Take It Like a Man: The Autobiography of Boy George

by Boy George, Spencer Bright

When he was a little boy growing up in Woolwich, the 'pink sheep' of his working-class Irish family, George wanted to be like Shirley Bassey. As a man, famous for his gender-bending clothes and elaborate make up as much as for his success as the lead singer of Culture Club, he became a media darling and pop icon. And then came fame, and drugs, and a spectacular fall from grace . . . Writing with complete honesty, and with his usual biting wit, Boy George chronicles his extraordinary life and times in this highly acclaimed autobiography.

'If there's another book that can top it for bitchiness, sex, glamour, fame and heartache, then Jackie Collins must be the author' Q

'Candid and entertaining . . . his public image was wildly at odds with his private self, the self that was living fabulously and wildly, gorging on drugs, food and sex, trashing hotel rooms and brawling with friends' The Times

Genres: Music, Biography, Nonfiction, Autobiography, Memoir, LGBT, Gay

471 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Amy Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just spent a week with Boy George - I could not put it down. I was one of those fat preteens that he writes about not wanting to be a role model for. I did not realize how young he was when I looked up to him. I thought his message of "everyone can be whatever they want to be" was so original and life changing. Turns out he was self loathing and in pain for years. A very candid book with great pictures. He had several near misses with death and all the sordid details are included. I even looked up some videos on YouTube because I wanted to see if I could tell how whacked out on drugs he was after reading about the making of $500,000 epic three minute videos. I couldn't tell - you fooled us all, George. Good for you. Namaste.

[Bekah Stogner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Boy George; people always ask me why and sometimes I can't give them an answer. I decided to read this book so that I could maybe put together a response that made sense. The first chunk of this book is good and interesting, with George's childhood home life, teenage runaway troubles, and everything leading up to the formation and success of Culture Club. The second half was harder to read and slower, despite it being about his failures involving the band and drugs. Now, I can say that I love George for his beauty, his wit, his attitude, his daring choices, his honesty, and everything that he has gone through and come out stronger for. This book covers things that the media never did, such as the extent of his abusive relationship with Jon Moss, the way he dealt with fans versus how he really felt about them, and the struggles of the band Culture Club that seem to fall on all his shoulders. Sometimes, it got confusing when George would introduce people he knew, talk about them for a few paragraphs, and either never mention them again or bring them back hundreds of pages later. This book definitely isn't for anyone who doesn't already love the 80s and the Boy, but I did enjoy reading it for the most part.

[S B.]

Fascinating. Funny, witty, admirable and insightful. It is easy to see as an outsider why he is dealing with some of his demons given his difficult childhood. Possibly his own longing for his father's love and attention is at the core of his sexuality. He is obviously a more sensitive individual than his siblings (or so it seems). I think the problems in his household and the parental stress had the most impact on him as opposed to his siblings, because he is sensitive and aware at a very young age.
He has gifts that others do not have which is what brought him to stardom and why people are drawn to him. I just don't think he believes that anyone could love him. Until you accept love, you can't really selflessly express it and give it back to form a solid relationship. It's like he can't move past the selfishness and narcissism, which is a shame. He's insatiable and I don't think anyone will ever be enough for him. He's incredibly intelligent and has a sweet, empathetic nature, but when he's feeling vulnerable or grumpy, he will put a spear right through your heart. I do notice he has never sacrificed his time or energy to another person's life or daily needs. It is all about him. Easy to understand why relationships keep fizzling out. It cannot be one-sided like that. It's a forumla for loneliness.

Well, I think he's fabulous but I don't think he would agree with me. Many, many people love him and I wish he'd believe that's what love is. He already has an abundance of love but he doesn't know it, so won't appreciate it....

P.S. Living amongst all those punks as a squatter was astounding. I'm same age as George and it's like he lived in a different universe compared to mine. Extraordinary!

[Jonny Liebenberg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very disappointing book. I was really looking forward to reading this as I have always been a huge fan of Boy George and Culture Club.

The book had way too much detail - I mean who honestly cares what George wore on a daily basis?

Also the book was very badly written. it almost seemed as I if Boy George dictated the book to someone.

He also seems to enjoy slagging other people off but hates it when other people criticise him.

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

That Boy George is selfish and self-centered. Also, his story is amazing and fun to read, but only honest about other people, not himself.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book taught me so much about mid-70's London, David Bowie, and dressing for shock value. It also sparked my Boy George costume makeup phase.

[Sacha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a highly entertaining autobiography.
Even if you aren't a fan of Boy George I would recommend it.
It starts from his childhood until after his downfall with drugs.
Much like a Vh1 Behind the music but, alot more detailed.
Boy George is very funny. Even when he is talking about his addiction he made
light of it. He seems like a very creative and fun individual.
If you are looking for a good Autobiography, I would check this one out.

[Dallas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boy George's life is interesting from start to current and his biting wit shines throughout. He takes cracks at celebrities and is honest about his struggles with drug addiction, while never being preachy. FUN!

[Robyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Seriously, get an editor!
I am just amazed that someone did not tell Boy George that not every single minute, every single emotion, every single thought, every single bodily function needs to be in this book.
Honestly, I wanted to like this book. I enjoyed his music and I wanted to know more about his life. I was wrong!

[Kathleen Ritchey]

i know this is supposed to be GOOD reads, not horrible reads, but for the sake of my friends i must warn you: this book really sucks. and this is how. apparently boy george hates people who talk shit- despises them, really. then he proceeds to shit-talk everyone he's ever met.

[Uglyoldwitch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohyeah, I loved it. I'm pathetic. I adore Boy George - I think he's a great talent and it's a damn shame that it's all gone up his nose. It kills me that he's now off to prison. An incredible waste. I'd recommend this for fans only...

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a fan of Boy George, but I admit I opened this book with low hopes. I thought it would be entertaining at best, but didn't expect it to be so well written or so full of insight into the London scene of 1980s.

[Derek Neveu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boy George and Culture Club have been an intriguing subject to me ever since my babysitter Penny and her cousin danced around my living room to the vinyl release of Karma Chameleon. Going into this book, I was intrigued with the downfall and resurrection of Boy George more than the rise and fame. I thought I knew that part of the story, and while a lot was familiar, the story as whole certainly was not. I look at this book as the tale of two cities, and I find the first city to be more enthralling and enticing one to read. I feel in a way, George owns up to that, but he is also honest in acknowledging that he couldn’t have his current clarity without the inclusion of his past chaos. The New Romantic movement, which George was a significant player in, is such an interesting yet confusing cultural machination, and I find it ironic that I was so drawn to its music when it is clear that I would never have been drawn to the scene then or now. Boy George is an interesting persona to read, but what really stands out and shines in this book is the man George O’Dowd himself.

[Terri Stokes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great view and insight in to Boy George's early life and career, through the ups and downs of his life and through friendships and fake friends. It is fascinating to be allowed a glimpse in to the life of any celebrity or well known person. It takes a lot of guts to write so freely about their own demons, whether it be drink or drugs.
It's wonderful to see how his career started, through the journey of Culture club through to his own endeavours and work.; To see how he is with his family and how he grew up. I went in to this book with not a lot of expectation but it just simply blew me away with it all and the information that he shared with the public through this book.

[Gabby Lobby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I may be biased about this one because I am huge fan on Boy George. This book was raw and real. George did not hold anything back. He outted people, he showed their true colors. He brutally honestly talked about his life and the mistakes he made. He didn’t sugar coat anything and admitted defeat. He brought his faults to attention and owned up to everything. In most autobiographies the author spends their time trying to change your view about them. George was straight up and honest to a fault. Honestly, one of my favorite autobiographies.

[Phil Hodgkiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never realised boy George was such a drug addict in his heyday.
I always thought he was gay which I am fine with, but the drugs. Hmm.
This book was constant drug reading from start to finish.
Not at all what I expected.

[John Brackenridge · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kindle version so fully of spelling errors!

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hace relativamente poco tiempo que supe de la existencia de esta autobiografía de Boy George y fue, casualmente, leyendo su otro libro, "Straight".
Desde mi preadolescencia, Boy George ha sido uno de mis músicos favoritos, no sólo porque muchas de sus canciones son realmente buenas, sino porque su personalidad siempre llamó mi atención. Sus atuendos "extraños" (a los ojos de una niña de 12 años) y su lengua de víbora siempre me resultaron divertidos. Con los años, aunque mis gustos musicales siguieron otros caminos, Boy George ha seguido siendo uno de esos pocos personajes de los que siempre quiero saber en qué andan.
Conseguir el libro no fue nada fácil dado que este libro no tiene ediciones al español y que no han sido muchas las ediciones posteriores a la que salió en 1997. Lo busqué en Amazon y, para mi sorpresa, su precio siempre era alto. Este año, casi por casualidad, volví a topar con él en Amazon y lo conseguí seminuevo, por un precio irrisible.
Apenas pude esperar a sacarlo del sobre para comenzar a leerlo. Incluso dejé de lado los otros dos libros que estaba leyendo en ese momento para dedicarme sólo a éste. Y no me he sentido decepcionada...
Debo confesar que esperaba un libro lleno de chismes, casi, casi como lo es "Straight", pero en lugar de eso, me encontré leyendo una historia ambientada en una Londres de fines de los años '70 y principios de los '80, y de cómo la escena glam persistía a pesar del aumento del punk y de otros géneros menores. No es menos interesante la transformación del mismo Boy George, quien desde niño supo que era homosexual, pero que seguía los patrones de todo adolescente de su edad e intentaba salir con chicas. El momento más interesante es cuando deja la casa de sus padres para vivir en "Squats", compartiendolos varias veces con más de dos personas. Su transformación de punk a drag queen también tiene lo suyo y no es posible dejarla de lado.
Como fan de Culture Club, poder ver el interior del grupo, desde su momento de formación, pasando por el romance de George y Jon (que muchos de sus fans dábamos por sentado), hasta llegar al momento de la caída fue emotivo, interesante y fuerte.
Por momentos, el libro se hace un poco denso para quienes no saben lo que es la vida de un adicto a las drogas y, tal vez, ésa fue la parte que me aburrió. Pero de todos modos, la lectura sigue siendo interesante.
Los últimos capítulos están dedicados a la recuperación y a un viaje a la India.
Creo sinceramente que el libro es entretenido, fácil de leer y que, en su mayor parte, no decae el interés por saber qué va a pasar a continuación. Sin embargo, sólo se lo recomiendo a quienes sean fans de Boy George.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boy George changed my young life. Just seeing that face and dress like none I had seen before, I was charmed. This books explains it all. Still love George. Love this last bit of the epilogue too:
"I've been in damaged relationships for as long as I can remember. I hang in, hoping something will give, always blaming my partners for being cold and selfish. Now I realize like attracts like. Recently I came across a box of Jon's letters (Yes, she keeps everything) and I was enlightened to some of my own demons. I know now that you can't take out of a relationship what you don't put in, and you always meet the partner that suits your needs. So don't complain, bitch, get the Windolene out and clean that mirror." :-)

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

FINALLY done with this--felt like it took forever to slog through. I was never a big Culture Club fan but I think Boy George is interesting. TAKE IT LIKE A MAN was dense as hell--just too much info--so that reading it sometimes felt like work. BUT it did have some good stuff--I really liked the epilogue and the descriptions of India and the other places he traveled--the occasional dish on celebrities was fun too. Basically, George had a lot of life experience to document and the book has a lot of detail. I feel like there was way too much description of makeup and clothing but that might be exactly what another reader was looking for. Perhaps the book is most guilty of being too comprehensive, but I came out of it having even more respect for its author, so I'd call it a success.

[Georgette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another man who somehow managed to make it out of the 1980's alive. Reading his account of his heroin addiction and how he watched close friends die of it(including one in his own home), you wonder how he made it out alive. Yet he did, and thankfully we are able to read all about it. Reading about his tempestuous relationship with his father and trying to come to terms with his sexuality in the late 70's only to be catapulted into overnight success with Culture Club, he is refreshingly, sometimes brutally honest about his life and what has become of it, due to his fame and addiction. A funny, and heartwarming story of guts, glory, and George

[Simon Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick read (which is great). George and his pals are so toxic and narcissistic. They reminded me of some of the more insecure people I met on the London gay scene. The fact that George kept some of these people in his life even though they did the vilest things to him speaks volumes. I'm thinking of one person in particular.

It sounds like he treated every new situation like he would the goings on in an Eltham gay bar which is embarrassing when you're rubbing shoulders with people as inspirational as Andy Warhol.

When you scratch beneath the surface you realise there's just more surface and no depth whatsoever.

[Adrien · Rating 2 out of 5]

pretty good overall but i do think George should’ve waited a couple more decades to write his memoir so that he could proceed with more hindsight. I really didn’t like how he basically ignored the other members of the band except jon and introduced a billion irrelevant characters throughout the book. also it was wayyyyy too long in general.
My not incredible fondness for culture club‘s and Boy George’s music notwithstanding this was still a really interesting dive into the new romantics movement of the 80s.
Overall 2,5

[Constance · Rating 2 out of 5]

The reason I chose this book was the 4 star rating it received. I was very disappointed. I did decide to finish it, but the last 200 pages were repetitive & boring. I felt like I was reading a teens diary.

I wanted to like this book, because I find Boy George very interesting. If you want to know every second of his life then this is the book for you. Again very disappointed and will not recommend to anyone.

[Barb W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read "Straight" first and thought "Take it like a Man" would be a piece of cake but OMG...I cried, I laughed and cried some more and sometimes I was crying and chuckling at the same time. Not everyone will see this book that way at all but for me it was reliving an emotional journey that I thought I'd put behind me. I'm SO glad I read this book. That's all I'm going to say.

[john ellison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honest warts and all account

An honest insight into a deeply troubled mind. Who really wants to be famous, it sounds terrible. Still the money isn’t bad I guess, if you can keep in from your pushers. Glad George seems to have got himself sorted.

[Leigh Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, but then again - biased - love him

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

i'm entertained. love that brit humor!

[June Hathaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been ages since I read this (sorry, trying to catch up with Goodreads) but I remember it being immensely bitchy and entertaining. Highly recommended for those of you who remember the '80s.

[Felix Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blinding x