Love Can Build a Bridge

by Naomi Judd

"Outrageous, breathless, voluble, fast-moving, funny . . . and always mercilessly candid." Chicago Tribune.
For eight glorious years, Naomi Judd and daughter Wynonna lived the American dream. Signed by RCA in 1983 after a rare live audition, they became country music's most honored and successful women -- winning six Grammys and selling more than fifteen million albums.
Then the discovery of a life-threatening liver disease forced Naomi to retire. The Farewell tour of the Judds broke America's heart and ended one of the most beloved country music acts of all time.
But Naomi never gave up. And here, at last, is her story, as touching as any of her songs: the true story of a mother and daughter who sang like angels and fought like devils, but loved each other through struggle, tragedy and triumph.


From the Paperback edition.

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

560 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Naomi Judd was an American country music singer, songwriter, and activist.

Reviews

[Lisa K · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you know the basic Judds story you can read this book and love it for what it is: the off the wall ranting of a narcissist and possible psychopath!!! I was trying to read just for fun but by the time I realized how crazy it was I was a little too far in to start over, I’m going to need to buy a second copy to make notes.
In the first chapter she outed one aunt as a a lesbian and one uncle for being “flamboyantly gay” and also her grandmother as a murderer so right away off to a good start for me...
The problem is that horrible things keep happening around her and to her but according to Naomi NOTHING is ever her fault!!! She is a good Christian woman and everything is just happening to her and she’s accepting it and praying about it and then a stranger who was probably an angel will wander by to tell her God loves her and explain to her how she is the victim and none of this is her fault! This is how she learns and grows!!!
I didn’t bother to take notes of all the times she left Ashley with neighbors instead of family while her and/ or Winona left to pursue their dreams but every time in this almost 600 page book she leaves Ashley keep in mind that Ashley was being sexually abused while Naomi dropped her off with randos to go on tour for months.
Whole book is full of fun stories like how everyone on the entire tour bus EVERY NIGHT after EVERY SHOW was LITERALLY begging Naomi to do an entire stand up comedy routine, can you imagine the hell of that tour bus???
Or Naomi missing Winona’s graduation because they were fighting so she stayed home and cried all day, then later brings up how she wished she could have been there? Naomi you were a grown woman, you could have been there!!!
Naomi is also doing a LOT of healing others through her music, like just sitting around after concerts and everyone comes up to tell her how her music saved their life etc, my fave is how her “primal voice” kept a DID woman with 46 personalities from killing herself in a sanitarium etc
Just quick notes, going to have to reread this later, 10/10 recommend to everyone

[Debbie Duran · Rating 3 out of 5]

Naomi Judd is such a strong woman & capable of doing so many different things. I did not know she was a certified nurse. Interesting story, especially since I'd just watched a documentary on tv with her & Wynonna. I'd like to read Ashley's book too, because she Was left behind a lot.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was a good book until I found out later Naomi Judd lied about some of the "true" information in the book. That was not appropriate.

[Virginia Alice Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of redemption that touches the meaning of heart, home, and family. This rags to riches story is one of the most profound I have read to date. Reading how Diana Ellen (now Naomi) Judd battled the odds raising her two daughters alone brought home how much we really don’t know about anyone’s life before they get to where they end up. Through sheer determination, hard work, and love, Naomi kept her daughters fed, clothed, and supported their artistic and creative talents. The road from dire straits to stardom may have seemed odd to outsiders looking in or on, but Naomi did what she needed to make sure her daughters were cared for at every point in her life, even being separated from them for months throughout the years. Today, we have the words, the songs, and the music from those tough times as testimony to the love she fought so hard to give them.

[Elvis2 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried to read it but when I got to the part where she did not admit that she had sex with the father of Christina (Wynonna) and leads us to believe that her father was Ciminella, a ruse she kept up until her daughter was thirty, I started skimming. It was so poorly written and boring that I struggled with the book even before I skimmed. At 546 pages it was probably twice as long as it needed to be.

There is no question that the Judds were a talented duo. That Naomi could not be helped by doctors is so sad. May she rest in peace.

[Darla Ebert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Naomi Judd certainly was a compelling story-teller. Her book is over 500 pages long but there are plenty of events with interesting side-stories.
The Judds sang like angels, there are only a select few who come out of virtual poverty and with so many other strikes against them, and yet they make it and they shine. As a professing Christian Ms. Judd seems to have had her priorities in the right place (s).
I have to admit the author comes off as unnaturally "up", always ready with a quip or quote or a joke. Some of the very entertaining stories though, seem embellished due to the plethora of details. Still Naomi Judd was an immensely likable person who is greatly missed by her family and by thousands of music lovers

[Jennifer Albert · Rating 4 out of 5]

For an autobiography you can certainly learn alot from it. Some parts were beautifully written.It will make you laugh,cry,and think.It made me respect the Judds and Ashley Judd.They had been through so much though that is still the case now with the loss of Naomi Judd.It is story ofloss,hope,rags to riches,in and out of heartache.I think some details were missing.It was a very heartfelt memoir.You cant't help but feel for the Judd family past and present.

[Jemma Russell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Since I grew up loving the Judds I was hoping I would love this book. However, it was very hard to follow and was a slower read for me. It picked up mid way through but I had to push to get to that point. There were many characters and the story just jumped around. This book appears to be parts of Naomi's journal just smashed together. It seems like it's very sporadic in the thought process and editing. I was disappointed that I didn't like it more, but it is what it is.

[Kelly Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many times I think we look at celebrities and expect them to be "ok " or be super human's with no faults, fears, or worries. The story of the Judds gave us an inside look into everyday people that were given the opportunity to share their love and talent for music with the world. I admire their love for family, values, God, and people. Loved them then and love them now.

[Ashley Hobgood · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book out of curiosity. I enjoyed reading this book because I learned more about Naomi Judd's childhood, her family, her failed marriage to Michael Cimenella, her children Wynona and Ashley, and her career in country music. I loved Naomi's honesty and candor. I thought the book was well written. It is a must read.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully detailed book. Naomi kept great diaries in order to recreate all of her life. Having read her daughter Ashley's autobiography before this one, it was interesting to see what kind of parent Naomi felt like compared to Ashley's assessment.
Great book, I highly recommend.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was hard to come by. After reading Naomi's updated bio, "River of Time," I had to go back and read this one because, well, each book sang a different tune, let's just say. Feeling really sad about the way things ultimately turned out... I wish Naomi had gone back and read this book again.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book may be more than some might as my mother personally knew Diana (Naomi) Judd graduated with her from high school. I personally met her and had her sign this book.

[Lindsey · Rating 1 out of 5]

Eh.

[Elizabeth Hesseltine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is not well written. It was interesting to read about the terrible life the Judds had before they became country music starts.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is hard to believe it has been that long since the final Judds concert. I have been reading many of these older books of the country music singers and with each one I wish they would continue on to present day.

[Tollula · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow! Naomi Judd was a hard working woman. She overcame struggles to become successful. However, this book could have used some editing. It just too long, filled with everyday mundane things.

[Dani Jameson · Rating 2 out of 5]

So many quips. So so many quips.

[Terri Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not impressed

[Wileyoneone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book - no longer have

[Amy Webster-Bo · Rating 5 out of 5]

i did not know alot of this about the judd's family it was pretty interesting

[Tanya T]

I was excited about this book when it first came out and couldn't wait to read it. The Judds were at the height of their fame when Naomi dropped the bomb that she had to retire because of her health.
I was really disappointed because i thought the book was about BOTH of them, only it seems like Naomi and only Naomi was the star of this show. I really kind of lost some respect for her with some of the stories she told, especially the total and blatant lie about who Wynonna's biological father was.After the book came out, the truth came out that she only married Michael C. because he came from a family with money/security. She never told Wynonna the truth about it until Wy was in her 30's.Her other daughter Ashley even knew all those years!!!
The book was all Naomi and her constant pats on her own back got to be very annoying.Especially trying to claim that without HER-Wynonna would never have become a star. SORRY- wynonna is the one with the singing voice and the talent. Have you ever heard Naomi sing lead on any of their songs?!!!

[Lauri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprising! I actually made it through a Bio. which I have never been able to do before. This book brought back memories from my childhood. I was raised on country music and loved the Judds when I was alittle girl. This poor woman had more ups and downs than a rollercoaster. But in the end she showed how brave she was. Through her life she fought to survive and to acheive her dreams with courage, strength, love and most of all FAITH! She never lost her faith in God. She took good care of her two girls and got to have one of the craziest adventures in life. Her dreams came true, but so sad some of the things she had to endure. Naomi Judd is the deffinetion of a Woman, a Lady, a Friend, a Daughter, a Believer and a MOTHER. I truly enjoyed reading about her good times and her heartaches. In reading the Bio. I found a kindred spirit. I hope that who ever is reading this will give this book a chance. It is only a peek into an incredible woman's life, but what an incredible story it is.

[Sandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice book, lyrics to the song written in story format with great pictures. It comes with a cassette, or probably cd in todays editions.

The forward was nice, probably the first one I have ever read and enjoyed!

If you are planning to read it actually for a story, then you might want to look again. These are the lyrics to the song Love Can Build a Bridge which is a great song but as a story isn't very exciting to little kids. However, singing the book is fun and probably the whole point here!! So check it out, sing loud and enjoy!

[Kaytlynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book I chose for my multicultural genre. This is a book for pre-k through 2nd grade level children. This book tells us how important and impactful love truly can be. This book teachers social skills in a way that makes them come together to sing and read along with the book. The content concerns would be that children aren't really reading the book they are just singing along with the music. This book goes along with a song about building metaphoric bridges between different races hearts connecting everyone as the same.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was one of the required reading choices at an acting school naomi and her daughter ashley had also attended. It is so inspiring, and I don't think I've ever heard a Judds song. I haven't given it a five though- I read in interview with Ashley Judd that she was going to write a follow up to this autobiography, entitled, "The Truth". And in Wynonna's autobio, her biological daddy is someone else. Am anticipating Ashley Judd's auto.

[Mary Licking · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting enough read. Includes details about life prior to hitting the big time. Much of it sad. After reading this book, I saw a letter to the editor in Time magazine, if I recall correctly, from the person she had named as the father of one of her daughters, saying it had been proven he was not the father. The book demonstrates that if you want a career in the USA you can have it but you really have to want it, must pay the price, and those around you pay a price.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from my mom at one point. (She loves biographies.) It started out okay and interesting, but I lost interest after Naomi and Wynonna start to make it big. It was more interesting for me to see what their lives were like before they were famous I guess. Anyway, it was just sort of okay for me...

[Brandi Trauman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adore the Judd's, so it was interesting to get such a personal insight into their lives. That being said, I had a hard time staying focuses sometimes, because although I adore Naomi Judd, she isn't a gifted writer. I had to give it a good review, just because I really enjoyed learning more about one of my favorite families!

[Cherice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this quite a few years ago but remember really enjoying it. It's a rags-to-riches true story about mother-daughter struggles, trying to get in the country music business, and staying true to oneself.