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A Star Shattered: The Rise & Fall & Rise of Wrestling Diva
World famous wrestling diva Tammy Lynn “Sunny” Sytch has written a tell-all autobiography that follows her into the ring and on the road, through her romantic relationships, domestic abuse, her battle with cancer, incarceration, getting sober and the release of her adult film with Vivid Entertainment.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2016
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288 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 24, 2016
For starters the book is overpriced for the length of the story, but her publisher set the price, not her. Normally I would not pay $9.99 for an ebook. This time I made an exception since I wanted to read her long awaited story. The small press that published the book didn't put much effort into editing and making the story cohesive. With better editing and more depth, this book would have been more than worth the price.
The story starts out good. Tammy has always had a strong voice in everything she does, and her writing is no exception. I think she was fairly honest about her early days in the business and maybe her time in the WWE, but when her life starts to skid out of control, that is when she starts being more than a little deluded and the story falls short on content and becomes more and more of a work. This when the details become a little blurry and the really nasty details fall through the cranks.
She constantly denies that she had a drug problem, but yet she admits to making regular trips to Tijuana to smuggle drugs into the country for other people. Come on. It was no secret that she had a thing for Somas when she was in ECW. I can understand her not wanting to talk about that, and she may not even remember a lot of details when she was messed up on Somas, but to say repeatedly that she never had a drug problem.
There is no mention of Wrestling Vixxens, her first entrance into the world of porn. None. It is like that time of her life never happened.
She doesn't go into a lot of details on her battles with cancer. Some people have even speculated she made the whole thing up. I'd hate to think anyone would lie about having cancer, so I give her the benefit of the doubt. She was more than honest on the effects her drinking has had on her health.
The end of the book is very rushed and a lot more detail could have been added. It was obvious that she was tired of writing and rushed through the last few chapters.
If she really is only one semester away from graduating from Tennessee, I wish she would take a break from the media and step out of the lime light. It wouldn't be hard to move back to Knoxville for a year and get her degree.
If she wants to do porn that is her business. I am in no place to judge her. I wish Tammy all the best in her life. The book is a decent read as long as you go into it knowing what to expect.
More at: http://www.jezebeljorge.com/2016/02/t...
The story starts out good. Tammy has always had a strong voice in everything she does, and her writing is no exception. I think she was fairly honest about her early days in the business and maybe her time in the WWE, but when her life starts to skid out of control, that is when she starts being more than a little deluded and the story falls short on content and becomes more and more of a work. This when the details become a little blurry and the really nasty details fall through the cranks.
She constantly denies that she had a drug problem, but yet she admits to making regular trips to Tijuana to smuggle drugs into the country for other people. Come on. It was no secret that she had a thing for Somas when she was in ECW. I can understand her not wanting to talk about that, and she may not even remember a lot of details when she was messed up on Somas, but to say repeatedly that she never had a drug problem.
There is no mention of Wrestling Vixxens, her first entrance into the world of porn. None. It is like that time of her life never happened.
She doesn't go into a lot of details on her battles with cancer. Some people have even speculated she made the whole thing up. I'd hate to think anyone would lie about having cancer, so I give her the benefit of the doubt. She was more than honest on the effects her drinking has had on her health.
The end of the book is very rushed and a lot more detail could have been added. It was obvious that she was tired of writing and rushed through the last few chapters.
If she really is only one semester away from graduating from Tennessee, I wish she would take a break from the media and step out of the lime light. It wouldn't be hard to move back to Knoxville for a year and get her degree.
If she wants to do porn that is her business. I am in no place to judge her. I wish Tammy all the best in her life. The book is a decent read as long as you go into it knowing what to expect.
More at: http://www.jezebeljorge.com/2016/02/t...
February 19, 2018
I somehow managed to ignore Sytch back in the 90s--I ignored the valets and I'm not sure I noticed the opposite sex until the mid-2000s, at the earliest--but her meteoric rise and equally rapid fall are documented in detail here.
Sytch's tone of voice is annoying, but that seems par for the course given the characters she played in SMW, WWE, ECW, and WCW. It seems pro wrestling destroyed her, and for no real reason: she came from a decent family in NJ, was apparently an okay student, but just got that lust for the ring and, after meeting Chris Candido, never looked back.
By 1996, she was the "most downloaded woman on the Internet" (whatever that means, though AOL did confirm this somehow) but after passing up a chance to pose in Playboy, her hated rival Sable seizes upon it and surpasses Sytch in popularity. From there, Sytch, who had been carrying on with Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels to various extents, descends into heavy-duty alcoholism and prescription pill popping (but never "illegal drugs," something she's very proud of for some odd reason). The latter half of her tale is one of woe, for the most part -- porn and Skype sex and so on, with a brief respite when she got in shape for her WWE Hall of Fame induction. She winds up making a few trips to jail, cracks the front page of TMZ for her misdeeds, etc.
Old School Wrestling did a nice podcast (with good video) about her career and fall from grace. It makes for a nice accompaniment to the book:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nEMl...
Sytch's tone of voice is annoying, but that seems par for the course given the characters she played in SMW, WWE, ECW, and WCW. It seems pro wrestling destroyed her, and for no real reason: she came from a decent family in NJ, was apparently an okay student, but just got that lust for the ring and, after meeting Chris Candido, never looked back.
By 1996, she was the "most downloaded woman on the Internet" (whatever that means, though AOL did confirm this somehow) but after passing up a chance to pose in Playboy, her hated rival Sable seizes upon it and surpasses Sytch in popularity. From there, Sytch, who had been carrying on with Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels to various extents, descends into heavy-duty alcoholism and prescription pill popping (but never "illegal drugs," something she's very proud of for some odd reason). The latter half of her tale is one of woe, for the most part -- porn and Skype sex and so on, with a brief respite when she got in shape for her WWE Hall of Fame induction. She winds up making a few trips to jail, cracks the front page of TMZ for her misdeeds, etc.
Old School Wrestling did a nice podcast (with good video) about her career and fall from grace. It makes for a nice accompaniment to the book:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nEMl...
July 26, 2020
Did wrestling use her and spit her out? This answered questions that were never answered for years. Did she and Chris Candido ever marry? Did she have relationships with several wrestlers? Even though Shawn Micheals was a real love affair, perhaps. He still comes across as an asshole. Multiple books portray Michaels as an asshole. Yet, she really had a thing for him.
In every autobiography, the person makes themself out to be a hero. There is something missing in the end part. Why did she stay with the guy that had her locked her up? She doesn’t explain. There are plenty of rumors of what the reason is. The website seems like her idea, but really? Something doesn’t sound right.
There was one question she answers but not complete enough. Why did Candido stay with her when she cheated on him? It’s a short answer, not well reflected on.
She admits to some of the rumors and she made some poor career choices. In the end when it appears she has lost everything, you still don’t get a sugary happy ending. She says her life was her choice. It feels like she made choices a broken person makes. Hate to see it, but you won’t find a happy ending.
In every autobiography, the person makes themself out to be a hero. There is something missing in the end part. Why did she stay with the guy that had her locked her up? She doesn’t explain. There are plenty of rumors of what the reason is. The website seems like her idea, but really? Something doesn’t sound right.
There was one question she answers but not complete enough. Why did Candido stay with her when she cheated on him? It’s a short answer, not well reflected on.
She admits to some of the rumors and she made some poor career choices. In the end when it appears she has lost everything, you still don’t get a sugary happy ending. She says her life was her choice. It feels like she made choices a broken person makes. Hate to see it, but you won’t find a happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2017
I wanted to like this book, as I was a Sunny fan back in the day, but this book didn't live up to my expectations.
Man is this chick messed up. She wouldn't do Playboy cause her dad was looking down on her rom heaven, but years latter she dose a porno.
Rumors were going around that her and Brett were having an........ But she has too much respect for the Hart family to do that, but not enough respect for her at the time boyfriend to Not have sleep around with.........
Towards the end of her book, her then boyfriend cheats on her and repeatedly calls the cops on her, and she cries " why is this happening to me?" Maybe cause of what you did to CC.
This isn't a terrible book, and is interesting for the most part. I'd recommend trying to get a copy from your local library or borrow it from a friend. Don't spend your money on this book.
Man is this chick messed up. She wouldn't do Playboy cause her dad was looking down on her rom heaven, but years latter she dose a porno.
Rumors were going around that her and Brett were having an........ But she has too much respect for the Hart family to do that, but not enough respect for her at the time boyfriend to Not have sleep around with.........
Towards the end of her book, her then boyfriend cheats on her and repeatedly calls the cops on her, and she cries " why is this happening to me?" Maybe cause of what you did to CC.
This isn't a terrible book, and is interesting for the most part. I'd recommend trying to get a copy from your local library or borrow it from a friend. Don't spend your money on this book.
March 27, 2016
2.5 stars. I'll say this was an alright read, but for some reason I was expecting more. Parts were interesting, but a lot of it was like a summary (very short in parts) of stuff that was obvious from following Sunny's career in WWE and afterwards. I was looking forward to this book and I think it mostly lived up to my expectations, but don't go into it thinking it will hold up to other great wrestling books (Foley, Jericho, etc) as it's nowhere near as deeply written and inside and also had a good bit of typos. The way the book was voiced it was very much like reading a diary (with hyper exclamation points everywhere) than a serious book. Still, it held my interest and I was never bored during it.
May 18, 2024
With only a few Tv channels, and, ok, I’ll admit it, before the stupid direction the Wwe took in about 1999, we grew up with it and it was often fun.
You definitely would have known Sunny.
So why did I rate this book so low?
I did it for the questions it doesn’t answer.
So to update, Sunny is unfortunately in jail for a long time.
What the book shows is that she smashes the stereotype that people in wrestling are all dumb.
She is brilliant enough to become a medical doctor.
We have a laugh when she admits that some fans are so stupid you think they have genetic defects.
The book is really honest but she should have seen a psychiatrist because she does some things she doesn’t, or can’t explain why in her book. Her alcohol use for example.
Here is what the book doesn’t help explain. You’d expect, the internet was launching, it was still very controlled so the media consumed wasn’t fragmented. It was easier to become a huge celebrity.
Now believe me, she was an absolutely massive celebrity.
You’d expect her to be rich like Katy Perry for example.
Look, if you want to understand the reach the WWE had at that time, even in a country like Zimbabwe you could watch it on free TV. You didn’t pay.
The point is, the book talks about financial difficulties. Sunny’s struggles.
So the book doesn’t answer the most important questions.
Did WWE underpay their stars?
Did Sunny live extravagantly or did other people benefit from her and her celebrity much more than she did?
You don’t read about really world-famous people having money problems, so was she exploited?
The book won’t tell you.
The WWE has had to open up much more and become more transparent now compared to what it was then.
I think there is still a lot of history from that era that needs to be revealed. There is a lot we don’t yet know about the corporate culture at the Wwe.
You definitely would have known Sunny.
So why did I rate this book so low?
I did it for the questions it doesn’t answer.
So to update, Sunny is unfortunately in jail for a long time.
What the book shows is that she smashes the stereotype that people in wrestling are all dumb.
She is brilliant enough to become a medical doctor.
We have a laugh when she admits that some fans are so stupid you think they have genetic defects.
The book is really honest but she should have seen a psychiatrist because she does some things she doesn’t, or can’t explain why in her book. Her alcohol use for example.
Here is what the book doesn’t help explain. You’d expect, the internet was launching, it was still very controlled so the media consumed wasn’t fragmented. It was easier to become a huge celebrity.
Now believe me, she was an absolutely massive celebrity.
You’d expect her to be rich like Katy Perry for example.
Look, if you want to understand the reach the WWE had at that time, even in a country like Zimbabwe you could watch it on free TV. You didn’t pay.
The point is, the book talks about financial difficulties. Sunny’s struggles.
So the book doesn’t answer the most important questions.
Did WWE underpay their stars?
Did Sunny live extravagantly or did other people benefit from her and her celebrity much more than she did?
You don’t read about really world-famous people having money problems, so was she exploited?
The book won’t tell you.
The WWE has had to open up much more and become more transparent now compared to what it was then.
I think there is still a lot of history from that era that needs to be revealed. There is a lot we don’t yet know about the corporate culture at the Wwe.
June 28, 2023
Leaves you feeling a little dirty to be honest
I don't know what to say about this book. She is a person who can't seem to learn a lesson in life because it doesn't fit her 'I'm a victim' narrative. She is a classic narcissist who lays blame at everyone's door for her own shortcomings. It's a sad read. The guy who loved her, was unable to see past her, a poor guy in a classic codependant relationship. Him being codependant on the narcissist who was abusing him. She stayed with him, not because she loved him (narcissists can't love anyone but themselves), she stayed with him because he served a purpose, provided her with something she needed. A safe place to go. She knew she would always have a home with him and she would never let him go. She would suck him dry until there was nothing left. Karma found a way, and she found herself shacked up with a guy more narcissistic than her. She couldn't use her youth and beauty because the roles were now reversed and she couldn't use this guy the same way as she was no longer the same sunny: beautiful, young, fit, vibrant and loved by every red blooded American man. She was now an older has-been being used by a younger, more attractive guy. It should have been her wake up call when it all came crashing to a bad end but she still blamed everyone else. She was never the problem (in her own mind) and she probably, even now, bitterly blames everyone else for her misfortunes. It's a sad read that leaves you feeling a little soiled.
I don't know what to say about this book. She is a person who can't seem to learn a lesson in life because it doesn't fit her 'I'm a victim' narrative. She is a classic narcissist who lays blame at everyone's door for her own shortcomings. It's a sad read. The guy who loved her, was unable to see past her, a poor guy in a classic codependant relationship. Him being codependant on the narcissist who was abusing him. She stayed with him, not because she loved him (narcissists can't love anyone but themselves), she stayed with him because he served a purpose, provided her with something she needed. A safe place to go. She knew she would always have a home with him and she would never let him go. She would suck him dry until there was nothing left. Karma found a way, and she found herself shacked up with a guy more narcissistic than her. She couldn't use her youth and beauty because the roles were now reversed and she couldn't use this guy the same way as she was no longer the same sunny: beautiful, young, fit, vibrant and loved by every red blooded American man. She was now an older has-been being used by a younger, more attractive guy. It should have been her wake up call when it all came crashing to a bad end but she still blamed everyone else. She was never the problem (in her own mind) and she probably, even now, bitterly blames everyone else for her misfortunes. It's a sad read that leaves you feeling a little soiled.
March 12, 2017
Shattered and Fall is right. But you have to admire her candor.
I really thought I would totally dislike this book. I've considered Tammy Lynn to be the Lindsey Lohan, Tom Arnold, or any Kardashian of wrestling, never being a big fan of her or her antics. I have to admit my opinion changed somewhat. I wasn't thrilled with the first couple chapters as she described herself as the best thing to happen to pro wrestling. The wholesome, naive girl she portrayed herself I pretty much ignored as I've only come to know her as the sort of wrestler, manager and troubled person seeking the spotlight. I did eventually relax my opinion not really knowing of her pre wrestling life, family and medical ambitions. I was well aware of her and Chris Candido. Then the book became more of a therapeutic outlet. The good times, but horrible ways promoters and some wrestlers treated her. I remember well the tragedy of Chris Candido's untimely and needless death. I knew Tammy had several alcohol related arrests but WOW, no idea her drinking was that out of hand. Then her luck in love contributed to heartbreak, tragedy, further alcohol abuse which still unfortunately plagues her to the present as recent as February, 2017. I really appreciate her candor as she writes as if she's telling her story directly to you. It's easy to blame her for her bad decisions and craving fame as I did coming into this book based on my own opinion of her. Yes she should and could've been more responsible and she does admit that But as she pointed out with so much trust and manipulation you have to walk in her shoes to fully understand. The reason I gave it four stars was for foul language and some confusion in the timeline. I truly hope Tammy Lynn does find piece, her dreams and most of all the true love she is so desperate to find.
I really thought I would totally dislike this book. I've considered Tammy Lynn to be the Lindsey Lohan, Tom Arnold, or any Kardashian of wrestling, never being a big fan of her or her antics. I have to admit my opinion changed somewhat. I wasn't thrilled with the first couple chapters as she described herself as the best thing to happen to pro wrestling. The wholesome, naive girl she portrayed herself I pretty much ignored as I've only come to know her as the sort of wrestler, manager and troubled person seeking the spotlight. I did eventually relax my opinion not really knowing of her pre wrestling life, family and medical ambitions. I was well aware of her and Chris Candido. Then the book became more of a therapeutic outlet. The good times, but horrible ways promoters and some wrestlers treated her. I remember well the tragedy of Chris Candido's untimely and needless death. I knew Tammy had several alcohol related arrests but WOW, no idea her drinking was that out of hand. Then her luck in love contributed to heartbreak, tragedy, further alcohol abuse which still unfortunately plagues her to the present as recent as February, 2017. I really appreciate her candor as she writes as if she's telling her story directly to you. It's easy to blame her for her bad decisions and craving fame as I did coming into this book based on my own opinion of her. Yes she should and could've been more responsible and she does admit that But as she pointed out with so much trust and manipulation you have to walk in her shoes to fully understand. The reason I gave it four stars was for foul language and some confusion in the timeline. I truly hope Tammy Lynn does find piece, her dreams and most of all the true love she is so desperate to find.
July 26, 2020
I give it only 2 stars, as it was enough to originally pique my interest to read it. After reading it, I can only conclude it being a waste of time. Very few insights. Unless you count, her recalling that she fed both The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin before they were stars. Seemed like she was looking for some acknowledgement of that from either of them, after she fell on rough times herself. As is the case with numerous wrestling superstars, she has had a life filled with numerous traumas. But there is little to no accountability in this book for her own actions. It is always someone else's fault.
September 19, 2022
A difficult book to read or review. Tammy is a complex being in her own way. Drowning consistently in egomania, the pain of fading game and poor choices, her tale is one of tragedy and loss. She has suffered but her poor decisions have caused others to suffer too. It's a book full of one-sided observations and bloated memories yet this is really just an attempt to claw back something true, real and worthwhile from a lady who was once a star in her genre.
March 25, 2024
The story was quite honest and interesting, which I appreciated. However, Sunny seemed both arrogant (maybe rightly so) and also in denial in the sense that nothing that happens to her is ever her fault and she doesn't seem to be using hard life lessons to do any better or help others. Maybe things have changed since but it was very hard to be on her side while reading because of this.
April 1, 2024
It was what I expected. A WWE diva trying to make a quick buck but bragging about hanging with Shawn Michaels, and being the companion of Chris Candido. Nothing that a quick google search could not tell you.
February 7, 2019
Meh
Meh! A little pretentious and misguided. A sad tale of a really sad life. Sunny was the original Diva but good lord has she faded. The title sums it up. Sad sad sad
Meh! A little pretentious and misguided. A sad tale of a really sad life. Sunny was the original Diva but good lord has she faded. The title sums it up. Sad sad sad
Read
September 14, 2019Great bio of a wrestler diva
Up and down life bio of a wrestler diva.
If you are a wrestling fan than you have to read this bio.
Great bio to read. 5/5
Up and down life bio of a wrestler diva.
If you are a wrestling fan than you have to read this bio.
Great bio to read. 5/5
October 2, 2019
Loved it
Excellent book. Loved hearing about her life story!!! Too bad she had to deal with some of the things she did, but the thing he that were her fault she fessed up to.
Excellent book. Loved hearing about her life story!!! Too bad she had to deal with some of the things she did, but the thing he that were her fault she fessed up to.
June 8, 2020
Quick read
Quick easy read. Enterting. Exactly what you would expected from Sunny. Has its up and down but kept me engaged.
Quick easy read. Enterting. Exactly what you would expected from Sunny. Has its up and down but kept me engaged.
November 21, 2020
Err...
Not A bad read. Really light on Chris Candido. Average at best. Could've been better. Still worth checking out. Okay?
Not A bad read. Really light on Chris Candido. Average at best. Could've been better. Still worth checking out. Okay?
February 29, 2016
My review will be a little biased, because I was not a fan of Tammy Sytch when she was in the wrestling world, however, since I love wrestling books and hearing tales on the road, I figured to give this a shot. I was disappointed overall.
The book has a quick run over with her wrestling for USWA, and Smoky Mountain Wrestling (Jim Cornette's league) but this section has little stories and more of her making fun of the Kentucky fans that attended Smoky Mountain, which made me think while reading "Oh she's going to focus more on WWE." When the book gets to the WWE, she mainly discusses her flings with Shawn Micheals (while she's still with Chris Candito), including her going to Mexico to get drugs for several wrestlers. She then states that she was the biggest celebrity from wrestling since Hulk Hogan, with her magazine, TV, and main stream media appearances , including being the most downloaded person at that time. (Being skeptical, I would say Jesse Ventura was as big as Hogan being a top movies and politics at the time, but that's me and it's her book).
She covers her last few years of run ins with the law and jail time, along with her new business adventures. The book also talks about the wrestling people that she despises.
Overall this book is for only major Sytch fans, because if you are looking for great road stories or wrestling stories, look elsewhere ( I advised anyone to get Bill Apter's book as the best wrestling book I've read in years).
This book was more to me like a TMZ type book, full of bashing people, which is her right as an author, but it is not for me. However her die hard fans may like the book more than me.
The book has a quick run over with her wrestling for USWA, and Smoky Mountain Wrestling (Jim Cornette's league) but this section has little stories and more of her making fun of the Kentucky fans that attended Smoky Mountain, which made me think while reading "Oh she's going to focus more on WWE." When the book gets to the WWE, she mainly discusses her flings with Shawn Micheals (while she's still with Chris Candito), including her going to Mexico to get drugs for several wrestlers. She then states that she was the biggest celebrity from wrestling since Hulk Hogan, with her magazine, TV, and main stream media appearances , including being the most downloaded person at that time. (Being skeptical, I would say Jesse Ventura was as big as Hogan being a top movies and politics at the time, but that's me and it's her book).
She covers her last few years of run ins with the law and jail time, along with her new business adventures. The book also talks about the wrestling people that she despises.
Overall this book is for only major Sytch fans, because if you are looking for great road stories or wrestling stories, look elsewhere ( I advised anyone to get Bill Apter's book as the best wrestling book I've read in years).
This book was more to me like a TMZ type book, full of bashing people, which is her right as an author, but it is not for me. However her die hard fans may like the book more than me.
July 13, 2019
Being a die-hard classic wrestling fan, I had to check this book out. Tammy goes into detail about how Chris Candido and her met and enjoyed the Indie scene, WWF (at the time), ECW, and WCW days. Chris seemed like a standup guy and it's a shame his life came to an end so early. She also details her romance with Shawn Michaels, and as expected, it gets rather revealing. Tammy doesn't make light on her Alcohol and substance abuse like most of the reviews are claiming. She clearly stated she wasn't on hard drugs but admittedly popped pills and downed lots of booze. Of course, losing your father at a young age and the love of your life who you had been with since 17 can do that.
I'm not here to sentence her but I do think Tammy thinks very highly of herself. She does at time seem to act like she was Gods gift to wrestling. While I agree she was very attractive in her prime, I believe her fame and money she was making at the time and all the attention from male fans caused her to be a slight narcissist. I still think it's an enjoyable read. I do agree that she has had it tough at times, but let's be honest, we all have. She currently did a porn because Vivid offered a huge amount of money and she was in financial trouble. Like I said, I'm not here to sentence her, sometimes you gotta line your pockets any way you can. I'm glad she's pulled through and hopefully she can continue being sober and be able to live longer than most of her friends and co-workers. I finished the whole book in less than 4 hours, definitely a quick read. If you're a fan of the early 90s wrestling, Attitude Era, and Sunny, give it a whirl.
I'm not here to sentence her but I do think Tammy thinks very highly of herself. She does at time seem to act like she was Gods gift to wrestling. While I agree she was very attractive in her prime, I believe her fame and money she was making at the time and all the attention from male fans caused her to be a slight narcissist. I still think it's an enjoyable read. I do agree that she has had it tough at times, but let's be honest, we all have. She currently did a porn because Vivid offered a huge amount of money and she was in financial trouble. Like I said, I'm not here to sentence her, sometimes you gotta line your pockets any way you can. I'm glad she's pulled through and hopefully she can continue being sober and be able to live longer than most of her friends and co-workers. I finished the whole book in less than 4 hours, definitely a quick read. If you're a fan of the early 90s wrestling, Attitude Era, and Sunny, give it a whirl.
April 5, 2016
This book is the autobiography of former WWF manager and Hall of Famer Sunny. It tells her life story for the most part, with a single chapter of funny stories and miscellaneous trivia. It spends a large portion of the book talking about the outside the ring happenings of Tamara Sytch.
I enjoyed the book. However, unlike most wrestler books that come across as grateful for their careers, this one does not. While I enjoyed reading the story, it did seem like the tone was less grateful and more that she was owed everything great that happened to her. Even her arrests and alcoholism placed the blame on other people. I am a firm believer that everything a person does in life is their choice. So I don't completely buy the oh poor me that she writes with.
My other knock about this book is that it doesn't deal enough with her in ring career. Now perhaps the publisher (that publishes erotica mostly) edited it out. But it seemed this story was far more about her romantic life than her wrestling career. I realize being a manager she didn't physically participate in matches. But on some level I assume she was involved with the planning and execution of those matches. I would have cared to read a bit more about that then her and Shawn Michaels romantic trip to Jamaica.
But for any wrestling fan, this is an interesting read into one of the mid-90s biggest draws in the WWF. Since I had just finished reading Chris Kanyon's book, it made for an interesting dovetail. I have yet to read a wrestling biography that wasn't an interesting tail and this one was as well.
I enjoyed the book. However, unlike most wrestler books that come across as grateful for their careers, this one does not. While I enjoyed reading the story, it did seem like the tone was less grateful and more that she was owed everything great that happened to her. Even her arrests and alcoholism placed the blame on other people. I am a firm believer that everything a person does in life is their choice. So I don't completely buy the oh poor me that she writes with.
My other knock about this book is that it doesn't deal enough with her in ring career. Now perhaps the publisher (that publishes erotica mostly) edited it out. But it seemed this story was far more about her romantic life than her wrestling career. I realize being a manager she didn't physically participate in matches. But on some level I assume she was involved with the planning and execution of those matches. I would have cared to read a bit more about that then her and Shawn Michaels romantic trip to Jamaica.
But for any wrestling fan, this is an interesting read into one of the mid-90s biggest draws in the WWF. Since I had just finished reading Chris Kanyon's book, it made for an interesting dovetail. I have yet to read a wrestling biography that wasn't an interesting tail and this one was as well.
October 7, 2017
Well, this was an interesting read. There are some parts of the book that made me think it was heavily sponsored by the WWE. When the author references to her time in the ECW and WCW, albeit pointing out the good times, is very hard on the managers that ran both of those leagues. While this is understandable given the circumstances that occurred, it seems a lot like Vince McMahon's view of those individuals. On the other hand, she has nothing bad to say about WWE and their management.
Otherwise, I fund this book well written and addressing even some controversial life choices the author has made in her life, particular in recent history. As is pointed out, there is a lot of chemical dependencies going on, which shouldn't come as a huge surprise. Also, her recent ventures in the adult industry is addressed and I have to give her credit for that.
All in all, I would recommend this book, not just for wrestling enthusiast, but also people who want to know how a life can turn from shining star to absolute bottomless pit.
Otherwise, I fund this book well written and addressing even some controversial life choices the author has made in her life, particular in recent history. As is pointed out, there is a lot of chemical dependencies going on, which shouldn't come as a huge surprise. Also, her recent ventures in the adult industry is addressed and I have to give her credit for that.
All in all, I would recommend this book, not just for wrestling enthusiast, but also people who want to know how a life can turn from shining star to absolute bottomless pit.
February 11, 2016
A little bit good and a little bit all over the place.
There were parts of this story that I really enjoyed. The best parts of the books were the parts that focused on her career as a diva. There was scripture and sex; alcohol and hope! The story while disturbing at times paints a picture of a celebrity looking for love in a lot of wrong places.
It was also touching to hear her talk about her family and especially her father.
This book is a metaphor in some ways. It was difficult to read at times because we realize we all have elements of brokenness and are all in need of grace.
I hope Sytch finds the hope she's looking for!
There were parts of this story that I really enjoyed. The best parts of the books were the parts that focused on her career as a diva. There was scripture and sex; alcohol and hope! The story while disturbing at times paints a picture of a celebrity looking for love in a lot of wrong places.
It was also touching to hear her talk about her family and especially her father.
This book is a metaphor in some ways. It was difficult to read at times because we realize we all have elements of brokenness and are all in need of grace.
I hope Sytch finds the hope she's looking for!
March 7, 2016
A sad, but unfortunately all-too-common tale. Meteoric rise to fame, on top of the world with everything seemingly going perfectly, and then the overpowering lure of excess. A supposed story of redemption and self-discovery ultimately comes across as bitter, and accusatory. Every single bad thing that happens in Tammy's life is effortlessly blamed on someone else. I hate when people refuse to accept accountability. Why did I give the book four stars? As crazy as it might sound, I believe that she thinks every word is honest. Also, she isn't afraid of providing excessive detail. While it's all too much on several occasions, props must be given to someone willing to go all out
June 12, 2016
Well, what you get is a biased view of the author on her life so far. As a reader you get a nice view on her work as a manager, but it's nothing new compared to a couple of interviews that she gave the last two years.
What is "exclusive" to this book is her hatred regarding Sable and Kimberly Page and her (hidden) relationship with Shawn Michaels. But as with all the other stories she somehow never did anything wrong... well, besides her inability to self-reflect other than her last relationship which brought her into jail the book is ok. It gives a different view on an important time in wrestling. In that regards it's like a bonus documentary on a DVD.
What is "exclusive" to this book is her hatred regarding Sable and Kimberly Page and her (hidden) relationship with Shawn Michaels. But as with all the other stories she somehow never did anything wrong... well, besides her inability to self-reflect other than her last relationship which brought her into jail the book is ok. It gives a different view on an important time in wrestling. In that regards it's like a bonus documentary on a DVD.
February 9, 2016
I do appreciate Tammy being so candid, even if she did leave out some stuff. I also appreciate the cool stories, but the depth of the book could have been so more given the absolute highs and distressing lows she has had over her life and career. The structure itself was also off, but I am also quite aware she isn't a writer so I can't knock it too hard. Despite it's flaws, the book was a fast read and still interesting to a long-time fan.
December 30, 2017
Tammy ... where to start? Well-told narrative of someone who started for me as a crush and later became a peer. Wish she could find happiness and let go of some anger. Hoping 2018 provides that much. Fascinating story.
Read
December 31, 2016This book felt like a big pile of bovine excrement.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2017
Not bad.
A good read. Crazy stories that you can either choose to believe or not. She has lived a crazy life and has lived to tell her story.
A good read. Crazy stories that you can either choose to believe or not. She has lived a crazy life and has lived to tell her story.
August 21, 2024
as shitty of a person she is this book was pretty entertaining and honest
April 30, 2017
More wwe please
I fell she did a feat job of telling her story. I would've liked more about wwe stories in the book
I fell she did a feat job of telling her story. I would've liked more about wwe stories in the book
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