An unrealized memoir

While the long introduction by the editor is interesting in places, the reality is that Prince passes away before the book really got off the ground. There’s some compelling material on his background - though a few things (his relationship to two sibling mentioned in the later sections, his decision to base a play on his mother having shot his father and then ‘turned the gun on herself’ etc) are never explained. There’s not a lot here for those interested in his amazing artistry to sink their teeth into, and not much in terms of his philosophy of life etc. Some glimpses of that, and of his commitment to challenging racism and exploitation, but I feel like this just never quite got off the ground.

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Total Rip-off

other then a very long dull introduction by the writer about how the "book" was going to be made a few meetings he had with Prince. that's the only original words. other then that u get am hour or maybe way less on some woman reading bits taken from interviews. what does this book give us? we have not already read about or listened to in his interviews
I went to Paisley Park i could have done a better job

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Such a gem

I’m so sad we never got the Prince book it’s sounds like it was going to be mind blowing. I’m so glad this story was told

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A short, insightful glimpse into Prince’s intentions with the book & his early life

This is a short listen. Dan Piepenbring provides a long and engaging introduction on how the book came to
be and his meetings and conversations with Prince. This allows the listener to eavesdrop on Prince’s evolving intentions with the book which make Prince’s own words read out by some who knew him more enticing and anticipated. And he does not disappoint. What is covered is brief but it talks about early Prince, his parents and experiences in school that shaped who the young man would become before he conquered the world. There are hopes for race, music and the future peppered throughout and the book’s final sections are quotes from Prince from print interviews that add meaning to the early era. Finally, we get a treatment for Dreams, the story that would become Purple Rain but with character backstories and motivations that enhance the world we all know and highlight Prince as a master storyteller who had a deep understanding of music, relationships and spirituality as influenced by his experiences. A short but well-produced insight into the legendary Prince, mostly in his own words and with all you could hope for as an introduction by Piepenbring. Recommended and appreciated.

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A must-read/listen for true Prince fans

I am glad to have had the opportunity to share some of Dan's insightful memories. The book does it's best to give us a glimpse of what could have been. Such as tragic and abrupt halt to one of the most important and truly diverse talents of our modern musical times. My only regret is that this book further cements my sadness that I did not manage to get to see Prince Rogers Nelson perform live. I love the excerpts of Prince's writing, I can hear his voice so clearly when reading them. It's always a special treat when we are able to appreciate unreleased material, photo's and such. Thank you for what must have been a difficult task of putting this to print.

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an ok listen, but sadly too short.

if the great man was not taken from us prematurely, this would have been quite a listen.
the co-author does his best with his own contribution,& his own prince stories are good, but it feels like a bit like a cliffhanger that (sadly) we'll never get to see the conclusion of.

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I loved it... All good things never last..shame

such a shame it finished. explains alot if u listen carefully. Prince Fams will understand.

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Prince’s unfinished symphony

I like many people round the world waited with baited breath for the release of this partially completed memoir that Prince was working on until his untimely death. The book chronicles early childhood up to purple rain. You really can hear prince through the text giving thoughts and feelings about his past with the help of newspaper sources and Rolling Stone.

The book does give new insights even on stories that we think we know are forever changed because the words are from someone who was their which adds a new perspective.

The introduction from the author is both heartfelt and honest. The choice of using two narrators is interesting particularly Esperanza spalding as she worked with Prince and supported him on tour the narration is top notch and is a. Easy listen. The chapters offer a snapshot of thoughts and memories which I loved. Ultimately this book like Prince himself has left more questions then answers which I think is very fitting indeed. What questions ? What if Prince had completed the book as he intended ? What if the great maestro was still here? Two very painful questions but ones that scream from the page. This book has been lovingly put together but like princes life I always believed it was cut short, unfinished.

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2 people found this helpful

Prince, The Beautiful Ones.

Just wanted to hear from Prince not collaborations of excerps from magazines and interviews. Real shame.

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Over before it's begun

Just getting into it and it was over! Feels like a money spinning wasted opportunity considering the enigma of a man who had such on impact on decades of music.

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2 people found this helpful