Customer Reviews

Falling Backwards: A Memoir

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

A long time ago, I read that the more personal you are, the more universal you are. I always thought these words referred to essays and poetry, but I've just learned how well they apply to memoirs, too. Falling Backwards covers Jann Arden's earliest childhood memories, her school life, and the desire to write and play music, those inevitable young adult struggles and, finally, her first recording contract.

I have to be honest and say that I'm a big fan of Jann Arden's music, which is why I received this book for Christmas, plus her latest CD, and a ticket to an upcoming concert. So, if you think I'm biased when I say that I loved this book, I understand.

The book's appeal isn't merely because of its author, though. Jann's voice is strong, authentic, and candid. She talks about some truly uncomfortable experiences in her life that most of us wouldn't share with friends and family, let alone strangers. Secondly, her writing style is terrific: straightforward, fluid, poignant, funny. She has an ear for the rhythm of the written word, which is hardly a surprise given how much time she put in learning to write songs.

Although our childhoods were quite different, (she from the Alberta countryside and me from the Vancouver suburbs), she had experiences I could relate to so closely that it was weird. Here's one: at her parents' first parent-teacher meeting in grade one, Jann's teacher told her folks that Jann "could very well be somewhat retarded". My teacher told my parents that there was something wrong with me because I cut the legs off the picture of the lamb I'd drawn . . . That was the 60's for you. Obviously, many of her memories triggered memories of my own, but maybe that's what great memoirs do. Still, as Jann says, "It's okay to look in the rear-view mirror now and then, but I don't want to stare." Enjoy!

Jann's first two books (which are also hilarious) where about her struggle through her adult life. This is the first time she really tackles her sometimes funny, sometimes sad, childhood. Anyone that would like to know what shaped this wonderful woman will get a lot from Falling Backwards. Highly recommended.

I am reading Jann's book and unlike the previous review have enjoyed the recollections of her childhood very much, I find the book very funny,expecially the hotdog in the thermos, and could also relate to the stories of the underlying tensions in her homelife. Maybe at some point she will write about her rise in the music industry,but I think this book was a great jumping off point, if you were raised in the 70's don't miss this book.

I love, love, love this book. I enjoyed Jann's other books too, but this one is so amazingly open that it touched me deeply, and also made me realize I am not alone when it comes to some of my own childhood experiences. I am purchasing copies of this book for all of my girlfriends.

Hilarious one minute, horrifying the next. A delightful, easy read. Makes me want to write my own life story, because she shows how the ordinary things count. I will seek out her other books. Well done, Jann.

I would like to thank Jann Arden for letting me share some of her most private and intimate, family and personal moments....

As always an entertaining reading experience....

I am a BIG fan and was NOT disappointed....!!!

Great Christmas gift from my sister...

I am a Jann Arden Music fan, and live in Alberta. I have seen Jann interviewed many times on TV, and have always appreciated her authenticity, and her sense of humour. In her book Falling Backwards, Jann's humour had me in stitches laughing. Her honesty, openness and deep look into life issues and growing up was refreshing. This book is a beautifully written and authentically moving book. Thank you Jann, for sharing yourself with us!

Charmaine Hammond,
Bestselling author On Toby's Terms

Falling Backwards: A Memoir Jann writes like she's sitting in your kitchen visiting over a coffee. No doubt most readers will already be fans so Jann's sincerity and candor will only endear her further. Anyone who has even the slightest doubt about her being completely down to earth and genuine should definitely read this. She'll be family when you're done.

I love Jann Arden's music - the dichotomy between her sense of humour and mournful melodies. When I saw her book I thought it would be wonderful to find out how she "made it" in the Canadian music industry. 2/3 into the book she's 14 years old and I'm wondering when will this get to be about how her career got started? Well, the answer lies in the rushed last few pages which leave you hanging wondering "so now what?" Although this is an interesting story about growing up as a girl in the 70's in Canada (I'm 1 year older than Jann myself so I could relate) there is really nothing of interest or substance here. Jann waxes lyrical about the mundane....a perm gone wrong, a hot dog lunch???? Give it a miss, and put one of her CD's on.....this book was not worth the time, effort or money.