Could It Be Forever?: My Story

by David Cassidy

In the early 1970s, when he was just 20 years old, David Cassidy achieved the sort of teen idol fame that is rarely seen. He was mobbed everywhere he went. His clothes were regularly ripped off by adoring fans. He sold records the world over. He was bigger than Elvis. And all thanks to a hit TV show called The Partridge Family . David Cassiday, in his own words, gives a brutally frank account of those mindblowing days of stardom in which being David Cassidy played second fiddle to being Keith Partridge. Including stories of sex, drugs, and rock'n'roll that explode the myth of Cassidy as squeaky clean, it is also the story of how to keep on living life and loving yourself when the fickle fans fall away. David Cassidy is also the author of C'mon, Get Fear and Loathing on the Partridge Family Bus. 

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

384 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

David Cassidy was an American actor, singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He was known for his role as Keith Partridge, the son of Shirley Partridge (played by his stepmother Shirley Jones), in the 1970s musical-sitcom The Partridge Family. David was an iconic teen idol in the 1970’s with sellout concert successes in major arenas around the world. He maintained a career spanning movies, theatre, music, writing, and directing.

Reviews

[Colleen Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like many young girls, I grew up idolizing David Cassidy, and have kept one eye on his career over the years.

Quite frankly, this book made me a bit angry. Mr. cassidy has always had issues coming to grips with his life's events, and at 50 some years of age (at the time the book was written), it seems not much has changed. It's filled with "poor me" on almost every page. At some point, you should no longer have the luxury of blaming your rotten parents for every conceivable problem in your life, but it's obvious that Cassidy is still using that excuse today.

Poor me...my parents sucked.
Poor me...I can't live a normal life because I'm a teen Idol
Poor me...I don't have any fans left.
Poor me...my parents and the Partridge Family ruined my life.

For Gods' sake, man, take some personal responsibility, just once!

I was hoping for more of a personal autobiography, with stories revolving around family, friends, and other musicians; unfortunately this reads more like a career biography, discussing every song on every album, and what he thought about it. Except for a few short anecdotes about his father when Cassidy was very young, he just skims over his personal life, almost in passing. I read autobiographies to learn more about the author, but that just didn't happen. Except for the constant reminder that every bad thing was the fault of someone else, there isn't much substance here, which is a shame, because I'm sure he has a wealth of interesting stories that could have been told.

On a side note, at the end of the book he briefly talks about finally being at peace, and relatively happy with his life; however, as of the date of my review, Cassidy was recently arrested on DUI charges, his second in as many years. He and his third wife are separated, and his house has been foreclosed...so it looks like there are still a few demons left to slay. I wish him well.

[Stacey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I added this book to my Goodreads list after a tv documentary I'd caught a snippet of years ago about what a hard worker Cassidy was during the whole teen heartthrob thing. I dug him when I was a kid but, honestly, no more or less than many others featured in 16 or Tiger Beat. But the bio made me realize that maybe there was more to this guy than I'd ever given him credit for. And that turned out to be true. He DID work hard. Everybody said so - and I became exhausted READING about his heavy work load. But...

In the interest of full disclosure, I took a peak at the ending (happily ever after with a lovely wife and kids) and, after reading about how he lost his fortune for the second time and diddled with drugs, I Googled him. A quick look at this books' copyright year - and his Wikipedia page - and I realized his old habits were actually never overcome and the happy ending didn't stick. The Google search revealed a DUI bust and the end of his 20+ year marriage (with the wife saying something to the effect that "It was a long time in coming..."). But, I kept reading (*exasperated sigh*). In the first half of the book we have a young man desperate for Daddy's love (withheld to the bitter end), who really just wants a good woman to love and a break from his constant soul-killing schedule. By that point, he'd lost his fortune once (plausible excuse), finally met a woman to marry, whom he barely knew (Kay Lenz... terrific actress, btw). By the time he lost his fortune a second time (are you seeing a pattern yet?) and he FINALLY gets his dream woman and a chance at a normal family life what does he do? He puts her on the back-burner and goes back to his hectic schedule, losing his fortune a third time (for crying out loud!) and engaging heavily in drugs and alcohol. Once is forgivable, twice is a warning sign with flashing lights, but three times? At that point you feel like you're watching a segment of Intervention but only getting one side of the story. You know his wife REALLY suffered.

I don't know exactly what's wrong with this guy (you can only blame your negligent, bi-sexual, now-dead daddy for so long...) but, apparently, all the therapy is NOT working. My advice to Cassidy: 1) Learn to manage your own money (a good accountant and somebody to keep an eye on HIM, with annual audits by an uninterested third party), 2) Get a new therapist, 3) Stay the hell away from any substances that affect your brain chemistry, 4) Expect no sympathy or applause either way. At this stage of the game, there are no excuses anymore. You are supposed to be a man so GROW THE **** UP AND STOP WITH THE EXUSES AND IT'S-NOT-MY-FAULTS!!

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

David Cassidy's last words were "so much wasted time." This book gives insight into why he would say that. Although I wasn't as fanatic as many, I did paper my pre-teen bedroom walls with posters of David Cassidy, watched the Partridge Family, and read about him in Tiger Beat and 16. I had not thought much about him in the years since. His illness and death this past week made me curious about the person behind the teen idol. The book left me feeling sad. Despite fame and fortune and--at least for a few years--being the most desired man on the planet, his life seemed very empty. At the time of the writing, he seemed to be in a good place, but his Wiki article indicates that his life took a downturn. He seemed too young and unprepared to deal with his extreme fame. Despite the negativity, the book was interesting. I enjoyed hearing about the background of his songs and getting to know a bit more about the man whose likeness decorated my bedroom walls all those years ago.

[Georgette Mousel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how David shared his life with us , and didn't leave anything out
he went thru his life honestly. He told exactly what happened between he and his Father Jack, what happened in the 70's and I really love the Piece with His son Beau in it , I just loved his book.

[Karol · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was fascinating to read this autobiography, especially since I was nearing the end of the book when Michael Jackson passed away. What is interesting about David Cassidy's story is how the kind of popularity he had in a way made him an outcast. At the height of his popularity when he was on tour, the best hotels would not take him because of all the disruption that would be caused by his fans. So his band would have an enjoyable stay at a very nice place while he had to sneak out under cover and stay elsewhere, alone. He talks about what it was like to live in that aura of intense popularity, and what it was like to fall from that. He said at one point that it became impossible for him to have a normal relationship with anyone after all that he'd been through. So in this regard, it helped me understand how Michael Jackson could become so "weird". David Cassidy had a fairly normal, although somewhat painful, childhood - but at least he had a base of normalcy that I believe ultimately helped him when he fell from popularity. Michael Jackson never really had anything close to normal during his childhood, so he had nothing "normal" to ground him.

But I digress.

David Cassidy's autobiography has some flaws. I could have done without the descriptions of his sexual activities, but thankfully these were brief and I could mostly skip over them. If you're not a fan of his, some of his descriptions of his albums were a little boring as he described the songs one by one. But overall, it is an interesting book about a young man who in the eyes of the public seemed to have it all - but had to lose it all to find himself.

[molly majer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved him then but love him even more now. IT was so nice to be a teenager again while reading this book. And to listen to the songs in their context. I never have never given him enough credit for how talented he was. I was.also saddened to learn that the people who controlled destiny gave no forethought to his humanity. all for the blessed buck. Shame on them. I love you David Cassidy. You were my first dream love.

[NoirBlogger · Rating 5 out of 5]

David's story in his own words up to 2007. I have always loved David- him, his music and his voice. This book is incredibly honest and hugely revealing about his life and fame. If you're a David Cassidy fan it's riveting and heart breaking. It is clear that the record industry just use and abuse you and I wonder if it is any different today. It's disgusting the way artists are taken advantage of and ripped off hugely. I would really love to know what happened next to cause him to decline again. I felt desperately sorry that in being diagnosed with dementia (I know how utterly devastating that is and how hard it is to see a loved one go through it) his wife divorced him. That sounds utterly cruel. From the book it sounds like his brothers and his son were a huge support also his step mum. His music will live forever and us fans will always have him in our hearts.

[Karen Zelano-Guilbault · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Crush

I was one of those 12 year olds in love with Keith Partridge. Later as a 40-something I enjoyed David's music at a live concert in CT. The energy was so positive and fun. I was drawn to read this book after his recent announcement of his diagnosis of dementia. My heart breaks for him. His life has been difficult. My kids are in their 20's and I can't imagine them living through such an experience at that age and coming out whole. My prayers are with David that he will enjoy the remainder of his life in peace, with those he loves and who love him unconditionally, supporting him through the diseases of alcoholism and dementia. God bless and thanks for all your music !

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

An enjoyable insight into the rock and roll lifestyle, the horrors of fame, and life with show-biz parents. I was too young to be into David at the time of the Partridge Family - but I was madly in love with his brother Shaun at the height of his teen-idoldom. The whole teen idol phenomenon is interesting...especially from one (David) who never wanted it. Someone should really write a study about it.

I just give this book two stars since it wasn't the most intellectual of books. Also, it got kind of repetitive near the end, although it was interesting to read about all the theatre and Vegas shows David was in...and even created. When's the book on Shaun??!

[Bertha Ivins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book it was very refreshing to hear someone talk about the mistakes they made but didn’t blame them on someone else, and how he went about trying to fix problems in his life and moving on with life rather than feeling sorry for himself.

[Jim Dooley · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be candid, my interest in David Cassidy when starting to read this book was minimal. I certainly knew who he was. After all, I watched the first three years of “The Partridge Family” television show ... and I had a bit of a “crush” on Susan Dey who played Laurie Partridge. I was wondering what had become of her and could find neither a biography or an autobiography, so I picked up COULD IT BE FOREVER?

I was surprised to find that David Cassidy’s story was quite fascinating. The book mostly covers “The Partridge Family” years and the concerts surrounding them. I had no idea that his concerts continually broke attendance records at huge venues. And it seems beyond belief that a human body could endure such a “non-stop” schedule as he pursued.

In COULD IT BE FOREVER?, Cassidy promises utter frankness ... and, for the most part, that is exactly what is delivered. He relates his “pre-fame” years with an intensity that is much less bitter than he could have employed despite huge emotional swings. Those who were friends receive gratefulness while those who let him down (the final run-in with Don Johnson immediately jumps to mind) are not spared.

There are very curious lapses. For instance, I learned very little about Susan Dey. It can certainly be argued that he wanted to respect the privacy of a close friend, yet he maintains that one day she decided to break off all contact with him and he doesn’t know the reason. I’ll admit it is “possible,” but highly unlikely that he didn’t know the reason.

Similarly, very near the end of the book, an “estranged daughter” appears. The Reader has not been told anything about her prior to this (with the exception of her presence in a photograph), and Cassidy’s wife says nothing about her even though there are multiple descriptions of how involved she was with his son. It took an online reference to discover that she came from a marriage that is not even mentioned in this book! (This is all the more surprising because he does mention a different marriage that seemed to be a complete nightmare.)

Scattered throughout are quotes and comments from people who knew David Cassidy. This has the benefit of his not making statements that might sound like boasting. Others acknowledge this instead. From what is said, he had a great deal more talent than being the up-front singer for “The Partridge Family.” I must admit that the roster of music superstars that he performed with Really impressed me.

It was a melancholy experience for me to read what happened after the book was concluded. (Again, I went to online resources.) It was published about 10-years before he died, and it ends with incredible serenity, understanding, forgiveness, sobriety and hope. Unfortunately, the choices he made and the lifestyle he pursued in the following decade turned his life from one of aspirations to tragedy. His fall might be classified as modern Shakespearean.

However, it would be a mistake to see his life as a “poor little rich boy” story. He was on an emotional rollercoaster and he really didn’t have strong guides throughout his life. Despite being part of the Love Generation, he was working in an Industry that was only interested in making money from performers. If he ran until he dropped, there would always be someone waiting in the wings. Surviving that for as long as he did took a certain nobility.

Oddly enough, one of the comments that I most remember from the book was how the 1960’s provided a huge musical overview for radio listeners. Unlike today, not many radio stations were dedicated solely to one style of music. So, although the listener may have favorites, the top tunes from a wide variety of performers was presented. I remembered that experience after this reminder was presented, and it brought a smile to my face.

And I asked Alexa to play, “I Think I Love You.”

[Swee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felt so badly for him - really quite a bittersweet read. Poor David had quite a tough life full of the ups and downs of being a teen idol with all the repercussions that come along with it coupled with the feeling of rejection and jealousy from both his parents who had wanted a career like this. His whole life and carry had been about wanting to prove himself to his mother and father and then even being trapped as Keith Patridge and that version of David Cassidy, with the pressures of having to keep up the image. This book is David laying his whole real self on the table and what it was like experiencing all the insanity and madness of fame and adulation, then trying to make successes post Patridge Family. It seemed by 2000s he had finally found some peace and a more settled life being a family man and working on his own terms, but sadly he passed away due to alcoholism in 2017.

This book is really recommended

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a huge fan of David's in the 70's, I found this book to be a bit self pitying. problems blamed on his parents divorce, how many kids come from broken homes and dont need therapy ??. He wanted to be a big star and then made it but got all the problems that come with it, lack of privacy, you are owned by the record company, so then blaming all the problems on the fact he was a huge star !.Then a story that is so common amongst a lot of bands and stars basically making loads of money but then it all disappears into various management funds and you are left at the end with nothing. I admire him for the fact he got on his feet again and seemed to find happiness doing the sort of music he wanted to do, finding a new business in his hobby of horse breeding. Finding happiness in his 3rd marriage and starting a family and becoming closer to his estranged daughter. I found the book a bit annoying also that it was basically his story and then all of a sudden you had other people , his brothers, friends ect writing a few paragraphs, how did that work did he stand over them and tell them to write something nice about him ! This book did take me back to the teenage days of posters, teen magazines, running home from school to watch your favourite star, and teen crushes, must admit i still find him fanciable !

[Connie Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book now makes me sad - sad that this man had so much, yet had nothing. He went from being the most desired guy on the planet to having nothing.

I've been watching The Partridge Family on DVD while I run on the treadmill. Knowing how he ends up years later makes it all the harder to watch.

His book was very honest, very open. He had issues with promiscuity, drinking, and drugs, yet he considered himself a role model. He did have a lot of compassion for people, but he was broken. He was deeply wounded by the lack of attention from his father. I believe he never got over that, as he displayed the same qualities to his own daughter, whom he barely mentions.

He found love with his third wife, but even that turned bad after the book was released. I feel bad that he couldn't hold on to what he loved.

It's just so sad that such a hugely talented man had such a rough life, made a fortune and lost it a number of times, and died very unfulfilled. I hope he finds peace.

P. S. Susan Dey, you dodged a bullet not being one of his women.

[Gwen Sargeant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense

I cannot begin to comprehend the pain, the loneliness and heartache this man has gone through. It was so sad this was happening to him and that his managers kept making it more unreal. I truly never knew any of this while growing up. I had his posters plastered on my walls and I too was in love with this icon of David Cassidy. It’s rough growing up in a broken home being treated by a father Jack Cassidy that was an egomaniac and didn’t care about his family only himself. What terms comes to mind was TROPHY FAMILY. It had to look good to the outside world but you never knew how he treated David and his wife Evelyn at that time. I will say this autobiography is raw and very open about David Cassidy and it really pulls at your heartstrings for this man. He was a fabulous singer. The Partridge family was brilliant. I am glad that David was able to seek help and come to terms with his life and find love he so richly deserved. This was a brilliant book.

[Jackie Theaker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I am the biggest David fan ever, I mean I felt like I discovered him because I cut out a tiny picture
of him in Tiger Beat before he became Keith Partridge. All my friends know of my obsession and my husband gave me this book for my 50th birthday. I read it (in 2 days); however, I found him to be somewhat self serving taking all opportunities to share how famous he had been and how much money he had made.
Then, I found out he had a starring role on Ruby and the Rockets--of course had to watch it and low and behold, I discover my affections no longer rest in David but in his brother Patrick Cassidy.

[Michelle Forsythe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought David did a good job of opening up about his insecurities and the pain of living with a narcissistic father. I just felt there was something missing here. He wasn’t really healed when he finished this book, especially since he died of alcoholism 10 years later. He was a bright, successful, and charismatic man but he died soon after going through another divorce, drinking, and losing his home. He worked hard most of his life and it’s so sad he died the way he did. He had a lot to offer, yet it seemed like he could never get his life on track. What happened to all his money from his later successes? There is definitely a lot more to the story than what was revealed.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very honest for an autobiography. Usually I stay away from autobiographies and this one being seven years old is already out of date, but having grown up in this era. I found his perspective of the fame interesting. I also gained an appreciation for his work. Too bad the drugs etc.. came back. A ripe story for a true biography writer someday.

[Lynne - The Book Squirrel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is taking me forever to read and getting boring now! Thought it was going to be better than it is! Well finally finished it and although I really liked David in his prime and he still makes me go weak at the knees, I wasn't really enjoying reading his book

[Pablo Honey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up in the 80s and was too young to have watched "The Partridge Family" or listened to David Cassidy's music (the show never got rerun in my area, as opposed to its 70s contemporary, "The Brady Bunch"), but I of course had heard of him and found him to be funny and articulate in the interviews I saw of him on YouTube, so I decided to read his memoir, "C'Mon Get Happy...Fear and Loathing on the Partridge Family Bus", released in 1994. I found it an interesting and seemingly honest read, and then discovered he'd released a second memoir, "Could It Be Forever? My Story", in 2007, so I gave it a read as well.

After reading both books back-to-back, I can confidently say that his second memoir is essentially an updated, revised, and expanded version of his first book. Many passages from his first book are reprinted here verbatim such as the entire first chapter, describing his poor relationship with his father, actor Jack Cassidy, whom he describes as an absentee father and an alcoholic. Their broken relationship is a constant theme throughout the book, and seemingly a big reason he struggled emotionally throughout his life.

I did notice at least a few passages in his original memoir were not included in this book, most notably the story of his extremely awkward sexual encounter with Susan Dey after "The Patridge Family" had just ended (his original memoir noted in the afterword that Dey ended their friendship after he released that book, probably because of including that story, so I'm not surprised it was excised here).

In addition to repeating a lot of the original memoir, stories here are frequently augmented with new commentary from people who witnessed or were part of the events he describes, such as industry insiders, his friends and family, and musicians he played and performed with (in his first memoir, only Shirley Jones and a few others are occasionally quoted).

This book also adds more stories and details that didn't exist in his prior book, such as his meetings with Elvis and John Lennon, detailed descriptions of working on his solo albums, and greater detail on his three marriages. And, of course, the last few chapters cover the time period between books (1994-2007).

The overall story of both memoirs is essentially the same. Growing up being rebellious and experimenting with drugs, a fractured relationship with his father, becoming a megastar almost by chance and enjoying a privileged but isolating and non-stop few years as a teen idol, and then spending the rest of his life grappling with who and what it all means.

In both books he ends on a high note, happy and healthy with his third wife and son (just a baby in his first book, a teenager when this book was published). In his original memoir he was still attempting a career comeback (and was one of the primary reasons he wrote it), but in this book he says his subsequent endeavors on Broadway and in Las Vegas have made him wealthy again.

After reading all this and then looking up his Wikipedia entry, all I could think was, "what happened?". Because his life seemingly fell apart soon afterwards. He had multiple DUI arrests in the 2010s, divorced his third wife in 2014, and filed for bankruptcy in 2015. In 2017, shortly before his death due to liver and kidney failure, it came out that he had been badly abusing alcohol for many years to the point where he thought he had dementia, even though in both memoirs he claims to barely drink. Either he lied then, or he badly relapsed shortly after this book was released.

It just goes to show that any time you read a memoir, you need to keep in mind that the author is a) recalling events from only their perspective, which is subject to bias, embellishment, and the fallibility of memory, b) only discussing topics that they care to discuss, so it cannot be seen as a comprehensive recounting of their life.

Still, a very fascinating story, and one well worth reading.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Cassidy’s father was actor Jack Cassidy. Unfortunately Jack Cassidy did not have a lot of time for his only son with actress Evelyn Ward. Additionally, he did not praise support for David when he became a huge celebrity on the 1970s television show, The Partridge Family. The show, about a musical family who traveled to gigs in their colorful bus, also starred David’s step-mother, Shirley Jones, and it became a huge hit.

David Cassidy was written about in fan magazines, such as "Tiger Beat." He shared company with Donny Osmond, Marie Osmond, Bobby Sherman and the Jackson Five. The magazines sold well as young teenage girls idolized these young performers. David does confess that the magazines often made up stories, writing about his hobbies, what he liked to eat and drink and other trivial information, much of it not even true.

David felt stifled by all the fame. He lost all privacy. David tried to be a good public role model. But behind the scenes, he was sleeping with groupies, and he had trouble forming relationships. First of all, there was not the time, as he was constantly on the road, doing concerts. He also felt a lack of trust and feelings of emotional abandonment because of his father’s lies and emotional detachment.

He wanted to be more creative and write songs that were not the type of pop music he sang on his television show and in concerts. He wanted to be taken seriously as an actor. He felt that the show made him a huge star on an illusion. No one knew the real David Cassidy.

When he was performing in concerts, women were screaming so loudly, that David could not even hear himself sing. Young fans chased him everywhere. It was out-of-hand and at times very scary.

Soon after the show went off the air, David’s career pretty much came to a halt. He felt burnt out, depressed and confused in not knowing what was next for him. He went through continued issues with his father, as Jack Cassidy was not a loving father, but an alcoholic, and self-absorbed and jealous of his son’s sudden fame.

After a night out drinking, Jack Cassidy came home and apparently fell asleep on his couch having lit a cigarette. The cigarette started a fire and killed Jack Cassidy.

David eventually managed to move forward with his life, deal with his conflicting issues over the relationship he had with his father, and to try to move on with his career. He married actress Kay Lenz, but unfortunately the marriage did not last. By the mid-to late 1980s, finally his career was getting a lot better.

He performed on Broadway in NYC in the musical, “Blood Brothers,” with his half-brother Shaun Cassidy (who also went through a phase as a teenage star due to television and singing), and singer/actress Petula Clark.

He was married two more times, did record albums, concerts, and had two children and a fulfilling life. David eventually learned that happiness was being surrounded by friends and family.

Throughout the book are commentaries by friends and family who knew David. The book has a unique honesty to it. I felt like David really wanted to express himself and try to explain to readers his difficulties. I remember how handsome he was at a young age and so likeable. He was talented, had a wonderful singing voice, and it was all this and his professionalism, which defined him as a star.

[Mari Romancegirl · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing.

This book truly disappointed me. David Cassidy truly disappointed me. I was one of those teenage girls who idolized him. I sent him fan letters. And in the book David Cassidy stated he never read the fan mail. Instead, the fan letters were used by his staff to obtain addresses to sell his products. Fan mail went in the trash. David Cassidy was promiscuous at a young age, he did drugs, took advantage of young women, and had no self respect. And he has the nerve to judge his father's behavior? Yes, his father was a louse, but I rank David Cassidy the same.

The part of this book that truly irritated me was the chapter about his daughter Katie. He never explained his relationship with her mother, when she was born, why he abandoned her, or his explanation for being a deadbeat dad. This is the same behavior he criticized his father for. His father was never in his life when he was growing up.

I am very disappointed in David Cassidy. I am disillusioned. He let his looks go, too. What happened to all that beautiful hair?

I will instead remember Keith Partridge. A sweet, funny, young gentleman with the voice that charmed me and made me feel special with every song he sang.

David Cassidy is a creep.

[Alexander Hood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never a fan of The Patridge Family or DC but I knew of the successes and problems he encountered and I just wanted to find out a bit more. In my opinion the book was as honest a portrayal of David's life as any biography I have read. He didn't hide names or facts. He told it as honestly as he could and you can't ask for better than that.

I though he was full of self pity and I don't understand why. He made it. He lost it. He made it again which is an outcome a lot of people would yearn for. I didn't get too caught up on his "on-off" relationship with his Dad. It is almost like he felt awful guilty for being so successful so young while his Dad struggled on as a bit player.

For anyone who thought David Cassidy was only The Partridge Family and a teeny bop heartthrob then read this book. He was much much more as his later many successes attest to. I think his life after The Patridge Family gave him much more satisfaction. A good read.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book and so many things i did know about David.

I was always a fan and had his teen beat picture in my room for years..

In the seventies, when he was just 20 years old, David Cassidy achieved the sort of teen idol fame that is rarely seen. He was mobbed everywhere he went. His clothes were regularly ripped off by adoring fans. He sold records the world over. He was bigger than Elvis. And all thanks to a hit TV show called The Partridge Family. Now, in his own words, this is a brutally frank account of those mind blowing days of stardom in which being David Cassidy played second fiddle to being Keith Partridge. Including stories of sex, drugs and rock'n'roll that explode the myth of Cassidy as squeaky clean, it's also the story of how to keep on living life and loving yourself when the fickle fans fall away.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would've rated this higher if not for a few things:
1) He repeats himself immensely throughout the story and it gets to be like beating a dead horse
2) The Paperback version does not come with the promised photos like the hardcover does
3) He jumps from era to era often moving backward and forward so there is no clear stream of thought
4) He often contradicts himself and how he felt about working on "The Partridge Family"
5) It didn't end with an emotional pop that I thought it would but actually fell rather flat.

Also, Sue made a lot of commentary as did his brothers. While that can be great, it was also a bit too much at times. I did like the book overall but I wasn't pulling late hours to finish it.

[Speee1dy · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a huge fan of David Cassidy back in the days of my youth, I thought this would be a great read. It was good. He didn't gloss over the issues with his dad, but he glossed, no , left it until the end where he just had a paragraph about, his daughter Katie. No mention of the mother. When talking about sue and beau , he acted like that was his first child. Not really cool.

But all in all, not bad.

Btw, I still love his music and would have loved to have gotten the album he was working on at the time of his death. Kind of a tribute to his father. It was never finished. And sadly, he still wasn't honest about his drinking

[stephen smitten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather sad

I was a great David Cassidy fan in the 70's. The way he carried on with his fans was a bit of an eye opener! I felt that he spent his life striving for approval, as he didn't get it from his father. I didn't realise he had done so much in his career, starring in shows and writing songs etc. He kind of disappears of the radar for me after my teens. I watched the recent interview with Piers Morgan, I was sad to see that he was divorced and an alcoholic. Very sad to hear that he had recently passed away. Hope he finds peace wherever he is now.

[sandy elder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow

I was a huge David Cassidy fan when I was a child. I read this book very quickly but it is not well written at all and it certainly presents a very skewed view of David Cassidy. After reading the book, my view of Mr. Cassidy has changed so much. This is an autobiography and as he talks about his life choices, it is clear how clueless he Was to the people around him as well as have do you want any life issues. He was presented with multiple opportunities and much talent however squandered much of this away. So much wasted time.

[Jane Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is an interesting story of David Cassidy's rise to fame and how difficult it made his life and changed him. Hi struggles to be close to his father Jack Cassidy were heartbreaking. David clearly dispels the myth that being rich and famous is desirable and make one happy. I was gratified to learn later in the book how he found happiness in his relationship with Sue Shifrin Cassidy and how the birth of their son and a daughter filled the void David had been seeking all of his life. I found it to be an interesting, sad and eventually inspiring story.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read - David didn't hold anything back and was brutally honest. So much of David's experience makes you sad as you're reading his words, but he makes you believe he has finally gotten a handle on his own life. Sadly, this book was written over ten years ago, and so much happened after its publication, including his untimely death. I've been a fan since I first saw him on the Partridge Family when I was seven years old, and I always found myself cheering for him, no matter what was going on in his life. He had a breathtaking smile and a voice like honey - gone way too soon.