Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review. What? You ain't reading this blog yet?
Through the Storm: A Real Story of Fame and Family in a Tabloid World from Thomas Nelson Publishers is nearly an autobiography of Lynne Spears. Mother of Britney and Jamie Lynn Spears.
Why read this book? If for no other reason than to glean some wise words from a mother who has rode waves that few of us will ever see. I believe that is reason enough. If you are a pop-culture addict, this will likely give you a fix too. I'm pretty pop-ignorant so several issues were new to me.
The book is an easy read; set aside a mere four hours to make it cover to cover. It is well written and is formulated similar to a screenplay -- a foreshadow perhaps? The primary story arc is about Lynne, with a second encompassing the eldest daughter; however, there are other subplots which are diverse and interspersed enough to keep you engaged. The book has thirty chapters and i only found myself frustrated with a couple of them (ie. screaming move along).
Lynne is a mom who loves her children and is forced to deal with some surreal circumstances that sound sadly familiar coming from Hollywood land -- the Sheen/Estévez family comes to mind. While Mrs. Spears is quick to tell you where the media was wrong in their portrayal of her in the many public sagas, she makes no attempt to paint herself as a perfect mother.
Lastly, i had no idea that paparazzi is the plural form of paparrazo.
James' Rating: 4/5
