Broken Music: A Memoir

Book Description

Having been a songwriter most of my life, condensing my ideas and emotions into short rhyming couplets and setting them to music, I had never really considered writing a book. But upon arriving at the reflective age of fifty, I found myself drawn, for the first time, to write long passages that were as stimulating and intriguing to me as any songwriting I had ever done.

And so Broken Music began to take shape. It is a book about the early part of my life, from childhood through adolescence, right up to the eve of my success with the Police. It is a story very few people know.

I had no interest in writing a traditional autobiographical recitation of everything that’s ever happened to me. Instead I found myself drawn to exploring specific moments, certain people and relationships, and particular events which still resonate powerfully for me as I try to understand the child I was, and the man I became.

Customer Reviews:

The Bee's Knees.......2007-09-22

Insightful, unsparingly candid, magically descriptive, and often hysterically funny, this is a real gem of a book, a delightful surprise to those who may yet underestimate Sting's prodigious talents.
In vivid, brutally honest, and sometimes positively lyrical passages, it introduces us to the young Gordon Sumner, a humble Newcastle milkman's son, as he travels on his long, arduous, misadventure-plagued physical and spiritual path to the "Sting" we thought we knew, and his "overnight success" with The Police.
For anyone who has - perhaps inadvertently - developed a liking for Sting's music, and who now somehow seeks greater understanding of the fascinating, profoundly unexpected origins of the "legend", this is a must-have. For others who just plain enjoy a good read, with the extra bonus of funny, genuinely touching, thought-provoking, even inspirational story-telling, this is an unequivocal treasure.

Great book, but watch the language, Sting!.......2007-08-08

I and my family have listened to Sting and Police songs for a long time and so this seemsd like a great chance to get in a little bonding time and read this memoir.

I do like the book. It is well written and very interesting, a look into real-life and all of its positives and negatives. Some of the chapters were a bit lenghty.

I would have liked it more had I not felt the need to change some of the text as I read to my son. Yes, it is real-life, and there are actual conversations by actual people involved in Rock music and all that goes along with it. This was the only drawback as far as I was concerned.

I recommend this book with a caveat for those who are not used to or comfortable with using profanity in front of their children. Sting, I know it would have not been so "real", but your own vocabulary and that of some of your comrades is obviously much better than some of what I read in your book.

Will read again...and then maybe again...........2007-07-23

I so enjoyed this book. To any Sting or The Police fan I would highly recommend the read. I learned so much about the start of the musician and the group, that I did not know before. I feel that I have been a fan of their music most of my life, but honestly through osmosis. You know, their music is everywhere, playing in the back of your mind, then you make a conscious decision that, yes, in fact, you really do enjoy the music of Sting and The Police. Seeing how I was three when The Police first formed, I didn't really have the oppurtunity the first time to devote myself to full fanship. Well, now that I find myself deep in the throes of such, I truly, truly, truly enjoyed reading this book, learning how Sting honed his skills, developed his showmanship, first encountered Stewart, how the band acquired Andy, thus going from four to three, in addition to the personal recountings of many involved. So, YES, a resounding yes, if you love Sting and the music of The Police a fraction as much as I do, do not waste any more time!! Buy this book...NOW!!!

Fantastic for music fans, but could be seen as boring for others.......2007-06-11

Sting puts meticulous effort in his descriptions. Whether it is the setting he is currently in, or a new character to the story, he can be called upon to give a description that gives the reader a clear image to work with. Each character has a separate personality, and that is easily portrayed in Sting's writing. He is tends to say "so there we are" quite often, going into a lengthy and often humorous description of his current situation. In a book that, due to its length, could have turned out as an autobiography, Sting embellishes quite enough to provide clear imagery and keep it interesting.

He also effectively utilizes plot structure, beginning with the current time and putting the whole story in a drug-induced flashback. He goes into detail about his childhood to set up the story and actions of his adult life, and simultaneously tells the various story arcs (school, his jazz band, Last Exit, Frances and the baby, Last Exit, the Police) as they go on, effectively giving clarity to the hectic nature of his life while also preventing the story from being too confusing for the reader. Finally the story comes full circle, and we learn about what caused him to go to Rio de Janeiro in the first place experience the epiphany that spawned his memoir.

Most importantly, however, is the ongoing theme of self-inquiry going on in Stings head. He constantly questioned what is best for him (both mentally and financially), how to be a good father for his baby, as good friend to his peers, and a good husband for Frances. With each major plot-changing choice, he deliberates an extensive length of time, questioning his own values, self-worth, and overall intelligence. The reader feels immense sympathy for his situation, and continues to cheer him on, whether his choice was successful or not.

Very insightful book!.......2007-05-14

Although I have been a Sting fan for a long time, I had been a little disenchanted with his recent venture into folk music. Upon reading this book, I gained a great appreciation for the obvious maturation process Sting has gone through. The younger years (pre-fame) were interesting and I could relate to the inner conflict he weathered. His lyrics are much more "real" now that I've read about his experiences. I want to listen to each of his ablums in chronologcal order so I can match the songs with the trials he was experiencing at the time of the writings. The upcoming Police concert will be appreciated in sight and sound with a keen appreciation for the history of Sting's growing years.

Broken Promises and Shattered Dreams: The Tragic Ending of One Entertainer's Career, Based on a True Life Story

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Broken Promises and Shattered Dreams: The Tragic Ending of One Entertainer's Career, Based on a True Life Story
Earl G. Brockell
Manufacturer: Brockell-Randall Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Entertainers | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0979348501

Product Description

This is a true life story of Earl G. Brockell's (aka Steve Randall) life from his roots in Maryland to his coming to California to fulfill a dream. He became both an actor and singer and was about to achieve his dream when tragedy struck and he lost all that he had worked so hard for, except his one true lady love who stuck through all of his struggles.

Sting: Autobiografía (Broken Music: A Memoir by Sting)

Average customer rating:

Brilliant Book about a Brilliant Man!
Review of Sting's Broken Music

Sting: Autobiografía (Broken Music: A Memoir by Sting)
Sting
Manufacturer: Aguilar
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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Broken Music

ASIN: 9681912160

Book Description

Go into the private life of one of the greatest musicians of all times

This autobiography is one more chapter in the life of one of rock's megastars. From the beginning pages, it is certain that this is a serious work, a painful, sincere and intense self-exploration. Sting relates details of his family life, his first years of school, the routes in which he accompanied his father to deliver milk at daybreak and even episodes that marked him for life, like finding his mother in an adulterous situation. Thus, with an admirable pace and very far from the brightness, glamour and the arrogance that many stars approach when writing about their own lives, Sting takes us through his life from childhood and adolescence and stops when he exits the group "The Police", at approximately 25 years of age.

"I had no interest in writing a traditional autobiographical recitation of everything that's ever happened to me. Instead, I found myself drawn to exploring specific moments, certain people and relationships, and particular events which still resonate powerfully for me as I try to understand the child I was, and the man I became." -Sting

Sting, whose real name is Gordon Matthew Sumner, was born in England in 1951. He was a Spanish professor and in his beginnings played in a jazz orchestra. He founded the famous group "The Police" with Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers with whom he made an extraordinary career. He has ventured into films in movies like Quadrophenia, Radio On and Dune. As a solo artist he has recorded The Dream of the Blue Turtles, Bring On the Night and Nothing Like to Sun. His social preoccupations moved him to write songs against Latin American dictatorships and the wish for solidarity between the people and countries of the world.

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant Book about a Brilliant Man!.......2005-04-19

I could not put the book down. A definate must read for Fans! But great reading even if you're not. I enjoyed every bit of it. You must read for yourself. I can't do it justice. Brilliantly written!

Review of Sting's Broken Music.......2004-06-16

The Police (and Sting) have been sitting in my top ten bands for some time now, and so I was keen to read Sting's story, maybe hoping to find some of the inspiration and meaning behind some of his songs. Some of his songs are explained I guess, and it does tell of how the Police were formed etc. I found it to be a little slow going at the start and again in other places, but it's still worth a read for Sting and Police fans definately. He also doesn't come off too arrogant I reckon, which many people accuse him of. Basically tells his life story up to the mid twenties, which includes being a teacher, a husband, father, son, teenager up to no good etc.

Average customer rating:
History of the Campaign of Gen. T. J. (Stonewall) Jackson in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia: From November 4, 1861, to June 17, 1862
William Allan
Manufacturer: Morningside Bookshop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0890290229

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History of the campaign of Gen. T.J. (Stonewall) Jackson in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia: From November 4, 1861, to June 17, 1862 (Facsimile)
William Allan
Manufacturer: Morningside
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Campaigns | Civil War | United States | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000712W26

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JACKSON'S VALLEY CAMPAIGN November 1861-June 1862

Manufacturer: Combined Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0914373145

Product Description

11 X 8.5 Black and white photos & Illustrations. Shenandoah 1861 - Valley Campaign 1862 - Stonewall Jackson 1824

Jackson's Valley Campaign: November 1861-June 1862 (Great Campaigns Series)

Average customer rating:

Solid Introduction to the Valley
I loved the battle maps and humour - a must read

Jackson's Valley Campaign: November 1861-June 1862 (Great Campaigns Series)
David G. Martin
Manufacturer: Combined Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Americas | History | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Strategy | Military | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0938289403

Customer Reviews:

Solid Introduction to the Valley.......2004-02-20

I recently purchased this book used as it has gone out of print. It is another of the books in the Great Campaigns series. I found this book to be an excellent introduction to Jackson's famous Campaign. I was surprised to learn how many times Jackson actually lost more men than the Union. The Strategic maps in this book were very well done, but the battle maps left something to be desired. A nice feature of this book for scenario designers was the appendix listing regimental strengths at each battle when known. 184 pp., 11 maps

I loved the battle maps and humour - a must read.......2001-01-04

What a wonderful and enthrilling book. Doc Martin really managed to let the reader feel like he'd be part of the whole story. From the beginning of the book the reader feels like standing right next to Stonewall Jackson, the tactical genius who rewrote military history during the Civil War. It is an absolute pleasure to feel and see the numerous photographs in the book become alive with the words of the author. The fact that beside Stonewall Jackson the book offers an exclusive view on all the other important personalities behind the scenes of the war and around the map-table makes the reader finish the book with an exhausted - because of the many details shown - but satisfied impression about this time period and it's heroes. I highly enjoyed analyzing the movements of the opposing forces on the charts and maps and I can only recommend Mr. Martin's other campaign books 'The Peninsula Campaign', 'The Chancellorville Campaign', and 'The Philadelphia Campaign', as well as 'Confederate Monuments at Gettysburg' and 'Gettysburg July 1'.

Jackson's Valley Campaign: November 1861-June 1862 (Great Campaigns)

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Jackson's Valley Campaign: November 1861-June 1862 (Great Campaigns)
David G. Martin
Manufacturer: Da Capo
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Americas | History | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0306812576
Release Date: 2003-04-15

Book Description

Confederate General Stonewall Jackson defeated three distinct armies during ten weeks in 1862--changing the course of the Civil War.

Stonewall Jackson's Valley Campaign: From November 4, 1861 to June 17, 1862 (Civil War Library)

Average customer rating:

An excellent history of Jackson's Valley Campaign

Stonewall Jackson's Valley Campaign: From November 4, 1861 to June 17, 1862 (Civil War Library)
William Allan
Manufacturer: Smithmark Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Presidents & Heads of State | Leaders & Notable People | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0831714328

Customer Reviews:

An excellent history of Jackson's Valley Campaign.......1997-06-16

"Stonewall Jackson's Valley Campaign" is an excellent history of the Valley Campaign of 1862. For me, the highight of this book was that it was originally written in 1880. The notes in the back of the book make frequent mention of how the author was able to contact the people who actually served with Jackson - talk about primary source material!

Speaking of notes: they are sometimes more fun to read than the main text. In addition, they contain detailed reports of battle casualties are also found in the notes section.

The one negative that I found with this book (which is a 1995 reprint of the original) is that it doesn't have any maps. The text refers to various maps (1 through 7) - but they are nowhere to be found. This isn't a big problem, but I still think the publisher should have included them.

Average customer rating:
HISTORY OF THE CAMPAIGN OF GEN. T. J. (STONEWALL) JACKSON in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia from November 4, 1861 to June 17, 1862
William Allan
Manufacturer: Morningside
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000M0XZVY

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HISTORY OF THE CAMPAIGN OF GEN. T. J. (STONEWALL) JACKSON IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY OF VIRGINIA FROM NOVEMBER 4, 1861, TO JUNE 17,1862
William Allan
Manufacturer: Morningside Bookshop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000M6Q9MA

Average customer rating:
Jackson's Valley Campaign : November 1861 - June 1862 (Great Campaigns Ser.)

Manufacturer: Combined Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000HZI2K8

Average customer rating:
Jackson's Valley Campaign: November 1861-june 1862
David G. Martin
Manufacturer: Da Capo
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OSX44W

Book Description

More Americans now identify as political independents than as either Democrats or Republicans. Tired of the two-party gridlock, the pandering, and the lack of vision, they've turned in increasing numbers to independent and third-party candidates. In 1998, for the first time in decades, a third-party candidate who was not a refugee from one of the two major parties, Jesse Ventura, won election to state-wide office, as the governor of Minnesota. In 2000, the public was riveted by the Reform Party's implosion over Patrick Buchanan's presidential candidacy and by Ralph Nader's Green Party run, which infuriated many Democrats but energized hundreds of thousands of disaffected voters in stadium-sized super-rallies.
What are the prospects for new third-party efforts? Combining the close-in, personal reporting and learned analysis one can only get by covering this beat for years, Micah L. Sifry's Spoiling for a Fight exposes both the unfair obstacles and the viable opportunities facing today's leading independent parties.
Third-party candidates continue be denied a fighting chance by discriminatory ballot access, unequal campaign financing, winner-take-all races, and derisive media coverage. Yet, after years of grassroots organizing, third parties are making major inroads. At the local level, efforts like Chicago's New Party and New York's Working Families Party have upset urban political machines while gaining positions on county councils and school boards. Third-party activists are true believers in democracy, and if America's closed two-party system is ever to be reformed, it will be thanks to their efforts.

Customer Reviews:

One of the best books on third party politics.......2004-06-02

This is easily one of the best books on late 20th century third party politics out there. As a journalist who covers third parties this election year, I found this book to be immesely helpful in its analysis of the Reform Party effort as well as a superb account of Nader's unsuccessful 2000 run. If you are reading just one book on third party politics, this should be it.

riveting history of Reform Party in year 2000.......2002-03-11

This book contains a riveting history of the Reform Party during the period 1996-2000. It seems to be the only book which has this history. It tells how Ross Perot lost control of the Reform Party to Pat Buchanan.

There's plenty of other fascinating material in the book also, especially about the Green Party, and new material about how Jesse Ventura was elected Governor of Minnesota in 1998, and about how a majority of justices on the U.S. Supreme Court are hostile to new and minor political parties (this conclusion is clear from Sifry's account of the Forbes debate decision, and the Twin Cities Area decision about "fusion").

A Must Read For Any Fan of Sifry's.......2002-03-08

Having read Micah Sifry's articles for years in the Nation, I couldn't wait for this book to come out. And out it came! This book hits exactly the right notes, and is filled with information. If you care about politics and the way that politics effects your life, buy this book and read it NOW! It will change your life.

Book Description

Corporate America increasingly relies on environmentally unsustainable forms of production, and not all Americans bear their costs equally. People of color are 47 percent more likely than whites to live near a hazardous waste facility. Fifty-seven percent of whites live in areas with poor air quality, compared to 80 percent of Latinos. Nationwide, nearly a thousand farm workers die of pesticide poisoning each year.

Illuminating manifold connections between the exploitation of nature and the exploitation of vulnerable communities, a new wave of grassroots environmentalism is building in the United States. Groups that have traditionally been at the periphery of mainstream environmentalism--poor people, working people, and people of color--are fusing the fight for a healthy environment with historical struggles for civil rights and social justice. This timely book brings together leading scholars and activists to provide an ecosocialist perspective on the goals, strategies, and accomplishments of the environmental justice movement, and to explore the emerging principles of ecological democracy that undergird it.

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