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Falling with Wings: A Mother's Story
Before she was mother to global superstar Demi Lovato, she was just Dianna Hart. Dianna tells her story from the very beginning in this complete and genuinely affecting memoir. She had big plans of becoming a country music star, but her life went in a different direction than her dreams. She developed an eating disorder early in life to gain a sense of control in her strict upbringing. As she continued to struggle with body image and her obsession with being perfect her entire adult life, she was also met with other difficult situations. Her husband and father of her two eldest daughters, Dallas and Demi, had his own troubles that effected the entire family. She coped with alcohol and pills, forming a long-lasting addiction. She's had terrible lows but also some great highs as she watched her daughters break out in Hollywood to become strong, empowered young women. As a mother caring for daughters with addictions while continuing to battle her own, Dianna offers a unique perspective. And as a family, they have survived everything life has thrown at them and come away from it stronger than ever. Dianna tells her story of living through and surviving adversity--with tremendous strength, love and faith.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2018
32 people are currently reading
918 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 19, 2018
I received a free copy of Falling with Wings: A Mother's Story by Dianna De La Garza from Goodreads for my honest review.
This a gripping and beautifully emotional story of a family and the hardships they endured. Through those hardships they became strong, empowered women.
In this book Dianna talks about her childhood and her wanting of a singing career. She also discussed her first marriage which was very abusive. She struggled with her own personal mental health problems and addictions while trying to raiser her children and help them pursue their own dreams. A very raw and emotional read. I give huge praise for Dianna to be so open with her addictions along with her two daughters. A wonderful book for any one to read.
This a gripping and beautifully emotional story of a family and the hardships they endured. Through those hardships they became strong, empowered women.
In this book Dianna talks about her childhood and her wanting of a singing career. She also discussed her first marriage which was very abusive. She struggled with her own personal mental health problems and addictions while trying to raiser her children and help them pursue their own dreams. A very raw and emotional read. I give huge praise for Dianna to be so open with her addictions along with her two daughters. A wonderful book for any one to read.
March 9, 2018
I tip my hat for eddie. He took care of dallas and demi like they were his own. He sacrificed so much for those girls.
April 5, 2018
The main reason why I read this book was because I watched an interview with the author. Demi lovatto is a talented Pop singer who has range for days, but I had no idea that her mother once had a dream to be a singer as well. It was a really good novel about pursuing your dreams in face of adversity, it really taught me to appreciate small beginnings. I loved the beginning of the story, about how she was raised in a religious setting, that affirmed her faith in God. Faith played a pivotal role in her upbringing, that is admirable.
I would not say that this book was exceptional, but it was a good novel about adversary, faith and overcoming obstacles. I have a new respect for her, it is not easy to share your thoughts on paper but if it helps just one person then her job is done.
I would not say that this book was exceptional, but it was a good novel about adversary, faith and overcoming obstacles. I have a new respect for her, it is not easy to share your thoughts on paper but if it helps just one person then her job is done.
January 11, 2020
Demi Lovato es alguien a quien la mayoría por no decir todos ubicamos, es esta estrella mundial que empezó su carrera muy chica en Disney y que a lo largo del tiempo hemos podido conocer por sus altibajos y por sus éxitos, ha sufrido por depresión, adicciones y trastornos alimenticios pero no es la única en su familia con estos mismos problemas, en "Falling with wings" Dianna de La Garza, madre de Demi nos cuenta hasta que punto comparte los mismos demonios que su hija, desde su infancia, sus sueños de convertirse en cantante, sus relaciones amorosas y lo más importante sus tres hijas.
Como he mencionado mucho últimamente me he vuelto fan de escuchar, memorias, libros biográficos en formatos de audiolibros, me es sumamente fácil y entretenido escuchar a alguien hablar sobre su vida, Becoming de Michelle Obama es un ejemplo de lo increíble que puede ser este formato con este tipo de libros, se siente como compartir el chisme con alguien más. Falling with wings no es la excepción, la autora nos abre su vida al compartir todos sus sueños y miedos, y todas esas experiencias que la forjaron como mujer y como madre.
Dianna De La Garza fue educada en una casa 100% cristiana, cosa que hizo que me identificara de inmediato con varias de las cosas que relata en el libro, su sueño era convertirse en una exitosa cantante, ella tenía la imagen y el talento, pero no el apoyo de su familia, tras vivir de una ciudad al otra y siendo su padre un pastor, tomó la decisión de salirse de su casa para perseguir sus sueños, al inicio cantando en algunos bares, después siendo una popular porrista de los Dallas Cowboys, siendo en esta etapa donde conoce a Patrick Lovato, su primer esposo.
Conforme vamos avanzando en el libro conocemos más acerca de la relación tóxica que mantuvo con Lovato, sobre el abuso de alcohol y algunas drogas, la soledad que iba sintiendo día con día y la depresión a la que poco a poco iba cayendo, cuando Dallas y Demi Lovato nacieron, Dianna De La Garza se esforzó lo más que pudo para darle lo mejor a sus hijas, y se prometió que apoyaría a sus hijas en sus sueños costara lo que costara.
"Un día" Valientemente proclamó, "Tú alcanzaras a millones de personas, y harás una diferencia real en sus vidas" ella paró, sus ojos aún en Demi, cuando finalmente ella habló, sus palabras perforaron el aire, "¿Estás lista?"
Me gustó sentir la honestidad de la autora en el libro, se sintió real y muy directo. Dado que la autora creció bajo una educación cristiana es algo que notamos a lo largo del libro, en donde muchas cosas recaen en un "Que sea la voluntad de Dios" o en "Me arrodillé a orar por mi hija" y donde ella expresa la constante búsqueda de Dios y seguir sus principios, no de una manera que cayera en la religiosidad si no que fuera una comunión personal y familiar, y aquí fue una de las cosas con las que más pude conectar, y es que conozco de primera mano el nacer en un hogar cristiano, y muchas de las situaciones que narraba acerca de no poder expresarse como ella quería para ser el buen ejemplo me hacían mucho click por estar en situaciones bastante similares, pero a la vez querer buscar esa simpatía por Dios y ser la mejor persona que puedas ser.
Claro que muchos capítulos están centrados en su hija de en medio, Demi Lovato siendo la que más éxito ha tenido, pero el libro habla de su experiencia con sus tres hijas, y como cada una ha sido bastante diferente una de la otra, habla de sus viajes para competencias de bellezas infantiles, de sus múltiples audiciones, de la rutina de escuela en casa que aplico para sus hijas después del bullying al que se enfrentaban, en como estuvo ahí para verlas caer pero también para levantarse, como dato curioso, ella llevo como favor a una de sus amigas a una pequeña Selena Gomez a una audición para la serie de Disney "Wizards of Waverly Place". Todos estos detalles y relatos acerca de su esfuerzo para ver a sus hijas triunfar las cuenta de una manera bastante sencilla pero a la vez llena de emoción que te tiene pegado tratando de saber más.
Obviamente llegamos a la parte en donde ella analiza los problemas que tiene Demi Lovato con las drogas, como Dallas su hija mayor también los tuvo y como ella también sufrió con lo mismo, los problemas de imagen física que tuvo su hija menor Madison (Desperate Housewives) y se cuestiona su trabajo de madre, su rol como mujer ejemplo en su familia, habla de sus errores y como pudo aprender de ellos.
El único problema que tuve con esta novela es que se movía muy rápido y algunos temas los dejaba bastante por encima, y los saltos de tiempo eran bastante largos, es decir hablaba del nacimiento de sus hijas y enseguida se saltaba cuando ellas ya tenían 4 años, y así constantemente por lo que si se queda uno medio a la deriva.
Falling with wings es un libro que me gustó bastante, en el que obvio entré por el morbo de saber más acerca de la vida de Demi, pero donde encontré mucho más que eso, encontré una historia de una madre que hace todo por sus hijas, en el que pospone su felicidad por ver triunfar a quien más ama, una historia de sobrevivir a la depresión y a la soledad. En conclusión si disfrutas de las biografías, de el mundo de las celebridades y de las historias maternales, este libro no te dejará indiferente.
Como he mencionado mucho últimamente me he vuelto fan de escuchar, memorias, libros biográficos en formatos de audiolibros, me es sumamente fácil y entretenido escuchar a alguien hablar sobre su vida, Becoming de Michelle Obama es un ejemplo de lo increíble que puede ser este formato con este tipo de libros, se siente como compartir el chisme con alguien más. Falling with wings no es la excepción, la autora nos abre su vida al compartir todos sus sueños y miedos, y todas esas experiencias que la forjaron como mujer y como madre.
Dianna De La Garza fue educada en una casa 100% cristiana, cosa que hizo que me identificara de inmediato con varias de las cosas que relata en el libro, su sueño era convertirse en una exitosa cantante, ella tenía la imagen y el talento, pero no el apoyo de su familia, tras vivir de una ciudad al otra y siendo su padre un pastor, tomó la decisión de salirse de su casa para perseguir sus sueños, al inicio cantando en algunos bares, después siendo una popular porrista de los Dallas Cowboys, siendo en esta etapa donde conoce a Patrick Lovato, su primer esposo.
Conforme vamos avanzando en el libro conocemos más acerca de la relación tóxica que mantuvo con Lovato, sobre el abuso de alcohol y algunas drogas, la soledad que iba sintiendo día con día y la depresión a la que poco a poco iba cayendo, cuando Dallas y Demi Lovato nacieron, Dianna De La Garza se esforzó lo más que pudo para darle lo mejor a sus hijas, y se prometió que apoyaría a sus hijas en sus sueños costara lo que costara.
"Un día" Valientemente proclamó, "Tú alcanzaras a millones de personas, y harás una diferencia real en sus vidas" ella paró, sus ojos aún en Demi, cuando finalmente ella habló, sus palabras perforaron el aire, "¿Estás lista?"
Me gustó sentir la honestidad de la autora en el libro, se sintió real y muy directo. Dado que la autora creció bajo una educación cristiana es algo que notamos a lo largo del libro, en donde muchas cosas recaen en un "Que sea la voluntad de Dios" o en "Me arrodillé a orar por mi hija" y donde ella expresa la constante búsqueda de Dios y seguir sus principios, no de una manera que cayera en la religiosidad si no que fuera una comunión personal y familiar, y aquí fue una de las cosas con las que más pude conectar, y es que conozco de primera mano el nacer en un hogar cristiano, y muchas de las situaciones que narraba acerca de no poder expresarse como ella quería para ser el buen ejemplo me hacían mucho click por estar en situaciones bastante similares, pero a la vez querer buscar esa simpatía por Dios y ser la mejor persona que puedas ser.
Claro que muchos capítulos están centrados en su hija de en medio, Demi Lovato siendo la que más éxito ha tenido, pero el libro habla de su experiencia con sus tres hijas, y como cada una ha sido bastante diferente una de la otra, habla de sus viajes para competencias de bellezas infantiles, de sus múltiples audiciones, de la rutina de escuela en casa que aplico para sus hijas después del bullying al que se enfrentaban, en como estuvo ahí para verlas caer pero también para levantarse, como dato curioso, ella llevo como favor a una de sus amigas a una pequeña Selena Gomez a una audición para la serie de Disney "Wizards of Waverly Place". Todos estos detalles y relatos acerca de su esfuerzo para ver a sus hijas triunfar las cuenta de una manera bastante sencilla pero a la vez llena de emoción que te tiene pegado tratando de saber más.
Obviamente llegamos a la parte en donde ella analiza los problemas que tiene Demi Lovato con las drogas, como Dallas su hija mayor también los tuvo y como ella también sufrió con lo mismo, los problemas de imagen física que tuvo su hija menor Madison (Desperate Housewives) y se cuestiona su trabajo de madre, su rol como mujer ejemplo en su familia, habla de sus errores y como pudo aprender de ellos.
El único problema que tuve con esta novela es que se movía muy rápido y algunos temas los dejaba bastante por encima, y los saltos de tiempo eran bastante largos, es decir hablaba del nacimiento de sus hijas y enseguida se saltaba cuando ellas ya tenían 4 años, y así constantemente por lo que si se queda uno medio a la deriva.
Falling with wings es un libro que me gustó bastante, en el que obvio entré por el morbo de saber más acerca de la vida de Demi, pero donde encontré mucho más que eso, encontré una historia de una madre que hace todo por sus hijas, en el que pospone su felicidad por ver triunfar a quien más ama, una historia de sobrevivir a la depresión y a la soledad. En conclusión si disfrutas de las biografías, de el mundo de las celebridades y de las historias maternales, este libro no te dejará indiferente.
April 1, 2018
This book tells the story of Demi's Levato's mom. She talks about her childhood, being a Dallas cowboys cheerleader, and her attempts at a singing career. Then she talks about her abusive first marriage and raising her children. She talks a lot about the struggles with helping her children pursue their dreams. She also talk about struggles with mental health issues. That is the strongest part of the book. Talking about she and two of her daughters struggled with addiction and mental health issues and are stronger for it.
I received a free copy from Goodreads but my opinions are my own.
I received a free copy from Goodreads but my opinions are my own.
April 6, 2018
I really did enjoy this book, much more than I thought I would. This was such an inspiring story. The best part of the book was that Diana continuously relied on God and having faith. This book really proves that is okay to not be perfect and to make mistakes, sometimes you just need to ask for help from your family and friends.
March 16, 2018
A real yawn. Trading on the fact that Demi Lovato is her daughter, pictured on the cover, of course. And the copy I got wasn’t hardcover, so the title is totally a lie.
April 22, 2018
So a few weeks ago I am watching Good Morning America...and I see Dianna De La Garza and Demi Lavato being interviewed because of this book. I realized...hey, I have this book. It was a good interview. As for the book...it took me a bit more than a minute to get to it...but when I finally did..I was pleased.
Falling With Wings: A Mother's Story. So most people know who Demi Lovato is. And most fans know the struggles that she has faced in her life....the weight issues, eating disorders, etc. Few know her mother's story. I was impressed to see all that she chose to share. It gave insight to the woman behind the daughter that's a singing superstar. She had dreams of being a star herself in another genre of music...she faced a tough upbringing, an eating disorder of her own, a tragic relationship with a man that had his own demons...and then some. But of course...she persevered...she defied the odds that many don't, she struggled, struggles, and fights through it all. It's just a nice uplifting read. An honest account of a true life centered around keeping a grounded family through the Hollywood limelight and all it's temptations. I enjoyed it.
Thanks as always to the great people of goodreads. Dianna De La Garza, Feiwel & Friends for my free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review to which I gladly and voluntarily gave.
Falling With Wings: A Mother's Story. So most people know who Demi Lovato is. And most fans know the struggles that she has faced in her life....the weight issues, eating disorders, etc. Few know her mother's story. I was impressed to see all that she chose to share. It gave insight to the woman behind the daughter that's a singing superstar. She had dreams of being a star herself in another genre of music...she faced a tough upbringing, an eating disorder of her own, a tragic relationship with a man that had his own demons...and then some. But of course...she persevered...she defied the odds that many don't, she struggled, struggles, and fights through it all. It's just a nice uplifting read. An honest account of a true life centered around keeping a grounded family through the Hollywood limelight and all it's temptations. I enjoyed it.
Thanks as always to the great people of goodreads. Dianna De La Garza, Feiwel & Friends for my free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review to which I gladly and voluntarily gave.
February 1, 2022
What a load of rubbish.
I got to page 148, and could not take the boredom any longer.
All the good reviews.
It also had an annoying American twang through most of the book.
I kept waiting for something exiting to happen….
Utter waste of money.
I got to page 148, and could not take the boredom any longer.
All the good reviews.
It also had an annoying American twang through most of the book.
I kept waiting for something exiting to happen….
Utter waste of money.
January 31, 2019
Behind every smile there's pain. This book really shows the challenges Dianna's family faced. It's really emotional and inspiring. I love it.
March 17, 2018
I first off want to say thank you to Dianna for opening up and sharing her story. I hope she knows how many hearts this book will touch. For me, this book hit home. I lost my mom in 2016 due to addition, so hearing Dianna’s point of view as a mother was something that comforted me. It was well written and I think it will touch many audiences. The book also touches on being a Texas girl who was raised in a Christian home, which also resonates with me. It’s really interesting/intriguing to read and dive into Dianna’s story. I hope this book inspires others to be comfortable with themselves and their stories, no matter what they are. 10/10 recommend this. A must read, for sure. And again, thank you. Dianna.
March 15, 2018
This book was fantastic! It goes into depth of Demi Lovato and her family's life. Through all tbeir struggles they have managed to come out happy and I think that's incredible. Not only do I recommend this book to Lovatics, I recommend it to everyone who wants to see an inside look at Demi, Dianna and her family's life. It's really inspiring and I enjoyed it a lot.
March 15, 2018
I’m very excited to read this book! Based on the preview I can’t help but smile at what message dianna is sending to us about strength, perseverance, and hope. Can’t wait to read the whole thing!!❤️
March 14, 2018
This book was so amazing and inspiring! Demi and her family went through so much and look at them now, a happy and healthy family. An amazing read I recommend it 150%!!
June 10, 2018
Honestly, I have no idea what prompted me to pick this book up - I passed by it at the library and something about it just caught my eye! It wasn't even until I read the book jacket that I realized she was Demi Lovato's mom, and considering how little I know about Demi I should have had no interest in reading this. But, it looked interesting enough, so I gave it a try.
I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. Dianna has had quite a life, most of it heartbreaking, but she told her story beautifully. (Even when I was appalled by things that happened to her I loved the way she told it.) I remember hearing about Demi being on drugs in the tabloids, but I had no idea that the other daughter was too, and that Dianna herself struggled with addiction. I do think she glossed over a bit on their recoveries, but I also respect her for being candid about it but also keeping parts of it private.
I'm glad I randomly picked this book up!
I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. Dianna has had quite a life, most of it heartbreaking, but she told her story beautifully. (Even when I was appalled by things that happened to her I loved the way she told it.) I remember hearing about Demi being on drugs in the tabloids, but I had no idea that the other daughter was too, and that Dianna herself struggled with addiction. I do think she glossed over a bit on their recoveries, but I also respect her for being candid about it but also keeping parts of it private.
I'm glad I randomly picked this book up!
March 29, 2018
I loved Falling With Wings! As a huge demi fan, I picked up, always ready for more tidbits on her life. But this book is so much more than a great read for a demi fan! Dianna shares the ups and downs of fame, how badly perfectionism can hurt your life, and how therapy can truly help you turn your life around. I’m seriously considering buying it again as a gift for my mom for Mother’s Day. I believe it’s a story most mothers need to hear to heal due to the stigma around mental health beginning to change. There are diamonds in this book that anyone from every generation could use as well. I’m very proud of demi, Dallas and Dianna for being brave enough to share their stories, getting help and being positive influences in an industry that so desperately needs it.
July 27, 2019
I won this book in a giveaway. I applaud Dianna De La Garza for finally being able to admit that things were falling apart and lay it out for the entire world. She was open about her own faults, behavior, and denial provided an environment that allowed her daughter's issues to develop and grow more serious. As a parent of a child with mental health issues, I know how easy it is to downplay issues and tell yourself that things aren't that bad. So I give the author credit for being hones. After a lifetime of stuffing things inside and trying to appear perfect, this couldn't have been easy. By admitting that it is okay to ask for help, to not be perfect, she may have opened the door for someone else to ask for the help that they need.
March 13, 2018
i loved reading Falling With Wings, it was very empowering, inspiring, and very well written. I could personally relate to some of the things talked about, which is one thing that is so special to me when i'm reading a book. It was so amazing learning about the story and experiences that were mentioned. I've learned so much after reading this, how its okay to reach out for help, you're not alone, you're loved and you're worth so much. I know believe i'm stronger than i think and i can get through whatever i'm struggling with. I recommend this book to anyone if you're going through something it gives you hope, and even if you're not its a beautiful book and it means so much to me.
April 19, 2018
Definitely in my Top 5 favorite books of all time. I originally bought this book because I am a fan of Demi’s. It is such an inspiring story of overcoming. Diana and her family have been through so much. Her positive attitude made me more positive and has given me such inspiration. As someone who has overcome addiction and an eating disorder, every second of this is extremely relatable. Thank you Diana for being so brave to share your story. I hope you know how powerful this is and how many lives you will change.
August 16, 2018
This book follows through DIANNA DE LA GARZA’S life. Her troubles through eating disorders, mental health, domestic abuse and the struggles of her family. Throughout this book, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for Dianna, Dallas, Demi (not so much Madison) because they’ve been to hell and back. I’ve never fully understood DEMI’S story until now; well, i thought i knew it all, but after reading Falling With Wings, i’ve realised a lot more happens behind closed doors. With the recent news about Demi, it’s sad to thing that she’s relapsed after she’s come so far, but she’ll get through it ❤️
February 12, 2019
As an avid fan of Demi Lovato's (understatement of the year), I really enjoyed this little insight into the behind the scenes of the Lovato/De La Garza lives. While there were plenty of things i knew, I also learned a lot more about the rest of the family. I truly think it is a must-read for fans of Demi, Madison, Dallas, or even Dianna herself.
The only reason I am not rating it a 5 star is because I think it's just that. I don't think people who aren't a fan of Demi's/know at least SOMETHING about her history and start would enjoy this book too much.
The only reason I am not rating it a 5 star is because I think it's just that. I don't think people who aren't a fan of Demi's/know at least SOMETHING about her history and start would enjoy this book too much.
July 13, 2018
Having followed Demi’s career since her Camp Rock debut I was beyond excited to pick up this book and see her moms perspective on the family’s ride to fame and the struggles they have faced over the years. Demi has been a huge advocate for mental health, which I both admire and respect, and it is clear that her mom has the same goal at heart. Not everyone can make it through what Diana has and end up in the place that she is today.
January 4, 2022
Such a beautiful story of addiction, mental health, and family! I love every second of this book. If you’re a fan of Demi, like me, and haven’t read this book yet, what are you waiting for? Although initially picking this book up for that reason I was so pleasantly surprised at how much I loved learning about Dianna’s life and struggles. An amazing woman and mother. This story is so important. It was funny, raw and overall just an enjoyable read, highly recommend!
March 17, 2018
such an inspirational, deep and honest story about one family’s journey and thought experiences. i’m sure there are many people, like me, who appreciates the importante message/info that Dianna is giving us in this book.
March 22, 2018
I received an advanced copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway. I haven't really followed Demi Lovato but found this to be an interesting story that showed behind the scenes of Hollywood and drug addiction.
March 31, 2018
I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads.
It was a very inspiring book.
It was a very inspiring book.
April 10, 2018
Full review to come.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2018
Love this beautiful story! Just proves once again that celebrities go through the same mental issues as us regular people and having a close family bond can make the bumpy ride seem not so bumpy.
August 24, 2018
Inspiring
June 15, 2021
I hope she or Demi write a second part after the new Demi's struggles with rehab.
However, it was poorly written.
However, it was poorly written.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews