"A work so full of intangible inspiration it has to be read from cover to cover to be fully appreciated." - IndieReader
Lessons born in the nostalgia of a 1980s childhood find their wings decades later, in this true coming-of-age story of a singer-songwriter reinventing his life outside the shadow of his mother’s dementia.
Open Up unfolds during the same day as the #1 bestselling Living Halfway, with all of the heart, vulnerability, and humanity of its literary fraternal twin, but none of the cynicism. Familiar scenes are seen through a different lens, suggesting not only the power of a changed perspective, but also what beauty we might find inside. If we can just open up.
"Strong and beautiful… full of heart, humor, and unexpected treasures one might find in an old trunk of well-lived memories." - Dr. Jordan Alexander
"Such a beautiful book… heartfelt, raw, no holds barred, and displaying the true light at the end of the tunnel. The lyricism of Woodard’s prose flows as freely as music, which makes the work all the more emotive and accessible. ‘Open Up’ is a must-read for anyone seeking a spark of inspiration in their lives." - Readers’ Favorite
Alex Woodard has toured nationally behind several critically acclaimed albums, earning a few prestigious industry nods while sharing the stage with some of his heroes. His first novel, published in late 2023, was an IPPY Gold medal winner and found an early supporter in Woody Harrelson, who said, “Ordinary Soil brings to haunting life the desperate realities of the American heartland, but also offers a glimpse into a better future . . . a call to action for all of us.”
His nonfiction For The Sender book, album, and concert series has garnered praise from Huffington Post (“important, enlightening, and ultimately inspiring”), Deepak Chopra (“a beautiful tribute to the resilience of the human spirit”), Dr. Wayne Dyer (“an inspiring, thought-provoking, and life-changing work”), and Billboard magazine (“one of the year’s most touching, unique releases”), among others.
Alex's second work of fiction, Analog Sun, is set for release in Fall 2025, and has already earned accolades from thought leaders including triple-board certified Zach Bush, MD. A leading educator on human and planetary health, Dr. Bush found the book to be "stunning, with a twist I didn't see coming. Analog Sun is the perfect antidote to our digital overwhelm...and a beautiful invitation to a more meaningful, joyful life."
Alex lives with three horses, two dogs, two chickens, and two beautiful humans on a small ranch near the California coast, where he logs as much water time as possible. While he's stepped away from social media, his stories and music can be found at alexwoodard.com.
This book really lives up to it’s name, the author does indeed “open up” to his audience. Woodard addresses the declining physical and mental health of his mum as she slowly succumbs to dementia while going back over his childhood memories and we see just how much he has grown through his mistakes and decisions, and what his relationships with his family and friends are like.
He also includes some beautiful lyrics throughout the book as, fun fact, Woodard is a renowned singer/songwriter. You can clearly see this come across in the beautifully lyrical way in which this book in written. These chapters could easily have been songs on an album of his and the flow of the words was almost poetic. I’d definitely recommend this book to anyone.
Thanks NetGalley for an e-arc in exchange for my honest review.
This book was an interesting read, and a fairly quick read. I found it interesting to read about how someone creative came about their inspirations and their talent. The book started out seeming a bit disjointed, but once I got used to the storytelling style it was an easy read, and was also easy to keep up with. A good stream of consciousness storytelling style.
Alex Woodard addresses the declining health of his mother into dementia through exploring his own past through cherished photos and memories. From the girl that got away, to the little yellow puppy that he is making a home for, the biographical story flows with all the confidence of a modern era troubadour, one who understands pain but can find beauty in any moment.
Immersed in Americana, “Open Up” will resonate with those who romanticize the potential of following in love, summer days with friends, and the sacred bond between a man and his dog. At the same time, those who have experienced loss in the family (in this case Alzheimers) will find solace in Woodward’s navigating through pain to find inspired moments, experiences that made him who he is. A shining example comes from the story of the family's last vacation together, marking the last time his mother is likely going to be able to remember or appear as he holds her in her memory. It is a touching moment with an underlying sense of tragedy, but the book beautifully balances that line throughout.
Woodard, who is an award-winning country singer, includes lyrics throughout - showing how important music is to his thought process. Furthermore, the prose also indulges (at times) into a poetic flow that gives the book a semblance of music -each chapter feeling like it could be track on an album. Thankfully, the book flows with a grace that shows Woodward having a command over language from a lyrical stand-point. You can really get lost in the beauty of certain lines or reflections, only to come crashing back into the reality that the author is present in.
Overall, the introspective and artistic approach of Woodard’s writing makes for an engaging read. His honesty and candid observations about his past are a window into what it feels to struggle with loss, the strength to push through to find moments of tranquility when things begin to crumble. Highly insightful and easily recommended.
Open Up by Alex Woodard was full of unexpected treasures, like those one might find in an old trunk full of well-lived memories. Bouncing between experiences of his teen ‘wonder years’ to the older and wiser present life lens, Woodard ‘opens up’ in his memoir with humour, raw emotion and poetic musings. Accompanied by old family photos, song lyrics, and poems, we learn about key relationships that are fundamental to Woodard’s growth, including the significant impact of his mother’s dementia upon his multi-faceted relationship with her - an important touchpoint throughout the book. His writing is strong, sarcastic (in a good way) and full of heart, as he weaves philosophical and practical into one: “the most beautiful moments can’t be captured looking through a screen, because when we capture through a screen, we miss capturing through our heart.”
Never overdone, Open Up moves quickly through each chapter, revealing a new angle on people, connecting modern times – like insights on technology, and dropping gifts for the reader to contemplate, like: “What good would knowing do, when the end stays the same?” Juxtaposing deep and meaningful to a Skippy peanut butter ad, I laughed out loud recalling the scene where lovestruck Woodard describes his co-star “super-hot former Mouseketeer Annette Funicello”. Woodard, who is also a musician, encourages other artists to stay true to the craft. He challenges using the number of social media ‘likes’ as a proxy for quality, granting others permission to choose to go old school instead; face-to-face, up close and personal. Open Up reveals how Woodard goes against the flow before learning to stand up and surf. Once in the flow, he trades the need for his father’s acceptance for the unconditional love of a yellow Labrador. Woodard’s beautiful unfolding will encourage and inspire others to do the same – to Open Up their own treasure chest to live and love well.
“These are tears of unexpected anger. Anger at what's happening to her. Anger at the heaviness that buries me in the past, because that's the only place I can still find her. Anger at my inability to build a bridge between the chasm separating me and these Polaroid versions of me. Anger at my anger, when I have so much to be grateful for.”
“Open Up” follows the author, Alex Woodard, and how he grows (as a child actor/line-memorizer, as a singer-songwriter) and fucks up and gets better and deals with his family and relationships and heartbreak and lowkey childhood trauma.
This memoir was wonderfully written, it was almost poetic. I really enjoyed the pictures at the end of some chapters (especially the Skippy one, I’m sorry).
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes funny memoirs or slice-of-life literature, especially if they have an interest in dementia and how it affects family members even in the most subtle of ways. No, dementia isn’t really the main topic here, but it’s like it’s been interwoven into the essential fabric of this memoir. Either way, it’s a really good book.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
p.s. the chapters “Emily” and “The Sender” absolutely destroyed me. What a beautiful letter, what a beautiful song.
Open Up is a memoir by singer songwriter Alex Woodard about his experiences growing up in the 1980s, his career as an artist and later on as he learns to deal with his mother's dementia. Open Up is somewhat of a companion book to Woodard's previous book, Living Halfway, since many of the same events are depicted in both books, with Living Halfway having a more cynical yet humorous tone. At first, the chapters and their transitions seem a bit disjointed and as a reader, I wasn't quite sure of the plot's direction. But Woodard's tone is so open and easy and familiar, it feels as though he is recounting these anecdotes to a friend. He allows himself to be raw and vulnerable that the memoir almost reads like a diary as he opens up about his family and friends, his career and his relationships. The song lyrics scattered throughout the chapters and the photographs that the author includes from various moments of his life, only add to this diary like quality. The parts that I found truly touching and sad were the chapters where Woodard describes his mother's struggles as she further declines with dementia and how he watches her shift into someone completely different from the mother he remembers growing up with. At a little under 200 pages, this memoir is a quick read that can be done in a few sittings and that readers will return to again and again due to its emotional takeaway.
Open Up is a memoir by Alex Woodard. In it, he recounts tales from his life and his inspiration growing up, his personal thoughts, his family, and his mother's decline into dementia. By reading this book, you get an inside view of the author and what makes him who he is. From his joys in life to his regrets, the author doesn't hold back.
Open Up is a memoir but does read more like a diary. The writing jumps back and forth in time, and when I initially began reading, I did find myself getting somewhat lost. However, once you're accustomed to the style, the writing flows with a lyrical sound. This writing style makes the book more personal and encourages the reader to really grasp the author's words and take them in.
The author writes about many of his childhood exploits and life experiences. These accounts are both inspirational and humorous. There is an undertone of sadness lining the pages, which often relate to his mother's decline into dementia. The person he sees isn't the person he remembers. It is a heartbreaking admission that many are familiar with. But, the author has beautiful memories of his mother, and the profound takeaway is to cherish those you love.
Open Up is an inspirational read that touches the heart. There are many things to learn from this book.
This isn’t musician Alex Woodard’s first book, but it’s the first I’ve read and his lyrical intimacy flows onto the page. I didn’t expect to be so immersed in this story of the loss of his mother to dementia, told through vignettes of the past and present that come together to provide a detailed and richly told picture of their relationship and his love, anger, and grief.
It took me a few pages to adapt to Woodard’s writing style, told in an abstract first person and present tense, with densely-packed metaphors and lyrics of songs that impacted him as he grew up. But it didn’t take long to relax into the world he describes, to connect with him as the quasi child star, burgeoning musician and frustrated romantic, and to the common experiences of being a kid in the ’80s.
It’s a deeply personal story in the faded browns of old photos, reminiscences and missed opportunities, that left me with a feeling of melancholic nostalgia. I enjoyed reading it and will definitely be reading Alex Woodard’s other works.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review this book!
When I read the first few chapters, the first thought that popped in my head was "what is this book really about?" I felt like I was reading a diary of someone's inner deep secrets and uncovering secrets of prime companies such as Skippy. Then I kept reading and I love how personal it got like someone sharing their personal life story. I felt while reading like I was out to dinner with my best friend and he was telling me all about his life-changing moments. This book took me on a ride of such a journey of strength, growth,and perseverance of one theme and one alone open honest communication and acceptance. Reading that Alex Woodard is also a songwriter, it gives the reader first look at the inspiration of a new top 100 billboard hot and granny award winning album. What amazed me is how open he was with positivity all because he got the greatest gift ever..The most beautiful girl in the world's phone number.
A book to inspire millions of readers not to hide their inner most feelings. That is why I give this book 5 stars.
I read this book not knowing who Alex Woodard was, meaning I didn’t know he was a song writer. Not knowing this, the first half of the book had me blown away by how beautiful his words resonated across the page. The metaphors and imagery he presents felt so alive and pulled at something in my heart throughout the entire memoir, from the anxiousness about the baby birds, the meeting of his first love, losing that love, the small yellow puppy, his doubt as a musician, and overarching everything, the decline of his mother who is battling dementia.
His memoir reads like music, flowing from one chapter to the next, fully composed and presented as an entire story. The photos included were an added bonus that made his words all the more truthful.
His memoir will make you think. It will make you want to look back on your own memories. It will make you want to look in the mirror and wonder if you’re doing this life thing right. And I think a book that brings forth questions is highly worth reading.
Open Up by Alex Woodward is a memoir of him growing up in the 1980s. It's a coming-of-age story where he deals with life in general along with his mother's dementia. He goes through his own memories through photos and the like, bringing a new perspective on each one.
It's a short read and one that's easy to get sucked into. The overall tone is gentle and familiar, making the book so much more relatable, even if you haven't experienced these certain things yourself. You'll still learn something new either way.
In addition, this book is like a companion to the author's other book, Living Halfway. I haven't read that book, but according to the synopsis, it seems the two books are similar but told differently. So, I didn't feel like I needed to read Living Halfway to get into this book. However, I'll admit that I'm intrigued to get the other book and see the similarities and differences.
Overall, if you enjoy emotional memoirs, this one is certainly worth a read.
I was drawn to Open Up because of its title. Jumping into a memoir without knowing anything about the writer was a little scary, but now I can say with happiness that I made the right choice. What Open Up does is allow the reader an insight into the human condition. The book captures some beautiful (and some not so beautiful) moments from the author's life and shows us what he went through dealing with his mother's illness. Beautiful song lyrics are woven into the prose and add to the emotional depth of the novel. There is this particular section towards the end of the novel where many of the previous motifs come together and it just really builds up to this emotional crescendo that left me stunned. I also feel this is the kind of book that will become better on a re-reading. Because of this, I think I will definitely be coming back to this in the future.
"Open Up" by author and songwriter Alex Woodard is one of those books that take readers on an all-around ride of entertainment and self-reflection as well. Upon opening this uplifting memoir, readers are met with well-detailed and skillfully written experiences of the author's youthful years, his interest in surfing and music, and his struggle to come to terms with his mother's dementia.
Infused with joyous and poignant emotions, "Open Up" delivers a well-balanced and sentimental memoir. The book is like a journey of the author's life with well-articulated thoughts and evidence to back them up. The choice of words is top-notch and the song lyrics peppered across the chapters give this piece of fine art, a lyrical touch. "Open Up" is a definite nod from me!
I liked reading Open Up, and I must be around the same age as the author because reading it and seeing the images it contains took me back to my own childhood, and I easily spent as much time thinking about my story as reading this one just because the way the author tells the story, so it was quite fun, enlightening, and even nostalgic though I just bought it. I could have read it quickly, but I took my time so I could enjoy it, and I’ll likely read some of the author’s books as well, especially since I see there is another book that goes with this one. I recommend it to anyone that likes to read interesting stories that tend to bring back a lot of your own memories.
This was a fun, casual read following Alex's journey including his aging mother with dementia, his personal relationships and his musical background. He has been through many struggles but continues to persevere. He has musical lyrics embodying the memoir, texts with a stranger that he converts into lyrics. At first, I had difficulty navigating the memoir then I picked up on the writing style of jumping back and forth and how all his life moments led up to where he is now.
This was a very good read. It was very lyrical, which I guess makes sense, and I loved the phrasing and antidotes. The book was very sentimental in relation to his mother and led me to think about my mom who has already passed. It was well written and really flowed well. I would recommend this book in a second.
Alex Woodard is an author, songwriter, singer, and musician. He writes about memorable moments of his life. He reflects in lyrical prose. He grows from his reflections and allows us to grow along with him. The author artfully includes past photographs and song lyrics that adds to the magic of the work. The chapters read with a musical flow that allows us to feel his memories as we would feel emotions from song lyrics. He is definitely a musical storyteller. It is a different kind of read - one that asks to be revisited again and again for the beauty and inspiration. I have since signed up for his emails which I enjoy as they read like the book. I also have enjoyed his songs and videos. This is a cool breeze in a hot paced world. I listened to the audio version which is narrated by the author - done beautifully as well.