Cher: Part One: The Memoir – An Intimate and Extraordinary Story of a Trailblazing Icon Who Topped Billboard for Seven Decades (The Cher Memoir, 1)

Let me tell you, I enjoy memoirs when I’m in the right mood, and this is no exception. Cher and Stephanie J. Block, the actress who won a Tony after playing Cher on Broadway, take turns narrating Part 1 of 2 (Part 2 drops November 2025) and they sound so similar that they’re easy to confuse.As fierce and brazen as she tends to seem in interviews and in the roles she plays, she is actually far more vulnerable, naive, and even innocent than one might expect. Evolving from humble beginnings that included addiction/co-addiction, domestic violence, poverty, and trauma, she displays a strong work ethic in the absence of any sense of entitlement. She seems honest and genuine as she speaks about the complicated but loving relationship she had with her mother, how hard it was to watch her mother hold fast to the belief that success and stability in a woman’s life were to be attained by way of a man, and how hard she has worked to break the cycles found within her family system. Maybe one of the most surprising things is the sometimes childlike, or maybe just ingenuous affection and appreciation she feels toward Sonny. She is neither unkind nor dramatic when she speaks candidly about the ways he admittedly exploited her and their success, or his history of infidelity. In fact, she seems fairly straightforward when she describes how his often controlling, possessive, manipulative, and even calculated approach to their professional and domestic partnerships. Admittedly she has worked through negative feelings she once harbored in relation to Sonny, and seems left with positive regard and genuine affection toward him overall. There are times when it feels like an example of trauma bonding borne of emotional abuse within their marriage, while there are other times when it feels as though she simply loves things they shared.This is the first of two parts, and there is a great deal of detail with regard to her costumes and wardrobe, as well as the exterior/interior designs related to her homes. She is quick-witted, sarcastic, and clever, as well as warm, and just really easy to like. The anecdotal accounts tend to be evolve organically, her conversational tone inviting her audience to look forward to knowing more of, and feeling closer to,“Cher,” and all that that implies.Trigger Warning: addiction/co-addiction, domestic violence, family enmeshment, male dependence, gaslighting

Like any good autobiography, this is very well written because it is like Cher is talking to you. And there is plenty here that you probably didn't know. She had an almost shocking childhood riddled with poverty and constant moves from place to place as a result of a mother who, though loving, comes across as very self-centered. As a result, Cher didn't even have the drive to finish high school. But, due to her good looks, talent, endearing personality, and, mostly, pure luck and chance, she was able to start a career as a teenager that would, ultimately, make her legendary. Little did we know that Sonny Bono was such a creep, big time record producer David Geffen was Cher's savior, and her marriage to Greg Allman was a total fiasco. Amid it all, it is extraordinary to learn of all of the famous people Cher encountered and got to know during her younger self. It is really quite amazing. This is a real eye opener that provides honest insight by Cher herself as to how she got to where she did during the first three decades of her life. Is there a lesson here ? Yes, It is that Cher's devotion to her morals and values despite all that was going on around her kept her grounded and successful.Very well done. Looking forward to Part Two and her life as a major film star and Oscar winner.

Certain books can make it feel like you've turned back time (pun intended) and this one really took me back to a fond memory, the chance to stay up late and watch the Sonny & Cher show. As Cher cascaded out in an over-the-top sparkly Bob Mackie number, flipping her long shiny hair, that glowing tan, and of course, when they ended by singing “I Got You Babe,” magic. What I didn’t expect reading her book was gaining personal insight into the young woman behind the superstar.My knowledge of Cher was limited to feathers and fringe, her voice, that hair, married to Sonny, then not, then going from singer to becoming an actress. In her book, she sheds light on a distressing and unstable childhood, a mother she struggled to become and remain close with, a father who was in and out of her life, among her mom’s numerous husbands, a tumultuous relationship with a controlling husband, and how she persevered, took back control of her own career. She set trends, knew what she wanted to do, who she wanted to be. A fluke chance led to her singing backup in Phil Spector’s studio one day and the rest, a Grammy to an Emmy to an Oscar, is history. But let’s get real. Cher is much more than her iconic wardrobe of body-hugging body-revealing dresses even though, can we all just acknowledge that the woman still, decades later, can rock sequins and feathers like nobody else.Cher wrote her memoir with a ghostwriter; my only issue is that the writing wasn't as sharp, fine-tuned as I imagined. Thankfully the material sustains it. The anecdotes felt real, transparent, as if Cher is in conversation with us. It’ll be interesting to see what part two will show readers. Imagine, a life so interesting, it takes two volumes to capture it all.

Fascinating look at a woman of remarkable talent, class and earthiness. I have already ordered Cher's second biographical memoir.

Great read! I have been a fan from the beginning. Watched the Sonny & Cher Comedy hour every week, then the Cher Show. My Mom and I went to a taping of the Cher show. Saw her live a couple of times. I could not put this book down. I thought I knew everything, but this book was very revealing. I am just sad I have to wait until November to read the second half. I suggest waiting to read until closer to part two being released.

As a huge fan of Cher I bought this to add to my collection of memorabilia not really expecting to read it. I'm 42 and I have never ever enjoyed reading. I bought this not long after it came out and it's sat on my bedroom shelf next to some other books I haven't read. Until yesterday, for some random reason I grabbed the book, opened it and read the preface.....and I was hooked.....I read 8 chapters before forcing myself to put it down and go to sleep. My husband and our kids were all shocked that I was sitting down and actually reading a book....but they all said if anyone could get you sit down and read Dad it would be Cher....which made my heart smile that our kids even know who she is and actually like her music...but only when I play anything.....at 15,14 & 11 they aren't going to just pick Cher to listen to....well except our 11yr old son....he LOVES Dj Play a Christmas Song and has asked me repeatedly to play it, which I do and my heart just lights up b/c he genuinely loves the song and knows every single word to it lol. Anyway getting side tracked if you are thinking about buying it and are a fan of Cher....do it! She is telling such great stories which have made me laugh, cry and just be in shock at some situations. I absolutely LOVE CHER and as of today I am on Chapter 10 now and cannot wait to see where it goes and already preordering Part 2!

Bought this for my wife as a gift. She started she really liked the story. I’ll run with that as I didn’t read the book.

I enjoyed learning about Cher's life growing up. The initial 2/3 of the book were pretty detailed, but the last 1/3 seemed written in a rush. Cher did such a good job on explaining Sonny, but characters seemed superficial.

Fascinating part one of a true icon. A fan but I learnt so much more about CherCannot wait for part two

Frantastic. I loved it. Well written and so human. Women stories from the past decades. We were so courageous and strong.

Great read!

great read, highly recommended

Amei, Eu estou feliz por ter a edição americana para a minha coleção, essa é a versão da capa dura, primeira tiragem sem o novo capítulo. Recomendo todos os fãs!