life that Country songs are written about.

-Dark family secrets
- A troubled relationship with her mother
- Divorce
- Money troubles
- Health issues

Wynonna has been through it all. And the worse thing she had to deal with happened after this book was written.

Wynonna's now ex husband Roach was charged with sexually assaulting a child. Knowing this information made it hard to read about how great a guy he is. Wynonna paints Roach as being her Knight in Shining Armor...But knowing what we know now it's quite uncomfortable to read.

I like Wynonna as a person and I feel bad for her. This woman cant seem to catch a break. Even when things seem to be going her way, a darkness is hovering over her.

Recommended to Country music lovers and people who like to read about complicated women.

[Kellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seems a coincidence I read this book within a week of Wynonna filing for divorce from her husband, Roach. This was a pretty good book. To be honest, I am not a big “Judd” fan. However, I have always been intrigued with the Mother and Daughter duet. I always wondered what kind of relationship they really had. I am not surprised of how tumultuous it was. I feel for Wynonna. I think her mother was not very supportive while Wynonna was growing up. Especially since she never revealed who her real father was. Wynonna didn’t find out until well into adulthood. To me, Wynonna is a beautiful and talented woman. She is definitely way too hard on herself. I think she tries too hard to be perfect and she is continually battling demons, one being her mother. She has a weight problem because food, she thought, was her only friend. Wynonna has a lot of great advice on parenting, self improvement and dealing with addiction and self loathing. I have a real hard time understanding how such a beautiful, talented woman can feel so alone and unsure of herself. After reading this book I think she is on the right track in resolving all of her issues. Hopefully, she won’t regress after the latest publicity regarding her husband….

[Marca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this autobiography. Behind Wynonna’s strong exterior is a human rife with insecurities. Sometimes we think celebrities have it all, not always realizing that they have many of the same problems we do. As a “weight-challenged” person myself, I empathized with Wynonna’s struggles with her weight. When she discussed how her family had to cut back spending because her finances tanked, I felt I was listening to a neighbor or co-worker talking about how they survived a lay-off. She and her family cut back on many of the same things we do such as home movies instead of going to movies, coach instead of first class airfare, home cooking instead of eating out, etc. I’ve never met Wynonna and probably never will, but I have a feeling I would like her.

[Tanya T]

I love Wynonna, she's a strong woman but not afraid to show her vulnerable side. I feel for her in her struggles with her weight, issues with her mother, the hurt of a failed marriage. Her regrets and feelings about not meeting her birth father before his death are heartwrenching!
Of course after reading this book, she is now divorced from the man whom she thought was her soulmate, i wish her best and hope she moves on to find her true love.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

While she’s pretty open about personal struggles and I admire the work she’s put into overcoming those and creating healthier relationships with friends and family, the last third reads like an advertisement for this one specific branded therapy. It was pretty odd, but not bad, overall.

[Toni Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wynonna and I held hands as I thanked her for writing this book. Her response: "We all have a story to tell...."

[Linda Batey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding, insightful, brutally honest. I was a Wy fan before, now she's my (s)hero! Any woman, looking for self, will find this a great book.

[Pia · Rating 1 out of 5]

There are some books that I am slightly embarrassed to admit I have read, and this was one of them. The story of Wynonna's meteoric rise to fame is interesting, but Wynonna relies heavily on 12-step jargon and platitudes to explain the complexities of her life. For example, when she nearly goes bankrupt, she traces the roots of her near financial implosion to her difficult childhood. There certainly may be some truth in her analysis. However, an equally compelling explanation might be that, as she admits, she went through an extended period of not looking at her financial statements or tracking her expenditures.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting in the beginning of her rise to fame. The second half of the book, I felt it was more of a therapy session.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I probably purchased this autobiography the year it was released. It's been in my "box" library, waiting for a time I wanted something different to read. I had no idea when I checked the copyright date that it would be 12 years and 3 moves before I would get to it. I've always been a Judd's fan and knew there was a lot of turmoil in the relationship between Wy and Naomi but I had no idea! So 12 years after the release of this book a lot has changed for Wy and I kept thinking while reading her book that I would love to read a second memoir to catch us up to present day. Further, when I started reading the book I thought I'd read a couple of chapters and if it was boring I'd skim through the rest. I must say, I could barely put it down. It does skip around some but for the most part is very well written and just makes you want to give this girl a hug! I remember Wy saying in interviews, "if it's not one thing it's your mother!" I get it now! I am happy to see she looks like today she is not only surviving she's thriving and back on tour. I'd love to see her in concert. What a talent!

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 Stars for Wy! The story of The Judds is an incredibly compelling story that truly captures the idea of “rags to riches”. The dynamics between Wynonna’s freespirited creativity, and her momma, Naomi’s determination and drive is an inspiration to moms and daughters who think they have nothing in common. As the mom of three adult daughters, (and also a fellow Appalachian), that aspect of their journey really resonated with me. It may seem we’re completely opposite, but underneath those differences in personalities and perspectives, we’re all more alike than we realize. We’re all women. We all want to be free to express ourselves, and to be loved exactly as we are.



Spoiler to later after this book was written:

When Naomi lost her battle with depression (post this book’s publication), I was devastated. I felt her pain so deeply even though I had never been any closer than an audience seat from her. I felt as if I knew her, and that was her gift, and in many ways I did.

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. Since it is a memoir, it's not the greatest writing in the world. It's basically the story of her life. Since I've always loved her voice, it was fun to read about her. She went through a lot of tough things, and in the end of the book tells how she had to figure everything out. A good real life story.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It would ALSO be a shame if Wynonna and I do not become friends someday. :):) I love and admire her humility, her humor, her love for her family and her animals and her heritage and her home. Her passion for her talent, her acceptance of the discoveries about her past, her generosity, her willingness to forgive herself. Her intelligence,...How about her voice? I could go on.

[Diane Dunham · Rating 5 out of 5]

by reading this book you can find out how down to earth Wynonna really is. Some people put celebrities on a high pedestal to the point where they almost seem unreal. You will laugh, cry, and find out how much you and Wynonna have in common. I really laughed when I find out she does some of the same things I do.

[Jodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when it first came out years ago. I loved it then and I love it now. Wynonna is so relatable. I feel bad for all she’s had to deal with during her lifetime so far. Sometimes life isn’t fair.
I hope she writes another book about more of her life in the future. She’s so talented and I feel like I am listening to a friend.

[Maria Luttrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciated Wynonna's honest account of her life and the struggles she endured as she searched deep inside herself to give herself the happiness she deserved; the gift of happiness that only deep introspection will provide.

[Kris Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've always been a fan of The Judds -- especially Wynonna -- and I really enjoyed hearing her life story in her own words. She is a fighter and is still working on getting to where she needs to be and I truly admire that about her.

[Kristin Dell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am not even a country music fan,but after reading this, I loved Wynonna as the down to earth, flawed and wonderful individual she seems to be. Enjoy!!

[Brooke (i blog 4 books)]

After listening to 20% of this book, I gave up. Wynonna comes off as pretty whiny in this book, and I just wasn't interested in listening to more. :(

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Wynona.

[Heather Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have always liked Wynonna. However although the first few chapters were interesting the more I read the less interested I was.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this Bib because it truly gives the reader a glance into her life.

[Forellen Bonham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe this was a very good memoir that made my respect for Wynonna grow substantially. The stories she told were intense and so relatable. Too many people, famous people such as music artists have nothing but a life of glory and riches. But I believe this memoir tells a different story. It shows how every person has their own story and how even once they are famous and living the 'wonderful life' they still have their struggles.

While I believe this memoir to be very good, the writing components were where it lacked. Because Wynonna is a singer/songwriter her ability to write a novel was not as impressive as some of the famous authors. She still told the stories and made the read enjoyable but the memoir just didn't quite have the components I would have liked. The lack of these components made the read harder, but the stories were still very good and captivating.

My favorite quote from this memoir is found on page 15, "... I developed my ability to use a sense of humor and personality to cover up feelings of insecurity." I loved this quote because it was early on in Wynonna's life and I think this way of viewing insecurities stayed with Wynonna. I also believe many young girls hide their insecurities in many different ways, I myself have done this. So I feel this quote is so relatable for my girls and boys, including myself, why I choose it as my favorite.

This memoir occurs during a plane ride Wynonna took to get some help from a friend. It's almost like she was recalling her past throughout the flight. She gives massive background on my parents and young childhood. Explaining how her young life was filled with hardship and loneliness. She tells about her parent's separation, and how her family moved from house to house. The stories of her school years and the start of her music career. It goes into great detail about the rough relationship she had with her mother, even once the started making music and becoming famous. It just goes into her life as an artist, wife and mother and just how hard her life has been.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Socrates is quoted, as having said that the unconsidered life is not worth living. This is a life under consideration. As Wynonna tells her story, you can see her considering things, and being honest about her mistakes, the mistakes of others that hurt her, and her struggles to overcome destructive family patterns. As a single mother, I could readily relate to all of her struggles. The Judd songs were the soundtrack to our vacations as a family and we were musical so we’ve always been fans. At this point I believe she has 19 Grammys, so I’m not alone in this. But we know that vocal harmonies don’t always reflect family harmonies and this is true for Wynonna and her mother Naomi. That being said, I appreciate the work that she has done to repair relationships, to learn to set boundaries in her family in general and her commitment to excellence not only in her work, but in her family. if we are all honest, we probably all struggle in at least one of the areas and probably more that she and her family struggle with. She gives some techniques for handling difficult situations and challenges, and I appreciated that as well. I thought the book was excellent. I know she was betrayed by the husband. She talks, so lovingly about within a few short years of this writing -But from what I’ve seen, her marriage to Cactus Moser is very solid, and for all the work she’s done to get healthy in so many ways. I’m glad to see that.I recommend the book to anyone who’s family is struggling for honesty and balance and health.

[Emily Clifford · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was given to me as a gift and I still have not heard a single song by the Judds or Wynonna (that I know of) so I was the blankest of the blank slates going into this memoir. I felt that she was pussyfooting it when recalling her childhood/young adulthood. But even reading between the lines, it was a super messed up mother-daughter relationship, and it's pretty clear that Wynonna was an awful older sister to Ashley. At the same time, I never felt like I blamed Wynonna for her ignorance (just her terrible bullying/abuse toward Ashley and she does take some responsibility for that) and I thought it was such a tough dynamic to have a talented and dreamy young person who is paired with a vivacious, super manipulative, and desperate mother. I really did enjoy basically everything that happened to her while in rehab because she was very specific about the types of exercises and scenarios that she learned from.

If you are a Judds/Wynonna fan at all, I bet you would enjoy this. As a stand-alone memoir, it wasn't as compelling as others I've read.

[Deborah Underwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book by Wynonna about her journey through life. For her, life has been full of struggle and challenges with some extreme highs and extreme lows. Full of insecurity, she has had to fight many inner battles with eating addiction and weight issues, financial issues, self-esteem issues, issues with her mother, Naomi Judd, relationship issues, etc. She has successfully navigated through some of these issues with the help of therapists, but since the book was written she has been divorced from her husband, Roach, after it was discovered that he sexually assaulted a child under the age of 13; her daughter was sentenced to 8 years in prison for meth possession (though she was paroled 6 years early) and finally, the recent suicide of her beloved mother, Naomi Judd. She is strong, though and I hope she is able to heal from all these travails. The book is a page-turner and hard to put down.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

READ THIS BOOK BEFORE ALL OTHERS!!

Yes, this is a country singers autobiography, but it's not what you think,- the "I'm all depressed in my sparkly dress", this is not. The is a road map of where Wynonna trip from the 'skid row' of poverty, to the highest heights of fame and fortune. She went navigated many hairpin curves and traversed quite a few bridges that would make grown men think twice.
Wynonna not only tells her tale, but she tell how she has tried to change, to become a better person mentally, physically, and spiritually, sharing hits you can use in your journey through life. I frankly know no one who has put more time and effort into themselves, in a positive way like this, and I think you will find yourself cheering for Wynonna as well, especially now, at the time of this writing, less than a month after her mother's tragic passing. Enjoy.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have been on a Judds kick lately, with reading Naomi's book and then Ashley's and then Wy's. After reading through how Naomi was raised and then how she raised her kids, it is no wonder both girls had significant issues to work through. I commend Wynonna for coming to terms with her financial issues and in turn realizing there are bigger issues she would need to deal with to get her life back on track. I found myself curious as to how she has dealt with life after her book, as the hand she has been dealt is mind boggling. Roach, Grace, Mom and then throw in the growing up years and how t shaped her beliefs and addictions.

[Mary Ellen Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always admired Wynonna as an artist going all the way back to when she started singing in The Judds with her mother Naomi. I sympathize with her having to deal with a very strong-willed, overbearing mother as many of us have had to deal with the same. We want to be respectful but it's hard sometimes to stand up for yourself and always be respectful. I admire her even more now for being so honest about everything she's been through and how she's dealing with her problems. I battle my weight also and I know how hard it is. I wish her well and continue to be a big fan of all her work.