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Broken Horses
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Memoir & Autobiography (2021)The critically acclaimed singer-songwriter, producer, and six-time Grammy winner opens up about a life shaped by music in this candid, heartfelt, and intimate story.
Brandi Carlile was born into a musically gifted, impoverished family on the outskirts of Seattle and grew up in a constant state of change, moving from house to house, trailer to trailer, 14 times in as many years. Though imperfect in every way, her dysfunctional childhood was as beautiful as it was strange, and as nurturing as it was difficult. At the age of five, Brandi contracted bacterial meningitis, which almost took her life, leaving an indelible mark on her formative years and altering her journey into young adulthood.
As an openly gay teenager, Brandi grappled with the tension between her sexuality and her faith when her pastor publicly refused to baptize her on the day of the ceremony. Shockingly, her small town rallied around Brandi in support and set her on a path to salvation where the rest of the misfits and rejects find it: through twisted, joyful, weird, and wonderful music.
In Broken Horses, Brandi Carlile takes listeners through the events of her life that shaped her very raw art - from her start at a local singing competition where she performed Elton John’s “Honky Cat” in a bedazzled white polyester suit, to her first break opening for Dave Matthews Band, to many sleepless tours over 15 years and six studio albums, all while raising two children with her wife, Catherine Shepherd. This hard-won success led her to collaborations with personal heroes like Elton John, Dolly Parton, Mavis Staples, Pearl Jam, Tanya Tucker, and Joni Mitchell, as well as her peers in the supergroup The Highwomen, and ultimately to the Grammy stage, where she converted millions of viewers into instant fans.
Evocative and piercingly honest, Broken Horses is at once an examination of faith through the eyes of a person rejected by the church’s basic tenets and a meditation on the moments and lyrics that have shaped the life of a creative mind, a brilliant artist, and a genuine empath on a mission to give back.
Brandi Carlile was born into a musically gifted, impoverished family on the outskirts of Seattle and grew up in a constant state of change, moving from house to house, trailer to trailer, 14 times in as many years. Though imperfect in every way, her dysfunctional childhood was as beautiful as it was strange, and as nurturing as it was difficult. At the age of five, Brandi contracted bacterial meningitis, which almost took her life, leaving an indelible mark on her formative years and altering her journey into young adulthood.
As an openly gay teenager, Brandi grappled with the tension between her sexuality and her faith when her pastor publicly refused to baptize her on the day of the ceremony. Shockingly, her small town rallied around Brandi in support and set her on a path to salvation where the rest of the misfits and rejects find it: through twisted, joyful, weird, and wonderful music.
In Broken Horses, Brandi Carlile takes listeners through the events of her life that shaped her very raw art - from her start at a local singing competition where she performed Elton John’s “Honky Cat” in a bedazzled white polyester suit, to her first break opening for Dave Matthews Band, to many sleepless tours over 15 years and six studio albums, all while raising two children with her wife, Catherine Shepherd. This hard-won success led her to collaborations with personal heroes like Elton John, Dolly Parton, Mavis Staples, Pearl Jam, Tanya Tucker, and Joni Mitchell, as well as her peers in the supergroup The Highwomen, and ultimately to the Grammy stage, where she converted millions of viewers into instant fans.
Evocative and piercingly honest, Broken Horses is at once an examination of faith through the eyes of a person rejected by the church’s basic tenets and a meditation on the moments and lyrics that have shaped the life of a creative mind, a brilliant artist, and a genuine empath on a mission to give back.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published April 6, 2021
2205 people are currently reading
35423 people want to read
About the author
Brandi Carlile
21 books752 followersBrandi Carlile is a five-time Grammy Award–winning singer, songwriter, performer, and producer. Since her debut in 2004, she has released six studio albums and was the most nominated female artist at the 2019 Grammy Awards, with six nominations, including Album, Record, and Song of the Year.
Founded in 2008 by Carlile, the Looking Out Foundation amplifies the impact of music by empowering those without a voice, with campaigns focused on children living in war zones, prevention and reduction in incarceration and recidivism, racial justice, violence prevention, food insecurity, and more. To date, the foundation has raised over $2 million for grassroots causes.
Beloved by fans, peers, and critics alike, Carlile and her band have performed sold-out concerts across the world. Brandi Carlile lives in rural Washington State on a compound with her bandmates and their families, as well as her wife, Catherine, and their two daughters, Evangeline and Elijah.
Photo: Austin Hargrave
Founded in 2008 by Carlile, the Looking Out Foundation amplifies the impact of music by empowering those without a voice, with campaigns focused on children living in war zones, prevention and reduction in incarceration and recidivism, racial justice, violence prevention, food insecurity, and more. To date, the foundation has raised over $2 million for grassroots causes.
Beloved by fans, peers, and critics alike, Carlile and her band have performed sold-out concerts across the world. Brandi Carlile lives in rural Washington State on a compound with her bandmates and their families, as well as her wife, Catherine, and their two daughters, Evangeline and Elijah.
Photo: Austin Hargrave
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,181 reviews
May 14, 2021
This book should be listened to as an audiobook. Not only do you get to hear Brandi Carlile tell her story but with each chapter she sings one or two songs related to the subjects of that chapter. The final chapter revisits every song performed in the autobiography. It's like getting a book and an album at the same time. Her well known tunes like The Story and The Joke are there but she also does cover tunes of famous musicians she has met in her career along with songs related to events which have impacted her personal life. Her cover of Philadelphia was powerful.
Loved this one from beginning to end. Buy the audiobook. So worth it.
Loved this one from beginning to end. Buy the audiobook. So worth it.
April 6, 2021
Full disclosure - this woman could publish a blank novel and I’d give it 5 stars. That being said, throughout the book I continued to be in awe of such a humble, scrappy, talented, and loving human being. Thank goodness Brandi took a hiatus from her impostor syndrome to take us on a journey of the insightful twists and turns of her first 40 years. I laughed and cried while getting a glimpse into all those life experiences that shaped the beautiful stories told in her music. Looking forward to the audiobook with the raw music found in each chapter - hopefully there’ll be a sound bite of Elton John’s suggestion of a title.
April 18, 2021
Loved it!
Brandi came from humble beginnings, never finished school, lives a pretty cool life with her wife and their two daughters on a compound with the twins (her bandmates) and their families in Washington State.
She shares stories of her family, her coming out at a young age, times with her idols since childhood .. Elton John and Joni Mitchell, and other artists.
A very interesting coming up to where she is now.
In between chapters there are a few songs with lyrics, and she says that on the audiobook she will be singing them. I sort of wish I’d waited for the audio!
Brandi came from humble beginnings, never finished school, lives a pretty cool life with her wife and their two daughters on a compound with the twins (her bandmates) and their families in Washington State.
She shares stories of her family, her coming out at a young age, times with her idols since childhood .. Elton John and Joni Mitchell, and other artists.
A very interesting coming up to where she is now.
In between chapters there are a few songs with lyrics, and she says that on the audiobook she will be singing them. I sort of wish I’d waited for the audio!
June 23, 2021
4.5 rounded to 5 stars
I am a long time Brandi Carlile fan. I’ve followed her career since nearly the beginning, when you could easily get tickets for her small venue concerts. I recall someone once saying back then that you better see her as often as possible because she was going to become a star and move on to much bigger venues and tickets would be tough to obtain. So right he was. I’m glad I got to enjoy her in those early days where tickets could be secured, and the concerts were intimate.
When I first heard Brandi had written a memoir, I immediately got in the Libby app queue. I requested the audiobook from one library and the written book from another. I wanted the former for the music and the latter for the photographs. The stars aligned and both books landed at the same time. I had the best of both worlds—the story, the music, and the photographs. In the audio version, each chapter is followed by 1-3 songs with lyrics. They are not plucked from her CDs, but are new versions sung by Brandi accompanied only by her guitar or piano. In addition, a nearly two-hour compendium of the music can be found at the end of the audiobook. Before I even finished the memoir, I obtained my own audio copy as I know I will play the collection over and over. In the written book, instead of music, each chapter is followed by several pages of captioned photographs. I will eventually get myself a copy of the written book as well.
In a brilliant move, Brandi narrates the book herself. This brings the reader in closer. Brandi truly opens herself up in Broken Horses. Her early life was difficult. She lived in poverty, and her family was forced to move many many times. She was the only “out” gay kid in her town. She was often ill and nearly died of meningitis as a small child. Her dad was an alcoholic. She was refused baptism because she was gay. And there were so many other hurdles. But Brandi continued to keep on going on and against all odds finally found success and happiness. I also want to mention that Brandi has a deep need to reach out and help those under oppression. Towards that end she has worked tirelessly to establish The Looking Out Foundation. So far over $2 million has been raised.
I was captivated by this memoir and learned a lot about her Brandi’s life that I had wondered about. I was not aware of the depth of her mountainous struggles and found it fascinating to watch her grow into the person she is today.
Even if you don’t know who Brandi Carlile is, I think you will enjoy her inspiring story. Plus, you will be introduced to one of the best female singing voices around. Highly recommended for all. Carry on, Brandi!
I am a long time Brandi Carlile fan. I’ve followed her career since nearly the beginning, when you could easily get tickets for her small venue concerts. I recall someone once saying back then that you better see her as often as possible because she was going to become a star and move on to much bigger venues and tickets would be tough to obtain. So right he was. I’m glad I got to enjoy her in those early days where tickets could be secured, and the concerts were intimate.
When I first heard Brandi had written a memoir, I immediately got in the Libby app queue. I requested the audiobook from one library and the written book from another. I wanted the former for the music and the latter for the photographs. The stars aligned and both books landed at the same time. I had the best of both worlds—the story, the music, and the photographs. In the audio version, each chapter is followed by 1-3 songs with lyrics. They are not plucked from her CDs, but are new versions sung by Brandi accompanied only by her guitar or piano. In addition, a nearly two-hour compendium of the music can be found at the end of the audiobook. Before I even finished the memoir, I obtained my own audio copy as I know I will play the collection over and over. In the written book, instead of music, each chapter is followed by several pages of captioned photographs. I will eventually get myself a copy of the written book as well.
In a brilliant move, Brandi narrates the book herself. This brings the reader in closer. Brandi truly opens herself up in Broken Horses. Her early life was difficult. She lived in poverty, and her family was forced to move many many times. She was the only “out” gay kid in her town. She was often ill and nearly died of meningitis as a small child. Her dad was an alcoholic. She was refused baptism because she was gay. And there were so many other hurdles. But Brandi continued to keep on going on and against all odds finally found success and happiness. I also want to mention that Brandi has a deep need to reach out and help those under oppression. Towards that end she has worked tirelessly to establish The Looking Out Foundation. So far over $2 million has been raised.
I was captivated by this memoir and learned a lot about her Brandi’s life that I had wondered about. I was not aware of the depth of her mountainous struggles and found it fascinating to watch her grow into the person she is today.
Even if you don’t know who Brandi Carlile is, I think you will enjoy her inspiring story. Plus, you will be introduced to one of the best female singing voices around. Highly recommended for all. Carry on, Brandi!
October 12, 2022
I am a HUGE Brandi Carlile fan. So of course I read the book, an autographed copy in fact thanks to my thoughtful wife.
I’m an avid reader of non-fiction and memoirs but putting my fan-girl aside, I have to be honest with you this book was a disappointment. It is undeserving of The NY Times bestseller title it now holds.
In case you didn’t know, there is a certain path that authors have to take to get on the NY Times bestseller list. It’s like an Ivy League school, full of prestige but very few get on it. Some authors write an incredible book and it makes it to the NY Times list because of its brilliance or some “pay to play” to get on the list.
Obviously Brandi played the game. Charging $33 for each book interview which guaranteed you got a copy of the book. That way they could work the system so that the sales came from various retailers across the country. Pairing Brandi with super celebs Dolly Parton or Alicia Keys meant casting an even wider net than her following alone.
It’s a smart business decision. But it kinda leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
As a Brandi Carlile fan it’s interesting to hear the stories of how the band began, the struggles and how their relationships grew over the years. But the stories that are mentioned are very much on the surface, Brandi doesn’t get as deep or vulnerable as I was hoping she would. It’s lacking depth, and emotional intelligence. I expected it to be more like her music. In tune with the notion that in order to make a difference in the mind of a reader there has to be a plunge into the darkness in order for the light to truly shine. Instead famous names were mentioned, stories that glossed over the troubles of having an alcoholic parent or her own struggles with addiction to sleeping pills and steroids. All of this is to say, reading the book won’t stop me from being a fan of their music. Brandi and the twins are incredible musicians. If you don’t know them yet, just listen to the music. Don’t bother reading this book.
I’m an avid reader of non-fiction and memoirs but putting my fan-girl aside, I have to be honest with you this book was a disappointment. It is undeserving of The NY Times bestseller title it now holds.
In case you didn’t know, there is a certain path that authors have to take to get on the NY Times bestseller list. It’s like an Ivy League school, full of prestige but very few get on it. Some authors write an incredible book and it makes it to the NY Times list because of its brilliance or some “pay to play” to get on the list.
Obviously Brandi played the game. Charging $33 for each book interview which guaranteed you got a copy of the book. That way they could work the system so that the sales came from various retailers across the country. Pairing Brandi with super celebs Dolly Parton or Alicia Keys meant casting an even wider net than her following alone.
It’s a smart business decision. But it kinda leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
As a Brandi Carlile fan it’s interesting to hear the stories of how the band began, the struggles and how their relationships grew over the years. But the stories that are mentioned are very much on the surface, Brandi doesn’t get as deep or vulnerable as I was hoping she would. It’s lacking depth, and emotional intelligence. I expected it to be more like her music. In tune with the notion that in order to make a difference in the mind of a reader there has to be a plunge into the darkness in order for the light to truly shine. Instead famous names were mentioned, stories that glossed over the troubles of having an alcoholic parent or her own struggles with addiction to sleeping pills and steroids. All of this is to say, reading the book won’t stop me from being a fan of their music. Brandi and the twins are incredible musicians. If you don’t know them yet, just listen to the music. Don’t bother reading this book.
July 9, 2021
4 stars
Broken Horses is Brandi Carlile’s story and if I have to mention anything about this, it’s that if you’re going to read it, you absolutely need to pick up the audiobook. Brandi sings at the start of each chapter, as well as giving a full performance at the end of the book. Her narration is great as well.
This story documents the ups and downs of Brandi’s life. Her journey with her music was the most prevalent, but also a lot of life stuff which I found interesting. The story of how she met her wife, the biological father of her children (I loved that part) and the dynamic of her friends and band, her found family. It touches on religion and her ups and downs with it, as well as a performers life during the pandemic.
Overall I thought this was great and enjoyed listening to it. I would recommend it to any fans of Carlile or music in general.
Broken Horses is Brandi Carlile’s story and if I have to mention anything about this, it’s that if you’re going to read it, you absolutely need to pick up the audiobook. Brandi sings at the start of each chapter, as well as giving a full performance at the end of the book. Her narration is great as well.
This story documents the ups and downs of Brandi’s life. Her journey with her music was the most prevalent, but also a lot of life stuff which I found interesting. The story of how she met her wife, the biological father of her children (I loved that part) and the dynamic of her friends and band, her found family. It touches on religion and her ups and downs with it, as well as a performers life during the pandemic.
Overall I thought this was great and enjoyed listening to it. I would recommend it to any fans of Carlile or music in general.
Audio book source: Libby (library)
Story Rating: 4 stars
Narrators: Brandi Carlile
Narration Rating: 5 stars
Genre: Nonfiction/Memoir
Length: 10h 3m
September 2, 2022
Audiobook…..read by Brandi Carlile
…..10 hours and 3 minutes
Wow!!!!! 🎶 🎸 🎤 📕
Whew!!!!
…..books I’ve listened to and/or read, lately have been a deeply emotional experience.
By chapter twelve — I was in tears!!! Brandi was singing!
Twenty-one chapters in all.
What a beautiful human being, artist, singer-songwriter, storyteller-author, and inspiration Brandi is.
I really didn’t know much about her…(other than knowing her name)— I wasn’t really aware of music either.
I plan to add her music to my playlist now.
Several of the songs she sings on this audiobook ‘really’ moved me (cried as I said) — just gorgeous!!!
SHE CAN SING!!!
This entire story — HER LIFE STORY — it’s such a fascinating- beautiful-human interest story.
Whether you’re a fan, or don’t even know who she is—this book exudes soulful euphoric pleasures——
as in…
LOVE —for another human being!!!
“I understand who I am as an artist because I understand I don’t know who I am as an artist. It can all change at any time”.
—Brandi Carlile
5 strong stars!!!
…..10 hours and 3 minutes
Wow!!!!! 🎶 🎸 🎤 📕
Whew!!!!
…..books I’ve listened to and/or read, lately have been a deeply emotional experience.
By chapter twelve — I was in tears!!! Brandi was singing!
Twenty-one chapters in all.
What a beautiful human being, artist, singer-songwriter, storyteller-author, and inspiration Brandi is.
I really didn’t know much about her…(other than knowing her name)— I wasn’t really aware of music either.
I plan to add her music to my playlist now.
Several of the songs she sings on this audiobook ‘really’ moved me (cried as I said) — just gorgeous!!!
SHE CAN SING!!!
This entire story — HER LIFE STORY — it’s such a fascinating- beautiful-human interest story.
Whether you’re a fan, or don’t even know who she is—this book exudes soulful euphoric pleasures——
as in…
LOVE —for another human being!!!
“I understand who I am as an artist because I understand I don’t know who I am as an artist. It can all change at any time”.
—Brandi Carlile
5 strong stars!!!
August 29, 2022
A wonderful memoir of an unfamiliar singer for me. The audio was exceptional with the artist as the narrator singing beautiful songs between most of the chapters. Brandi Carlile writes candidly about about her journey from a childhood with hardships and a major illness into the outstanding musician that she is today.
She faced public rejection as a Baptist in rural Washington when she came out as gay. She did reconcil her faith with her lifestyle and went on to marry and raise two children with lesbian partner. The included lyrics are gorgeous and reflect much of her personal story.
This memoir is a selection for our bookgroup study and I'm looking forward to the discussion.
She faced public rejection as a Baptist in rural Washington when she came out as gay. She did reconcil her faith with her lifestyle and went on to marry and raise two children with lesbian partner. The included lyrics are gorgeous and reflect much of her personal story.
This memoir is a selection for our bookgroup study and I'm looking forward to the discussion.
May 21, 2021
This is a must-listen memoir with songs between chapters and at the end. Brandi Carlile is one of my favorite singers but there is so much I didn't know, and she has experienced some incredible moments of fate or destiny or something that really make for an incredible story. I also liked the discovery of the stories behind so many of these songs and albums. The story goes all the way up through covid times.
Her connections to other musicians are life-long love stories, and people like Tanya Tucker, Elton John, and Joni Mitchell come back into her life as real people. Amazing.
Do you have a favorite song by her? I think mine is still Shadows on the Wall.
Copied from the publisher website:
Carlile recorded new stripped-down, solo renditions of more than 30 of the songs featured in the book, including her own and songs from artists who’ve inspired her, from Dolly Parton to Elton John, Leonard Cohen and more, available exclusively on the audiobook:
“I Don’t Hurt Anymore” by Hank Snow
“Coat of Many Colors” by Dolly Parton
“Ride on Out” by Brandi Carlile
“Honky Cat” by Elton John and Bernie Taupin
“Philadelphia” by Neil Young
“Happy” by Brandi Carlile
“That Year” by Brandi Carlile
“Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen
“Eye of the Needle” by Brandi Carlile
“Turpentine” by Brandi Carlile
“Wasted” by Brandi Carlile
“The Story” by Brandi Carlile
“Closer to You” by Brandi Carlile
“Caroline” by Brandi Carlile
“Josephine” by Brandi Carlile
“Sugartooth” by Brandi Carlile
“Looking Out” by Brandi Carlile
“Beginning to Feel the Years” by Brandi Carlile
“Love Songs” by Brandi Carlile
“I Will” by Brandi Carlile
“I Belong to You” by Brandi Carlile
I had a review copy of the audio from Random House Audio that I listened to through the Volumes app. The book came out April 20, 2021.
Her connections to other musicians are life-long love stories, and people like Tanya Tucker, Elton John, and Joni Mitchell come back into her life as real people. Amazing.
Do you have a favorite song by her? I think mine is still Shadows on the Wall.
Copied from the publisher website:
Carlile recorded new stripped-down, solo renditions of more than 30 of the songs featured in the book, including her own and songs from artists who’ve inspired her, from Dolly Parton to Elton John, Leonard Cohen and more, available exclusively on the audiobook:
“I Don’t Hurt Anymore” by Hank Snow
“Coat of Many Colors” by Dolly Parton
“Ride on Out” by Brandi Carlile
“Honky Cat” by Elton John and Bernie Taupin
“Philadelphia” by Neil Young
“Happy” by Brandi Carlile
“That Year” by Brandi Carlile
“Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen
“Eye of the Needle” by Brandi Carlile
“Turpentine” by Brandi Carlile
“Wasted” by Brandi Carlile
“The Story” by Brandi Carlile
“Closer to You” by Brandi Carlile
“Caroline” by Brandi Carlile
“Josephine” by Brandi Carlile
“Sugartooth” by Brandi Carlile
“Looking Out” by Brandi Carlile
“Beginning to Feel the Years” by Brandi Carlile
“Love Songs” by Brandi Carlile
“I Will” by Brandi Carlile
“I Belong to You” by Brandi Carlile
I had a review copy of the audio from Random House Audio that I listened to through the Volumes app. The book came out April 20, 2021.
July 30, 2021
Broken Horses by Brandi Carlile is an autobiography that I thoroughly enjoyed in audiobook form. The book is narrated by the author which gives it a beautiful authenticity. And as a surprise bonus, Carlile sings many of her songs, complementing the chapters. She talks about her childhood, her loves, her relationships, good and bad, her family, her sexuality and the hard work and determination needed to make her music known by most of us. This is a breath of fresh air simply because of its honesty. This was a treat. Highly recommended.
April 8, 2021
At the 2019 Grammys, as Brandi Carlile built up to the epic note that concludes her song "The Joke," one woman stood up in the middle of the star-studded crowd. Carlile describes the moment in her new memoir. "It was Janelle Monáe. It was such a kind thing she did...I've tried to tell her what that felt like, what it meant to me, but she may never really understand."
In a sense, with Broken Horses — named after the injured animals that were all her family could afford for her in the equine arena — Carlile is paying it forward. Her book will inspire a new generation of women in music, and will be particularly meaningful for her fellow LGBTQ artists. She renders her life story with the eloquence and sincerity that will be very familiar to any fans who've followed her extraordinary career as a singer-songwriter.
I reviewed Broken Horses for The Current.
In a sense, with Broken Horses — named after the injured animals that were all her family could afford for her in the equine arena — Carlile is paying it forward. Her book will inspire a new generation of women in music, and will be particularly meaningful for her fellow LGBTQ artists. She renders her life story with the eloquence and sincerity that will be very familiar to any fans who've followed her extraordinary career as a singer-songwriter.
I reviewed Broken Horses for The Current.
June 5, 2021
All of these lines across my face
Tell you the story of who I am
So many stories of where I've been
And how I got to where I am
- The Story by Phil Hanseroth, sung by Brandi Carlile
If you’re a Brandi fan, you will love this book, Broken Horses. If you ask “Brandi who?”, you may not be so impressed by the writing. In fact, I might not have been either, but I chose to listen to the audio book, so I am awarding at least one full star for her music. Actually, I would give her songs five stars if I could, but her memoir is worth at least a few as well.
The blurb gives some background about how she grew up poor in a dysfunctional family and the major events that shaped who she is and the meaning of some of her music. Brandi herself narrates the book, so we get to hear in her own voice about her alcoholic father, her brother, who was very talented but did not care for performing, and her mother, who was also very musical, but shy on stage. She says a little about her younger sister, who came along later. Although living with her father’s drinking was difficult and she mentions that from time to time, she doesn’t dwell on it. She does talk about feeling like a misfit in school. She fell ill with bacterial meningitis when she was five, and that greatly affected her outlook on life, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Whenever she became stressed, Brandi got sick with sore throats. It made me wonder if those early infections were what gave her voice that unique quality, although she did pay the price much later. She became very religious, but that, too, came back to bite her when she came out as a lesbian when she was a teenager and was dealt a devastating blow by the pastor on the day she was to be baptized. Yet, she continued to practice her faith in her own way and to follow her own path.
She found meaning in relationships with family, friends, and music. She speaks openly about family, stating in the acknowledgments that she had permission to share her side. She is also brutally honest about her relationships with women, most of whom were older. She had solid friendships, especially with Elton John, whom she admires and adores, as well as Phil and Tim Hanseroth. “The twins” are longtime bandmates, friends, and as close to family as non-blood humans can get. They have written many of her songs, and their harmonies are fantastic. https://www.seattletimes.com/entertai...
It is clear that her marriage to her wife Catherine and her two daughters, Evangeline and Elijah, are most important to her now. It’s fun to see her admiration and adoration of two gay icons, Elton John and Ellen DeGeneres. She’s clearly in awe of them, much as many LGBT (and straight fans) are of her.
The narration may seem a bit willy-nilly, but Carlile hits the things that seem most important to her. She takes great pleasure and pride recalling some of the producers and artists she’s worked with. One of my favorite stories was her yarn about T Bone Burnett and the rat! LOL! She pays tribute to John Prine, and talks with joy and affection about Joni Mitchell. Also, in Chapter 20, she relates some of her experience with Tanya Tucker. She goes into some detail about organizing the Highwomen, an all-women supergroup that performed at the Newport Folk Festival, including Judy Collins, Sheryl Crow, Maggie Rogers, Maren Morris, Linda Perry, Jade Bird, Amy Ray, and others, including surprise guest, Dolly Parton.
https://variety.com/2019/music/news/d...
The very best part of the audiobook, however, is that each chapter ends with Brandi singing a song or two. In the opening chapters, she sings Dolly, Elton, and she even sings her very own first song that she wrote when she was eight years old! After that, she sings her own songs, accompanied only on guitar or piano. It’s wonderful to hear her solo voice. There’s something magic about it that made me really listen. There is a long bonus “album” at the end. If you can possibly get the audio version, don’t miss it!
5 stars
Tell you the story of who I am
So many stories of where I've been
And how I got to where I am
- The Story by Phil Hanseroth, sung by Brandi Carlile
If you’re a Brandi fan, you will love this book, Broken Horses. If you ask “Brandi who?”, you may not be so impressed by the writing. In fact, I might not have been either, but I chose to listen to the audio book, so I am awarding at least one full star for her music. Actually, I would give her songs five stars if I could, but her memoir is worth at least a few as well.
The blurb gives some background about how she grew up poor in a dysfunctional family and the major events that shaped who she is and the meaning of some of her music. Brandi herself narrates the book, so we get to hear in her own voice about her alcoholic father, her brother, who was very talented but did not care for performing, and her mother, who was also very musical, but shy on stage. She says a little about her younger sister, who came along later. Although living with her father’s drinking was difficult and she mentions that from time to time, she doesn’t dwell on it. She does talk about feeling like a misfit in school. She fell ill with bacterial meningitis when she was five, and that greatly affected her outlook on life, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Whenever she became stressed, Brandi got sick with sore throats. It made me wonder if those early infections were what gave her voice that unique quality, although she did pay the price much later. She became very religious, but that, too, came back to bite her when she came out as a lesbian when she was a teenager and was dealt a devastating blow by the pastor on the day she was to be baptized. Yet, she continued to practice her faith in her own way and to follow her own path.
She found meaning in relationships with family, friends, and music. She speaks openly about family, stating in the acknowledgments that she had permission to share her side. She is also brutally honest about her relationships with women, most of whom were older. She had solid friendships, especially with Elton John, whom she admires and adores, as well as Phil and Tim Hanseroth. “The twins” are longtime bandmates, friends, and as close to family as non-blood humans can get. They have written many of her songs, and their harmonies are fantastic. https://www.seattletimes.com/entertai...
It is clear that her marriage to her wife Catherine and her two daughters, Evangeline and Elijah, are most important to her now. It’s fun to see her admiration and adoration of two gay icons, Elton John and Ellen DeGeneres. She’s clearly in awe of them, much as many LGBT (and straight fans) are of her.
The narration may seem a bit willy-nilly, but Carlile hits the things that seem most important to her. She takes great pleasure and pride recalling some of the producers and artists she’s worked with. One of my favorite stories was her yarn about T Bone Burnett and the rat! LOL! She pays tribute to John Prine, and talks with joy and affection about Joni Mitchell. Also, in Chapter 20, she relates some of her experience with Tanya Tucker. She goes into some detail about organizing the Highwomen, an all-women supergroup that performed at the Newport Folk Festival, including Judy Collins, Sheryl Crow, Maggie Rogers, Maren Morris, Linda Perry, Jade Bird, Amy Ray, and others, including surprise guest, Dolly Parton.
https://variety.com/2019/music/news/d...
The very best part of the audiobook, however, is that each chapter ends with Brandi singing a song or two. In the opening chapters, she sings Dolly, Elton, and she even sings her very own first song that she wrote when she was eight years old! After that, she sings her own songs, accompanied only on guitar or piano. It’s wonderful to hear her solo voice. There’s something magic about it that made me really listen. There is a long bonus “album” at the end. If you can possibly get the audio version, don’t miss it!
5 stars
April 18, 2021
I was prepared to adore this book. I just didn’t. It’s missing a story arch and cohesive elements. As a long time fan I loved hearing some of the stories behind the songs but it hard pressed to believe anyone other than fans would be truly drawn to this memoir. I will admit the second half is more engaging than the first, but I just was not all that impressed with the book.
May 20, 2021
Brandi has a fascinating life, though I don't think this book does it justice. This book feels like a rough draft, or a collection of anecdotal stories, but there is a real lack of cohesion to it all. Even the title, mentioned early on, gets lost until about 75% of the way through is picked up in a brief two sentences. I still liked the book, and would say it's worth reading. I just wish that it were better written. It is definitely conversational, which is lovely, and can be done expertly. But instead it often felt like a ten hour conversation wherein one person is just shooting off all these different stories of their life. I really struggled to see any connections or what prompted any of the stories. Which seems to me to betray the real issue, which is that there was no clear direction in the writing, no real thought given to what actually drives Brandi Carlile throughout her life.
I want to hear more from Brandi, I hope that in ten years I read something else from her, and I look forward to hear her reflect on her life. She is an artist that clearly cares about her work. And as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, she is an incredible encouragement to me personally. I will always be a huge fan of her.
(I listened to the Audiobook, which as others have pointed out, is the best way!)
I want to hear more from Brandi, I hope that in ten years I read something else from her, and I look forward to hear her reflect on her life. She is an artist that clearly cares about her work. And as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, she is an incredible encouragement to me personally. I will always be a huge fan of her.
(I listened to the Audiobook, which as others have pointed out, is the best way!)
April 20, 2021
I’m rather embarrassed to admit that I started this book thinking it was written by Belinda Carlisle (of The Go-Go’s fame) and, of course, quickly realized I was wrong. I wasn’t sure who Brandi Carlile was but stuck with it because I found her story so fascinating. Carlile had a poor, tumultuous childhood with plenty of struggles but she’s tough and overcame the challenges to have a successful musical career that has allowed her to be a champion for others. I appreciated her honesty and admired her tenacity and drive as a I listened to this book. I LOVED that she broke out in song throughout the audio book and have added some of her songs to my music library. Fans of Carlile and memoirs will want to read this book and I recommend experiencing it on audio.
March 29, 2023
5⭐️
My new favorite audiobook, BROKEN HORSES by Brandi Carlile is an honest to god, emotional, exciting, breathtakingly beautiful story to listen to. And please listen to the audiobook, it is phenomenal. Brandi is a gifted storyteller, and the fact that it is her own story makes it even more special.
My wife and I became aware of Brandi's music rather by accident when we both read a short interview in a newspaper and immediately searched for her music on Youtube at home. The first song we heard was THE STORY, and what can I say, we were hooked. What a powerful and also sensual voice, amazing songs, and a great band.
In the book, Brandi reviews her life until today and tells relentlessly and with a lot of emotions about her mistakes, failures, and successes, about her search for God, the development of her music, the story with the Hanseroth twins, the relationship with her family, love and also about her own family with Catherine and the two girls.
Don't hesitate, to buy the audiobook, it's worth it. As a bonus, you can hear countless songs by Brandi in the audio version.
PS: Jules and Agirl*, I would be super happy if we could visit a Brandi concert together - and who knows, maybe it will work out one day when I visit the US.
My new favorite audiobook, BROKEN HORSES by Brandi Carlile is an honest to god, emotional, exciting, breathtakingly beautiful story to listen to. And please listen to the audiobook, it is phenomenal. Brandi is a gifted storyteller, and the fact that it is her own story makes it even more special.
My wife and I became aware of Brandi's music rather by accident when we both read a short interview in a newspaper and immediately searched for her music on Youtube at home. The first song we heard was THE STORY, and what can I say, we were hooked. What a powerful and also sensual voice, amazing songs, and a great band.
In the book, Brandi reviews her life until today and tells relentlessly and with a lot of emotions about her mistakes, failures, and successes, about her search for God, the development of her music, the story with the Hanseroth twins, the relationship with her family, love and also about her own family with Catherine and the two girls.
Don't hesitate, to buy the audiobook, it's worth it. As a bonus, you can hear countless songs by Brandi in the audio version.
PS: Jules and Agirl*, I would be super happy if we could visit a Brandi concert together - and who knows, maybe it will work out one day when I visit the US.
June 3, 2021
If you are interested in this book do yourself a favor and get the audiobook. Brandi Carlile came from humble beginnings and struggles to make it to the top. I enjoyed learning the history of the songs she wrote and then listening to them throughout the story. We just listened to it on a road trip to Seattle and really enjoyed it.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
June 27, 2021
I really love Brandi Carlisle and it was fun to read the backstory to each song but a lot of the book is her meeting her heroes and agents and records produced. I loved the parts about her childhood and her stories of coming out and finding love, but I am less drawn to the music industry ins and outs
July 29, 2021
A great memoir for music fans
BROKEN HORSES is Brandi Carlile's story. She grew up poor in Seattle, moving constantly as a child. Her family was musical, giving Brandi a love of music as a young child. She knew was gay since she was a teen--something that wasn't always appreciated in her rural town. She tells her story from childhood, where her love of music began, to coming out, to her marriage and life with her two children, to her musical successes.
"I was a mean, scrappy little trailer girl with the wrong clothes and a very sensitive soul that I was hiding behind a bravado that I had developed performing onstage."
I adore Brandi Carlile and have for a long time. Having such a talented out singer in our community makes us all feel proud. "See her, she's one of us!!" Having followed Brandi's career from the beginning, I know a decent amount about her. Hence my problem with a number of celebrity memoirs I read: if I read a memoir about someone I really love and already know a lot about them, if they write a fairly superficial memoir, I only learn so much.
Don't get me wrong, Carlile has written a good and interesting book. She's a fascinating person, and I enjoyed learning about her rather wild journey. I didn't know much about her childhood, so I found those pieces to be the most intriguing. She was a wild and tough kid, who was so musically talented from the beginning. Imagine being one of the people who heard her perform in a pageant or talent show when she was a young kid or teen!
After going through her coming out story, Carlile talks about her musical career, and it's all really amazing, but sometimes feels fast and glossed over. I always love knowing the history of songs, but would have liked knowing more details about things. We skip over full albums, time periods, and more. And, as many celebrity memoirs do, it often feels a bit preachy and overly me-oriented at times (something she'll laughingly and freely admit to). When we get to her meeting her wife, it's a fun story, but also really quick. Still, it's so nice to see a queer woman's story so normalized, and to have someone talk about gay motherhood so matter of factly.
Overall, I'm so glad Carlile decided to share her thoughts on her life. She's such an amazing individual who has lived such an intense and fascinating life so far. I wish she had gone more in-depth with her stories at times, but this is still a great book and certainly worth your time. At some point, I hope to get the audio version, as she sings versions of the songs she discusses in each chapter.
I read this book as part of my new reading project--choosing books off my shelves based on their Goodreads rankings. This is my second book of the project, forcing me out of my comfort zone and to try books in genres I don't usually read!
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BROKEN HORSES is Brandi Carlile's story. She grew up poor in Seattle, moving constantly as a child. Her family was musical, giving Brandi a love of music as a young child. She knew was gay since she was a teen--something that wasn't always appreciated in her rural town. She tells her story from childhood, where her love of music began, to coming out, to her marriage and life with her two children, to her musical successes.
"I was a mean, scrappy little trailer girl with the wrong clothes and a very sensitive soul that I was hiding behind a bravado that I had developed performing onstage."
I adore Brandi Carlile and have for a long time. Having such a talented out singer in our community makes us all feel proud. "See her, she's one of us!!" Having followed Brandi's career from the beginning, I know a decent amount about her. Hence my problem with a number of celebrity memoirs I read: if I read a memoir about someone I really love and already know a lot about them, if they write a fairly superficial memoir, I only learn so much.
Don't get me wrong, Carlile has written a good and interesting book. She's a fascinating person, and I enjoyed learning about her rather wild journey. I didn't know much about her childhood, so I found those pieces to be the most intriguing. She was a wild and tough kid, who was so musically talented from the beginning. Imagine being one of the people who heard her perform in a pageant or talent show when she was a young kid or teen!
After going through her coming out story, Carlile talks about her musical career, and it's all really amazing, but sometimes feels fast and glossed over. I always love knowing the history of songs, but would have liked knowing more details about things. We skip over full albums, time periods, and more. And, as many celebrity memoirs do, it often feels a bit preachy and overly me-oriented at times (something she'll laughingly and freely admit to). When we get to her meeting her wife, it's a fun story, but also really quick. Still, it's so nice to see a queer woman's story so normalized, and to have someone talk about gay motherhood so matter of factly.
Overall, I'm so glad Carlile decided to share her thoughts on her life. She's such an amazing individual who has lived such an intense and fascinating life so far. I wish she had gone more in-depth with her stories at times, but this is still a great book and certainly worth your time. At some point, I hope to get the audio version, as she sings versions of the songs she discusses in each chapter.
I read this book as part of my new reading project--choosing books off my shelves based on their Goodreads rankings. This is my second book of the project, forcing me out of my comfort zone and to try books in genres I don't usually read!
Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ PaperBackSwap ~ Smashbomb
December 12, 2022
I’m sure it has happened to everyone. You’re in the car and a new song starts playing and it strikes you to your very heart. Can’t even leave the car even though you’ve reached your destination because you are so affected. For me, it was in 2018, when WXRT in Chicago was playing The Joke by Brandi Carlile. I sat quietly, feeling everything. Fast forward to the pandemic years and a couple of newfound friends shared their love for Brandi’s music with me, reminding me of that moment a few years back. Surprisingly, I had never listened to Brandi’s music again since that afternoon in my car. But when people I respect tell me they are fans of something, I have to go see about it. My opportunity came up rather soon because Brandi was playing down by the lakefront. I won’t go into details about the show but I will say it was a devastatingly emotional two hours because of her performance, the power of the songs, the fact that it was the first concert I had been to since 2019, and most of all, because it reminded me of how fortunate I was and am to have people looking out for me no matter how far away they are.
Brandi’s book is an incredible memoir. Her phenomenal songwriting skills translate easily to prose. She’s an amazing storyteller and I was engaged from beginning to end. The details of her personal life are intertwined with the music which led me to appreciate specific songs even more as she unfolds the backstory of her creative process and collaborations. She has had her share of loss and struggle but hope and the burn to succeed are a recurrent theme. In the end, what makes the book so rich is the honesty and the love expressed in her own words. Family and friends are her tapestry. Listen to the audiobook because Brandi narrates and sings in every chapter. If you are a fan of her music or a fan of memoirs and autobiographies, I highly recommend.
Special thanks to Sandra and AGirl for being big Brandi fans with me.
Brandi’s book is an incredible memoir. Her phenomenal songwriting skills translate easily to prose. She’s an amazing storyteller and I was engaged from beginning to end. The details of her personal life are intertwined with the music which led me to appreciate specific songs even more as she unfolds the backstory of her creative process and collaborations. She has had her share of loss and struggle but hope and the burn to succeed are a recurrent theme. In the end, what makes the book so rich is the honesty and the love expressed in her own words. Family and friends are her tapestry. Listen to the audiobook because Brandi narrates and sings in every chapter. If you are a fan of her music or a fan of memoirs and autobiographies, I highly recommend.
Special thanks to Sandra and AGirl for being big Brandi fans with me.
December 7, 2022
Absolutely breathtaking !
Carlile is a beautiful storyteller 💖 the emotion 💖
The bonus chapter of music is amazing.
One of the best audiobooks I’ve ever listen to.
Carlile is a beautiful storyteller 💖 the emotion 💖
The bonus chapter of music is amazing.
One of the best audiobooks I’ve ever listen to.
June 14, 2021
Wow. I just finished the audiobook, narrated by Ms. Carlile herself, and I am blown away. I didn't know much about Brandi Carlile until now, except she's gay, has a kick ass Instagram, and one holy- shit- phenomenal voice, but this book opened my eyes to what a brilliant artist she is, and frankly, a remarkable human being.
The book starts with Ms. Carlile as a child catching a devastating case of meningitis, and runs steadily to the impact of Covid on artists, and each story is woven into each other like a goddamned intricate quilt. She speaks with poise and grace, not afraid to reveal her anxiety, fears and self-doubt. I don't fawn over celebrities, I never have, but I am seriously impressed by this woman and how much of an impact she has had on women in music., as well as the LGBTQ+ community. She has met and sung and written and produced with and for the most famous musicians imaginable, yet remains humble and attached to her Eastern Washington country roots. Her experiences with Elton, Joni, Tanya, Dolly, among countless others left me speechless. When I got to the part about Paul Buckmaster's last compositions for her, I rewound it 3 times and then listened to Party of One and Whatever You Do on repeat with new ears for days until the gorgeousness of those strings were embedded in me. Goosebumps.
Biographies and me don't usually go hand in hand. I usually start them with the greatest of intentions, then realise "meh, this person isn't really interesting me that much." But this book, with Ms. Carlile singing acoustically between chapters (and the end, all songs from throughout the book are added, don't skip that), fully had my attention. Count me a fan, Ms. Carlile, even though I don't know you, I feel proud of you and your accomplishments.
The book starts with Ms. Carlile as a child catching a devastating case of meningitis, and runs steadily to the impact of Covid on artists, and each story is woven into each other like a goddamned intricate quilt. She speaks with poise and grace, not afraid to reveal her anxiety, fears and self-doubt. I don't fawn over celebrities, I never have, but I am seriously impressed by this woman and how much of an impact she has had on women in music., as well as the LGBTQ+ community. She has met and sung and written and produced with and for the most famous musicians imaginable, yet remains humble and attached to her Eastern Washington country roots. Her experiences with Elton, Joni, Tanya, Dolly, among countless others left me speechless. When I got to the part about Paul Buckmaster's last compositions for her, I rewound it 3 times and then listened to Party of One and Whatever You Do on repeat with new ears for days until the gorgeousness of those strings were embedded in me. Goosebumps.
Biographies and me don't usually go hand in hand. I usually start them with the greatest of intentions, then realise "meh, this person isn't really interesting me that much." But this book, with Ms. Carlile singing acoustically between chapters (and the end, all songs from throughout the book are added, don't skip that), fully had my attention. Count me a fan, Ms. Carlile, even though I don't know you, I feel proud of you and your accomplishments.
May 27, 2021
I’m a big-time Carlile fan as a musician, and liked but didn’t love this book. It felt “staged,” surface, and not broad or deep enough to make it a remarkable memoir; a lot of big name throwing around, although I believe these are hugely meaningful relationships and moments for her life, don’t get to the real heart of who she is, for better and worse. I think the main issue here is the timing of the writing- mid-career is a good place to reflect on the scaffolding that supported character and life building, but not to be able to see the bones of the house or its surroundings. I’m glad to have gotten the history of how the band came together and will appreciate that context as I continue to absolutely adore her music.
Read
April 7, 2021I stayed up late to finish this candid memoir on the day it was released. It was as relatable and amazing as I expected. Brandi Carlile’s words are a gift to the LGBTQIA and other marginalized communities. If you have ever felt like a misfit or out of place, this is a powerful read!
November 4, 2023
4,5 ⭐️
What a wonderful idea to include a lot of her beautiful songs in this audiobook. I really enjoyed listening to it.
What a wonderful idea to include a lot of her beautiful songs in this audiobook. I really enjoyed listening to it.
June 11, 2023
I liked this one very much, especially the audio and hearing a song between each chapter
April 25, 2021
I’m fascinated by Brandi Carlile. As if forming a southern accent while living in the Pacific North West is not enough to capture my attention, I think it’s also because she defies categorization. You simply cannot put her in a box.
Brandi draws a diverse crowd. Traditional soccer moms and misfit lesbians both share bread at her table. I’m not sure why she speaks to such different people, but I have a hunch it’s because of her honesty. Whether a person agrees with her conclusions or not, no one can deny Brandi seeks to tell the truth. In a world where social media filters are rampant and society is married to materialism, her down to earth candor is refreshing. Fame does not seem to have changed her.
Most of us spend our lives trying to escape from the expectations others place on us and Brandi offers an example of how to show up completely ourselves. She is candid about her ego and aware of her blind spots, but she strives for growth without abandoning herself. All of these themes are woven into this memoir.
Brandi knows deep hurt and rejection, but through those experiences she also found forgiveness and redemption. This does not make what she’s been through acceptable, but it demonstrates the beauty of transformation when we refuse to define ourselves by what’s happened to us. I loved getting a window into the stories behind her songs as well as her process of personal healing. I found myself aching for more.
We share a common spirituality and I day dream about getting to discuss Brennan Manning and Martin Luther with her one day! I admire how she champions people. When Brandi believes in someone, her tenacity, confidence, and admiration are unparalleled. The church may have shunned her, but the way she advocates for the downcast reminds me of Jesus. Her stories about Tanya Tucker moved me to tears. A true reflection of the “good news” if I’ve ever seen one.
I felt a connection to how she described the children in her life. I really identified with what she wrote about being an aunt. My niece and nephews are my world so this part of the book was sacred to me.
I’m grateful I get to walk the earth at the same time as Brandi Carlile. I look forward to watching her story progress and continue witnessing the people she will uplift and enfold. Surely it will be a part of book #2 and I’ll be the first in line to pre-order! She will always be one of the most fascinating people I know.
Brandi draws a diverse crowd. Traditional soccer moms and misfit lesbians both share bread at her table. I’m not sure why she speaks to such different people, but I have a hunch it’s because of her honesty. Whether a person agrees with her conclusions or not, no one can deny Brandi seeks to tell the truth. In a world where social media filters are rampant and society is married to materialism, her down to earth candor is refreshing. Fame does not seem to have changed her.
Most of us spend our lives trying to escape from the expectations others place on us and Brandi offers an example of how to show up completely ourselves. She is candid about her ego and aware of her blind spots, but she strives for growth without abandoning herself. All of these themes are woven into this memoir.
Brandi knows deep hurt and rejection, but through those experiences she also found forgiveness and redemption. This does not make what she’s been through acceptable, but it demonstrates the beauty of transformation when we refuse to define ourselves by what’s happened to us. I loved getting a window into the stories behind her songs as well as her process of personal healing. I found myself aching for more.
We share a common spirituality and I day dream about getting to discuss Brennan Manning and Martin Luther with her one day! I admire how she champions people. When Brandi believes in someone, her tenacity, confidence, and admiration are unparalleled. The church may have shunned her, but the way she advocates for the downcast reminds me of Jesus. Her stories about Tanya Tucker moved me to tears. A true reflection of the “good news” if I’ve ever seen one.
I felt a connection to how she described the children in her life. I really identified with what she wrote about being an aunt. My niece and nephews are my world so this part of the book was sacred to me.
I’m grateful I get to walk the earth at the same time as Brandi Carlile. I look forward to watching her story progress and continue witnessing the people she will uplift and enfold. Surely it will be a part of book #2 and I’ll be the first in line to pre-order! She will always be one of the most fascinating people I know.
May 23, 2021
I really enjoy memoirs, if only as a mildly entertaining way to find out about sections of society that I don't normally follow. I tend to listen to the audiobooks while I do yard work, wash dishes, paint shutters, etc... This is how I learned about Meghan and Harry, Jessica Simpson, and Tara Westover (Educated). Some of the books are extremely well written and I can listen to them ad nauseum (Colin Jost's "A Very Punchable Face" is a top example), but most are just a one and done distraction while doing chores.
This is how I approached Brandi Carlile's "Broken Horses", though I admit my expectations may have been a bit higher than normal since it was on many best seller lists and I had heard her interviewed on NPR. I don't know what chapter I made it to, but she had moved out of her parents' home. By this point in the story, I knew enough to know that I just didn't care enough about it to give it several more hours of my time and attention.
I've spent some time trying to figure out why, because technically, I should love a book like this. A person overcoming a rough childhood to become a star musician and out and proud lesbian has all the makings of a great movie, but there was something about it that just never pulled me in. I think one factor, surprisingly, was Carlile's reading. Though audio memoir's are generally stronger when read by the author, I found her reading to be a bit... dispassionate? Technical? Not plodding, exactly, but.... Or maybe it wasn't her reading, maybe it was the writing. The writing definitely felt elementary. While the story could be great, I think she definitely needed the help of a better editor or maybe a collaborative ghost writer. It just felt a bit too much like a fifth-grade book report: "and then this happened, and then this happened..." And by that point in the book, I knew that the pace and style was not going to change or improve.
So I made the choice to bail. Kudos to her for bravely forging her place in the world and finding success, I truly think that's terrific, but I don't need to read this particular book about it.
This is how I approached Brandi Carlile's "Broken Horses", though I admit my expectations may have been a bit higher than normal since it was on many best seller lists and I had heard her interviewed on NPR. I don't know what chapter I made it to, but she had moved out of her parents' home. By this point in the story, I knew enough to know that I just didn't care enough about it to give it several more hours of my time and attention.
I've spent some time trying to figure out why, because technically, I should love a book like this. A person overcoming a rough childhood to become a star musician and out and proud lesbian has all the makings of a great movie, but there was something about it that just never pulled me in. I think one factor, surprisingly, was Carlile's reading. Though audio memoir's are generally stronger when read by the author, I found her reading to be a bit... dispassionate? Technical? Not plodding, exactly, but.... Or maybe it wasn't her reading, maybe it was the writing. The writing definitely felt elementary. While the story could be great, I think she definitely needed the help of a better editor or maybe a collaborative ghost writer. It just felt a bit too much like a fifth-grade book report: "and then this happened, and then this happened..." And by that point in the book, I knew that the pace and style was not going to change or improve.
So I made the choice to bail. Kudos to her for bravely forging her place in the world and finding success, I truly think that's terrific, but I don't need to read this particular book about it.
May 19, 2021
I barely knew who Brandi Carlile was before I read this memoir, which I know might be difficult to believe. I learned a lot reading this. Carlile is a charming storyteller, and I enjoyed her extensive, earnest, endless fangirling over Dolly Parton, Elton John, and Joanie Mitchell. I appreciate how dorky she is and how she is honest about her terrible decision-making.
I also loved her reflections on learning who she is, coming out, reconciling her lesbianism with her religion, and moving through the world as a queer woman. There is a scene where she wants to get baptized and the pastor tells her she needs to repent her homosexual lifestyle. Yikes. Her stories about creating a family with her wife, and about the uncertain, shifting legal and social standing of their marriage and family are familiar. Ouch!
If you read this, I highly recommend listening to the audio book since she plays a lot of songs in between the chapters, including some lovely covers. I think there are *hours* of music in the audio book. Unless you hate her music, I guess. Then don't listen to the audio book.
Oh, also, and it's freaky to read a book by a musician who lost their whole touring/performing career when the global pandemic hit and they're writing to you with no idea about how it all works out. I hope this all works out....
I also felt a lot like Brandi Carlile is my dad? Not my Daddy but she is like my actual dad, with the bargain horses and fishing/guitar obsession and spending all your money on a boat. It is weird to understand your dad as a millennial lesbian pacific northwest country singer. I told him about it, and he seemed impressed that she knows some good fishing spots, and later he told me she even has two albums out.
If you read this far, thanks for reading my ridiculous emoting about a country singer's memoir. Brandi, if you read this, please take my dad fishing. I am not the right kind of daughter for that. But I am the right kind of reader for this book!
I also loved her reflections on learning who she is, coming out, reconciling her lesbianism with her religion, and moving through the world as a queer woman. There is a scene where she wants to get baptized and the pastor tells her she needs to repent her homosexual lifestyle. Yikes. Her stories about creating a family with her wife, and about the uncertain, shifting legal and social standing of their marriage and family are familiar. Ouch!
If you read this, I highly recommend listening to the audio book since she plays a lot of songs in between the chapters, including some lovely covers. I think there are *hours* of music in the audio book. Unless you hate her music, I guess. Then don't listen to the audio book.
Oh, also, and it's freaky to read a book by a musician who lost their whole touring/performing career when the global pandemic hit and they're writing to you with no idea about how it all works out. I hope this all works out....
I also felt a lot like Brandi Carlile is my dad? Not my Daddy but she is like my actual dad, with the bargain horses and fishing/guitar obsession and spending all your money on a boat. It is weird to understand your dad as a millennial lesbian pacific northwest country singer. I told him about it, and he seemed impressed that she knows some good fishing spots, and later he told me she even has two albums out.
If you read this far, thanks for reading my ridiculous emoting about a country singer's memoir. Brandi, if you read this, please take my dad fishing. I am not the right kind of daughter for that. But I am the right kind of reader for this book!
March 21, 2023
I was a Brandi Carlile fan before I read this book and my respect and affection multiplied exponentially after reading her memoir. Her story is humble, determined and tender. If you have this book on your TBR I insist that you read it on audio. She not only narrates, but includes acoustic songs between chapters.
“𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘤𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘳... 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴: 𝘞𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘕𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘭𝘥. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩. 𝘋𝘰 𝘪𝘵. 𝘉𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦. 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘱𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘦𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
“𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘤𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘳... 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴: 𝘞𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦. 𝘕𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘭𝘥. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩. 𝘋𝘰 𝘪𝘵. 𝘉𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦. 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶'𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘱𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘦𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘺 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”
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