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Back to the Boy
'The thought behind this book is not just me wanting to tell my story in the standard autobiographical fashion but to create a kind of self-help book that includes my story. There are many things people don't know about me and maybe when they read about those things they will have an understanding of the journey I have been on, why I've made the mistakes I have and hopefully help other people overcome their adversities.'Life has presented its fair share of setbacks for James Arthur, from his disrupted childhood - during which he felt like a stray and a misfit, entering the care system in his teens - to a very public fall from favour just at the point when all his dreams should have been coming true. With an extraordinary comeback in 2016, starting with No. 1 single 'Say You Won't Let Go' and his Platinum album Back From The Edge, Back To The Boy shows the British singer and songwriter reflecting not only on his past but also on his return to the charts, and the phenomenal global success that followed. James shares his struggles with mental health issues which led to drug abuse, and how he dealt with the feelings of intense pressure and loneliness that accompanied his sudden rise to fame. Back to the Boy gives an insight into the life of one of the most exciting musicians of today, and how his experiences are reflected in the raw emotion and passion in his music. This is a story of hope and self-discovery to inspire those who have ever hit rock-bottom and managed to pick themselves up again.
- GenresNonfictionBiography
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2017
46 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 2, 2021
This was a fantastic read! It impressed me is so many ways.
Firstly, to have the courage to go again through everything you’ve been through so far is already such a hard thing to do, let aside sharing it with other people, no matter who you are.
I have waited to have this book in my hands for almost a year and I can proudly say it was worth the wait.
I’ve learnt so many things about mental health through James’ experience and how important it is to be aware of our own mental sanity and those around us. Not to condemn and judge other by their behavior, especially when it comes to our family, is what I’d call the “true voice of reason’.
To some degree I can relate to James’ family matter. I’ve always found myself torn between rejection and forgiveness in this aspect of life and even going through the book there were times when I was against the idea of reconciliation after all the bad stuff, but then indeed forgiveness and comprehension is the only thing which sets us free and I’m glad I’ve come so far to understand that.
Last but not least, I’ve discovered that VULNERABILITY MAKES ONE STRONG. ♥️
Firstly, to have the courage to go again through everything you’ve been through so far is already such a hard thing to do, let aside sharing it with other people, no matter who you are.
I have waited to have this book in my hands for almost a year and I can proudly say it was worth the wait.
I’ve learnt so many things about mental health through James’ experience and how important it is to be aware of our own mental sanity and those around us. Not to condemn and judge other by their behavior, especially when it comes to our family, is what I’d call the “true voice of reason’.
To some degree I can relate to James’ family matter. I’ve always found myself torn between rejection and forgiveness in this aspect of life and even going through the book there were times when I was against the idea of reconciliation after all the bad stuff, but then indeed forgiveness and comprehension is the only thing which sets us free and I’m glad I’ve come so far to understand that.
Last but not least, I’ve discovered that VULNERABILITY MAKES ONE STRONG. ♥️
October 25, 2017
Review: Back to the Boy by James Arthur Published by: Hoddor & Stoughton (5th October 2017)
ISBN: 978-1473665880
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5*
Synopsis:
There are many things people don't know about me and maybe when they read about those things they will have an understanding of the journey I have been on and why I've made the mistakes I have.
Nothing that has happened in my adult life makes much sense if you don't know what life was like for me growing up. I have to go back to the boy, because he can tell you a lot more than I can...
In this book James shares his struggles with mental health issues which led to drug-abuse, and how he dealt with the feelings of intense pressure and loneliness that accompanied his sudden rise to fame. Back to the Boy gives an insight into the life of one of the most exciting musicians of today, and how his experiences are reflected in the blend of raw emotion and passion in his music. This is a story of hope and self-discovery to inspire those who have ever hit rock-bottom and managed to pick themselves up again.
Review:
Wow. Just...wow! Back to the Boy is unputdownable! I read it cover to cover in one sitting, and was utterly transfixed. 2012 X Factor winner and Sane mental health ambassador, James Arthur, really does bare his soul in this refreshingly honest and unflinchingly raw account of his life thus far. A rags-to-riches story you may have heard before, but this one is quite different. This one made me sit up and take notice. Now it all makes sense. The behaviour. The drugs. Everything.
The candid account of life as a young boy and the struggles as an adult trying to cope with mental health issues make for uncomfortable reading at times and can certainly stir up emotions you may not even be aware are there. I found this so insightful, as a fan and as a reader too. I just want to give James a great big hug. I'm seeing him live (for the second time) next month, so you never know...maybe I'll get the opportunity!
If you, or someone close to you has mental health issues, depression, anxiety, panic attacks...you need to read this book, or buy it for them! The book is intelligently written, flows well and has enough high points to balance out the low. I think James's openness in Back to the Boy could help a great many people who are struggling, and it would also make the perfect gift for every James Arthur fan. #JArmy
ISBN: 978-1473665880
Source: Purchased
Rating: 5*
Synopsis:
There are many things people don't know about me and maybe when they read about those things they will have an understanding of the journey I have been on and why I've made the mistakes I have.
Nothing that has happened in my adult life makes much sense if you don't know what life was like for me growing up. I have to go back to the boy, because he can tell you a lot more than I can...
In this book James shares his struggles with mental health issues which led to drug-abuse, and how he dealt with the feelings of intense pressure and loneliness that accompanied his sudden rise to fame. Back to the Boy gives an insight into the life of one of the most exciting musicians of today, and how his experiences are reflected in the blend of raw emotion and passion in his music. This is a story of hope and self-discovery to inspire those who have ever hit rock-bottom and managed to pick themselves up again.
Review:
Wow. Just...wow! Back to the Boy is unputdownable! I read it cover to cover in one sitting, and was utterly transfixed. 2012 X Factor winner and Sane mental health ambassador, James Arthur, really does bare his soul in this refreshingly honest and unflinchingly raw account of his life thus far. A rags-to-riches story you may have heard before, but this one is quite different. This one made me sit up and take notice. Now it all makes sense. The behaviour. The drugs. Everything.
The candid account of life as a young boy and the struggles as an adult trying to cope with mental health issues make for uncomfortable reading at times and can certainly stir up emotions you may not even be aware are there. I found this so insightful, as a fan and as a reader too. I just want to give James a great big hug. I'm seeing him live (for the second time) next month, so you never know...maybe I'll get the opportunity!
If you, or someone close to you has mental health issues, depression, anxiety, panic attacks...you need to read this book, or buy it for them! The book is intelligently written, flows well and has enough high points to balance out the low. I think James's openness in Back to the Boy could help a great many people who are struggling, and it would also make the perfect gift for every James Arthur fan. #JArmy
October 18, 2017
Tear-jerking, heart-wrenching, inspirational & overall amazing.
I could read this book 100 times & never get sick of it. Being a huge fan of James Arthur, I got to know so much about him personally. He had so much to tell. This is truly a 'must-read' if you're suffering from mental illness & need any type of closure or inspiration. I've rated his book 5 stars even though this deserves so much more!
I could read this book 100 times & never get sick of it. Being a huge fan of James Arthur, I got to know so much about him personally. He had so much to tell. This is truly a 'must-read' if you're suffering from mental illness & need any type of closure or inspiration. I've rated his book 5 stars even though this deserves so much more!
February 11, 2018
Nobody should have to deal with this stuff, especially at such a young age. I've followed James throughout the X Factor and I love him. I admire his persuit of happiness and I'm really glad with his comeback ♡
January 30, 2022
James is the perfect example on how damaging one's parents behaviour can be to their child.
If you think about it, James is one of those "lucky" ones who have the strength to fight for themselves, who don't want to give up completely. But how many teenagers have the power to do so? More often, the reality is that these kids grow into disfuctional adults who can't cope with their demons, so they end up distroying their lives and the lives of their loved ones.
It was a heartbreaking story with a happy ending, although I wish James focused more on the specific techniques which helped him fight depression.
If you think about it, James is one of those "lucky" ones who have the strength to fight for themselves, who don't want to give up completely. But how many teenagers have the power to do so? More often, the reality is that these kids grow into disfuctional adults who can't cope with their demons, so they end up distroying their lives and the lives of their loved ones.
It was a heartbreaking story with a happy ending, although I wish James focused more on the specific techniques which helped him fight depression.
January 14, 2020
After this book his songs are even more meaningful ✔️
December 4, 2020
I'm not normally someone to read autobiographies but I have always liked James Arthur since I saw him on X factor so once I saw this book I knew I had to get it and give it a read. I genuinely enjoyed this book and read it quite quick as I found it so easy to get through. I loved the fact each chapter switched between his childhood and his start and finish of X factor and then the current day. I found the full story interesting as you don't know what someone is going through mentally and this book for me was so honest you saw the struggles James faced throughout his childhood and X factor. I honestly loved this book so much and really enjoyed it and I just loved seeing what James had put into place to change or deal with his problems - I honestly enjoyed this book a lot more than I expected.
August 5, 2018
I'm a huge fan of James and have followed his career with interest since he first appeared on X-Factor. He clearly had a trouble childhood and this book tells his story with honesty. Makes me sad that parents can do so much damage to a child when they are at war and it's no surprise that James has struggled with mental health to this day. But credit to him for persevering, his immense talent shines through always.
December 29, 2023
It was astonishingly honest and the guy has definitely had an interesting life. I am a huge fan of his and now I understand him a lot better. All his earlier experiences completely explain his behaviour as an adult, the addictions, the sex, the self destruction, worthlessness, need for validation - all pretty classic for a kid who has grown up with a parent with BPD. It was a good read but I found the way it was written not great. It didn’t flow well and was quite repetitive. I also wasn’t a fan of the format of jumping back and forth in his life, I’d have preferred a straight chronological order of things. It was a very good portrayal of mental illness and how frustrating and repetitive that mental illness can be to those on the outside looking in so maybe the repetitive thing was intentional. I thought his explanation of panic attacks and how each time you are convinced this is the one that will kill you was very insightful. I also thought there should have been some disclaimer somewhere about stopping meds abruptly like he did. That is dangerous physically and mentally and I thought it needed to be said, maybe at the end by him or the publisher that there are risks to that. All in all, a good book, glad I read it but probably only because I’m a fan.
April 24, 2022
This was an amazing read, I have always been a massive fan of James and was gutted when he went of the rails, And was so pleased when he made his came back. James is unapologetically honest in all parts of this book, it’s truly amazing that his family stood behind him while he was writing this book, because I imagine it would be difficult for them to read. James goes into greay detail of he’s mental illness and he’s addictions, i can’t even begin to image how painful and scary it must have been to go though all of his past trauma again. Such a brave and talented man..... And I can’t wait to see him live again soon xx
September 23, 2019
I was so impressed by James Arthur's mind. OMG! I'm a huge fan of him as a songwriter and a singer, and getting to know his story let me overthinking all the time. Since I finished it, I have been using his example over and over. Mental health is a big issue, and we have to understand its issues better, and also speak up about it openly. I was just a bit disappointed because after reading I discover that James used a ghost-writer (what is not a trouble at all, but always let me with a feeling of betrayal... haha).
April 24, 2024
Candid,honest,and helpful.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. James Arthur's candid account of his childhood is sometimes a difficult read, recounting disturbing events and rejection that would test the strongest of characters. Always a positive read the book takes us through his rise to fame, his fall from grace and his subsequent return to public favour.The book is written honestly and eloquently, and it was helpful to be able to relate to some of the issues that he has dealt with himself, and take comfort in the advice offered.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. James Arthur's candid account of his childhood is sometimes a difficult read, recounting disturbing events and rejection that would test the strongest of characters. Always a positive read the book takes us through his rise to fame, his fall from grace and his subsequent return to public favour.The book is written honestly and eloquently, and it was helpful to be able to relate to some of the issues that he has dealt with himself, and take comfort in the advice offered.
November 12, 2017
My rating isn’t based on how much I enjoyed the book, more on how it was written. The book was very good, I adore James Arthur and found it hugely insightful reading all about his life. He’s had a tough time of it but has had an amazing journey that he should be so proud of. I found it to be truly inspiring and it goes to show if you believe in yourself and your ability, you can overcome anything.
November 11, 2018
Amazing book, honest and well written
At times I felt like I was right there with James on his journey. The writing is excellent and the chapters flow into each other. But beyond the beautiful writing James’ tells his story from his heart. I love you James. I am inspired by you and I truly love your music. I wish you happiness in your life with mental stability, success and love
At times I felt like I was right there with James on his journey. The writing is excellent and the chapters flow into each other. But beyond the beautiful writing James’ tells his story from his heart. I love you James. I am inspired by you and I truly love your music. I wish you happiness in your life with mental stability, success and love
October 24, 2022
Gives you a real insight into how experiences shape a person and how a person can seek redemption. It emphasises how mental illness can consume a person's life and change them- that their mental illness does not define them. A book I think anyone should read even if they don't listen to JA just to gather what it is like to live with a mental illness, to hit rock bottom multiple times, how to forgive family, the affects of fame and how someone can pull themselves from rock bottom.
April 13, 2018
Incredibly honest account of James Arthur's battles with panic attacks and mental health issues. A lot of his behaviour does make sense in light of this book. Random: James always thought he had a turn in his eye which accounted for him not making eye contact a lot of the time, which astounded me as I think he has beautiful eyes.
December 5, 2021
I have been a fan of James Arthur since x-factor. I can totally relate to this book the demons of mental health is all consuming. James tells is story with complete honesty and I applaud that. This book is definitely a journey through James life and everything he’s through, he’s brave, strong and totally talented! Thank you James for sharing your story xx
February 5, 2023
Picked this up randomly from my local library. I watched Xfactor when James won the show and have always liked his voice. In this book, James is very open about his mental health struggles, which I think is brave. I had no idea he suffered so much, during & after the show. However, I did find the content of this book to be quite repetitive at times. It was an enjoyable read overall.
June 27, 2023
James Arthur is my favourite artist so when I found out he write a book I just had to read. Reading what he went through half really surprised me but half fans already knew about!
So thankful he got through it all and so thankful to Jess for helping him through it and standing by his side.
Love to see they are parents now 🥰
So thankful he got through it all and so thankful to Jess for helping him through it and standing by his side.
Love to see they are parents now 🥰
September 7, 2025
What an excellent read!
James I watched some of the X Factor series when you won it for your year… your voice amazing
I knew you had a rough childhood and for you to share your up bringing in this book you are very brave. You have been through so much! And look at how strong you are!
You are an inspiration and keep on speaking about mental health it’ll help so many people! X
James I watched some of the X Factor series when you won it for your year… your voice amazing
I knew you had a rough childhood and for you to share your up bringing in this book you are very brave. You have been through so much! And look at how strong you are!
You are an inspiration and keep on speaking about mental health it’ll help so many people! X
November 30, 2017
Brilliantly written by an incredible ghost writer with a very special talent. This man has suffered so much yet he still manages to pull through. A truly amazing come back and a hard hitting book that tackles mental illness head on.
January 1, 2020
Great read for those who struggle with anxiety and depression
A glimpse into JA’s rise to fame, stumble and then determination to make his dreams come true. Very honest and heartfelt telling of his life thus far.
A glimpse into JA’s rise to fame, stumble and then determination to make his dreams come true. Very honest and heartfelt telling of his life thus far.
June 16, 2021
This book was AMAZING!!!!! If I could give the book 10 stars, I would. If you’re a James Arthur fanatic (like I am), this book is for you. It talks about his story growing up, family issues, drugs and alcohol abuse, and the history of how he became the star he is today.
April 26, 2024
wow.
so much respect for james to go through all this again when writing this book. some of his songs will definitely have a different meaning for me now and i now feel a much stronger connection towards his music and james in general.
no one should have to go through anything like this
so much respect for james to go through all this again when writing this book. some of his songs will definitely have a different meaning for me now and i now feel a much stronger connection towards his music and james in general.
no one should have to go through anything like this
July 9, 2024
This was a great book. James Arthur is an amazing artist and reading how he’s so relatable, dealing with his own anxieties and issues in life and still fighting and coming back as hard as he did. I enjoyed reading this and getting to know him just a little more.
October 10, 2017
Inspiring and eye opening
❤️ was. Great inspiration, and it reaches the heart more then I realized that it would. Very much so recommend.
❤️ was. Great inspiration, and it reaches the heart more then I realized that it would. Very much so recommend.
November 25, 2017
Very factual, and well written.
December 26, 2017
phenomenal
January 4, 2018
I’ve always been a James Arthur fan and this book is both sad and inspirational! He very bravely talks about his mental health issues in order to help others and raise awareness!
May 1, 2018
Very honest to the point of inspirational x
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews